GOAL MANAGEMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM

• US 20120089909A1
• Filed: 10/04/2011
• Published: 04/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Clifford H. Block, Gladys M. Block, Torin J. Block
• Original Assignee: Clifford H. Block, Gladys M. Block, Torin J. Block
• Inventors: Block, Torin J, Block, Gladys M., Block, Clifford H.
• Granted Patent: US 10,719,788 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/709
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06 Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling

Abstract

A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals is presented. The method entails receiving user input that includes items and an input value associated with each of the items. Individual values are assigned to the items based on the input value. The individual values are then summed to generate a total value, and the items are ranked according to the contributions of their respective individual values to the total value. A difference between the total value and a corresponding reference value is determined. The input value that is associated with the highest-ranking item is changed, and the total value and the difference are then recalculated using the changed input value. The process is repeated with the next highest-ranked item and the next until a condition is fulfilled. A goal is defined based on the changed input value of the items at the time the condition is fulfilled.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals, the method comprising:

receiving user input from a user, the user input including items and an input value associated with each of the items;

assigning individual values to the items based on the input value;

summing the individual values to generate a total value;

ranking the items according to the contributions of their respective individual values to the total value;

determining a difference between the total value and a corresponding reference value;

identifying the item that is highest-ranked, changing the input value associated with the item, and recalculating the total value and the difference using the changed input value;

if a condition is not fulfilled, identifying the item that is next-highest-ranked, changing the input value associated with the item, and recalculating the total value and the difference using the changed input value; and

defining a goal based on the changed input value of the items at the time the condition is fulfilled.

2. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the condition is fulfilled if the difference between the total value and the corresponding reference value is less than or equal to a predetermined amount.

3. The computer-implemented method of claim 2 further comprising repeating the identifying, the incrementing, and the recalculating of the highest-ranked item if, after the value associated with the lowest-ranked item has been changed, the difference between the total value and the corresponding reference value is greater than the predetermined amount.

4. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:

setting different goal types; and

selecting a preset number of goals to be offered for each goal type.

5. The computer-implemented method of claim 4, wherein the different goal types comprise frequency, portion, amount, type, substitution, duration, intensity, environmental changes, and any combination thereof.

6. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the goal is an energy-replacement goal, further comprising selecting a substitute item based on nutritional and energy needs of the user, the individual values associated with the substitute item, the item whose individual value is changed, and the reference value that corresponds to the item.

7. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the user input values pertain to the user'"'"'s diet, physical activity level, spending habits, and lifestyle.

8. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising:

accessing the user'"'"'s history of success and failures with each type of goal; and

selecting the goals with a high rate of success for the user.

9. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising receiving further user input regarding details of the goal.

10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising:

generating a plurality of options relating to the goal; and

receiving further user input comprising a selection from the plurality of options.

11. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, further comprising providing an outcome simulation tool, wherein the outcome simulation tool provides immediate feedback as to how a revised user input would affect the difference between the total value and the corresponding reference value.

12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the outcome simulation tool comprises a visual thermometer with one end representing goal achievement and a pointer positioned along the thermometer, the outcome simulation tool immediately recalculating a position of the pointer in response to the revised user input.

13. The computer-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the reference value depends on the user'"'"'s age, gender, and pregnancy status.

14. The computer-implemented method of claim 1 further comprising generating an audio health coaching message pertaining to the goal.

15. The computer-implemented method of claim 14, wherein the audio health coaching message comprises a pre-recorded celebrity voice in an Interactive Voice Response system.

16. A computer-implemented method of generating a set of goals for a user, the method comprising:

receiving user input including a plurality of items;

assigning an individual value to each item of the user input;

generating a base goal and a set of options related to the base goal, wherein the set of options is generated based on the individual value; and

receiving a user selection from the set of options to generate a personalized goal.

17. The computer-implemented method of claim 16, wherein the user selection is received in the form of a selection from a drop-down-menu or a fill-in-the-blank.

18. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 further comprising providing an outcome simulation tool, wherein the outcome simulation tool provides immediate feedback as to how revising the user input affects the difference between the total value and the corresponding reference value.

19. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 further comprising tailoring the set of options to account for user'"'"'s age, gender, and conditions that limit physical activity.

20. The computer-implemented method of claim 16 further comprising generating the set of options based on a difference between the individual value and a reference value that is associated for each of the items.