Abstract:
The object of the present invention is to provide a system and method to enable a person wishing to quit smoking to carry with him a smoking cessation device that will assist the user in behavior modification, and in particular curbing and dealing with nicotine cravings. The current invention makes use of widely available and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phones and cellular networks. Other mobile devices having digital displays may also be used such as mobile touchscreens (i.e. Ipad, Kindle, etc.) digital music players such as the iPod and other similar devices. Smoking cessation and craving reduction are achieved through coordinated messaging reinforcement coupled with craving reduction training including controlled deep breathing exercises prompted by the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/804,016 for “MOBILE SOFTWARE CLINICAL SMOKING CESSATION PLATFORM”, filed on Mar. 21, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention is in the field of software. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of software assisting users achieve behavioral modification (smoking cessation). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Each year millions of people resolve to quit smoking. However, there are very few non-chemical options for quitting smoking. This medium is mobile, unique, and is totally non-chemical. 
         [0006]    Current mobile technologies promoting smoking cessation are limited to informational applications (i.e. reference materials for quitting smoking, such as general health information) and messaging applications that send text messages or other messages to users encouraging them to quit smoking. 
         [0007]    These mobile technologies related to quitting smoking employ only a narrow subset of all the strategies available, and no solutions in the marketplace have been developed to reduce nicotine cravings by developing cognitive digital tools. 
       SUMMARY OF THE CURRENT INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates to a system and method to enable a person wishing to quit smoking to carry with him a device to facilitate smoking cessation. In some embodiments, the invention provides brain-based interactive mechanisms across a number of sensory modalities to facilitate smoking cessation, reduced cravings and prevent relapse. User&#39;s cravings are addressed through combinative, guided, cognitive therapies, including a virtual cigarette designed to re-create sensorimotor pleasures associated with smoking, deep breathing exercises that reduce cravings and automated targeted messages educating users about the quitting process and reinforcing successful quitting strategies. Additionally, detailed user data gathered by the application reinforces the benefits of behavioral change—including temporal, monetary, health &amp; wellness improvements. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the inventive method and system is easy to use and requires little preparation or effort by the user. In some embodiments, the method and system uses widely used and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phones and cellular networks. Other digital handheld devices with wireless connections to the internet such as iPads, Kindles and some portable music players such as iPods and other similar touch screen devices could be used. Such devices may be easily carried by a user and used for smoking cessation anywhere. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, a digital handheld device could be replaced by a large screen display such as a television, a laptop computer or a personal computer in such situations where mobility is not important. 
         [0011]    The inventive method is easily implemented and may be used widely. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment of the invention, a platform for smoking cessation comprises a handheld device wirelessly connected to one or more server computers. The hand held device comprises a display for displaying visual stimuli, speakers to produce audible sounds and means for input such as a touchscreen keypad for providing feedback from the user to the server. 
         [0013]    The method of using the handheld device for smoking cessation comprises the following steps which will be familiar to anyone with a smart phone: (a) loading the application on the handheld device; (b) opening the application and registering an account or connecting an existing account; and (c) running the application program on the handheld device. 
         [0014]    One aspect of the application is a screen utilizing a virtual cigarette designed to re-create sensorimotor pleasures associated with smoking, combined with guided deep breathing exercises that reduce cravings and automated executive and motivational notifications. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, a haptic control bar rests over a picture of a cigarette, and moves up and down to the sound of breathing in a controlled manner designed to guide a user to breathe deeply and enter a state of relaxation. In some embodiments, a timer indicates the amount of time elapsed and/or remaining in the exercise, while the application separately states the pace of breaths per minute. 
         [0016]    Another aspect of the application is reinforcement messaging, which is sent to the application via remote server over wireless networks. Such messages are well known to users of smart phones and cellular phone users. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, such messages are delivered by system notifications loaded onto the handheld device&#39;s system tray. A user can interact with these notifications by touching them, reading the contents, and providing feedback on a message&#39;s efficacy and usefulness. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the application includes progress tracking. In one embodiment the application reports application usage to the remote server via wireless network. As usage is tracked, the server populates fields within the application based upon pre-determined formulas such as cost savings achieved by smoking cessation, increases in expected life expectancy and basic usage tracking statistics. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, such information is transferred between the mobile handheld device and the server via a mobile network. In another embodiment, such information is transferred over high speed line based internet not requiring connection to a mobile phone network. 
         [0020]    Yet another aspect of the application includes profile tracking in which a user utilizes the keypad to provide answers to questions delivered to the mobile handset from the server. Based upon these answers, the server populates profile information such as the users customary smoking habits, personal information such as age and other information. This information may be combined with information automatically gathered by the application such as location data, usage information, etc. 
         [0021]    In sum, in some implementations, the application provides an opportunity for a user to facilitate smoking cessation and control cravings. Brain-based user interactions feature therapeutic functions, including controlled deep breathing, targeted motivational and executive notifications, as well as additional contextual information compiled over time and through the user&#39;s input. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a system and method to enable a person wishing to quit smoking to carry with him a smoking cessation device that will assist the user in behavior modification, and in particular curbing and dealing with nicotine cravings. In some implementations, the current invention makes use of widely available and familiar infrastructure of hand held devices such as cellular phones and cellular networks. Other mobile devices having digital displays may also be used such as mobile touchscreens (i.e. Ipad, Kindle, etc.) digital music players such as the iPod and other similar devices. Smoking cessation and craving reduction are achieved through coordinated messaging reinforcement coupled with craving reduction training including controlled deep breathing exercises prompted by the device. 
         [0023]    In some implementations, a mobile smoking cessation application assisting users to quit smoking through four primary components: a digital de-nicotinized cigarette with simultaneous controlled deep breathing led by a haptic-input control bar and breathing sound effects for guidance, reinforcement messaging, and real-time metrics which approximate life-years preserved and money saved. 
         [0024]    In some implementations, the invention provides a brain-based user experience, delivering contextualized interactions based on individual profile and preference. Underlying the application is a simplified, actionable heuristic model of cognitive-behavioral change guiding the delivery of smoking cessation content through two types of cognitive feedback: executive and motivational. Executive control is empowered when users formulate goals and strategies, make decisions, and effectively self-regulate. An ascending pathway corresponding to motivation is activated when users initiate and maintain desired behaviors, experience pleasure, and receive rewards. 
         [0025]    Sensorimotor pleasures of smoking are coupled with non-nicotine reinforcers to induce neuroplastic change and promote goal-attainment. A conventional cigarette is a powerful system to deliver rapid, self-titrated doses of nicotine to the human brain. However, smoking addiction is also sustained by non-nicotinic mechanisms as well. Sensorimotor experiences (e.g. mouth, hand, lung, visual, olfactory, etc.) provide significant reinforcement when coupled with nicotine surges. The invention repeatedly exposes the user to non-nicotinic stimuli (sounds of a cigarette, visual representation of a cigarette, controlled deep breathing) to reinforce sensorimotor pleasures of smoking, mitigate cravings, and increase the likelihood of nicotinic uncoupling. 
         [0026]    Through this medium, both the executive and motivation systems are systematically engaged through the multiple interaction modalities described, allowing users to remain calm and to control and systematically reduce and respond to cravings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a system for smoking cessation by presenting on a handheld display unit an application offering users guided deep breathing exercises, audio and visual stimuli simulating various aspects and sensorimotor pleasures associated with smoking as well as targeted notifications and profile tracking according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  is an illustration of an embodiment of the process for installing the application and performing initial setup. 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is an illustration of an embodiment of smoking cessation application. 
           [0030]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of an embodiment of the visual and sonic stimulation for guided deep breathing aspect of the application. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of an embodiment of the data collection aspect of the application. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6  is an illustration of an embodiment of the profile population of the application. 
           [0033]      FIG. 7  is a graphical representation of a smart phone interface illustrating a de-nicotinized virtual cigarette with haptic input guided deep breathing control bar, breath capacity representation and timer. 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a graphical representation of a smart phone interface displaying examples of automated tailored contextualized reinforcement text messages delivered to the smart phone interface. 
           [0035]      FIG. 9  is a graphical representation of a smart phone interface representing reinforcing statistics calculated from individual user data with underlying formulas drawn from population data. 
           [0036]      FIG. 10  is an illustration of underlying data platform that includes application data collection flow, data analysis and hypothesis verification, and data utilization to create application behavior modification, application customization, and therapeutic feedback. 
           [0037]      FIG. 11  is an illustration of multi-channel application data collection process with timestamp. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0038]    In some implementations, the medium is a software invention utilizing computer programming replicated across any of a number of platforms and is readily understandable and replicated by anyone skilled in the art of computer programming. In some implementations, the invention is a smart phone application assisting users to quit smoking through four primary components: a digital de-nicotinized cigarette ( 404 ) with simultaneous controlled deep breathing led by a haptic-input control bar ( 403 ) and breathing sound effects ( 408 ) for guidance, targeted notifications ( 400 ), and real-time metrics which estimate life-years preserved ( 401 ) and money saved ( 503 ). The application is created through software code and is readily understandable and replicated by anyone skilled in the art of computer programming. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the software is installed in a manner that is familiar to any user of a hand held computing device. Software is downloaded ( 201 ) via network ( 105 ) and installed as any other application on the device ( 202 ). Upon startup a user is prompted to create a user name and security password ( 203 ) and has an opportunity to create a user profile ( 204 ), as is described more particularly in  FIG. 6  and below. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a representation of the de-nicotinized cigarette ( 404 ) with haptic input guided deep breathing control bar ( 403 ), breath capacity representation ( 400 ) and timer ( 405 ). The de-nicotinized cigarette ( 404 ) is ignited by the user upon a touch screen interface ( 107 ) and the sound and visualization of a lit cigarette manifest within the medium. When lit, the end of the cigarette ( 404 ) flames to the sound ( 408 ) of a striking match, with the flame slowing dying down to a slow burn, as happens with a traditional cigarette. The haptic control bar ( 403 ) raises and lowers to the sound ( 408 ) of deep breathing, leading the user through a controlled deep breathing exercise. The haptic control bar line ( 403 ) moves lower as the user inhales and the breath capacity representation ( 400 ), in one embodiment a graphic of human lungs, change color as a representation of air moving into or out of the users&#39; lungs. When exhaling, the haptic control bar ( 403 ) moves upward signaling exhaling and the color disappears. Haptic interactions with the moving line itself encourage sensorimotor engagement and provide motor measures of user adherence. In one embodiment, the haptic control bar ( 403 ) can be self-guided (i.e. controlled by the user via touch screen) or computer controlled. A timer ( 405 ) at the bottom of the representation informs a user as to the total time spent during the deep breathing exercise. During the exercise, the user is able to see statistics ( 401 ) concerning his or her usage of application. These applications are created through software code, and the process for doing so is readily understandable and replicated by anyone skilled in the art of computer programming. 
         [0041]    As described in  FIG. 5 , statistics ( 500 ) are created automatically based upon application usage ( 501 ) which enables the application to determine the total number of cigarettes avoided ( 504 ), financial savings to the user ( 503 ) and lifespan adjustment ( 502 ). 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a representation of messages delivered to the application. In one embodiment, Messages ( 300 ) are delivered by system notifications loaded onto the handheld device&#39;s system tray. A user can interact with these notifications by touching them, reading the contents, and providing feedback on a message&#39;s efficacy and usefulness. The messages are delivered over mobile network ( 105 ) from the server ( 100 ) at time intervals specified by the user, or by default, to correlate with anticipated craving windows. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , there is shown a representation of a user profile that is maintained within the application illustrating figures essential to smoking cessation reinforcement. These figures are divided between user inputted data ( 601 ) and application collected data ( 602 ). In one embodiment of the application, statistics generated by the server ( 100 ) would include cost savings achieved, extension of life and the number of de-nicotinized cigarettes utilized. All functional aspects of a user&#39;s engagement with the platform will be stored on the server ( 100 ) and are available for review and playback by the user and/or a health professional. In one embodiment this information would be displayed on a mobile handheld screen ( 107 ) in other embodiments the data could be displayed on a personal computer or other device connected to the server ( 100 ) via the internet. This includes data collected before and after the user engages with one of the platform&#39;s various therapeutic features, e.g., virtual cigarette ( 404 ), deep breathing controls ( 403 ), system notification ( 300 ), etc. It includes data elicited from the user ( 601 ) spontaneously and data periodically solicited from the user. Time-varying effects are modeled statistically within-person coupling and uncoupling of behavioral state and application usage, actual cigarette smoking, cravings, stress levels. In one embodiment it includes the totality of times when the platform initiates a customization over the baseline behavior for the user based on data collected from him or her to date. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a representation of data flow between the mobile handheld device ( 110 ) and back end servers ( 100 ) monitoring usage data such as in one embodiment, location information and other data useful to analyzing user behavior and improving profile responsiveness. The System in  FIG. 1  can include client handheld or computer mediums, a location networking system ( 105 ), and back-end networking system ( 100 ,  101 ,  102 ). The hand held client ( 110 ) and back-end system ( 100 ) can each have a corresponding data store such as local storage medium, location data storage medium and back-end system data storage. The client system can communicate with location networking system to receive messages, location information, etc. Additionally, the back-end system can transmit data ( 101 ) to and receive data the handheld client. Each system can communicate HTTP packets including data requests, transaction information, updates, etc. Communication can occur over any appropriate electronic communication medium or network using any suitable communications protocols; in one embodiment it flows over a mobile network ( 105 ). One skilled in the art would appreciate that these are presented merely as an example of a data flow between various types of online systems. 
         [0045]    However, the present disclosure is intended to encompass data flows between a local client and a variety of other online systems including back end data servers. The example data flows described herein function analogously with these online systems as with location networking systems. The creation of such interactions is created by software code in any number of formats, all of which are readily understandable and replicated by anyone skilled in the art of computer programming. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a representation of the de-nicotinized cigarette with haptic input guided deep breathing control bar, breath capacity representation and timer. The de-nicotinized cigarette is ignited by the user upon a touch screen interface and the sound and visualization of a lit cigarette manifest within the medium. When lit, the end of the cigarette flames to the sound of a striking match, with the flame slowing dying down to a slow burn, as happens with a traditional cigarette. The haptic control bar raises and lowers to the sound of deep breathing, leading the user through a controlled deep breathing exercise. The line moves lower as the user inhales and the breath capacity representation (a graphic of human lungs) change color as a representation of air moving into or out of the users&#39; lungs. When exhaling, the haptic control bar moves upward signaling exhaling and the color disappears. Haptic interactions with the moving line itself encourage sensorimotor engagement and provide motor measures of user adherence. The control bar can be self-guided (i.e. controlled by the user via touch screen) or computer controlled. A timer at the bottom of the representation informs a user as to the total time spent during the deep breathing exercise. 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a representation of messages delivered to the application. Messages are sent to the application via SMS/MMS or any other similar messaging technology (such as MMS, e-mail, etc.) and other forms of communication readily available and replicated by anyone skilled in the art of computer programming. The messages are delivered at time intervals specified by the user, or by default, to correlate with anticipated craving windows. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is shown a representation of a user profile that is maintained within the application illustrating figures essential to smoking cessation reinforcement such as cost savings achieved, extension of life, number of de-nicotinized cigarettes utilized, etc. As  FIG. 9  illustrates, functional aspects of a user&#39;s engagement with the platform will be stored and available for review and playback by the user and/or a health professional. This can include data collected before and after the user engages with one of the platform&#39;s various therapeutic features, e.g., virtual cigarette, deep breathing, messaging, system notification, etc. It can also include data solicited from the user automatically, impulsively and periodically relating to aspects of his or her experience which may bear relevance to his or her journey towards full cessation, e.g., real cigarette usage, cravings, stress levels. And it includes an accumulation of modifications made when the platform initiates a customization over the baseline behavior for the user based on data collected from him or her to date. 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , there is shown a representation of data flow between the application and back end servers monitoring usage data, location information and other data useful to analyzing user behavior and customizing the application&#39;s therapeutic offerings and interface. The system can include client handheld or computer mediums, a location networking system, and back-end networking system. The client system and back-end system can each have a corresponding data store such as local storage medium, location data storage medium and back-end system data storage. The client system can communicate with location networking system to receive messages, location information, etc. Additionally, the back-end system can transmit data to and receive data (e.g. de-nicotinized cigarette usage information, location information, profile information, application interaction data, etc.) from client system. Each system can communicate HTTP packets including data requests, transaction information, updates, etc. Communication can occur over any appropriate electronic communication medium or network using any suitable communications protocols. One skilled in the art would appreciate that these are presented merely as an example of a data flow between various types of online systems. However, the present disclosure is intended to encompass data flows between a local client and a variety of other online systems including back end data servers. 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, the invention provides a brain-based user experience, delivering contextualized interactions based on individual profile and preference. Underlying the application is a simplified, actionable heuristic model of cognitive-behavioral change guiding the delivery of smoking cessation content through two types of cognitive feedback: executive and motivational. Executive control is empowered when users formulate goals and strategies, make decisions, and effectively self-regulate. An ascending pathway corresponding to motivation is activated when users initiate and maintain desired behaviors, experience pleasure, and receive rewards. 
         [0051]    Sensorimotor pleasures of smoking are coupled with non-nicotine reinforcers to induce neuroplastic change and promote goal-attainment. A conventional cigarette is a powerful system to deliver rapid, self-titrated doses of nicotine to the human brain. However, smoking addiction is also sustained by non-nicotinic mechanisms as well. Sensorimotor experiences (e.g. mouth, hand, lung, visual, olfactory, etc.) provide significant reinforcement when coupled with nicotine surges. In some embodiments, the invention repeatedly exposes the user to non-nicotinic stimuli (sounds of a cigarette, visual representation of a cigarette, controlled deep breathing) to reinforce sensorimotor pleasures of smoking, mitigate cravings, and increase the likelihood of nicotinic uncoupling. Through this medium, both the executive and motivation systems can be systematically engaged through the multiple interaction modalities described, allowing users to remain calm and to control and systematically reduce and respond to cravings.