Abstract:
According to the invention, records pertaining to an individual are centralized such that the user has control over the integration and dissemination of their personal and private information. Records pertaining to an individual are systematically transported electronically by many different institutions to a centralized record storage provider wherein the individual user has ownership of and control of their confidential personal information. The systematic accumulation of medical records provides for better overall health tracking and faster and more accurate diagnosis when illness or emergency occurs.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority of provisional application: 61/476,382 filed on Apr. 4, 2011 by inventor Robert G. Marcotte entitled: “Comprehensive Wellness Tracking System” 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention contained herein pertains to the field of networked information systems and in particular to a system for centralizing an individual&#39;s personal information such that the individual has ownership of and systematically receives personal information gathered by institutional parties. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Medical, financial, civil and retail institutions maintain records for individuals. Record ownership resides with the institutional party. The individual party, to whom these records pertain, is isolated from the information management process and unable to control records within the public domain. 
         [0006]    Medical records are distributed across the industry and systematically destroyed. Systematic tracking of health records within families and lifetimes is nonexistent. Public health costs are high due to repetitive testing and a lack of early detection. 
         [0007]    Application software, and in particular, office automation systems provide institutions with platforms for managing the operations within the institution and for gathering and maintaining the records of individuals. Cross institutional access to information is limited to nonexistent. 
         [0008]    Aspects of financial information related to individuals is routinely transmitted between financial institutions for maintaining credit ratings. Likewise, insurance companies transmit records to civil agencies pertaining to automotive insurance coverage. Insurance companies also systematically receive claims electronically from medical institutions including private practices. 
         [0009]    Information transport and storage systems routinely pass information across secure and insecure information networks. File transfer protocol (FTP) provides a method for accessing a remote information storage area across a network, henceforth referred to as an FTP destination. Remote procedure calls (RPC) offer a second protocol for transferring information across networked locations. 
         [0010]    Each protocol shall now be described in detail. With FTP, a first party has file ownership rights to an FTP destination. The FTP destination hardware (computers, disk drives, network interfaces) is typically hosted (i.e. physically owned) by a second party. Hosting application software provides the first party with a means for generating usernames and passwords for allowing access to their FTP destination area. Using the host application software, the first party creates an account identifier, i.e. a username and password, and provides the FTP destination and account identifier to a third party. The third party accesses the network location of the first party and, after providing the FTP password, has access to the information storage area. Once the third party moves a file into the first party&#39;s information storage area, the first party attains ownership of the file and has full control over the file. That is, the first party can delete, modify, archive, or share the file received. 
         [0011]    The FTP protocol is commonly used for website development and for transferring large engineering documents between designers and manufacturers. Application software for website development stores the FTP destination and password within the configuration tables of the website being created. As the developer builds the website, FTP provides a link between the application software and the FTP destination. 
         [0012]    RPC&#39;s offer a simpler interface between sophisticated websites. With an RPC, a first website can poll a second website for selective information. That is, the first website prepares an information request record, and sends the record to the second website. The second website receives the information request and returns the information requested to the first website as a reply record. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates the network typology for an electronic mail (email) transport system. Users U 1 , U 2 , U 3  and U 4  each connect to a central email server across a network. The email server receives and stores email messages for each user. Thus, a message transported from user U 1  to a User U 3  is transmitted from User U 1 , travels across a network to an email server with whom user U 3  has an email account. At the creation of the message, ownership of the message is directed to the recipient. Once the transport begins, the originator no longer has control over the message; the recipient, user U 3 , bears ownership of the record. User U 3  must periodically check the server for messages. Depending upon the email server configuration, messages are either stored indefinitely on the server or are downloaded to user U 3  upon request. In either case, the receiving user, i.e. U 3  gains full control over the message. User U 3  may forward, delete or store the message and any attachments tied thereto. This system allows for information to be passed between users and/or institutions, however institutions do not transmit personal user information to the user. 
         [0014]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates an exemplary network topology for a user U 1  with network ties to accounting software Q 1  and to financial institutions B 1  and B 2 . Note that accounting software Q 1  also ties into financial institutions B 1  and B 2 . Thus, user U 1  has access to read and download information retained by, and bearing ownership, of financial institutions B 1  and B 2  through a user interface for each bank or though accounting software Q 1 . Financial institutions B 1  and B 2  have ties to a credit reporting agency C 1  where information regarding user U 1  is systematically updated. Financial institutions generally do not share users information. The problem with this financial system is that the financial institution bears ownership of the information and user must periodically view or download the information from the financial institutions within a limited period of time before user accessibility is removed. Accounting software Q 1  provides an ability for user U 1  to download and locally store the information, however, user U 1  must initiate the transfer; information is not transferred automatically or systematically. Additionally, the information is not readily transferable and user U 1  is solely responsible to maintaining the downloaded information. Such a system also does not address the other information needs of the user. 
         [0015]      FIG. 2   b  shows that user U 1  is disconnected from his medical records retained by, and bearing ownership of, doctors D 1  and D 2 . Ownership of medical records resides with the doctor. Doctors D 1  and D 2  have office automation software (OAS) which provides network ties to pharmacies P 1  and insurance companies  11  to address the needs of the doctors. Note too, that there is a disconnect between doctors D 1  and D 2 ; restricting the flow of medical information between doctors. Doctor D 2  must request a record from doctor D 1  which is commonly electronically mailed or sent via electronic facsimile (fax). 
         [0016]    Thus the goal of the invention contained herein is to provide a user accessible information system wherein a user&#39;s records are readily accessible, portable and owned by the individual. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    The invention contained herein addresses the aforementioned issues by providing methods for an accessible information system centred on the individual. According to the invention, records pertaining to an individual, (i.e. a user of the system) are centralized such that the user has control over the integration and dissemination of their personal and private information. The invention provides for a system wherein records pertaining to an individual are systematically transported electronically by many different institutions to a centralized record storage provider determined by the user wherein the individual user can access and control the information as needed. 
         [0018]      FIG. 3  illustrates a network typology according to aspects of the invention using like numerology as  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Users U 1 -U 4  each have accounts on, and network access to, a record server wherein their personal records are stored. Institutions including, but not limited to, financial (B 1 , B 2 , C 1 ), medical (D 1 , D 2 , P 1 , hospitals H 1 ), insurance companies (I 1 ), travel providers (T 1 ), dentists, laboratories and government agencies each transmit records to the record server systematically, in response to transactions, such that user U 1  has access to records regarding his personal affairs subsequent to the transaction. 
         [0019]    This system has numerous advantages. With readily accessible records stored in a centrally located database, user U 1  may control the dissemination of personal information between service providers. The systematic accumulation of medical records provides for better overall health tracking and faster and more accurate diagnosis when illness or emergency occurs. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a prior art network topology for transferring electronic mail (email) between users across an information network. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2   a  illustrates prior art the information links between a user, accounting software, banks and credit reporting agencies. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2   b  illustrates the prior art information links between doctors, pharmacies and insurance companies. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary network topology according to the invention wherein: information records according to users are received from a plurality of institutions and controlled by the users. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary flowchart of the invention detailing the user&#39;s control of their personal information. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary information storage and retrieval system according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]      FIG. 4  provides an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In a first step  405 , a user, or their guardian, creates an account and provides or receives an account identifier. The account identifier may be provided as an account number by a record storage service provider. For privacy and security purposes the account identifier may be provided on an electronic card bearing encryption methods. 
         [0027]    In a second step  410 , the user provides their account identifier to a health practitioner, financial institution, retailer, etc. In a third, and optional step  415 , the user may permit access to specific portions of their records such that the service provider may access pertinent records prior to performing a service. For example, a second doctor may review tests and a diagnosis provided by a first doctor. Similarly, information required for a loan application may be drawn from the user&#39;s database. 
         [0028]    In a forth step  420 , the service provider provides a service, performs a test, provides a diagnosis, accepts a deposit, closes a sale, etc. 
         [0029]    In a fifth step  425 , the service provider utilizes the user&#39;s account identifier to insert a record into the database to document the services provided within the transaction processed. The record may include the results of an examination, blood test results, images, diagnosis, treatments, payments, products purchased, warranty information, etc. 
         [0030]    In a sixth step  430 , the user may access their records through their record storage account. At the user&#39;s discretion, they may provide their account identifier to another service provider, thus  465  repeating the process from second step  410 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 5  provides a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention implementing the method of  FIG. 4 . More specifically, a database provider  520  maintains a database  510 , a file library  515  and provides network access  505  to users and institutions via a network interface. Thus, from a computer, a user may create an account in the record storage database for themselves or for a person whom they are an advisor or legal guardian for. Once an account has been established, the user receives an account identifier such as an account number and/or an identification card. At the time of opening a new account with an institution including private practitioners, the user provides their account identifier, so that the service provider can transport current and future transactions systematically to the user&#39;s record storage database. 
         [0032]    Service providers and their institutions  525  normally utilize office automation software (OAS) to record a user&#39;s personal information as well as transaction records. As offices become “paperless”, meaning that all information is recorded via computer at the time of service, the information is readily available for transmission to a user oriented database. Thus, office automation software may implement aspects of the invention wherein resultant information, pursuant to a transaction, is assembled into a record and transported to a destination specified by the user. Office automation software, according to the invention, can access the user&#39;s account and insert records into the database through remote procedure calls (RPC), file transfer protocol (FTP) or other network protocol. Once a record is inserted into the database, the user can access the data, use and/or share the information. Likewise, according to the user, office automation software may transport records from the user&#39;s record storage provider as allowed by the user. 
         [0033]    With accessible records on a network, various software applications, including mobile communication applications, may access the user&#39;s records to provide useful information services. For example, the user may receive test results on their mobile communications device or the user may show a service provider images or the visual output from a mobile application. 
         [0034]    It is recognized that records, and their transport, must be secure and privacy maintained. To facilitate secure record transport, commonly available encryption methods may be employed. For example, the user may have a master encryption key for managing their account. The user&#39;s account identifier may comprise a second encryption key that, when given to a service provider, enables a service provider to insert records into the user&#39;s database or access records from the database. 
         [0035]    Once user information has been entered into the user&#39;s database and transport channels established between service providers and record storage providers, the user may share information. For example, the user may grant access rights to specific information or request a transfer of information to additional parties. 
         [0036]    The database provider may provide many services to assist the user with managing their personal information. For example, as records accumulate over time, a medically oriented application can provide the user and their current doctor with emerging trends in the health of a user. For example, changes in blood chemistry or blood pressure can be analysed; charted and presented that indicates changes in the user&#39;s health over a period of years. The database provider may also supply nutritional information for those people seeking to manage day to day personal health issues such as body weight, blood pressure and cholesterol level. If a health provider or dietician provides a strict diet, the database provider can offer meal plans and suggestions, and provide a means for the user to record consumption and calculate nutritional information to be fed back to the user&#39;s doctor or dietician. 
         [0037]    The database provider may also provide patients with a variety of information about doctors. For example, when a patient is diagnosed with a condition, the database provider can offer links to specialists the field, their credentials, success rates and popularity with their patients. 
         [0038]    It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.