Life pattern detection
An example embodiment includes a life pattern detection system. The life pattern detection system includes a sensor, a data acquisition device, and a first processor. The sensor is configured to monitor actions of a user. The data acquisition device is configured to harvest signals from the sensor and produce sensor data. The first processor is configured to receive the sensor data and background data, and to execute a life pattern application including a first series of analytical steps that determines a predictable set of actions from the sensor data and the background data.
1. A life pattern detection system comprising:
a sensor configured to monitor actions of a user;
a data acquisition device configured to harvest signals from the sensor and produce sensor data;
a first processor configured to:
receive the sensor data and background data, and
execute a life pattern application including a first series of analytical steps that determines a predictable set of actions from the sensor data and the background data;
a plurality of sensors that include the sensor;
a first personal electronic device (PED) including a first subset of the plurality of sensors and the first processor; and
a second PED including a second subset of the plurality of sensors and a second processor including a second life pattern application,
wherein:
the first subset of the plurality of sensors and the second subset of the plurality of sensors are configured to monitor actions of the user;
the first PED and the second PED independently receive and process sensor data from the respective subsets of sensors, and
the first processor and the second processor are configured to execute the respective life pattern applications to determine a predictable set of actions from the sensor data.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a second processor configured to:
receive the predictable set of actions from the first processor, and
execute a modification application including a second series of analytical steps that determine a modification suggestion to alter an action included in the predictable set of actions; and
a modification transmitter configured to transmit the modification suggestion to the user.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the modification transmitter is further configured to transmit the modification suggestion to a storage location that is accessible by the user or to transmit the modification suggestion to a web application.
4. The system of claim 2 , further comprising:
a hybrid synchronous interface that dictates transmission timing of the modification suggestions according to a periodic time interaction with the user and real time interaction with the user.
5. The system of claim 2 , wherein the second series of analytical steps includes:
organizing the sensor data into identifiable actions;
determining whether an substitute action exists;
downloading additional background data;
requesting additional information from the user; and
examining personal goals of the user.
6. The system of claim 2 , wherein the second processor is further configured to execute an incentive application that generates an incentive for the modification suggestion and wherein the modification transmitter is configured to transmit the incentive to the user.
7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising a server including the first processor and/or the second processor, wherein at least some portion of the sensor data is communicated to the server and at least one of the life pattern application, the modification applications, or the incentive application is executed at the server.
8. The system of claim 6 , wherein the incentive conforms to a game application, a virtual economy, a personal incentive program, or a social networking application.
9. The system of claim 6 , wherein the modification suggestion and the incentive encourage a health benefit for the user or incorporate a commercial sponsorship.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first processor is further configured to receive and process sensor data from the second subset of sensors and to aggregate the sensor data from the first subset of sensors and the second subset of sensors.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the first series of analytical steps comprises:
organizing the sensor data into types of sensor signals;
time sequencing the sensor data;
sequencing the sensor data by positional coordinates;
extracting signals consistent with an identifiable action;
fitting the sensor data to the background data;
monitoring for predictable patterns; and
eliminating the sensor data that is erroneous or conflicting combinations of sensor data.
12. A multi-function device comprising:
an internal sensor configured to sense actions of a user;
a signal acquisition processor configured to harvest sensor data from the internal sensor;
a first processor configured to determine a predictable set of actions from the sensor data;
a second processor configured to determine a modification suggestion to alter an action included in the predictable set of actions and to generate an incentive corresponding to the modification suggestion; and
a display configured to display the modification suggestion and the incentive to the user;
wherein the first processor includes a microcontroller and a main processor, and wherein the microprocessor is configured to:
operate at a lower power consumption level than the main processor,
monitor the internal sensors while the main processor operates in a sleep state, and
at a threshold signal of the internal sensor, trigger the main processor to restore the main processor to an active state.
13. The multi-function device of claim 12 , wherein the signal acquisition processor is further configured to harvest sensor data from an external sensor that is separate from the multi-function device.
14. The multi-function device of claim 13 , wherein the external sensor is owned and/or operated by a separate entity than the multi-function device and harvesting sensor data from the external sensor is controlled by a permission.
15. The multi-function device of claim 12 , further comprising a transmitter configured to transmit the modification suggestion and the incentive to a server location configured such that the user can access the modification suggestion and the incentive.
16. A method of determining a life pattern for the purpose of altering behavior comprising:
collecting a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors, including collecting a plurality of signals from a plurality of sensors in a distributed sensor architecture in which each sensor of the plurality of sensors is periodically synchronized and harvested;
detecting from the plurality of signals a life pattern of a user, wherein the life pattern constitutes a predictable set of actions;
determining a modification suggestion including a proposed modification to at least one of the actions in the life pattern;
incentivizing the modification suggestion; and
communicating the modification suggestion and a corresponding incentive to the user.
17. The method of claim 16 , wherein the modification suggestion is configured to provide the user with a health benefit.
18. The method of claim 16 , wherein the plurality of sensors comprises at least one internal sensor and at least one external sensor variously owned and/or operated by separate entities.
19. The method of claim 16 , wherein detecting the life pattern comprises:
organizing the plurality of signals by sensor type;
time sequencing the plurality of signals;
extracting signals consistent with an identifiable action; and
monitoring for predictable patterns.
20. The method of claim 16 , wherein detecting the life pattern comprises:
sequencing the plurality of signals by positional coordinates.