Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/16—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
  • A61B5/165—Evaluating the state of mind, e.g. depression, anxiety
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
  • A61B5/4848—Monitoring or testing the effects of treatment, e.g. of medication
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/48—Other medical applications
  • A61B5/486—Biofeedback
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H15/00—ICT specially adapted for medical reports, e.g. generation or transmission thereof
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G16—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SPECIFIC APPLICATION FIELDS
  • G16H—HEALTHCARE INFORMATICS, i.e. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE HANDLING OR PROCESSING OF MEDICAL OR HEALTHCARE DATA
  • G16H50/00—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics
  • G16H50/20—ICT specially adapted for medical diagnosis, medical simulation or medical data mining; ICT specially adapted for detecting, monitoring or modelling epidemics or pandemics for computer-aided diagnosis, e.g. based on medical expert systems

Definitions

• Cortisol a molecule that influences the structures responsible for memory performance.
• One of the consequences of repetitive stress situations will be a loss of the knowledge of the existing stress situations. As a direct consequence, chronic stress situations may occur since repetitive stress may not be detected by our brain itself.
• a method for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone comprising receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress; analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected; and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• the receiving over time of the signal indicative of a level of stress comprises installing an application on the smartphone and providing a signal indicative of a level of stress via the application installed.
• the installing of the application on the smartphone comprises providing an application and configuring the application.
• the providing of the application comprises downloading the application from a server via a data network.
• the configuring of the application is performed by one of the user and an administrator.
• the configuring of the application comprises providing an indication of a frequency for requesting the user to provide the signal indicative of a level of stress.
• the indication of a frequency is selected from a group consisting of once every hour, once every two hours, once every four hours and once per day.
• the indication of a frequency is selected for a given number of days in a week.
• the providing of a signal indicative of a level of stress comprises displaying a graphics object on a graphics user interface displayed by the application, the graphics object for selecting a value indicative of a level of stress.
• the graphics object comprises a wheel, further wherein the value indicative of the level of stress is comprised between 0 and 9.
• the providing of a signal indicative of a level of stress is performed following a request.
• the request is provided to the user using at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• the received signal indicative of a level of stress is greater than a given value
• the method comprises providing the user with a strategy to decrease body signs of stress following the receiving of the received signal indicative of a level of stress.
• the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress is performed using a plurality of values indicative of a level of stress entered over time.
• the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress comprises isolating a recurrence in the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress entered over time.
• the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress is performed using a stress threshold value, a size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress and a minimum number of occurrences of values greater than the stress threshold value in the time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the informing of the user of the detection of chronic stress comprises providing an alert message to the user using the smartphone.
• the alert message comprises at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• the providing of an alert message to the user using the smartphone comprises displaying an alert message on the smartphone.
• the informing the user of the detection comprises inviting the user to review at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the inviting of the user to review the at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress comprises performing an authentication using an access code and displaying at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress to the user on the smartphone if the authentication is successful.
• the displaying of the at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress to the user on the smartphone comprises generating a graph of at least one part of the plurality of values in a Cartesian coordinate system in which a an x-axis is used for displaying a temporal scale while an y-axis is used for displaying an intensity scale.
• the method further comprises identifying at least one location in the graph corresponding to presence of chronic stress.
• the determining of the source of chronic stress comprises informing the user on a difference between chronic stress and acute stress, the informing comprising displaying a video to the user on the smartphone of the user.
• the video is downloaded from a website.
• the determining of the source of chronic stress comprises providing an indication of a level of stress from the signal indicative of a level of stress received over time and detecting if the provided indication of a level of stress is greater than a given value, further comprising requesting the user to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for the indication of a level of stress greater than the given value.
• the at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for the indication of a level of stress greater than the given value is selected from a group consisting of a situation perceived as new, a situation perceived as unpredictable, a situation perceived as threatening for the ego and a situation perceived as inducing a low sense of control.
• the enabling of the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected comprises notifying the user for creating an action plan.
• the notifying the user for creating an action plan comprises providing at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• the enabling of the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected comprises the user providing an indication of a situation generating stress, the user providing at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for generating stress and describing a strategy for responding to the provided at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation.
• a processing device for helping a user to manage their stress, the processing device comprising a display device; a central processing unit; a communication port for connecting the processing device to another processing device via a data network; an input output port for enabling the user to interact with the processing device; and a memory unit comprising instructions for receiving over time from the user, using the input output port, a signal indicative of a level of stress; instructions for analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; instructions for, if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• a computer- readable storage medium for storing computer-executable instructions which when executed cause a smartphone to perform a method for helping a user to manage their stress, the method comprising receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress; analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• An advantage of the method disclosed is that it may enable the collecting of stress data associated with a user over a period of time that may be configured according to a requirement.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed herein is that it may enable a user to readily identify chronic stress and provide feedback on the chronic stress to the user.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed herein is that it provides feedback data pertaining to stress data over time.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed is that it enables a user to identify stress factors which result in a high level of stress.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed is that it may help a user decrease their level of stress through providing them strategies to do it, on the spot.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed is that it may help a user define, implement and readily access action plans which can be used for the purpose of managing stress.
• Figure 1 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a system for helping a user to detect and manage their stress using a smartphone.
• Figure 2 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment of a method for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone.
• Figure 3 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for receiving over time a signal indicative of a level of stress.
• Figure 4 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for installing an application in a smartphone.
• Figure 5 is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for informing a user of a detection of chronic stress.
• Figure 6a is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for determining a source for the chronic stress.
• Figure 6b is a flowchart which shows an embodiment for creating an action plan when a pattern of chronic stress is detected.
• FIG. 7 is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface (GUI) for displaying stress data over time.
• GUI graphics user interface
• Figure 8 is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for displaying stress data over time with specific elements highlighted using a given color.
• Figure 9a is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for providing parameters for detecting chronic stress.
• Figure 9b is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for providing a minimum level of stress.
• Figure 9c is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for providing a size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress interval limit.
• Figure 10 is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for informing a user of a detection of chronic stress.
• Figure 11 is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for inputting at least one of four possible characteristics of a situation.
• Figure 12 is a diagram which shows an example of stress data with associated characteristics provided by the user.
• Figure 13 is a diagram which shows, inter alia, two screenshots which show an embodiment of a graphics user interface for displaying stress data including characteristics associated therewith.
• Figure 14 is a screenshot which shows three screenshots of a graphics user interface for, inter alia, informing a user of a suggestion to create an action plan for managing stress.
• Figure 15 is a screenshot which shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface for building an action plan.
• Figure 16 is a diagram which shows an embodiment of a processing device in which the method disclosed herein may be implemented.
• FIG. 1 there is shown an embodiment of a system 100 in which a method for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone may be implemented.
• the system 100 comprises a server 102, a data network
• the server 102 is used for uploading data to and storing data from each of the plurality of smartphones 106, synchronizing data between the server 02 and each of the plurality of smartphones 106, and sharing and analyzing data from each of the plurality of smartphones 106; as further explained below.
• the server 102 is operatively connected to each of the plurality of smartphones 106 via the data network 104.
• the server 102 is a computer which comprises a central processing unit (CPU), memory, and permanent storage, such as a hard disk drive.
• the server 102 is in a LAMP software stack configuration (Centos Linux operating system with an Apache HTTP Server, MySQL as a database software and PHP for producing dynamic web pages). It will be appreciated that the server 102 has a worldwide web accessible user interface programmed in one embodiment using PHP, CSS, and JavaScript that provides browser (e.g., Firefox, Internet explorer, Safari, Chrome) access to smartphone data.
• the server 102 is operatively connected to the data network 104 using a network interface, not shown.
• the network interface comprises, in one embodiment, a physical Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) connected to the Internet.
• the Internet is a worldwide network of interconnected computer networks that operates using a standardized set of communications protocols identified as transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP).
• TCP/IP transmission control protocol/Internet protocol
• the server 102 may operate using another distribution of
• Linux or another operating system such as for instance Unix, MAC OS X manufactured by Apple, or MS Windows manufactured by Microsoft.
• a web server such as MS Windows IIS, Lighttpd, or Oracle's Sun web server may be used.
• database such as Oracle, MS Windows SQL Server, PostgreSQL may be used.
• programming languages such as Java, Perl, or Microsoft ASP C# may be used.
• server 102 may also comprise a cluster of computers with processing and database processes distributed over the computers.
• the data network 104 is used for sharing data with at least the server 102 and each of the plurality of smartphones 106.
• the data network 104 comprises the Internet and includes all networks that support the TCP/IP and may comprise at least one of a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, etc.
• LAN local area network
• MAN metropolitan area network
• WAN wide area network
• cellular network etc.
• the data network 104 between the server 102 and the plurality of smartphones 106 comprises all wireless communication networks that support TCP/IP (e.g. CDMA, GSM, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.)
• TCP/IP e.g. CDMA, GSM, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, etc.
• Each of the plurality of smartphones 106 is used for sharing data via an application, as explained further below.
• Each of the plurality of smartphones 106 is typically used by a user who is looking to detect and manage their stress using a smartphone. It will be appreciated that the smartphones of the plurality of smartphones 106 may be of various types. In fact, each smartphone of the plurality of smartphones 106 may run a given operating system.
• each smartphone is an iPhone (TM) or iPAD (TM) running iOS and manufactured by Apple (T ) .
• a smartphone may alternatively run on an operating system selected from a group consisting of Blackberry OS, Android, Linux, Windows mobile, WebOS, Bada, Symbian OS, etc. It will be appreciated that each smartphone of the plurality of smartphones 106 is provided with an application as further explained below.
• FIG. 2 there is shown an embodiment of a method 200 for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone.
• a signal indicative of a level of stress is received over time. It will be appreciated that the level of stress is related to a level of stress perceived by the user.
• the signal indicative of a level of stress could alternatively be acquired via the smartphone by other systems such as sensor of stress-related physiological, vocal, behavioural or neuronal indicator from the user.
• FIG. 3 there is shown an embodiment for receiving over time a signal indicative of a level of stress.
• an application is installed on the smartphone.
• FIG. 4 there is shown an embodiment for installing the application on the smartphone.
• the application is provided to a smartphone.
• the application is downloaded from a server via a data network.
• the skilled addressee will appreciate that the downloading may be performed according to various embodiments.
• the application is configured by the user. It will be appreciated that the application may alternatively be configured by an administrator managing the application.
• a frequency for requesting the user to provide the signal indicative of a level of stress may be configured.
• the user is asked to enter how many times per day the application will capture and/or request the user to provide the signal indicative of a level of stress.
• the user selects the frequency from a group consisting of once every hour, once every two hours, once every four hours and once per day.
• the user may choose the frequency for a given number of days in a week.
• a signal indicative of a level of stress is provided.
• the signal indicative of a level of stress may be provided according to various embodiments.
• the signal indicative of a level of stress is provided via the graphics user interface of the smartphone of the user.
• the user is invited to select a value indicative of a level of stress using a graphics object displayed on a graphics user interface displayed by the application.
• the graphics object comprises a wheel displayed on the graphics user interface of the application.
• the user flicks or drags to spin the wheel until it displays a desired value beneath the clear selection bar that stretches across the middle of the picker.
• the value indicative of a level of stress is comprised between 0 and 9. Still in this embodiment, a 0 value is associated with a perceived no stress condition, while a 9 value is associated with a perceived extremely high level of stress.
• the signal indicative of a level of stress may be provided following a request made to the user.
• the request may be provided to the user according to various embodiments.
• the request may be provided to the user using at least one of a visual signal, an audio indication and a haptic signal.
• the visual signal may comprise an element displayed on the graphics user interface of the smartphone.
• the audio signal may comprise a sound played by the smartphone.
• the haptic signal may comprise a vibration generated by the smartphone.
• the request is provided to the user using a given sound played by the smartphone and a visual indication informing the user that the application requires an indication of a level of stress.
• the user may be provided with a strategy to decrease body signs of stress following the receiving of the signal indicative of a level of stress.
• the strategy may be one of the strategies that have been validated by studies using psychoneuroendocrinological methods, meaning the measure of stress hormones.
• the received level of stress is analyzed to detect a chronic stress.
• the analysis is performed using a plurality of values indicative of a level of stress and entered by the user over time.
• the analysis comprises determining a pattern of chronic stress.
• the pattern of chronic stress may be detected by isolating a recurrence in the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress that have been provided by the user within a certain period of time.
• three parameters are used for determining a pattern of chronic stress.
• a first parameter is a stress threshold value.
• the first parameter may be selected from a group consisting of a value higher than 0.
• a second parameter comprises a size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the second parameter is selected from a group consisting of 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month and 2 months.
• a third parameter comprises a minimum number of occurrences of values greater than the stress threshold value in the time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the third parameter is selected from a group consisting of a value higher than 2.
• Fig. 9a and to Figs. 9b and 9c there are shown examples of a graphics user interface for providing the first, the second and the third parameter for detecting chronic stress.
• the minimum level of stress is set in Fig. 9b and the size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress interval limit is set in Fig. 9c.
• an algorithm uses the first, the second and the third parameter for identifying a pattern of chronic stress.
• the indication of a level of stress is greater in the afternoon than in the morning or that the indication of a level of stress is greater on Tuesday afternoon than during the rest of the week.
• FIG. 5 there is shown an embodiment for informing the user of a detection of chronic stress.
• the user is provided with an alert message on its smartphone.
• the alert message may be provided according to various embodiments.
• the alert message may comprise at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• the visual signal may comprise an alert message displayed on the graphics user interface of the smartphone.
• the audio signal may comprise a sound played by the smartphone.
• the haptic signal may comprise a vibration generated by the smartphone.
• the alert message comprises a visual indication that a possible chronic stress has been detected.
• FIG. 10 there is shown an embodiment of a graphics user interface for informing a user of a detection of chronic stress.
• the user is invited to review the stress data, also referred to as data, an embodiment of which is the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the user is required to enter an access code in order to access the data.
• an access code for accessing the data may be pertinent since the data are confidential.
• the data are displayed on the graphics user interface. It will be appreciated that the data may be displayed according to various embodiments.
• a graph is used to display the data.
• the graph is used for displaying a level of stress over time.
• a Cartesian coordinate system is used for displaying the data with a temporal scale on the x-axis and an intensity scale of stress on the y-axis.
• FIG. 7 there is shown an embodiment of a graphics user interface used for displaying stress data over time.
• those specific elements consist of locations in the graph where a chronic stress has been detected.
• Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a graphics user interface used for displaying stress data over time with specific elements highlighted using a given color.
• a source for the chronic stress is determined by the user.
• FIG. 6a there is shown an embodiment for determining a source of chronic stress.
• processing step 602 the user is informed on the differences between chronic stress and acute level of stress.
• the user is informed on a way to control this chronic stress through the identification of its sources.
• a video is used for the purpose of informing the user.
• the user is informed on the differences between an acute level of stress and chronic stress and on the way to control it, using a video displayed on the smartphone.
• the videos are stored on the smartphone.
• videos are downloaded from a server, or are streamed from a website.
• an indication of a level of stress is provided.
• the indication of a level of stress may be provided by the user according to various embodiments.
• a test is performed in order to find out if the provided indication of a level of stress provided by the user is greater than a given value.
• the provided indication of a level of stress is obtained from the signal indicative of a level of stress received over time.
• the given value is equal to 6, but may be configured.
• the user is required to provide a characteristic (also referred to as a stress factor) of a corresponding situation.
• a first characteristic of a situation that will contribute to the generation of stress is that the situation is perceived as new by the user.
• a second characteristic of a situation that will contribute to the generation of stress is that the situation is perceived as unpredictable by the user.
• a third characteristic of a situation that will contribute to the generation of stress is that the situation is perceived by the user as threatening to its ego (i.e., related to self-esteem).
• a fourth characteristic of a situation that will contribute to the generation of stress is the fact the situation is perceived as inducing a low sense of control.
• switches are displayed on a user interface and the user slides the control to select and reveal one of two values.
• each switch is used for selecting absence or presence of one of the four characteristics described above and as shown in Fig. 11.
• FIG. 12 there is shown an example of stress data with associated characteristics provided by the user.
• FIG. 13 there is shown a diagram which shows, inter alia, two screenshots which show an embodiment of a graphics user interface for displaying stress data including characteristics associated.
• FIG. 6b there is shown an embodiment for creating an action plan when a pattern of chronic stress is detected.
• processing step 602 the user is informed on the differences between chronic stress and acute level of stress.
• a video is displayed on the smartphone for the purpose of informing the user.
• the user is informed on the differences between an acute level of stress and chronic stress and on the way to control it, using a video displayed on the smartphone.
• the videos are stored on the smartphone.
• videos are downloaded from a server, or streamed from a website.
• an indication of a level of stress is provided by the user.
• the indication of a level of stress may be provided by the user according to various embodiments.
• a test is performed in order to find out if chronicity is detected in high stress.
• the user is provided with means for creating an action plan.
• action plan may be created once chronic stress is detected.
• a first parameter comprises a stress threshold value.
• the first parameter may be selected from a group consisting of a value higher than 0.
• a second parameter comprises a size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the second parameter is selected from a group consisting of 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month and 2 months.
• a third parameter comprises a minimum number of occurrences of values greater than the stress threshold value in the time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• the third parameter is selected from a group consisting of a value higher than or equal to 3.
• the purpose of creating an action plan is to help the user to identify the situation responsible for the chronic stress, to identify the characteristics at the origin of the stressfulness of the situation (i.e., novelty, unpredictability, threat to ego and low sense of control) and to readily find possible solutions as explained further below.
• the user will therefore enter a strategy for dealing with the given stress.
• the user may be invited to create an action plan according to various embodiments.
• the user may be notified to create an action plan.
• the notifying the user to create an action plan may comprise providing at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• the visual signal may comprise an element displayed on the graphics user interface of the smartphone.
• the audio signal may comprise a sound played by the smartphone.
• the haptic signal may comprise a vibration generated by the smartphone.
• the invitation message comprises a visual indication.
• FIG. 14 there is shown an embodiment of a graphics user interface for inviting a user to create an action plan.
• FIG. 15 there is shown an example of a graphics user interface 1700 used for building an action plan.
• the graphics user interface 1700 comprises a first part 1702 in which the user is invited to describe the stressful situation the user is presently living, i.e., provide an indication of a situation generating stress.
• the graphics user interface 1700 further comprises a second part 1704 in which the user is invited to select at least one of the four characteristics perceived associated with the situation.
• the graphics user interface 1700 further comprises a third part 1706 in which the user is invited to enter a strategy for at least one of the selected characteristics of a corresponding situation responsible for generating stress.
• processing step 212 the user is provided with the created action plan.
• the user may access a plurality of created action plans.
• sources of stress such as novelty, unpredictability, threats to ego and low sense of control
• strategies associated with each source of stress may change for a given situation.
• Those action plans may be used upon request from the user when a specific situation occurs which is of great advantage. The user is therefore provided with tools for managing a stress associated with a given situation.
• the user will also be able to find out if a given action plan was helpful or not and to use again this action plan if it has been helpful.
• FIG. 16 there is shown an embodiment of a processing device 1800 in which the method for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone may be advantageously used.
• the processing device 1800 comprises a central processing unit 1802, a display device 1804, an input output (I/O) device 1806, communication ports 1808, a data bus 1810 and a memory 1812.
• I/O input output
• the central processing unit 1802, the display device 1804, the I/O device 1806, the communication port 1808 and the memory 1812 are operatively coupled using the data bus 1812.
• the central processing unit 1802 is adapted for processing data instructions.
• the display device 1804 is used for displaying data to a user.
• the communication port 1808 is adapted for operatively connecting the processing device 1800 to another processing device (not shown) via a data network (not shown).
• a data network not shown.
• the skilled addressee will appreciate that various embodiments of the communication port 1808 may be provided. Moreover, the skilled addressee will also appreciate that the communication port 1808 may operate according to various communication protocols, such as TCP/IP for instance.
• the I/O device 1806 is used for enabling a user to interact with the processing device 1800.
• the skilled addressee will appreciate that various embodiments of the I/O device 1806 may be used.
• the memory 1812 may be used for storing, in an embodiment, an operating system 1814 and an application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816, wherein the application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816 is configured to be executed by the central processing unit 1802.
• the application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816 comprises instructions for receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress.
• the application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816 further comprises instructions for analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress.
• the application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816 further comprises instructions for, if a level of stress is greater than a given value, decreasing symptoms of stress by using scientific strategies.
• the application for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone 1816 further comprises instructions for, if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; instructions for determining a source for the chronic stress; instructions for enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected; instructions for providing the user with the action plan.
• a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed, cause a smartphone to perform a method for helping a user to manage their stress, the method comprising receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress; analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected; and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• an advantage of the method disclosed is that it enables the collecting of stress data associated with a user over a period of time which may be configured according to a requirement.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed herein is that it may enable a user to readily identify chronic stress and provide feedback on the chronic stress to the user.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed herein is that it may provide feedback data pertaining to stress data over time.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed is that it may enable a user to identify stress factors which result in a high level of stress in his/her own life.
• Another advantage of the method disclosed is that it may help a user define, implement and readily access action plans which can be used for the purpose of managing stress.
• Clause 1 A method for helping a user to manage their stress using a smartphone, the method comprising: receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress; analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected; and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• Clause 2 The method as claimed in clause 1 , wherein the receiving over time of the signal indicative of a level of stress comprises installing an application on the smartphone and providing a signal indicative of a level of stress via the application installed.
• Clause 3 The method as claimed in clause 2, wherein the installing of the application on the smartphone comprises providing an application and configuring the application.
• Clause 4 The method as claimed in clause 3, wherein the providing of the application comprises downloading the application from a server via a data network.
• Clause 5 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 3 to 4, wherein the configuring of the application is performed by one of the user and an administrator.
• Clause 6 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 3 to 5, wherein the configuring of the application comprises providing an indication of a frequency for requesting the user to provide the signal indicative of a level of stress.
• Clause 7 The method as claimed in clause 6, wherein the indication of a frequency is selected from a group consisting of once every hour, once every two hours, once every four hours and once per day.
• Clause 8 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 6 to 7, wherein the indication of a frequency is selected for a given number of days in a week.
• Clause 9 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the providing of a signal indicative of a level of stress comprises displaying a graphics object on a graphics user interface displayed by the application, the graphics object for selecting a value indicative of a level of stress.
• Clause 10 The method as claimed in clause 9, wherein the graphics object comprises a wheel, further wherein the value indicative of the level of stress is comprised between 0 and 9.
• Clause 11 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 2 to 8, wherein the providing of a signal indicative of a level of stress is performed following a request.
• Clause 12 The method as claimed in clause 1 1 , wherein the request is provided to the user using at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• Clause 13 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the received signal indicative of a level of stress is greater than a given value, further comprising providing the user with a strategy to decrease body signs of stress following the receiving of the received signal indicative of a level of stress.
• Clause 14 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 9 to 10, wherein the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress is performed using a plurality of values indicative of a level of stress entered over time.
• Clause 15 The method as claimed in clause 14, wherein the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress comprises isolating a recurrence in the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress entered over time.
• Clause 16 The method as claimed in clause 15, wherein the analyzing of the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress is performed using a stress threshold value, a size of a time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress and a minimum number of occurrences of values greater than the stress threshold value in the time window for analyzing the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• Clause 17 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the informing of the user of the detection of chronic stress comprises providing an alert message to the user using the smartphone.
• Clause 18 The method as claimed in clause 17, wherein the alert message comprises at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• Clause 19 The method as claimed in clause 17, wherein the providing of an alert message to the user using the smartphone comprises displaying an alert message on the smartphone.
• Clause 20 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 9, 10, 14, 15,
• informing the user of the detection comprises inviting the user to review at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress.
• Clause 21 The method as claimed in clause 20, wherein the inviting of the user to review the at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress comprises performing an authentication using an access code and displaying at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress to the user on the smartphone if the authentication is successful.
• Clause 22 The method as claimed in clause 21 , wherein the displaying of the at least one part of the plurality of values indicative of a level of stress to the user on the smartphone comprises generating a graph of at least one part of the plurality of values in a Cartesian coordinate system in which a an x-axis is used for displaying a temporal scale while an y-axis is used for displaying an intensity scale.
• Clause 23 The method as claimed in clause 22, further comprising identifying at least one location in the graph corresponding to presence of chronic stress.
• Clause 24 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 23, wherein the determining of the source of chronic stress comprises informing the user on a difference between chronic stress and acute stress, the informing comprising displaying a video to the user on the smartphone of the user.
• Clause 25 The method as claimed in clause 24, wherein the video is downloaded from a website.
• Clause 26 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the determining of the source of chronic stress comprises providing an indication of a level of stress from the signal indicative of a level of stress received over time and detecting if the provided indication of a level of stress is greater than a given value, further comprising requesting the user to provide an indication of at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for the indication of a level of stress greater than the given value.
• Clause 27 The method as claimed in clause 26, wherein the at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for the indication of a level of stress greater than the given value is selected from a group consisting of a situation perceived as new, a situation perceived as unpredictable, a situation perceived as threatening for the ego and a situation perceived as inducing a low sense of control.
• Clause 28 The method as claimed in clause 27, wherein the enabling of the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected comprises notifying the user for creating an action plan.
• Clause 29 The method as claimed in clause 28, wherein the notifying the user for creating an action plan comprises providing at least one of a visual signal, an audio signal and a haptic signal.
• Clause 30 The method as claimed in any ones of clauses 1 to 29, wherein the enabling of the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected comprises the user providing an indication of a situation generating stress, the user providing at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation responsible for generating stress and describing a strategy for responding to the provided at least one characteristic of a corresponding situation.
• a processing device for helping a user to manage their stress comprising a display device; a central processing unit; a communication port for connecting the processing device to another processing device via a data network; an input output port for enabling the user to interact with the processing unit; and a memory unit comprising: instructions for receiving over time from the user, using the input output port, a signal indicative of a level of stress; instructions for analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; instructions for, if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected; and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.
• a computer-readable storage medium for storing computer- executable instructions which when executed cause a smartphone to perform a method for helping a user to manage their stress, the method comprising: receiving over time from the user, using the smartphone, a signal indicative of a level of stress; analyzing the received level of stress to detect a chronic stress; if a chronic stress is detected, informing the user of the detection; determining a source for the chronic stress; enabling the user to create an action plan associated with the source of the chronic stress detected and providing the user with the action plan to thereby enable the user to manage their stress.

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• 2013
  • 2013-04-05 WO PCT/CA2013/000325 patent/WO2013149330A1/fr not_active Ceased
  • 2013-04-05 CA CA2908040A patent/CA2908040C/fr not_active Expired - Fee Related

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