APPLICATIONS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/464,916 filed on February 28, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a mobile application and a method for forwarding push notifications to the mobile application, and in particular for forwarding public service announcements (PSAs) to the mobile application.

BACKGROUND

[0003] PSAs or public service announcements are messages that are free of charge and that promote programs, activities or services of federal, state or local governments. PSAs address among other topics health and safety issues, such as drug addiction and abuse, bullying, eating disorder, and other diseases and conditions influenced by society. Conventionally, PSAs are broadcasted via radio or television. With the rise of the Internet, PSAs were also made available on video-sharing websites such as YouTube, on blogs, and on a variety of multiple media formats.

[0004] However, none of the existing PSA broadcasting systems allow PSAs to be transmitted to a specific person at a specific time and to determine whether the person has received and reviewed the PSA. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a mobile application and a method for selectively transmitting a PSA message from an accountability partner device to a mobile device of a selected recipient. The PSA message may be selectively transmitted to a recipient in addition to, but not limited to, training, videos, images, personal voice messages, etc.

[0006] The object is achieved by providing a mobile device, the mobile device including one or more processors, one or more memory devices in communication with the one or more processors, at least one network interface unit coupled to the one or more processors, and a display. The one or more processors are configured to receive a first message from an accountability partner device via at least one network interface unit, lock the display of the mobile device, and provide a user interface on the locked display. The user interface is configured to allow the user to select one of a first request to postpone displaying the first message on the display and a second request to display the first message on the display, display the first message upon selection of the second request, generate time information and location information, wherein the time information defines a time at which the first message was displayed on the mobile device and the location information defines a location of the mobile device at which the first message was displayed, and send a second message to the accountability partner device, wherein the second message includes the time information and the location information.

[0007] The mobile application is installed on a smartphone, a tablet, an iPad ^® or any other type of computer and is accessible on all available operating systems including iOS and Android™ to allow an accountability partner (parent, caregiver, friend, therapist, teacher, employer, co-worker, etc.) to agree with a selected recipient (individual or group: child, children, student, friend, patient, co-worker, and employee) to exchange relevant messages (PSAs, photos, songs, etc.) at appropriate times to offer encouragement, support, and as a reminder.

[0008] The mobile application may be downloaded on the mobile device from an application store.

[0009] The accountability partner has an accountability partner device on which an accountability partner application is installed. The accountability partner selects a relevant message in the accountability partner application from various options pertaining to the issue at hand (substance abuse, bullying, eating disorder, etc.) and sends the relevant message to a selected recipient via their mobile application. In other words, the most appropriate message may be "suggested" with the input from professionals, taking into consideration the current "drug climate," for example, within a respective area.

[0010] The mobile application locks the display of the recipient's mobile device upon receipt of the relevant message. The recipient is provided with the option to hit a snooze button, acting like an alarm clock, postponing the lock function until a more appropriate time to view and respond to the message (the number of snoozes is regulated, and geocoded tagging information is also pushed back to the accountability partner).

[0011] Once the recipient hits the snooze button for a predetermined number of times, the mobile application freezes the recipient's phone functions until the message is reviewed. [0012] Once the message is reviewed and a confirmation message is sent to the accountability partner, the accountability partner can send out multiple confirmation notices stating: a message was sent, the time and date viewed, and location stamped, with links to view the message that was sent.

[0013] The mobile application uses the "addiction" of potential recipients to being "connected" as a motivation for others to stay the course. The reasons for using accountability partners to support those in need, e.g., the recipient(s), in reaching their goal is to achieve sustainable, long term results. Motivation might get someone started, but when it comes to being truly successful, an accountability partner is priceless. Accountability partners serve as confidants and motivators to keep the recipient(s) on track. By equipping the recipient with the mobile application controlled by the right person (the accountability partner), the mobile application can help increase the recipient(s) level of commitment and motivation and help see the recipient(s) through tough times.

[0014] The key is to get the right message (for example the right PSA) at the right time to a person in need. Thus, the invention supports those in need prior to making, e.g., an unhealthy decision, and not after the fact as a reminder.

[0015] If a recipient struggles in accomplishing her/his goals, the recipient(s) just might need an extra push. By communicating with the recipient via the mobile application, the accountability partner can provide answers to help the recipient accomplish the recipient's next breakthrough.

[0016] The accountability partner is a motivator when the recipient's motivation, physical, and mental strength is tested, by forwarding selected PSAs and other information to the recipient. The accountability partner may say to the recipient 'Yes you Can' on the days when the recipient does not feel like he or she can.

[0017] The mobile application provides the accountability partner the option to challenge the recipient, making what the recipient believed was 'impossible' ... 'possible' . The mobile application also allows the accountability partner to communicate with a plurality of recipients at the same time, thereby creating a complex system of accountability partner - recipient relationships that is impossible to maintain at the same time by an accountability partner without the mobile application.

[0018] When selecting an accountability partner, the mobile application allows to choose a person that not only knows and understands the recipient and the recipient's goals, but one who is also willing to push the recipient out of the recipient's comfort zone.

[0019] During the pursuit to accomplish a goal, people often get caught in thinking about how much they have left, rather than how far they have already come. Accountability partners will celebrate the recipient's achievements via the messages sent to the recipient(s) through the mobile application. Thus, by using the mobile application, the accountability partner keeps the recipient in check by giving the recipient "a pat on the back" when the recipient needs it and helps the recipient to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.

[0020] The mobile application allows the accountability partner to make sure that the recipient's goal remains a priority. In addition to their roles as motivators and cheerleaders, the accountability partner wants to see the recipient succeed through the use of the mobile application, which is why the accountability partner has afforded the time, care, and attention to help the recipient achieve her/his goal. The implementation of the mobile application improves the success rate because it directs PSAs to recipients (including the messages in the PSAs) which would otherwise not reach the recipients. As a result, the system of communicating PSAs is significantly improved by the mobile application because it allows the recipient to gain access to the information in the PSAs without the actual presence of the accountability partner. To the contrary, by forwarding the PSAs to the recipients via the mobile application, results are possible that cannot be achieved by mere in-person communication between the accountability partner and the recipient.

[0021] The mobile application proves that recipient "does not have to go it alone." In other words, the mobile application provides the recipient the feeling that the recipient will never be alone. The mobile application creates the impression that there will always be someone in the recipient's corner to help motivate the recipient, dismiss the recipient's fears or even give the recipient a reality check when the recipient needs it. Working towards a goal becomes a team effort instead of a solo struggle which helps lessen the fear of the unknown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0023] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a network communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. [0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a process for selectively transmitting a PSA message to a mobile device.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a mobile device configured to perform a method for selectively receiving a PSA message.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an accountability partner device configured to perform a method for selectively sending a PSA message to the mobile device.

[0027] FIG. 5 is another diagram depicting the process for selectively transmitting the PSA message to the mobile device.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0028] FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a network communication system 100 configured to execute the techniques discussed below in detail to allow a selective transmission of a public service announcement. The network communication system 100 includes accountability partner device 110 and mobile device 120 connected to the accountability partner device 110 via network 130. Network 130 may be any type of telecommunication network including but not limited to the Internet, a WiFi network, Bluetooth network, Radio Frequency (RF) network, Local Area Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) networks, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks, etc. Mobile device 120 may be any type of mobile device, including but not limited to smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants. PSA database 140 may be connected via network 130 to the accountability partner device 110. PSA database 140 may also be stored in the memory 420 of accountability device 410 shown in FIG. 4 or may be stored in a cloud storage.

[0029] Accountability partner device 110 shown in FIG. 1 may be connected via network 130 to a plurality of mobile devices (not shown). In other words, an accountability partner operating the accountability device 110 may have numerous recipients, i.e., several children in a household, several students with one teacher, one manager with several employees. The accountability partner can send the same PSA and/or additional information to everyone in the accountability partner's charge, or to a different individual, while reporting time, date, location stamps on each recipient. Thus, the mobile application allows the accountability partner to forward reports to other recipients who might be in a position of "need to know".

[0030] As discussed above, none of the existing PSA broadcasting systems allow PSAs to be transmitted to a specific person or to a specific group of recipients at a specific time, to determine whether the person or each one of the recipients has received and reviewed the PSA, and to generate statistics such as time, date, and/or location for each recipient reviewing the PSA. In this way, the mobile application significantly improves the existing PSA systems and allows transmission of PSAs to a target audience in a way that was not possible before. In other words, the mobile application resolves a long-felt need to send PSAs directly to the target audience.

[0031] Further, PSAs are sent based on a recommendation or based on an accountability partner - recipient relationship and to generate statistics on how and when the PSAs are reviewed. [0032] Reference is now made to FIG. 2 (with continued reference to FIG. 1) for description of method 200 of operations performed by mobile device 120 pursuant to the techniques presented herein.

[0033] At 205, a message from the accountability partner device 110 is received. At 210, the mobile application being executed on the mobile device locks the display 330 (shown in FIG. 3) of the mobile device 120. At 215, a user interface is provided on display 330 which allows the user of the mobile device 120 (the recipient) to make a selection. In particular, the user is provided with the option to immediately review the message received from the accountability partner device or to postpone review of the message. At 220, the user input or selection is obtained. At 225, when the mobile application determines that the user selected to postpone review of the message, the method moves on to 230. At 230, if it is determined that the review of the message was not postponed for a predetermined number of times, the method continues to 235 at which the display 330 of the mobile device 120 is unlocked for a predetermined period of time and the method returns to 225.

[0034] At 230, if it is determined that the review of the message was already postponed for a predetermined number of times, the method continues to 240 at which the entire functionality of the mobile device 120 is frozen. The method continues to 245 at which it is determined whether the user of the mobile device (the recipient) decided to "opt-out". This so called "kill-switch" function represents an "emergency opt-out" if there is a "breakup" between the parties (accountability partner and recipient). This eliminates the ability for the accountability partner to compromise the functions of the mobile device 120, confirming the fact the accountability partner can never make the recipient change unless the recipient truly wants change to happen.

[0035] At 240, if the user (recipient) opts out (245: YES) method 400 ends at 250. If the user (recipient) at 240 does not decide to opt-out (245: NO), the method continues to 255. At 255, if the review of the message is complete (255: YES) the method 200 continues to 260 at which time and location information is determined.

[0036] At 265, a message with the time and location information is sent to accountability partner device 110. Determining and sending time and location information provides several tracking and validation options within this application that may be used to support the institutions such as the Department of Justice or courts with respect to court orders and/or accountability. In addition, the collection of such "big data" provides the ability to suggest the message with the most meaning to specific recipients (or "populations"), thereby increasing the applications' effectiveness. Furthermore, the collection of the big data becomes a useful tool to measure effectiveness and to identify trends in both use and prevention. The collected "big-data" also contributes to an understanding and insight into associated agencies such as for example the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

[0037] FIG. 3 shows the configuration of mobile device 120. Mobile device 120 includes control processor 310, memory 320, display 330, and network interface unit 340. Memory 310 stores control logic 322, mobile application logic 324, and user interface logic 326. As shown in FIG. 3, mobile device 120 is connected via network 130 to accountability partner device 110 through network interface unit 340. [0038] Memory 320 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical/tangible memory storage devices. Control processor 310 is, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller that executes instructions for control logic 322, mobile application logic 324 and user interface logic 326. Thus, in general, the memory 320 may include one or more tangible (non-transitory) computer readable storage media (e.g., a memory device) encoded with software including computer executable instructions and when the software is executed (by the control processor 310) it is operable to perform the operations described herein in connection with the control logic 322, the mobile application logic 324, and the user interface logic 326.

[0039] FIG. 4 shows the configuration of accountability partner device 110. Accountability partner device 110 includes control processor 410, memory 420, display 430, and network interface unit 440. Memory 410 stores control logic 422, application logic 424, library database 426, and time and location information database 428. As shown in FIG. 4, accountability partner device 110 is connected via network 130 to mobile device 120 through network interface unit 440.

[0040] Similar to memory 320, memory 420 may include read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media devices, optical storage media devices, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, or other physical/tangible memory storage devices. Control processor 410 is, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller that executes instructions for control logic 422 and application logic 424. Thus, in general, the memory 420 may include one or more tangible (non-transitory) computer readable storage media (e.g., a memory device) encoded with software including computer executable instructions and when the software is executed (by the control processor 410) it is operable to perform the operations described herein in connection with the control logic 422 and application logic 424.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a diagram depicting a method 500 for selectively transmitting a PSA message to a phone (mobile device) according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The method begins at 510 at which the accountability partner and the recipient download the mobile application and install the mobile application on their respective mobile devices 110 and 120. Examples of accountability partners are parents, teachers, or employers, and examples of recipients are children, students, employees. At 520, the accountability partner selects from the PSA library an appropriate message. It is also possible to select messages from Internet platforms, e.g., YouTube, images with a text, or voice messages. This promotes the production of additional PSAs. At 530, the recipient receives the message which freezes the phone functions until the message is viewed or the recipient hits a snooze button. The method continues to 540 at which once the message is viewed in totality, the phone functions are reactivated. The mobile application further includes an interrupt switch, which allows the phone functions to be reactivated in the event of discourse between the accountability partner and the recipient. The interrupt switch terminates the freezing of the phone and reactivates the phone functions without the messages being completely viewed. This functionality is provided to allow the recipient to refuse the help of the accountability partner. At 550, the accountability partner receives a confirmation message with time, date, and location information. In addition, the accountability partner is provided with the option to forward the confirmation message to parents, managers, human resource (HR) managers, etc. [0042] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the exemplary embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.