Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A system (100) for providing emotional support to a user, the system (100) comprising:
a processor (102);
a non-transitory storage medium (104) comprising instructions to be executed by the processor (102);
an input/output (I/O) interface (106) configured to be in communication with the processor (102) and adapted to enable the user to access a chat server (108) through a chat application (110); wherein the chat server (108) comprises:
a registration module (112) configured for registering a profile of the user, according to predefined chat rules (114);
an analyzing module (116) configured for determining a type of psychological discomfort of the user;
a decision module (118) configured for assigning a chat room to the user such that the user is enabled to chat with a group of participants having a correlating psychological discomfort under an observation of a therapist, wherein the therapist is assigned based on an expertise of the therapist to handle the correlating psychological discomfort; and
an inspection module (120) configured for inspecting chats of the user based on the chat rules (114); wherein the inspection module (120) is configured to restrict the chats having a content violating the chats rules (114).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chat rules (114) are formulated to keep the user profile anonymous.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the registration module (112) is configured to verify credentials of the user, the group of participants and/or the therapist.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the registration module (112) is configured to provide a list of the psychological discomforts to the user.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content violating the chat rules (114) comprise confidential data of the user.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the decision module (118) is configured to evaluate a contribution of the therapist to determine a billing amount to be paid to the therapist.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the chat room is assigned to the user based on an availability of a time slot.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the registration module (112) is configured to generate a nickname of the user to keep the user’s identity anonymous.
9. A method (300) for providing emotional support, the method (300) comprising:
allowing a user to register a user profile using a registration module (112);
verifying user credentials using the registration module (112);
generating a nickname for the user using the registration module (112);
determining, using an analyzing module (116) a type of the psychological discomfort of the user;
assigning, using a decision module (118), a chat room to the user based on the determined type of psychological discomfort;
assigning, using the decision module (118), a therapist to the chat room; and
allowing the user to chat with a group of participants under an observation of the therapist.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 9 comprising inspecting chats and/or historical data, using an inspection module (120), of the user based on the predefined chat rules (114).

Date: 18th March, 2021
Place: Noida
Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)

, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&

THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10, and rule 13)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
APPLICANT(S)
NAME: CHITKARA INNOVATION INCUBATOR FOUNDATION
NATIONALITY: INDIAN
ADDRESS: SCO: 160-161, SECTOR – 9C, MADHYA MARG, CHANDIGARH – 160009, INDIA

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system and method for providing an emotional support, and particularly to a system and method for providing emotional support to a user facing a psychological discomfort.
Description of Related Art
[002] In today's world, a lot of people are suffering from emotional problems, depression, loneliness, and more. Statistics of the world health organization (WHO) of the year 2017 reflect that there are approximately 300 million people who are facing depression, and other problems like overeating, anxiety, loneliness, and more. Many people go into substance abuse or commit suicide due to the same.
[003] At present, there are many healing centers and therapists to deal with the psychological problems of the people. However, many people dealing with emotional suffering are a bit hesitant to go to the healing centers. Few people do not wish to go to the healing centers in a fear of revealing their identity. On the other hand, the therapists, offline and online, are more private. However, not everyone can afford the therapists as they charge a hefty amount for each consultation session.
[004] There are few online platforms for dealing with psychological problems; however, these platforms are not reliable enough in terms of securing the identity of the people. Further, the online platforms are not interactive for providing personalized solutions at the time of need. It has been studied that socializing can improve the mood and talking to other people can elevate a process of psychological healing.
[005] There is thus a need for a system and method for providing emotional support to a person in distress in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a system for providing an emotional support to a user. The system comprising: a processor, a non-transitory storage medium comprising instructions to be executed by the processor, and an input/output (I/O) interface configured to be in communication with the processor and adapted to enable the user to access a chat server through a chat application; wherein the chat server comprises: a registration module configured for registering a profile of the user, according to predefined chat rules; an analyzing module to determine a type of psychological discomfort of the user; a decision module configured to assign a chat room to the user such that the user is enabled to chat with a group of participants having a correlating psychological discomfort under an observation of a therapist, wherein the therapist is assigned to the chat group based on an expertise of the therapist to handle the correlating psychological discomfort; and an inspection module configured to inspect chats of the user based on the chat rules, wherein the inspection module configured to restrict the chats having a content violating the chats rules.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a computer-implemented method for providing emotional support to a user. The method comprising: allowing the user to register a user profile using a registration module; verifying user credentials using the registration module; generating a nickname for the user using the registration module; determining, using an analyzing module, a type of a psychological discomfort of the user; assigning, using a decision module, a chat room to the user based on the determined type of psychological discomfort; assigning, using the decision module, a therapist to the chat room; and allowing the user to chat with a group of participants under an observation of the therapist. The method comprising inspecting chats and/or historical data, using an inspection module, of the user based on predefined chat rules.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on its particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application provide a system and a method for providing emotional support to a user suffering from psychological discomfort.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that comprises a chat application to enable a user to chat with a group of participants.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that comprises the chat server to enable the user to chat with a group of participants having a correlating psychological discomfort under an observation of a therapist.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that enables a user to anonymously chat with participants to get an emotional support.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that enables a user to anonymously consult with a therapist to get a psychological consultation.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application provide a system that enables a user to heal psychologically by chatting with a group of participants.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting a system for providing emotional support to a user, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the system for providing emotional support to a user, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for providing emotional support to a user, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] Embodiments of the present invention may disclose a system 100 for providing emotional support to a user. The system 100 may comprise a processor 102, a non-transitory storage medium 104, and an input/output (I/O) interface 106.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the non-transitory storage medium 104 may comprise computer programmable instructions. The processor 102 may execute the computer programmable instructions to perform various functionalities, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 102 may be a general-purpose processor which may be, but not limited to, a microcontroller, a development board, and so forth. In another embodiment of the present invention, the processor 102 may be a conventional processor, a controller, or a state machine. The processor 102 may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) core, or any other such configuration. In further embodiments of the present invention, the processor 102 may be a microcontroller that may be attuned with breadboards and a microchip technology.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the I/O interface 106 may be configured to be in communication with the processor 102. The I/O interface 106 may be adapted to enable a user to communicate with the system 100 and further to enable the user to access a chat server 108 through a chat application 110 using a user device (not shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the chat server 108 may be a cloud-based server. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chat server 108 may be a localized server. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the chat server 108 may be a remote server.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a communication medium (not shown). The communication medium may be configured to allow the user to access the chat server 108 by utilizing the chat application 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the chat application 110 may be a mobile application. In another embodiment of the present invention, the chat application 110 may be a computer program and/or a software application that may be adapted to be executed by the processor 102.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the chat server 108 may comprise non-limiting modules such as a registration module 112, an analyzing module 116, a decision module 118, and an inspection module 120.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the registration module 112 may be configured to register a profile of the user, according to predefined chat rules 114. The chat rules 114 may be pre-stored set of instructions on the chat server 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the registration module 112 may enable the user to input credentials such as, but not limited to, a name, an age, an email, a contact number, a geographical location, medical conditions, an emergency contact, and so forth. The registration module 112 may further be configured to verify the credentials of the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may send a confirmation mail and/or a one-time password (OTP) to the user-provided email and/or on the contact number for verification of the provided email and/or the contact number. Once verified, the system 100 may register the user profile on the chat server 108.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may keep the user profile confidential adhering to the chat rules 114. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be configured to generate a nickname of the user to keep the user’s identity anonymous.
[0031] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the registration module 112 may be adapted to provide a list of psychological discomforts to the user. The user may select a type of psychological discomfort from the list through the chat application 110 while registering the user profile on the chat server 108. The list of psychological discomforts may comprise, stating but not restricted to, a depression, a persistent depressive disorder, a bipolar disorder, a seasonal affective disorder (sad), a psychotic depression, a postpartum depression, a premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), atypical depression and/or a situational depression, etc. In another embodiment of the present invention, the registration module 112 may provide a list of symptoms of the psychological discomforts. The list of symptoms may comprise, stating but not restricted to, an anxiety, an apathy, a general discontent, a guilt, a hopelessness, a loss of interest, a loss of interest and/or pleasure in activities, mood swings, a sadness, an agitation, excessive crying, an irritability, a restlessness, a social isolation, an early awakening, an excess sleepiness, an insomnia, a restless sleep, an excessive hunger, a fatigue, or a loss of appetite, a lack of concentration, a slowness in activity, thoughts of rashness, a weight gain and/or a weight loss, etc. The user may select the one or more symptoms while registering the user profile.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the analyzing module 116 may be adapted to determine the type of psychological discomfort of the user. The analyzing module 116 may be configured to read the psychological discomfort and/or the symptoms as selected by the user. The analyzing module 116 may further assess a level of the user’s psychological discomfort. In an embodiment of the present invention, the level of the user’s psychological discomfort may be one of a low, medium or high.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to assign a virtual chat room to the user. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may have multiple chat rooms and each chat room may have a group of participants. In an embodiment of the present invention, the participants may be other registered users who may also be suffering from the psychological discomfort.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to receive inputs regarding the type and/or level of the user’s psychological discomfort from the analyzing module 116. Based on the determined type of the psychological discomfort, the decision module 118 may be configured to allocate the chat room to the user to enable the user to chat with the participants having a correlating psychological discomfort. In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to provide a time slot to the user to join the chat room, on a basis of an availability of the slots.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to enable 5-10 participants to join the chat room, at a time. In another embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to enable less than 5 participants to join the chat room. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to enable more than 10 participants to join the chat room at a time.
[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may enable the user to anonymously consult with the therapist to get a psychological consultation, alone or in the group of the participants.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to further assign a therapist to the each chat room. The therapist may be an expert who may have an expertise to handle the correlating psychological discomfort of people. In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to enable the therapist to register him/herself through the registration module 112. The registration module 112 may be configured to verify credentials and/or an authenticity of the therapist.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the user may select the type of the psychological discomfort, for say, as the postpartum depression. Based on the user's selection, the system 100 may assign the chat room to the user in which the participants may also have the postpartum depression and/or the other correlating psychological discomfort. Further, the system 100 may assign a therapist who may have an expertise in handling the users having postpartum depression. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may enable the user to discuss issues in the chat room with the participants under an observation of the therapist.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to evaluate a contribution of the therapist. Based on the contribution, the decision module 118 may be configured to disburse a billing amount to be paid to the therapist. In an embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to disburse a fix and/or a flexible amount to the therapist. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the decision module 118 may be configured to be adapted to charge a one-time and/or a time-based amount from the user and/or the participants for joining the chat room.
[0040] Further, in the embodiments of the present invention, the inspection module 120 may be configured to inspect chats and/or historical data of the user based on the predefined chat rules 114. The inspection module 120 may be configured to restrict the chats from having a content violating the chat rules 114. The content violating the chat rules 114 may comprise a confidential data of the user such as, but not limited to, a name, an original identity, an address and/or other confidential data. In another embodiment of the present invention, the content violating the chat rules 114 may be an information that may exploit or endanger any person such as a phone number, email address, personal photographs, video and/or other personal information aimed at any exploitation and/or endangerment of the person. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the content violating the chat rules 114 may comprise an abusive and/or a bullying language, a discouraging, a demeaning and/or an offensive content, etc.
[0041] As depicted in FIG. 2, the chat server 108 may allow the user to chat with the group of the participants in the chat room. In an embodiment of the present invention, the user, the participants and/or the therapist may virtually communicate with each other through their computing devices 202a, 202b, 202c…202n (hereinafter referred to as the computing devices 202). In an embodiment of the present invention, the computing device 202 may be a computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, a smartphone and/or a standalone device. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the computing device 202 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, the therapist may be a virtual machine (not shown) that may be configured to assist and/or to provide consultation to the user and/or to the participants of the chat room. The virtual machine may be configured with pre-stored responses that may be provided to the user and/or the participants. In another embodiment of the present invention, the therapist may be a volunteer such as the user and/or the participant of the group.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may establish a communication among the user, the participants and/or the therapist by utilizing a communication medium (no shown). In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication can be done as text messages. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may enable the user to chat with the participants and/or the therapist on a voice call and/or on a video call.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the communication medium may be a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), a Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wi-Max), a ZigBee™, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB), a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), a Second generation (2G) cellular network, a Second and half generation (2.5G) cellular network, a Third generation (3G) cellular network, a Third and half generation (3.5G) cellular network, an Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), or the like. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the communication medium including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] Further embodiments of the present invention may provide a method 300 for providing emotional support to the user. The method 300 may comprise steps such as:
[0046] At step 302, the system 100 may allow the user to register the user profile on the chat server 108 using the registration module 112.
[0047] At step 304, the system 100 may verify the user credentials using the registration module 112.
[0048] At step 306, the system 100 may generate a nickname for the user using the registration module 112.
[0049] At step 308, the system 100 may determine a type of the psychological discomfort of the user using the analyzing module 116.
[0050] At step 310, the system 100 may assign a chat room to the user using the decision module 118.
[0051] At step 312, the system 100 may assign the therapist to the chat room, using the decision module 118.
[0052] At step 314, the system 100 may allow the user to chat with the group of the participants using the computing device 202 under the observation of the therapist for a predefined time interval such as, but not limited to, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, one hour, and so forth.
[0053] At step 316, the system 100 may inspect the chats of the user and/or the participants and the method 300 may conclude.
[0054] Embodiments of the invention are described above with reference to block diagrams and schematic illustrations of methods and systems according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the diagrams and combinations of blocks in the diagrams can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto one or more general purpose computers, special purpose computers, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce machines, such that the instructions which execute on the computers or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions specified in the block or blocks. Such computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the function specified in the block or blocks.
[0055] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0056] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.