Method and apparatus for an automated and interactive behavioral guidance system

66 Pages·2013·3.57 MB·English

US005377258A
United States Patent [19] [11] Patent Number: 5,377,258
Bro [45] Date of Patent: Dec. 27, 1994
[54] METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN “The Psychology of Perception” by W. Freeman Feb.
AUTOMATED AND INTERACTIVE 1991... _
BEHAVIORAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM “Olfactory stimuli as context cues in human memory”
by Cann a & Ross’, spring 1989.
[75] Inventor: Willi' am‘ L. Bro, Los Angeles, Calif.
“Odors and the Remembrance of Thins Past”]by F.
[73] Assignee: National Medical Research Council, Schab 1990.
Santa Monica, Calif. “Encoding Speci?city and Retrieval Process in Epi
sodic Memory” by Tulving 8L Thompson, 1973.
[21] Appl. No.: 112,955
“Gender and Vocal Stress Differences During Truthful
[22] Filed: Aug. 30, 1993 and Deceptive Information Sequences” by O’Hair &
Cody, 1987.
[51] Int. Cl.5 . . . . . . . . . . .. H04M 1/64; H04M 11/00
“Quantitative EEG Analysis During Hypnosis” by
[52] US. Cl. ...................................... .. 379/93; 379/92;
379/67; 379/ 88 Ulett, Akpinar & Itil, 1972.
“Response to Lea?ets About Eating and Shape by
[58] Field of Search ..................... .. 379/93, 94, 96, 97,
379/98, 67, 68, 69, 88, 89, 90, 92; 128/903, 904; Women Concerned Videodisc based Instruction” by
364/413.02, 413.03, 413.04 Kearsley & Frost, Mar. 1985. '
“Lights, Camera, Reaction! The Interactive Videodisc:
[56] References Cited A Tool for Teaching Chemistry” by Jones and Smith,
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS Man, 1989.
“In Search of How People Change”, by Prochaska,
3,742,938 7/1973 Stem . DiClemente & Norcross, Sep. 1992.
3,808,694 5/ 1974 Hutchinson et al. .
Primary Examiner-Curtis Kuntz
4,112,425 9/1978 Zobrist et al. .................... .. 340/347
4,237,344 12/1980 Moore . Assistant Examiner-—Jason Chan
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Cislo & Thomas
4,328,494 5/1982 Goodall . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 340/ 870.18
4,377,214 3/1983 Hansen et al. 364/466
[57] ABSTRACT
4,396,976 8/ 1983 Hyatt ................................. .. 364/167
4,602,127 7/1986 Neely et al. . An automated and interactive positive motivation sys
4,773,492 9/ 1988 Ruzumna ............................ .. 177/25 tem (10) that allows a doctor or trainer to produce and
4,831,242 5/ 1989 Engelhardt et a1. . 235/382 send a series of motivational messages and/or questions
4,835,372 5/ 1989 Gombrich et al. . . . . . . . . . . .. 379/93 to a client (50) to motivate or reinforce a speci?c behav
4,912,552 3/ 1990 Allison, III et al. ..... .. 358/84 ioral problem. The system (2) consists of a client data
4,916,435 4/ 1990 Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 340/573 base (12) that includes for each client the name, calling
4,922,514 5/l990- Bergeron et a1. ....... .. 379/6 schedule and personal identification number (PIN) and
4,922,520 5/ 1990 Bernard et a1 . . . . . . . . . . .. 379/97 a client program (14) that includes for each client
4,933,873 6/ 1990 Kaufman et al. 364/5135
unique motivational messages and/or questions which
4,952,928 8/1990 Carroll et a1. . . . . . . . . . .. 128/903 can be used alone or with such devices as an electronic
5,008,835 4/1991 Jackmann et a1 364/5135
weight scale (38), olfactory unit (40), and voice stress
5,014,298 5/1991 Katz .............. .. . 379/93
analyzer (42) that require a client response. The data
5,018,736 5/1991 Person et a1. 379/93
base and program are operated by a computer (16) that
5,023,901 6/ 1991 Sloan et a1. . . . . . . . . . . .. 379/ 38
5,036,462 7/1991 Kaufman et al. 364/413.0l at preselected time periods sends the messages and/or
5,068,080 11/1991 Impink, Jr. et al. 376/215 questions to a client’s dual tone multifrequency tele
phone set (26) via a digital/telephone tone signal con
5,085,527 2/1992 Gilbert ................................ .. 374/14
verter (18) and a telephone network (24). Before the
OTHER PUBLICATIONS messages and/or questions are sent, the client must
“The Vulnerable Body Image of Females with Feelings transmit to the computer (16) via the telephone set (26),
of Depression” by Mori & Morey. a valid PIN.
“Selective Recall of Positive and Negative Feedback . .
.” by Nelson & Craighead, 1977. 39 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
12 14 32
ea
acuureams': , Pcauoemw r: —' moan -- mOmR'FAsXn '
_______l 22 I 30 1
_____t.____.____ I 1 5°
=4 ] em
1l\ _, om; ""'
are " Tame -- We” "1 w“
rcussreun. _ "MK ...
1“ If R 26
nsnme 3‘ pm“ a ma
ewcx H," “mom - NUMERICAL ----- ‘"
"B um " sq m
LOGIC mylmim 3°
uemom “STEM m5 )2 'rwomv /
m: 44\ ‘"mal, "" uessws
2§P5AY
I
SOFTWARE TELEVISION ___—,46 3‘
svsrev wig,“ sizcmomcs
so a -— SM’E ~\w
"9 neconoms 56
W CELLULASR DEVlCE
__onmo|sxs
1s canons

US. Patent
Dec. 27, 1994 ‘Sheet 2 of 3 5,377,258
START START COMPUTER PROGRAM
BUILD
DATABASE BUILD CLIENT DATABASE
GET oBTAIN CCMPUTER CLOCK TIME
TIME
SORT SORT CLIENT DATABASE ON TIME
DATABASE
MATCH
FOUND? CHECK IF TIME To CALL CLIENT
DAIL ,
PHONE # DIAL CLIENT S TELEPHONE NUMBER
GET OBTAIN CLIENT'S PERSONAL
PIN IDENTIICATIoN NUMBER
VALIDATE vALIDATE CLIENT'S PERSONAL
PIN IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
FIG. 2A.
US. Patent
Dec. 27, 1994 Sheet 3 of 3 5,377,258
B
PSSQRLM _ PLAY CLIENT‘S INSTRUCTION MESSAGE
MESSAG E/ASK
PLAY MOTIVATION MESSAGE (S)
QUESTIONS
OR ASK QUESTIONS
GET
OBTAIN CLIENT'S RESPONSE TO
ANSWERS
QUESTIONS
END
PLAY CONCLUSION MESSAGE
PROGRAM
WRITE
WRITE CALL Lof TO DATABASE
ANALYZE BUILD CLIENT FUTURE QUESTION
ANSWERS MATRIX & GENERATE CALL TIMES
CALL
SHOULD ALPHA=NUMERIC PAGER
PAG ER?
BE CALLED?
BUILD PUT TOGETHER AN ALPHA
INFO NUMERIC STRING
SEND INFO SEND INFORMATION VIA REMOTE
COMMUNICATION PORT
___I
5,377,258
1 2
their attention is diverted by devices providing rapid
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AN feedback. Adults display the same behavior throughout
AUTOMATED AND INTERACTIVE BEHAVIORAL their lives. For example, when purchasing an appliance,
GUIDANCE SYSTEM they rarely read the instructions before trying to use it.
The need to receive continuing feedback, at all levels of
‘ ‘TECHNICAL FIELD life, is a human characteristic,~ thus providing a basic
The invention pertains to the general ?eld of informa survival mechanism which fosters learning and continu
ing growth.
tion exchange services, education and personal health
care and more particularly to a computerized tele Research indicates that learning is enhanced by inter
phonic system that conveys health awareness messages active feedback. Where the quantity of interacting feed
and maintains surveillance over clients by periodically back is increased, focus -is sustained or increased,
sending behavioral motivation reinforcement messages thereby stimulating keen responsiveness, as is the case
and/or questions that require a client interaction. with video games. The active involvement required to
respond by answering provocative questions stimulates
BACKGROUND ART 15 conscious awareness of and focus on the issue at hand.
One of the major advances of present-day society is in Learning and behavioral modi?cation systems that in
the ?eld of computerized telecommunications. Today, corporate rapid feedback foster problem-solving abili
in the growing ?eld of behavioral medicine, formal ties, pattern recognition, management and allocation of
verbal interchange is essential to provide modi?cation resources, logical thinking patterns, memory, quick
of behavior and reinforcement. By using computerized 20 thinking, and reasoned judgment. Most importantly,
telecommunications coupled with voice recognition when these skills are practiced at the site where the
technology, a client’s behavior can be modi?ed and desired behavior is to occur, learning is more vivid and
reinforced at the site where behavior occurs and wher is quickly integrated into real life.
ever the client goes. It has been found that as the fre A sense of control is ‘perceived with the provision of
quency of reinforcing feedback increases, the client 25
feedback. By engaging the client to direct his focus and
shows more rapid progress towards a particular goal. asking provoking questions, involvement is increased
By utilizing a system of continuous computerized rein
and stimulation results. When the individual learner
forcement, a client can be provided with more opportu achieves success and immediately receives positive
nity and greater frequency of vtherapeutic contact or
feedback, self-esteem is rapidly built. When success is
feedback than through treatment in person. Addition 30
rewarded, con?dence and resilience are enhanced and
ally, the use of an interactive system vastly increases the
knowledge is created.
therapeutic effect of this method of behavioral modi?
Historically, individuals have sought self-improve
cation and reinforcement.
ment through self-help books, seminar workshops and
Learning is enhanced through interactive feedback,
programs of a periodic or short duration. With the best
and feedback in some form heightens the learning expe 35
of intentions relapse usually occurs within several days
rience. The number of times in school a teacher asks any
after reading a book or attending a seminar, or several
one child for an answer is fairly limited. Most of the
months after the conclusion of a behavioral modi?ca
time, children raise their hands and respond, and get
tion program.
back a “right” or “wrong.” If they are wrong, they
In contrast, computer-derived, self-adjusting motiva
have lost their chance, and someone else is called upon
tional guidance, which interactively polls the client and
for the answer. In traditional adult education and be
havioral modi?cation, the amount of continuing feed comments on his performance as he goes about his daily
life throughout the year, has a more lasting effect. It
back is limited to the time actually spent with a coun
differs importantly from seminars and visits to counsel
selor or in a seminar. Here, too, the feedback is limited
to the actual time the counselor or trainer spends pro 45 ors in that it modi?es behavior at the site where the
viding interaction with any one client. By contrast, the behavior occurs, with personal or customized interven
tion. The more frequent interactive dialogue between
addition of a computer and telecommunications or
broadcast transmission allows “narrowcast” interaction the counselor-controlled computer and the client en
hances the feedback and therapeutic simulation in much
and feedback on a continuous 24-hour basis to the client
wherever he goes, allowing for far greater frequency of the same way as has been experienced in other interac
interaction. Most importantly, in the case of adult be tive communication structures, such as education and
havior modi?cation, this feedback becomes available entertainment. For instance, consumers accord a higher
for the ?rst time at the site where the behavior occurs. value to interactive entertainment software than to pas
Learning by playing and doing is fundamental to all sive software, due to the greater stimulation afforded by
mammals. While audio broadcast or telecommunica 55 this mode. In entertainment software, an example
tions are media based upon hearing, and video broad would be some of the new video games that present a
cast is a medium based upon seeing, interactive feed mode which runs like an animated cartoon until one
back utilizing these architectures is a medium based elects to interact. As an animated cartoon, the video
upon doing or responding to the stimulus of feedback. usually becomes boring within minutes. But as an inter
Recent studies have revealed that the single best way to active video game, the software stimulates the user with
increase mammalian intelligence ‘is through interactive hours of entertainment.
stimulation. The frequency of feedback that we receive. In summary, a computerized interactive system in
generally is the single greatest factor affecting learning creases the client’s ability to resolve problems at the site
and modifying behavior. Further, learning by receiving where behavior occurs, and adjusts him within the
immediate feedback is preferable to receiving a delayed 65 framework of a preset goal. By including, within the
response. Children prefer interactive television games context of the personalized message, challenges in the
to merely watching a television program. They become form of questions, an entertaining and stimulating pro
impatient with long strings of dialogue, and the focus of cess can be added due to the increased feedback or
5,377,258
3 4
interactive nature of new telecommunication technol test schedule in each remote is randomly created for
ogy. each period and individual.
With regard to the prior art, many types of systems The Fuller patent discloses a remote con?nement
have been used in endeavoring to provide an effective monitoring station and system with a central of?ce that
means for providing surveillance over a behavioral provides means for automatic selection of a speci?c
modi?cation client by using a telecommunication link. con?nee. The central of?ce selects scheduled or semi
However, these prior art systems have not disclosed an random monitoring calls, to-avoid a high degree of
adequate and cost-effective telecommunication net predictability by the con?nee, auto dialing means for
work that uses a computer in combination with a tele transmission of a prerecorded or synthesized audio in
phone to provide positive motivational messages and struction message to the confmee, and recording of
/or questions that are answered by a client by means of information received in response to the acts of the se
a dual tone multifrequency telephone set. lected confmee preformed in response to the communi
Further, the prior art systems have not disclosed cated message. The central of?ce has a computer with a
utilization with such hardware as voice stress analyzers, telephone line modem, a voice synthesizer, and other
olfactory units, CD-ROM platforms, interactive televi accessories in displays for automatic recording of data
received including a visual camera image and breath
sion in connection with a telecommunication link as a
analyzer results, and can include automatic image com
further behavioral modi?cation means in use with the
parison and violation signal alarming. '
client.
The Moore patent discloses a rapid response hospital
A search of the prior art discloses patents that show
different types of feedback mechanisms: 20 health care communications system. The system in
cludes an auto dialer telephone system to allow patients
to communicate from outside the hospital to receive
PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED advice and health care as indicated by the patient’s
medical pro?le. The communications system includes a
3,742,938 T. J. Stern 3 July 1973
3,808,694 W. Y. Hutchinson et a1. 7 May 1974 25 health care console with an information storing com
4,112,425 G. J. Zobrist et a1. 5 September 1978 puter connected through various communication paths
4,237,344 Moore 2 December 1980 to in-hospital patients, and by telephone means to out
4,328,494 R. Goodall 4 May 1982 of-hospital patient locations. Each out-of-hospital loca
4,377,214 G. G. Hansen et a1. 22 March 1983
4,396,976 G. P. Hyatt 2 August 1983 tion includes a communication interface with a tele
4,602,127 I. F. Neely et al. 22 July 1986 30 phone, a console, and a hand-held remote control com
4,773,492 E. Ruzumna 27 September 1988 prising a plurality of sensors, indicators and features.
4,831,242 W. H. Englehardt et al. 16 May 1989
The interface includes an auto dialer and auto identi?er
4,835,372 Gombrich et al. 30 May 1989
that dials the health care console and identi?es the pa
4,916,435 Fuller 10 April 1990
4,922,514 Bergeron et al. 1 May 1990 tient by a computer recognizable code.
4,912,552 Allison III et al. 27 March 1990 35 The Kaufman et al., patent discloses an interactive
4,933,873 Kaufman et a1. 12 June 1990 patient assisting device that has both preselected doses
4,952,928 G. T. Carroll et a]. 28 August 1990
of medicine and a physical testing device that can com
5,008,835 Jackmann et al. 16 April 1991
5,014,298 Katz 7 May 1991 municate with a remote medical center over the tele
5,018,736 Person et al. 28 May 1991 phone system. The system includes a clock/calendar
5,023,901 Sloan et a1. 11 June 1991 unit that can be programmed to establish a schedule of
5,036,462 Kaufman et a1. 30 July 1991 a variety of activities, a pharmaceutical dispenser, a
5,068,080 Impink Jr. et a1. 26 November 1991
voice synthesizer and recognitions unit, a computer,
5,085,527 P. A. Gilbert 4 February 1992
displays, and monitor means for blood pressure, oxygen
and temperature. For communicating to a remote loca
The Sloan et al., patent discloses a surveillance sys
45 tion, an automatic dialer, modem and telephone are
tem which integrates voice identi?cation with passive
included.
monitoring mechanisms. The system comprises a cen The Bergeron et al., patent discloses a method and
tral station located at a supervisory authority and a system for the dispatch of resources to remote sites in
plurality of remote voice veri?cation units. Each unit is response to alarm signals. A processor accesses the
located at a designated locality for an individual under database of, for instance, a ?eld service engineer desig
surveillance and is connected to the central station via nated to provide services to particular remote sites in
telephone lines. The central station consists of a control response to the alarm signals received from those sites.
computer system and a violation computer system. The The processor then attempts to establish a telephone
central station maintains and analyzes all relevant data connection with the ?eld service engineer and provide
for each individual, and initializes and retrieves infor 55 the engineer with information by means of synthesized
mation from each voice veri?cation unit. Each voice voice messages. The system may execute remote diag
veri?cation unit conducts a voice veri?cation test of a nostic programs and determine the results and attempt
respective individual according to test schedules out to communicate with selected resources. The system
lined by the central station. Test and monitoring results has a conventional processor with a database, voice
obtained during a de?ned surveillance period are trans 60 synthesizer, voice system and auto dialer. When the
mitted to the central station on a periodic or exigent system dials and the telephone is answered, the system
basis. Each remote station has a modem input, test, requests an identi?cation code by means of the touch
means input connected to a microphone, and a third stone buttons before it communicates.
input to receive passive monitoring signals. The active The Hutchinson patent discloses a weighing and
and passive signals are analyzed according to an algo 65 height measuring device. It is especially adapted for use
rithm and command signals received from the central with a remote digital read-out system. The device com
station. The test means also has an output to prod the prises a weight responsive moving platform connected
individual to speak a preselected series of words. The by cable to a remote digital read-out unit. One of the
5,377,258
5 6
objects of the invention is to provide a weight measur and a digital motivational message(s) and/ or ques
ing device adapted for use with a remote read-out and tions. The messages and/o r questions are only then
/or computer input device. . sent if the client’s validation request signal is re
The Stern patent discloses a cardiac pacer and heart sponded to by the client with a valid personal iden
pulse monitor for remote diagnosis wherein information ti?cation number (PIN) in the telephone mode, or
from a pair of sensors‘ is transmitted by means of a tele broadcast without a PIN with _a beeper or personal
phone handset and transmitter, over a commercial tele
communicator; '
phone system to a remote receiver. Information re (e) means for converting the digital signals produced
ceived at the receiver may then be processed by means by the computer to telephone tone signals that are
of an appropriate computer and program system. sent to a client’s dual tone multifrequency tele
The Carroll patent discloses an adaptable electronic phone set via a telephone network. The telephone
monitoring system. The system is con?gured to ?t the set is used to respond to the client’s validation
needs of a particular monitoring or identi?cation appli request, hear the motivational message(s) and/ or to
cation by selecting appropriate modules. The system respond to the questions;
provides for monitoring at a central location and com (f) means for converting the telephone tone signals
munication between the location of the sensed informa originating at the client’s telephone set to digital
tion to the processing site by means of a normal tele signals for application to and processing by the
phone communications system. computer; and
The other cited patents are for background purposes (g) second means for permanently recording all the
and are indicative of the art to which the invention 20 outgoing and incoming client communications.
relates. An important object of the invention is that the sys
It will be noted that the above mechanisms and sys tem manipulates speech messages that are stored, not in
tems do not allow the utilization of various well known an analog format common to audio tape storage sys
elements used in a unique random calling manner with tems, but in digital format that is stored on a read-only
a client database and client program of prescribed mes 25 compact disc, a computer hard drive or the like. The
sages and/or questions for particular persons. More use of compact discs allows the system to access ?les
particularly, the instant apparatus and method provides quickly and accurately. Therefore, it is possible for the
a uniquely reinforcing approach of allowing the use of computer to access more than one speech file at a time.
prescribed messages and/or questions for particular Each telephone line that the system is servicing is actu
persons. More particularly, the instant apparatus and 30 ally a small “slice” of computer time during which
method provides a uniquely reinforcing approach of speech ?les are being played from or recorded. The
allowing the use of random calls at random locations more lines that are active, the more slices of time that
from a list of possible locations where a client may be must be managed. The system provides the functions to
located. Furthermore, this system utilizes existing tele operate with more than one telephone line simulta
phone technology unlike many of the devices described 35 neously, thereby allowing a counselor, at all times over
in the above referenced patents. a 24-hour period, to process and supervise many more
clients than otherwise. In addition, the system allows
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
for a client to receive more doses of intervention over
The automated and interactive positive motivational any time period than in any other manner.
system is designed to be used by doctors, psychologists, 40 Another object of the invention is directed to accom
counselors or other trainers to provide motivational plishing most tasks in a voice response application by
messages and/ or questions to clients having behavioral, accepting, recognizing and making decisions based on a
weight, volitional or motivation problems. Its basic keypad input from the caller’s dual tone multifrequency
con?guration comprises: telephone. The keypad generally sends dual tone multi
(a) means for recording and accessing a client’s data 45 frequency (DTMF) tone signals but occasionally multi
base that includes for each client the name, sched frequency (MF) tones are used by certain types of tele
ule of telephone numbers where the client may be phone switching equipment. While these two signalling
reached during each 24-hour period, personal iden methods are not compatible, the system will work with
ti?cation number, and previous history of messages either one equally well.
and the client’s responses; Still another object of the invention is the use of
(b) means for measuring and recording a client’s digitized voice signals for the transmission of messages
weight without revealing their weight to them and to the client. Digitized voice signals are typically made
transmitting said weight information telephonically by sampling the voice wave form 6000 to 8000 times per
for use in a weight reduction program; second in order to accurately reconstruct good speech
(c) ?rst means for recording and accessing a client’s quality. Each sample takes 8 to 12 bits, this results in
program that includes for each client speci?c moti 48,000 to 96,000 bits of information per second that
vational messages, personal and unique metaphoric must be stored. It is common in telephonic applications
references, and/or questions that are to be re for a digitized voice to be compressed by storing only
sponded to by the client through either the tele the differences between samples. Therefore, the speech
phone interactive beeper, personal communicator, 60 card that the system supports uses a compression tech
or interactive television; nique known as Adaptive Differential Pulse Code Mod
((1) a computer having means for accessing the client. ulation (ADPCM) which recognizes that there is only a
database and said client program. If a match is small difference between the speech samples and stores
found between a client’s database and client pro a logarithmic function of the difference between speech
gram, the computer produces a sequence, a digital 65 samples. The result is good speech quality at only 3000
telephone signal and corresponds to a client’s tele bytes per second of data throughput.
phone number or beeper or personal communica Yet, another object of the invention is that the client
tor number, a digital client validation request signal program may be directed to any subject matter such as
5,377,258
7 8
motivational training, teaching, psychological behavior other trainers to maintain surveillance over their clients
modi?cation, religious training, indoctrination and rein by utilizing a telecommunication link to perform auto
forcement by sales managers, psychologists, ministers, mated information exchange. The preferred embodi
counselors, wherever motivations would be facilitated ment of the automated and interactive positive motiva
by daily or periodic intervention. The following is a tion system 10, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a means
partial list of some of the component areas that the for recording and accessing a client’s database 12 and a
client program may be directed to: client’s program 14, by using-a computer 16, having a
digital signal/telephone tone converter 18 and a printer
. nutrition
. creativity 22, wherein access means comprise a telephone network
24 and a client dual tone multifrequency telephone set
. exercise
. weight loss (diet/weight management) 26. A client 50 uses the system 10 which can also be
. optimism (and hope) enhanced by the incorporation of the following ele
. life-long learning ments that are operated by the telephone network 26: a
. time management modem 30 that operates a computer printer of facsimile
. stress management machine 32, an alpha-numeric pager 34, a two-way
. happiness (and purpose) interactive message display 36, an electronics scale 38,
l0. optimal health an olfactory unit 40, a voice stress analyzer 42, an inter
1 1. relationships active television system 44, an EEG measuring and
12. thrift/financial freedom (reduction of consump recording device 46, personalized monographs, interac
tion) tive video, optical discs, i.e., CD-ROMs, and cellular
13. risk/courage phones.
14. new, balanced image, enhanced self-esteem The client database 12 in the preferred embodiment
(beauty) consists of a compact disc (CD) recording that is played
15. immune system enhancement back on a CD player that interfaces with the computer
16. midlife transformation/emergence 25 16 as shown in FIG. 1. However, other database record
17. women and men in aging and transition (heart ing and playback units can also be used. These units
disease, menopause, etc.) include but are not limited to a tape cartridge that is
18. control or self-discipline played back to the computer by means of a tape car
19. intuition enhancement tridge player or an optical disc and optical disc play
20. high energy 30 back unit. The client database includes for each client
21. spiritual insight 50, the client’s name, their calling schedule by week,
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to day and time, each client’s personal identi?cation num
record the daily activity schedule of each client en ber (PIN), and previous history of messages.
abling contact with the client on a scheduled or random The client program 14 in the preferred embodiment,
basis by telephone or by other means such as an alpha 35 is also recorded and played back by a CD player or
numeric pager or modem that is used to contact clients other recording and playback units, as described above
wherever the client may be during the day or night. If for the client database 12, and is connected to the com
the client misses a call, they may call in to the computer puter and to the telephone network 24 as shown in FIG.
and get their message byusing a speci?c password. 1. The client program 14 is especially designed to serve
The rationale of the system is that man is in a continu a plurality of speci?c clients. The program 14 can in
ous state of growth and development. The system pro clude as many motivational and reinforcement messages
vides the motivation through continuous daily monitor as. are necessary to help with a speci?c behavioral prob
ing of each client as he works towards their basic goals lem. The motivational and reinforcement messages are
for optimal health, personal success, longevity and hap designed to provide therapeutic intervention at speci?c
piness. By this daily reinforcement and guidance utiliz 45 or random times and more particularly to provide thera
ing stimulating feedback, the system is able to maintain peutic intervention at the site where the behavior to be
the organization and intervention between the client corrected occurs. In the ?eld of behavioral reinforce
and his goals. ment it has been found that even with the best of inten
These and other objects and advantages of the pres tions, relapses usually occur within several days follow
ent invention will become apparent from the subsequent 50 ing the reading of a book or attending a seminar to
detailed description of the preferred embodiment and several months after the conclusion of a behavioral
the appended claims taken in conjunction with the ac modi?cation program. Thus, by transmitting behavioral
companying drawings. motivation and reinforcement messages on a periodic or
random basis, the behavioral modi?cation program can
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
55 continue on course to a curable conclusion.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the interactive In addition to or in combination with the messages,
activity between the system and a client of the present the system 10 is also designed to send a client behavioral
inventor. modi?cation questions. These questions are answered
FIG. 2A is an application ?owchart of the computer by the client by pressing on a speci?c key on the keypad
software used in FIG. 1. of the dual tone multifrequency telephone set 26. The
FIG. 2B is a continuation of the application of FIG. answers to the questions are analyzed by the client’s
2A. doctor or trainer to ?nd root problems and to determine
the next series of messages and/or questions that are to
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
be transmitted to the client 50 at the next transmittal
EMBODIMENT
65 period. All messages, questions and the client’s response
The best mode for carrying out the invention is pres to the questions as well as the time, date, duration of
ented in terms of a preferred embodiment that is de each call and touch tones entered by the client 50 are
signed to allow doctors, psychologists, counselors and retained in a permanent log or record by means of the
5,377,258
9 10
printer 22 which is directly connected to the computer The redial circuit allows a client’s busy telephone num
16 as shown in FIG. 1. ber to be automatically re-dialed at selectable time inter
The telephone by its very nature, has always been vals. The random number dialer allows client telephone
interactive on a two-way basis and because of its wide numbers stored in the client database 12 to be randomly
usage it lies within the comfort zone by nearly all cli selected and called.
ents. The telephone is also cost effective and is conve From the digital signal/telephone tone signal con
nient for both the caller and the client. Additionally, verter 18, the telephone tone signals are applied as
social learning theories suggest that education carried shown in FIG. 1 to a telephone network 24. The net
out in the setting in which the behavior is taking place work 24 relays the tone signals to the client’s dual tone
will have the greatest impact. Thus, telephone counsel multifrequency telephone set 26 from where the client
ing at home or in the work place may have greater 50 can answer the telephone 26 and respond to the
behavioral impact than direct clinic. For clients who request to provide a personal identi?cation number.
cannot come to a clinic because of their physical condi The client 50 responds by pressing on speci?c keys on
tion, distance or the presence of a psychiatric disorder the keypad of the telephone set 26. If the client 50 re
that makes the intimacy of face-to-face contact intolera sponds with a valid number it is routed via the tele
ble, the telephone is the sole means for counseling. By phone network 24, back through the converter 18 to the
calling clients on their transportable or cellular tele logic network 16C in the computer 16. Upon the receipt
phones 58, behavioral reinforcement can also be pro of a valid number, the logic network 16C enables the
vided for clients on the go and increase the instances client program 14 to allow the audio signals carrying
wherein motivation can be provided in the place where 20 the messages and/or questions to be transmitted via the
the behavior occurs. telephone network 24 to the client’s telephone 26 from
The client database 12 and client program 14 inter where the client 50 can receive the message and re
face with the computer 16 that in the preferred embodi spond to the questions.
ment consists of an IBM-AT compatible computer 16 The telephone network 24 used in the preferred em
having at least an 80386 coprocessor. The client data 25 bodiment is serviced by the local telephone public util
base 12 and client program 14 as described above, are ity company. However, if a closed circuit operation is
externally stored as shown in FIG. 1. However, these desired, such as within the con?nes of an enclosed area
elements may also be stored on a hard disc located or building, a private telephone network may be em
within the computer 16 or on other mass media storage ployed. In either of the above scenarios the clients dual
devices such as CD-ROM or removable mass media 30 tone multifrequency telephone set 26 may be hardwired
cartridges. The computer 16 is con?gured in part to to the telephone network 24 or, a transportable cellular
include a Dialogic D41 4-line speech card 16A, having 58 that uses RF or satellite communication links may be
a real-time clock 16B and a logic network 16C, operated used. By calling a client 50 on their transportable cellu
by the system software 16D. lar telephone 58, the motivation message can in many
The Dialogic card 16A allows a speech compression 35 instances be sent to the place when the behavior is oc
technique to be used that samples a small difference curring when the message carries its greatest effect. As
between speech samples and stores a logarithmic func also shown in FIG. 1 by dotted lines, in lieu of making
tion of the difference between the speech samples. This the initial client contact by using the telephone set 26,
technique results in good speech quality at only 3000 the contact can be made by means of a modem 30, an
bytes per second. The real-time clock 16B sets and alpha-numeric pager 34, a two-way, interactive, com
selects the appropriate time for a particular client to be puter activated message display 36 or other such de
accessed from the client database 12 and the client pro vices. If a modem 30 is used, it can be connected di
gram 14. The logic network 16C provides the logic rectly to a computer printer or facsimile machine
necessary to determine if a match between the client (FAX) 32. In this client alerting medium, after the client
stored in the database 12 and in the client program 14 is 45 50 receives a motivational message or a question, the
available. The system software 16D provides the algo client 50 response can be made by calling the computer
rithms to operate the system 10 in combination with the 16 on the dual tone multifrequency telephone 26 by use
logic network 16C. The operating steps of the software of a special computer access telephone number. Like
program are shown in the software ?owchart included wise, if an alpha-numeric pager 34 is used the client
as FIG. 2 and listed in source code format in Appendix 50 response would be made as previously described. The
1. use of a two-way interactive message display 36 further
As shown in FIG. 2, the computer program builds a provides an enhanced client interface in that graphics
client database and sets the database to a computer can be included with the messages and questions. The
clock time. In a typical operating sequence, the com display 36 is connected directly to the computer 16 via
puter 16 at a preselected week and time, accesses the 55 the telephone network 24 and digital/telephone tone
client database 12 and the client program 14. If a match signal converter 18. Likewise, an interactive television
is found between the client’s database 12 and program system 44 can be used wherein customized broadcasts
14, the computer 16 via the logic network 160, pro can be responded to by individual clients or whole
duces in sequence, a digital telephone number and a classes of subscribers, providing a low cost alternative
digital client validation request signal. to individual customized instruction. In addition to or in
Both of these signals are applied to the digital signal/ lieu of an interactive television system 44, an interactive
telephone tone signal converter v18. The converter 18. videodisc system 54 comprising a videodisc player and
includes circuit means to accept and convert the digital monitor interfaced with a microcomputer may be used.
signals from the computer 16 to telephone tone signals With the use of optical discs or CD-ROMs 56, a com
that correspond to the client’s telephone number and a 65 puter-based information metering system is envisioned
personal identi?cation number. The converter 18 can wherein a client 50 will be billed through the use of an
also be designed to include a telephone number redial encryption-metering device only for amount of therapy
circuit and a random telephone number dialer circuit. the client 50 wishes to access.
‘5,377,258
11 12
The motivation and behavioral messages and client accessing cues in a way not previously taught in the
questions can also be used in combination with auxiliary prior art.
devices to fortify the client’s messages or questions. For A 1990 study by Frank R. Schab at Yale University
example, in the ?eld of weight loss, an electronics scale (“Odors and the remembrance of things past” reported
38 can be utilized to supply the timely weight of the in Journal of Psychologr: Learning, Memory and Cogni
client to determine if a weight loss or gain has occurred tion, Vol. 16, 648-655), further builds upon the evidence
during the reporting period. As shown in FIG. 1, the’ that odors can effectively be~uised as memory retrieval
electronic weight scale is connected to an ordinary cues to enhance learning and performance. This is con
telephone line which automatically dials the telephone sistent with the “encoding speci?city hypothesis” of
number associated with the operating system and trans Tulving & Thompson (“Encoding speci?city and re
mits the weight of a client 50 standing on the scale 38 trieval processes in episodic memory,”Psychological
digitally to the client’s program 14 and database 12 for Review, Vol. 80, 352-372 (1973), which states that con
later analysis in accordance with a weight reduction textual stimuli (i.e., olfactory cues) are encoded along
program. with target information on learning and serve as mem
The scale 38 prevents the client 50 from becoming ory cues to the target information at retrieval.
aware of their day-to-day weight ?uctuations. This is Yet another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1
consistent with new insights in behavior theory with incorporates the use of a voice stress analyzer 42, which
respect to human motivation which allow an observer offers a digital numerical evaluation of the speaker’s
or instructor using the computer to review the client’s voice stress level to monitor a client’s response during a
weight periodically through the use of the computer 16 20 behavioral motivation reinforcement question. Re
which is at a remote location and can guide the client 50 search by D. O'Hair and M. J. Cody entitled “Gender
from time to time based upon the trend or average of and vocal stress differences during truthful and decep
their weight, and other devices such as glucose moni tion information sequences,” in Human Relations, Vol
toring, blood pressure, heart rate, and cholesterol moni 40, l-l4 (1987), indicates that voice stress analyzers can
toring.
25 be objectively and unobtrusively used to detect vocal
Research reported by Mori and Morey in 1991 shows stress indicative of deception. If a client 50 knows that
that individuals with depression or lower levels of self his veracity is being tested and that his responses are
esteem are more likely to have a vulnerable or nega being analyzed for deception, then there is greater moti
tively distorted body image (The vulnerable body vation on his part to adhere to the program 14 and
image of females with feelings of depression, Journal of 30 hence more rapidly progress towards a particular goal.
Research in Personality, Vol. 25, 343-354). Furthermore, In addition, commonly encountered self-deception is
Nelson and Craighead’s 1977 study (Selective recall of reduced using this mode.
positive and negative feedback, self-control behaviors, Another preferred embodiment incorporates the use
and depression, Journal of Abnormal Psychology, Vol. of an EEG measuring and recording device 46 which
86, 379-388), suggests that depressives distort environ 35 can be used to assess hypnotic susceptibility either in the
mental input in such a way that they consistently reach presence of the client 50 or at some distance by use of a
a negative conclusion. Since the depressed person “?l modem for transmitting signals which indicate various
ters out” a certain amount of positive feedback and is brainwave states. Behavior research indicates that there
particularly sensitive to negative feedback, it is impor is an increase in alpha activity in the EEG when sub
tant to control or limit the frequency of negative feed jects are exposed to behavioral intervention techniques
back (i.e., weight readings). such as hypnosis, relaxation'arid meditation. In addition,
The scale 38 does not have any visible measurement studies with psychotropic drugs have demonstrated that
display on its exterior and may be fabricated in the increased and synchronized alpha activity is a charac
shape of a ?at mat by use of strain gauge technology or teristic of all the major tranquilizers. A 1972 study by G.
the like for placement in various rooms within a client’s 45 A‘. Ulett, S. Akpinar and T. M. Itil (“Quantative EEG
dwelling. While not shown in the drawings, it may be analysis during hypnosis,” Electroencephalography and
envisioned that the scale 38 may be placed in front of a Clinical Neurophysiology, Vol. 33,361-368) reported
refrigerator door wherein the clients weight is mea signi?cant EEG differences between the hypnotic and
sured at a period of time before the client intakes food. awake states, with all subjects experiencing increased
Another preferred embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, is alpha activity in the hypnotic state. The computer 16 in
the use of an olfactory unit 40 which provides a variety this mode, receiving and analyzing the signals, can then
of different smells to the client 50 to be used in memory adjust the intervention to correspond to the client’s 50
association with the daily telephone interaction. Re brainwave state.
searchers have successfully trained animals to recognize Another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is a
several different scents and to behave in particular ways 55 computer-driven system for motivational reinforcement
when they did—for instance, to lick or chew in expecta and guidance which can be applied to various modes of
tion of food or water as reported by W. J. Freeman , interactive television 44. Its feature of providing cus
The physiology of perception, Scientific American, tomized instruction, learning, and motivational prompts
78-85 (February, 1991). A more recent study entitled and cues, often where the behavior occurs, provides a
Olfactory stimuli as context cues in human memory, by unique approach toward directed interactive learning
A. Cann and D. A. Ross and reported in American Jour and behavior modi?cation. Using interactive television
nal of Psychology, 91-102 (1989), indicates that an olfac 44, the computer-driven system converts the traditional
tory context cue, when paired with a learning experi broadcast format to a customized “narrowcast,” where
ence, might later be used to produce more ef?cient either classes of learners or individual subscribers are
performance of the learned behaviors. In fact, the client 65 addressed according to their individual issues without
50 could carry the proper olfactory stimulus 40 for speci?c categories, and each in turn returns individual
release at the critical time when performance is ?nished, speci?c responses to questions or polling, which are
thus enhancing the motivational training by providing then recorded in the client database 12. This application