Patent Application
20080293019
None.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to a device facilitating savings and management of money. Specifically, the invention is a personal savings bank for children that is attachable to a computer as a peripheral device and simulates interactions with a teller as paper currency and coins are deposited into and withdrawn from the device.
2. Background
Most adults in the United States have a poor track record pertaining to the saving and management of money. However, their children as a group are better savers and managers, if properly trained to understand the value of money, how money works, and how the saving of money facilitates the purchase of things they want and need.
Presently known personal savings banks, otherwise referred to as piggy banks, are of limited utility and educational value to children with regard to the saving and management of money. Several examples are provided below.
Rogers, U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,573, describes a personal novelty bank including a microprocessor that senses when money is added to or removed from the device. The microprocessor moves an animated mechanical device attached to the bank and broadcasts selected phrases therefrom.
Woods, U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,570, describes a piggy bank directly connected to the internet. The device tracks deposits and withdrawals of funds which are retained within the device. Transactions are communicated to a bank accessed via the internet to track the total funds within the piggy bank. Account balance and transactional information are reported in a statement mailed to a user.
Vetter, U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,211, describes a personal savings bank including separate storage locations for category specific savings. A microprocessor residing within the device calculates and displays the total amount in each investment category and projects future values.
Gotman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,811,828, describes a personal savings bank with a plurality of coins slots which are selectively opened and closed by a user.
Bush, U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,368, describes a personal coin bank having a mechanism which identifies the value of each coin inserted into the device based on its diameter.
As is readily apparent from the discussions above, the related arts do not include a personal savings bank for a child which is attachable to a computer as a peripheral and replicates a money-related transaction typically encountered at a bank.
Therefore, what is required is a personal savings bank for children that is attachable to a computer as a peripheral device and simulates interactions with a teller as paper currency and coins are deposited into and withdrawn from the device.
An object of the present invention is to provide a personal savings bank, for use by children, which is attachable to a computer as a peripheral device and simulates interactions with a teller as paper currency and coins are deposited into and withdrawn from the device.
The present invention includes a money storage peripheral capable of receiving and storing money and having a communications port for direct connection to a locally-based computer via wire or wireless means. The money storage peripheral includes receptacles for coins and paper currency with real-time identification and counting functionality, functional keypad, and LCD or LED display. The computer executes a software program allowing a child to establish accounts, to track and project savings, and to review references including educational materials pertaining to money management and the like. The software also prompts a child, via visual and sound effects, during a deposit or withdrawal transaction. Furthermore, the software communicates with a child so that he or she knows when savings are not on track and when a savings goal is achieved.
The present invention allows a child to quickly and easily establish a savings account. The software package further allows a child to plan his or her finances with little or no adult supervision. The software program provides visual and audio cues which enable a child to watch his or her money grow and to learn how to be a responsible saver and prudent spender. For example, sound effects, rewards, and animation could include a money tree, a pile of money that grows, or animations of a child being driven around in a limousine, talking on a cellular telephone, playing on a computer, at a vacation destination, or playing with a pet. Goals could be personalized with visual presentations of the items for which the child is saving, examples including, but not limited to, a television, a cellular phone, an MP3 player, a vacation, a pet, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the child could insert pictures of herself, family members, friends, and pets into a theme-related background, one example being the lifestyles of the rich and famous, which is displayed on the computer and printable therefrom. In still other embodiments, funny characters and/or humorous stories, graphics, games, and sounds may prompt a child and encourage, reinforce, and reward good savings and money management behavior.
Several advantages are offered by the present invention. The graphical interface of the present invention simulates real-time, bank-related transactions, thus allowing a child to perform otherwise complex tasks in an easy to use, friendly, and understandable format. The graphical interface teaches and reinforces skills required for successful money management in a fun, non-threatening, and engaging format.
The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
a is a side elevation view illustrating a paper money receptacle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
b is a top elevation view of the paper money receptacle from
Referring now to
Software described herein is executed by the computer 3 which displays information both visually and audibly to a user via a virtual teller 49 and optional background 50. The virtual teller 49 could include a real person, one example being a likeness or image of the user, or an animated character who talks to the user to facilitate proper usage of the money storage peripheral 1. The virtual teller 49 is preferred to replicate the facial dynamics, examples including the movement of lips, eyelids, cheeks, eyes, nose, chin, ears, hair, throat, forehead, and/or head, consistent with speech. In some embodiments, functionality of the virtual teller 49 is prompted by the user's physical interaction with the money storage peripheral 1. The background 50 could include a bank setting or other scene or theme chosen or created by the user.
The wire-based link 2 and wireless link 4 facilitate exchange of information, data, commands, and signals between the money storage peripheral 1 and computer 3. Software described herein is executed by the computer 3 so as to receive information, data, commands, and signals from and to send information, data, commands, and signals to the money storage peripheral 1. Exemplary communications could include, but not limited to, the values of paper currency and/or coins deposited into and/or withdrawn from the money storage peripheral 1, a password or personal identification number (PIN), account identification information, access commands which lock and unlock the money storage peripheral 1, and/or commands which arm and disarm an alarm system within the money storage peripheral 1.
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The door 11 could include at least one hinge assembly 35 disposed between one edge of the door 11 and the housing 5 so as to facilitate access to the storage bin 10. The money storage peripheral 1 could also include two or more pads 12 composed of a plastic or soft rubber which support the device along a mounting surface. In other embodiments, one or more connector ports 13 could be provided along the housing 5 for connectivity to USB, serial, parallel, or other communications cables commonly used with a computer 3.
Referring now to
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In some embodiments, the display 8 could visually communicate information to the user including account related data received from the computer 3 or entered by the user via the keypad 9. In other embodiments, entries from the keypad 9, examples being the value of paper bills or coins deposited into or withdrawn from the money storage peripheral 1, are communicated via the wire or wireless means described herein to the computer 3 for processing and storage. In preferred embodiments, coin and paper receptacles 6, 7 have real-time counting functionality and data therefrom is communicated to the computer 3 for processing and storage.
In preferred embodiments, audio communications from the virtual teller 49 are broadcasted via the sound card and speakers residing within the computer 3. In other embodiments, optional speakers could be provided in or attached to the money storage peripheral 1 to deliver commands and responses from the virtual teller 49 to the user. For example, the virtual teller 49 could greet the user and provide one or more prompts which enable a user to complete a banking transaction, examples including deposits, withdrawals, and account balance summaries. Also, the virtual teller 49 could audibly request access information from the user, examples including but not limited to account name and/or number, password, and PIN.
In other embodiments, the money storage peripheral 1 could include a functional or faux finger print scanner to properly identify the user. The money storage peripheral 1 is preferred to prompt the user to enter a password, PIN, or other verifiable information when a faux scanner is used.
Referring now to
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In other embodiments, the user could enter the value of coins and paper money deposited by an individual via either the keypad 9 or a keyboard attached to the computer 3. In still other embodiments, the user could be required to manually enter the value of the deposit as described herein which is thereafter confirmed by at least one sensor. It yet other embodiments, the coin and paper receptacles 6, 7 could dispense paper and coin money, respectively, during a withdrawal transaction via commands communicated from either the keypad 9 or computer 3.
In preferred embodiments, the storage bin 10 is secured to prevent unauthorized entry. Referring again to
Referring again to
Referring now to
A microcontroller unit 40 is disposed within and physically attached to the money storage peripheral 1. In preferred embodiments, the microcontroller unit 40 controls functionality of and between one or more devices within the money storage peripheral 1. Accordingly, the microcontroller unit 40 could include a processor, memory, and storage device or the like disposed along to a circuit board. A power supply 41, one example being a battery, could be electrically attached to the microcontroller unit 40 so as to allow for the communication of power to other devices within the money storage peripheral 1 based on need and functionality. The display 46 and keypad 47 are electrically attached to the microcontroller unit 40 so that the display 46 shows the numeric or alphanumeric values entered by a user via the keypad 47. The coin and paper receptacle devices 44, 45 are likewise electrically attached to the microcontroller unit 40 which tracks and stores data pertaining to funds held within, deposited into, and withdrawn from the money storage peripheral 1. In some embodiments, the display 46 could show the value of individual coins and paper money and/or their total entered into or withdrawn from the money storage peripheral 1 in real time. Also, the keypad 47 could be used to enter the amount to be withdrawn which is thereafter communicated from the microcontroller unit 40 to the respective coin and paper receptacle devices 44, 45.
The microcontroller unit 40 is electrically connected to either a wire communications system 42 and/or wireless communication system 43 described herein. The wire and wireless communication systems 42, 43 facilitate communication of information, data, commands, and signals between the computer 3 and microcontroller unit 40 and/or other devices within the money storage peripheral 1. In yet other embodiments, display elements 48, example including light and sound generating devices residing on or attached to the money storage peripheral 1, are electrically attached to the microcontroller unit 40. Display elements 48 could serve a variety of purposes including, but not limited to, entertainment, educational, and security.
The virtual teller 50 is implemented by the software 100 which resides on and is executed by the computer 3. In some embodiments, the software 100 could query the money storage peripheral 1 when first launched to determine its operational status. Execution of the software 100 could be terminated when the money storage peripheral 1 is non-functional or not communicating with the computer 3, so as to prevent usage of the software 100 separate from the money storage peripheral 1.
The software 100 described in
The software 100 controls and directs functionality and interoperability between the money storage peripheral 1 and the computer 3. The software 100 further provides additional features including savings planner, money manager, and financial report creator. The savings planner could enable the user to schedule saving times and amounts with visual and/or audio reminders. The money manager could allow the user to access and view account balances and project future values based on current saving trends. The financial report creator could allow the user to view and print reports pertaining to accounts, saving trends, saving goals, and the like. The software 100 could also facilitate a link to local and online reference materials of particular interest to young investors.
In one embodiment, the software 100 includes a series of screens displayed by the computer 3 which are intuitive and highly entreating. Screens are easy to read and understand and could include voice recitations of the some or all of the contents displayed on the screen. Screens could be displayed to remind a user to make deposits so as to ensure compliance with saving plans and goals. In some embodiments, the user is rewarded via visual and audio cues when savings goals are on track and/or completed. Calendar-type screens are likewise displayable to enable a user to track savings goals and to print paper copies for placement on a wall, corkboard, and the like.
Cues could include a variety of features. For example, in some embodiments lights or sound could communicate to the user via elements attached to the money storage peripheral 1. In other embodiments, fun animation could be displayed on the computer 1, examples including but not limited to a money tree or a pile of money that grows, a thermometer with reading that increases with savings, or animations of a child being driven around in a limousine, talking on a cellular telephone, playing on a computer, lounging at a vacation destination, or playing with a pet. Goals can be personalized with visual representations of the items for which the child is saving, examples including but not limited to a television, a phone, an MP3 player, a vacation, a pet, or the like. Furthermore, accounts may be visually represented by icons which correspond to the item for which the savings or plan corresponds. In yet other embodiments, a child may insert pictures of herself and others, via software compatible with WINDOWS® or other operating systems, for placement into theme-based backgrounds which are displayed on the computer 3 and printable therefrom. In some embodiments, animations could include licensed characters or famous persons who encourage the user to save more or praise the user when a goal is achieved.
The virtual teller 49 is displayed on the computer 3 and controlled by the software 100. The virtual teller 49 could include the image of a real person or animated character who talks and moves along the display screen of the computer 3. The virtual teller 49 could entertain and educate the user on financial issues, including savings, savings growth, money related terms and definitions understandable to a young investor, and financial planning. In some embodiments, the virtual teller 49 is one or more animated characters which verbally or visually communicate with the user to ensure the attention and concentration to perform and complete a variety of banking-related transactions.
In preferred embodiments, the virtual teller 49 interacts with the functionality of the money storage peripheral 1. For example, the total value of paper currency and/or coins deposited into the money storage peripheral 1 could be calculated by either the money storage peripheral 1 or software 100 and audibly communicated to the user via the speakers and sound card in the computer 3. It is likewise possible for the virtual teller 49 to issue a series of commands which enable deposit or withdrawal of funds from the money storage peripheral 1. The virtual teller 49 could be implemented using one or more programming languages which facilitate animated visual and audio displays on a personal computer or the like.
In one form of the present invention, the software 100 could include an account access routine, a savings planner routine, a report generator routine, and a reference routine displayed as screens on the computer 3. Routines and screens could be implemented via one or more programming languages. Screens could include all standard features of a menu or screen driven application, including but not limited to pull downs, popups, text fields, buttons, and other animated and static graphic-based elements, and also include the execution of routines, data input, data analysis, and data output. Furthermore, the virtual teller 49 displayed on the computer 3 by the software 100 could include a real person or animated character, displayed concurrently with the screens in
Referring now to
The virtual teller 49 could be displayed by the user in step 101 by selecting an icon displayed on the desktop or in a folder on the computer 3. Thereafter, the software 100 displays the virtual teller 49 including components, related programs, and data therefore. The user accesses account information by selecting an icon represented by step 102 which then displays an input field allowing the user to enter account identification information in step 103. Such information could include account name or number, password, and/or personal identification number (PIN). The software 100 determines whether the account exists in step 104. If the user does not wish to enter account information, the user could select to execute the saving planner routine described in
If the identified account exists, account information is retrieved in step 107, displayed on or by the computer 3 in step 108, and thereafter interacted with the user in step 109. Interactions could include updating, supplementing, and/or viewing account information and savings data. The user could access the report routine in step 111 by selecting another icon displayed on the computer 3 or access the savings planner routine 112 by selecting yet another icon. Connectors “2” and “3” identified by reference numerals 124 and 137 correspond to flowcharts in
If the account does not exist, the user is queried to create a new account in step New account information is entered in step 106 and accessed in steps 107-109, 111, 112, 124, and 137, as described above; otherwise, the user is queried whether a new activity is to be performed in step 110 including return to the main screen as represented by the connector “4” 126 or termination of the virtual teller 49 in step 113 including the steps of closing all programs executed and files opened by the software 100.
Referring now to
The user is queried to access the savings planner by selecting an icon represented by step 115 which then displays an input field allowing the user to enter account identification information in step 117. Such information could include filename, account name or number, password, and/or PIN. The virtual teller determines whether the identified account exists in step 118. If the user does not wish to enter account information, the user could select to execute the report generator routine as represented by the connector “5” 116.
If the account exists, account information is retrieved in step 119, displayed on or by the computer 3 in step 120, and thereafter interacted with the user in step 121. The user then could project future values or develop a saving plan, as represented by the connector “2” 124.
If the user selects to project future value in step 146, she could then be required to enter information for analysis. For example, the user could be required to enter the amount saved, savings interval, interest rate, and savings period as represented in step 147. Future value projections could be calculated by the software 100 and graphically displayed for review by the user.
If the user selects to develop a savings plan in step 148, she could then be required to enter information for analysis. For example, the user could be required to enter the future amount required, savings interval, interest rate, and savings period, as represented in step 149. A savings plan could be calculated by the software 100 and graphically displayed for review by the user.
Thereafter, the user is queried whether a new activity is desired in step 150. Choices could include a new projection or plan returning to step 146, a return to the main screen as represented by the connector “4” 126, or termination of the virtual teller 49 in step 151 including the steps of closing all programs executed by and files opened by the software 100.
If the account does not exist, the user is queried to create a new account in step 122. New account information is entered in step 123 and accessed in steps 119-121 and 146-151, as described above; otherwise, the user is queried whether a new activity should be performed in step 125 including return to the main screen as represented by the connector “4” 126 or termination of the virtual teller 49 in step 127 including the steps of closing all programs executed and files opened by the software 100.
Referring now to
The user is queried to access the report generator by selecting an icon represented by step 130 which then displays an input field allowing the user to enter account identification information in step 131. Such information could include filename, account name or number, password, and/or PIN. If the user does not wish to enter account information, the user could return to the main screen as represented by the connector “1” 114.
Next, the virtual teller 49 determines whether the account exists in step 132. If the account exists, account information is retrieved in step 134, displayed on or by the computer 3 in step 135, and thereafter interacted with the user in step 136. The user then could prepare the report, as represented by the connector “3” 137.
A report is generated after the user identifies the account(s) in step 152, report variables in step 153, and graph type(s) in step 154, examples including but not limited to bar, line, pie, and text. The preparation of a report could require the software 100 to analyze data entered by the user. The report is thereafter displayed visually on the display of the computer 3 in step 155. The user could print the report to a printer or other peripheral device.
Thereafter, the user is queried whether a new activity is desired in step 159. Choices could include a new report including a change to the graph type in step 158, the report period in step 157, and/or account(s) in step 156, or return to the main screen as represented by the connector “4” 124, or termination of the virtual teller 49 in step 160 including the steps of closing all programs executed and files opened by the software 100.
If the account does not exist, the user is queried to create a new account in step 161. New account information is entered in step 133 and accessed in steps 134-136 and 152-160, as described above; otherwise, the user is queried whether a new activity is to be performed in step 138 including return to the main screen as represented by the connector “4” 126 or termination of the virtual teller 49 in step 139 including the steps of closing all programs executed by and files opened by the software 100.
Referring now to
The reference routine enables the user to access reference materials on the computer 3 or similar materials on the internet accessible to the computer 3 via wireless or wire-based connections.
The user could select local resources in step 140 and thereafter provided with a selection of local databases which include money related terms, values, interest rates, investments, and the like in step 141. Alternatively, the user could select internet-based resources in step 142 and thereafter provided with a list of websites in step 143 which are related to money, of interest and benefit to the user, and accessed by the computer 3. Internet selections could include, but not limited to, the FDIC Learning Bank, Federal Reserve Kids Page, Money Central Station, The Time Machine—History of Money, Moneyopolis, OrangeKids.com, and YoungInvestor.com. Upon selection of a resource, web browser software is executed to access, view and facilitate the user's interaction with the internet-based information. The software 100 remains executable separate and apart from the web browser and concurrently functional to the user. Thereafter, the user is queried to perform another activity in step 144 and either referred back to the main screen via the connector “4” 126 or to terminate the virtual teller 49 in step 145 including the steps of closing all programs executed and files opened by the software 100.
The software 100 described in
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The development of a saving plan could include the identification of a savings profile including a cumulative total over a specified time period with milestone goals during the course of the savings period. For example, a user might identify a savings plan for a new bicycle based the deposit of twenty dollars each Friday over a fifteen week period starting on an identified date. The user would then deposit twenty dollars each Friday and the software 100 would track the user's progress. If the user deposit s less than twenty dollars at one time, withdrawal funds, or otherwise have less than the total funds required as of a deposit date, then the software 100 would remind the user during the course of subsequent deposits that additional funds are required to meet the projected completion date. If the user deposits more than twenty dollars at one time, then the software could identify the overage and remind the user to skip or reduce the amount of a subsequent deposit.
The user could also view or track progress during the term of a saving plan. For example, the user might benefit from growth projections based on one or more savings options available at a bank or financial institution. The software 100 could allow the user to identify when all or some of the accumulated funds have been transferred to an account separate from the money storage peripheral 1. The user could project a new purchase schedule based on actual deposits and withdrawals related to the funds within the money storage peripheral 1 and another account. The user could also view or research financial tips stored locally on the computer 3 or remotely retrieved over the internet. The user could also enter reminder dates via the software 100 so that she is prompted to perform a task when the computer 3 is turned ON or when a specific date and/or time occurs.
Referring now to
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The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility is offered in terms of the present invention. Although devices and methods have been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.
This application is based upon and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/931,485 filed May 22, 2007, entitled Money Storage Device with Virtual Teller, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60931485 | May 2007 | US |
