System to dynamically collect and synchronize data with mobile devices

Abstract

The invention enables bi-directional mobile communication by researchers, clinicians or counselors with their patients and study participants. An exemplary application is ecological momentary assessment of psychological and physical status related to weight management. The system may be combined with objective information to trigger a communication and enhance responses assessed on food choices, dietary intake, physical activity, exertion, mood and companions.

What we claim is: 
     
         1 - 4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A survey system, comprising:
 a mobile personal computing device, configured to receive a survey comprising at least one of information, one or more questions, or a request to take an action, to be presented by the device to a participant having possession of the device; and   wherein the device includes a module configured to present the survey to the participant when motion recorded from an accelerometer associated with the device meets a specified threshold of at least one of magnitude or duration.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises a module configured to present the survey within at least one of a specified beginning or ending date or time. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises a module configured to record at least one of the date or time at which the survey is presented to the participant. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises a module configured to record at least one of a date or time when motion recorded from the accelerometer meets the specified threshold of at least one of magnitude or duration. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device further comprises a module configured to capture one or more responses to the one or more questions in the survey. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the device further comprises a module configured to record at least one of the date or time at which the participant completes a particular one of the one or more responses to the one or more questions in the survey. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the accelerometer is included with the device. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the accelerometer is separate from the device and in wired or wireless communication with the device. 
     
     
         13 . A method of presenting a survey, the method comprising:
 receiving, using a mobile personal computing device, a survey comprising at least one of information, one or more questions, or a request to take an action, to be presented by the device to a participant having possession of the device; and   presenting the survey to the participant when motion recorded from an accelerometer associated with the device meets a specified threshold of at least one of magnitude or duration.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising presenting the survey within at least one of a specified beginning date or time or at least one of a specified ending date or time. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising recording at least one of a date or time when motion recorded from the accelerometer meets the specified threshold of at least one of magnitude or duration. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising capturing a response to the one or more questions in the survey. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising recording at least one of a presentation date or time at which a question in the survey is presented to the participant and at least one of a completion date or time at which the participant completes a response to the presented item. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the survey comprises requesting the participant to take an action. 
     
     
         19 . A survey system, comprising:
 a computer server, configured to provide a survey comprising at least one of information, one or more questions, or a request to take an action, to be presented on a mobile personal computing device; and   wherein the server includes a module adapted to configure the survey to be provided to the device to cause the device to present the survey when motion recorded from an accelerometer associated with the device meets a specified threshold of at least one of magnitude or duration.   
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the server includes a web service module configured to create or configure the information, or one or more questions, or the request to take an action comprising the survey. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 20 , wherein the web service is adapted to enable creating one or more response choices for the one or more questions in the survey. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the server includes a module that is adapted to enable a threshold for at least one of a magnitude or duration to be specified for motion of the mobile personal computing device. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the server includes a module that is adapted to configure the device to present the survey within at least one of a specified beginning date or time and at least one of a specified ending date or time. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the server includes a web service adapted to enable more than one participant to be selected to receive the survey from among a plurality of participants.