Patent Publication Number: US-2020286187-A1

Title: Contribution rate determination for network-connected devices

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to networked devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many home appliances, such as thermostats, refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, toasters, lights, sprinkler systems, or other devices are able to connect to a network such as the Internet. Such network-connected devices may be referred to as “smart” devices or “Internet of Things” devices. In some cases, the network-connected devices may provide data to appliance manufacturers or other third parties, including data related to the use and operation of the devices and connectivity with other devices. 
     SUMMARY 
     The techniques of this disclosure include using electronic data sourced from network-connected devices (which may be referred to herein as simply “connected devices”) to manage one or more financial accounts. For example, according to aspects of this disclosure, a computing device of a financial services provider may associate a financial account of a user with a connected device of the user. The computing device may access data related to the use and operation of the connected device or other comparable devices, e.g., from a manufacturer of the connected device or another third-party. The computing device may use the data to determine one or more cost factors associated with ownership of the connected device. For example, if the data indicates that a particular component of the connected device is prone to failure, the computing device may account for this failure in the cost of ownership of the connected device. The computing device may determine a rate of contribution for the associated financial account based on the cost factors. In this way, aspects of this disclosure relate to providing efficient savings techniques for repairing or replacing a connected device based on electronically sourced data from a plurality of the same or comparable devices. 
     In an example, a computer-implemented method includes associating a network-connected device of a user with a financial account of the user, the financial account being provided by a financial services provider. The method also includes determining one or more cost factors associated with the network-connected device, at least one of the one or more cost factors being based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second network-connected devices that are comparable to the network-connected device and indicative of maintenance costs associated with the plurality of second network-connected devices. The method also includes determining a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors associated with the device, and outputting the rate of contribution. 
     In another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to associate a network-connected device of a user with a financial account of the user, the financial account being provided by a financial services provider, determine one or more cost factors associated with the network-connected device, at least one of the one or more cost factors being based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second network-connected devices that are comparable to the network-connected device and that is indicative of maintenance costs of the plurality of second network-connected devices, determine a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors associated with the device, and output the rate of contribution. 
     In another example, a device comprises a memory configured to store data associated with a financial account of a user, and one or more processors in communication with the memory. The one or more processors are configured to associate a network-connected device of a user with the financial account of the user, determine one or more cost factors associated with the network-connected device, at least one of the one or more cost factors being based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second network-connected devices that are comparable to the network-connected device and that is indicative of maintenance costs of the plurality of second network-connected devices, determine a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors associated with the device, and output the rate of contribution. 
     The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system having a device financing unit for providing efficient savings techniques for repair or replacement of a connected device, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the computing system of  FIG. 1  in greater detail. 
         FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of a system for identifying a plurality of connected devices that are connected to a home network, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for saving for repair or replacement of a connected device, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Aspects of this disclosure relate to providing efficient savings techniques for repair or replacement of a network-connected device based on electronically sourced data from a plurality of the same or comparable devices. A network-connected device (interchangeably referred to herein as a “connected device”) may include a wide variety of appliances (e.g., thermostats, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, ovens, toasters, lights, sprinkler systems, or the like) or other devices capable of connecting to a network (e.g., such as the Internet) and communicating data regarding the operation, malfunction, location, or other data about the device. Such connected devices may be referred to as “Smart” devices/appliances or “Internet of Things” devices/appliances. The same device may refer to a device having the same make and model as the connected device. A comparable device may refer to a device having one or more commonalities with the connected device, such as the same manufacturer, the same or similar components, or the like. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, a financial account may be associated with one or more connected devices to offset or pay for maintenance, repairs and/or replacement of the connected devices. For example, when a consumer (or “user”) purchases a new connected device, the connected device is linked to a device maintenance, repair, and/or replacement account for the consumer at a financial services provider. In some examples, the financial account may include a plurality of sub-accounts, with each respective sub-account assigned to each linked connected device. 
     In the example above, an automatic contribution to the financial account(s) may be determined. The rate of contribution (or “rate of savings”) may be a function of several factors including, as examples, data from the consumer&#39;s connected devices, data from comparable connected devices, the real-time price of repairs or maintenance for the connected devices, the real-time price of replacement of the connected devices, or the like. The consumer&#39;s current financial health may also be a factor in determining the rate of contribution. The rate of contribution may be established as a particular monetary value per measure of time (e.g., a particular dollar amount on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, yearly, or other basis). 
     In an example for purposes of illustration, when a connected device is new, the rate of contribution to the financial account may be relatively low, since short term maintenance, repairs and replacement are unlikely. As data from the consumer&#39;s appliance and other comparable appliances indicate upcoming needs for maintenance, repair or replacement, the rate of contribution may increase. In this way, the balance of the financial account may build based on an expected date of need (e.g., based on an expected date of malfunction/failure). Saving for general maintenance, malfunction or failure of the connected device on a period basis, using the techniques described herein, may be more financially agreeable to the user than having to pay for an expenditure associated with the connected device without such savings. According to aspects of this disclosure, the expected date of failure may change in real-time as a function of repair/replacement times for comparable devices with other consumers. Also, the expected cost to the consumer may be based on real-time analysis of similar repair or replacement costs. The techniques may also include altering the rate of contribution based on the consumer&#39;s financial health, e.g., changes in cash flow to other accounts maintained by the financial services provider. 
     In this way, the techniques of this disclosure may include linking a consumer&#39;s connected device to a financial account of a financial services provider, monitoring data from the consumer&#39;s connected device and comparable devices of other consumers, determining real-time costs of maintenance/repair/replacement for the consumer&#39;s connected device based on current prices and past repair costs to the same or comparable connected devices, analyzing consumer and comparable connected device data and real-time costs to determine an estimated timing and cost for maintenance/repair/replacement of the connected device, and setting a rate of contribution to the financial account based on the analysis. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example computing system having a device financing unit for providing efficient savings techniques for maintenance, repair or replacement of a connected device, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. The example computing system  10  of  FIG. 1  includes a computing device  12  having a device financing unit  14 . Computing system  10  also includes residences  16 A- 16 N (collectively “residences  16 ”) each having a respective connected device  18  and connected device  20  and connected device database  22 . The components of computing system  10  may be connected via network  24 . 
     Computing device  12  may include a variety of devices for processing and/or manipulating data. For example, in general, the functionality of computing device  12  may be implemented in a device that includes one or more processing units, such as one or more microprocessors. The functionality of computing device  12  may be implemented in hardware or in a combination of software and hardware, where requisite hardware may be provided to store and execute software instructions. Such hardware may include, for example, a processing unit and a computer-readable storage medium. Other hardware may include digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combinations of such components. 
     While shown as a single computing device in the example of  FIG. 1  for purposes of illustration, in some examples, computing device  12  may include a distributed network of computing devices including one or more databases, file servers, and/or other computing devices. In addition, computing device  12  may include one or more other components for carrying out the techniques described herein, such as one or more other processors, storage units, interfaces to communicate with external devices, input/output devices, or the like. 
     As described in greater detail below, device financing unit  14  may be responsible for providing efficient savings techniques for maintenance, repair or replacement of a connected device, such as connected device  18  and/or connected device  20 . Device financing unit  14  may include instructions executed by one or more processors of computing device  12  to perform the functions of device financing unit  14 . In some examples, computing device  12  and device financing unit  14  may be associated with a financial services provider that offers different banking products, such as checking accounts, savings accounts, and credit accounts; and/or different lending products, such as home loans, car loans, business loans, student loans, and the like. While a financial services provider may take the form of a traditional bank, in other examples, the financial services provider may be associated with an electronic currency or another non-traditional financial service. 
     Residences  16  may each be associated with a consumer (also referred to herein as a user) and one or more connected devices such as connected device  18  and/or connected device  20 . In some examples, connected device  18  and connected device  20  may form a part of a local area network (LAN) or wireless local area network (WLAN) of respective residences  16 . Connected device  18  of each of residences  16  may be the same or a comparable connected device, such as any variety of appliances (e.g., thermostats, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, ovens, toasters, lights, sprinkler systems, or the like) or other devices. Likewise, connected device  20  of each of residences  16  may be the same or a comparable connected device. 
     A “connected device,” such as connected device  18  or connected device  20 , may refer to any electronic device capable of connecting to network  24  and communicating data regarding the operation, malfunction, location or other data about the device. As noted above, such connected devices may be referred to as “Smart” devices or “Internet of Things” devices. While such connected devices may typically communicate via the Internet, in other examples, connected device  18  and connected device  20  may communicate via any suitable network, such as network  24 . Accordingly, “connected device” and “Internet-connected device” may refer to any device capable of transmitting data to (or receiving data from) another networked device and be used interchangeably herein. 
     In some instances, a user may control connected device  18  and/or connected device  20  remotely, e.g., via an electronic device of the user connected to network  24 . In other examples, connected device  18  and connected device  20  may each include at least one user interface device (not shown) that enables a user to interact with the connected device. In some examples, the user interface devices may be configured to receive tactile, audio, or visual input and may be configured to output content such as graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for display to the users, e.g., at display devices associated with connected device  18  or connected device  20 . While the example shown in  FIG. 1  illustrates each of residences  16  having two connected devices (i.e., connected device  18  and connected device  20 ), it should be understood that other examples may include more or fewer connected devices than those shown. 
     Connected device database  22  may store data sourced from connected devices, such as connected device  18  or connected device  20 . For example, connected device database  22  may store any variety of data associated with the operation, malfunction, location or other information about a connected device. To the extent that the stored data is useful for determining a cost of maintenance, a repair and/or replacement of a connected device, such stored data may be referred to as cost data (as described in greater detail herein). 
     While the example of  FIG. 1  illustrates connected device database  22  as a single database, it should be understood that connected device database  22  may be distributed among a number of databases or other storage devices. For example, each manufacturer of a connected device may maintain a separate connected device database  22  that contains data separated by a model (or serial number/other identifier) or a group of comparable models. In other examples, a third-party other than the manufacturer may maintain one or more databases of data, such as connected device database  22 . In still other examples, the entity associated with computing device  12  (such as a financial service provider) may maintain one or more databases of data, such as connected device database  22 . 
     Network  24  may comprise a private network that includes, for example, a private network associated with a financial services provider, or may comprise a public network, such as the Internet. Although illustrated as a single entity, network  24  may comprise any combination of public and/or private telecommunications networks, and any combination of computer or data networks and wired or wireless telephone networks. In some examples, network  24  may comprise one or more of a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a virtual private network (VPN), a LAN, a WLAN (e.g., a Wi-Fi network), a wireless personal area network (WPAN) (e.g., a Bluetooth® network), or the public switched telephone network (PTSN). 
     In some instances, a user of a connected device, such as connected device  18  or connected device  20 , may not adequately plan for expenses associated with maintaining or replacing the connected device. In such instances, it may be difficult for a user to fully fund a repair or replacement of the connected device when a malfunction occurs or replacement of components associated with general maintenance. In addition, a user may not have access to electronic data regarding the operation, malfunction, or replacement of comparable connected devices. 
     The techniques of this disclosure may provide a computer-implemented manner in which to efficiently save for maintenance, repair or replacement of a connected device. In an example for purposes of illustration, device financing unit  14  may associate connected device  18  of residence  16 A with a financial account of the user and that is maintained by computing device  12 . Device financing unit  14  may also determine one or more cost factors associated with connected device  18 . Device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors associated with connected device  18  and output the rate of contribution. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, at least one of the cost factors may be based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second connected devices that are comparable to the connected device, such as connected device  18  of residence  16 B, connected device  18  of residence  16 C, and connected device  18  of residence  16 N. As noted above, the cost data may be indicative of maintenance and/or repair costs of the plurality of second connected devices. Other cost factors may include, as examples, an initial purchase price of connected device  18  or an estimated replacement cost of connected device  18 . Another cost factor may be the geographical location in which connected device  18  located, which may impact the availability and/or costs associated with servicing connected device  18 . 
     As noted above, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors. For example, device financing unit  14  may determine one or more maintenance events associated with other connected devices  18  (the same or comparable connected devices  18 ). For instance, device financing unit  14  may determine that a particular component of the other connected devices  18  fails at some point during the life of the other connected devices  18  and requires maintenance to repair. Device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution that is sufficient to satisfy the costs associated with the one or more maintenance events. 
     In some examples, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution that is static over time. In other examples, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution that varies over time. For example, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution that is relatively low when connected device  18  is new and increase the rate of contribution throughout the lifetime of connected device  18 , e.g., as general maintenance, repairs or replacement become more likely. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, device financing unit  14  may determine the rate of contribution a single time or on a periodic basis. For example, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution for an estimated life of connected device  18  at the time of associating connected device  18  with the financial account. In some examples, device financing unit  14  may also periodically determine (e.g., update) the rate of contribution one or more times over the lifetime of connected device  18 . For example, cost data from comparable connected devices  18  may be added to connected device database  22  in real-time or near real-time during operation of connected devices  18 . Device financing unit  14  may receive or access the cost data from connected device database  22  on a periodic basis and update the rate of contribution based on the newly available data. In this manner, device financing unit  14  may determine the rate of contribution based on up-to-date data from the same or comparable devices. 
     Device financing unit  14  may output the rate of contribution. For example, device financing unit  14  may generate an electronic message to the user that indicates the rate of contribution. In another example, device financing unit  14  may automatically transfer funds to the financial account associated with the connect device  18  at the rate of contribution from another account of the user and maintained by computing device  12 . In this way, the techniques provide a computer-implemented manner in which to efficiently save for maintenance, repair or replacement of connected device  18 . While the example described above is described with respect to connected device  18  of residence  16 A, it should be understood that the techniques are equally applicable to a variety of other connected devices. 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating several components of computing system  10  in greater detail. For example, computing device  12  includes device financing unit  14 , one or more processors  32 , one or more interfaces  34 , and one or more storage units  36 . In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , device financing unit  14  includes account association unit  38  that is responsible for generating accounts  40 A- 40 N (collectively, accounts  40 ) stored as account data  42 , contribution rate unit  44 , and credit offer unit  46 . 
     The architecture of computing device  12  (and, more broadly, computing system  10 ) illustrated in  FIG. 2  is shown for exemplary purposes only. In other examples, computing system  10  and computing device  12  may be configured in a variety of other ways having additional, fewer, or alternative components than those shown in  FIG. 2 . For example, while computing device  12  is illustrated in the example of  FIG. 2  as a single computing device, in other examples computing device  12  may have multiple components, e.g., in a distributed computing environment. 
     Processors  32 , in one example, are configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions for execution within computing device  12 . For example, processors  32  may be capable of processing instructions stored by storage units  36 . Processors  32  may include, for example, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate array (FPGAs), or equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry. 
     Computing device  12  may utilize interfaces  34  to communicate with external devices via one or more wired or wireless connections. In some examples, computing device  12  utilizes interfaces  34  to communicate with external devices. Interfaces  34  may be network interfaces cards, universal serial bus (USB) interfaces, optical interfaces, or any other type of interfaces capable of sending and receiving information via TCP/IP. Examples of such network interfaces may include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth radios. 
     Storage units  36  may store an operating system (not shown) that controls the operation of components of computing device  12 . For example, the operating system may facilitate the communication of dependency determination unit  14  with processors  32 , interfaces  34 , and storage units  36 . In some examples, storage units  36  are used to store program instructions for execution by processors  32 . Storage units  36  may also be configured to store information within computing device  12  during operation. Storage units  36  may be used by software or applications (e.g., dependency determination unit  14 ) running on processors  32  of computing device  12  to temporarily store information during program execution. 
     Storage units  36  may include a computer-readable storage medium or computer-readable storage device. In some examples, storage units  36  include one or more of a short-term memory or a long-term memory. Storage units  36  may include, for example, random access memories (RAM), dynamic random access memories (DRAM), static random access memories (SRAM), magnetic hard discs, optical discs, flash memories, or forms of electrically programmable memories (EPROM) or electrically erasable and programmable memories (EEPROM). 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, as noted above with respect to  FIG. 1 , device financing unit  14  may be configured to enable efficient savings for maintenance, repair or replacement of a connected device, such as connected device  18  or connected device  20  ( FIG. 1 ), or any other connected device. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, account association unit  38  may associate a connected device with one of financial accounts  40 . In some examples, in order to associate the connected device with one of financial accounts  40 , account association unit  38  may be responsible for generating financial accounts  40 . 
     In one example, account association unit  38  may identify the purchase of a connected device and automatically generate one of financial accounts  40  based on the identification of the purchase. For example, account association unit  38  may access account data  42 , which may include financial data associated with one or more pre-existing financial accounts of a user of the connected device. The financial data may include, as examples, transaction data associated with a checking account, check card, credit card, or the like. In this example, account association unit  38  may generate one of financial accounts  40  based on an identification of a purchase of the connected device in the financial data. 
     In another example, account association unit  38  may identify a connected device via an electronic application or other interface of a financial services provider upon connection of the connected device to a home network of the user. Aspects of this example are described in greater detail below with respect to the example of  FIG. 3 . In one example, the financial services provider may connect to a home network of the user and may monitor the home network for connected devices. Account association unit  38  may identify any new connected devices upon connection to the home network. Account association unit  38  may then generate and associate one of financial accounts  40  for a new connected device. 
     In still another example, a user of a connected device may manually input information that identifies the connected device and account association unit  38  may generate one of financial accounts  40 . For instance, the user may provide a make and model, serial number, or other identifying information of the connected to account association unit  38  via an electronic device (e.g., such as a smartphone or other computing device of the user). Account association unit  38  may then generate and associate one of financial accounts  40  for the connected device. 
     In some examples, account association unit  38  may transmit an electronic offer to generate one of financial accounts  40  to an electronic device associated with the user. For example, account association unit  38  may generate a text message, email message, or an electronic message of a mobile banking application with an offer to generate one of financial accounts upon identification of a connected device. For example, as described above, account association unit  38  may identify a purchase of a connected device based on financial data and may subsequently generate an electronic offer to establish one of financial accounts  40  for the connected device. In another example, account association unit  38  may generate an electronic offer to establish one of financial accounts  40  based on identification of a connected device via a web application or other interface maintained by the financial services provider associated with financial accounts  40 . 
     Account association unit  38  may, in some instances, generate an incentive for the user to establish one of financial accounts  40  for a connected device. For example, account association unit  38  may identify a connected device (as described above) and may generate a financial incentive for the user to establish one of financial accounts  40 , such as a one-time monetary reward for establishing one of financial accounts  40 . 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, account association unit  38  may generate financial accounts  40  as sub-accounts of a preexisting financial account maintained by computing device  12 . For example, a user may have a pre-established checking or savings account with a financial services provider. In this example, account association unit  38  may generate respective financial accounts  40  for each connected device as sub-accounts of the pre-established checking or savings account. 
     Contribution rate unit  44  may determine one or more cost factors associated with a connected device and determine a contribution rate to one of financial accounts  40  for the connected device based on the one or more cost factors. According to aspects of this disclosure, as described above, at least one of the cost factors may be based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second connected devices that are the same as or comparable to the connected device. In the example of  FIG. 2 , contribution rate unit  44  may retrieve the cost data from connected device database  22 . 
     The cost data may be indicative of maintenance and/or replacement costs of the plurality of second connected devices. For example, cost data stored to connected device database  22  may identify components of connected devices that have failed and/or the costs associated with repairing or replacing the failed components. In an example for purposes of illustration, a compressor of a particular make and model of smart refrigerator may be prone to failure as indicated by data provided by connected devices of the particular make and model. The cost data stored to connected device database  22  may indicate a cost associated with repairing or replacing the compressor. 
     In some examples, the cost data may be time indexed based on an estimated malfunction or failure time. For example, continuing with the compressor example above, the cost data may indicate that compressor is prone to failure three years after the initial operation of the smart refrigerator. In another example, the cost data may indicate that an electrical system of the smart refrigerator is prone to failure four years after the initial operation of the smart refrigerator. In these examples, cost data stored to connected device database  22  may include an indication of a timing of the anticipated cost of repair or replacement. Cost data may be updated in real-time or near real-time. For example, connected devices may continually transmit data associated with the operation of the connected devices to connected device database  22 . 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, contribution rate unit  44  may also consider one or more other cost factors when determining a contribution rate for one of financial accounts  40 . For example, contribution rate unit  44  may determine an initial purchase price of a connected device. Contribution rate unit  44  may adjust the initial purchase price for inflation to determine an estimated replacement cost of the connected device and use the estimated replacement cost as a cost factor. In some examples, contribution rate unit  44  may also adjust the estimated replacement cost of a connected device based on financial data of the user. For example, if account balances of the user indicate an improving financial status of the user, the user may be more inclined to purchase a more expensive replacement device. In this example, contribution rate unit  44  may adjust the estimated replacement cost accordingly. 
     In some examples, contribution rate unit  44  may additionally or alternatively determine a geographical cost factor. For example, the geographical location in which a connected device is located may impact costs of repair due to the availability of technicians to repair the connected device or the cost of technicians to repair the connected device. For example, a technician in a major metropolitan area may be costlier per hour than a technician in a rural area. In another example, a technician for a particular make or model of connected device may not be available in a particular geographical area, thereby making a repair of the connected device costlier. 
     In some examples, contribution rate unit  44  may additionally or alternatively determine a financial status cost factor. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may access financial data associated with pre-existing financial accounts of a user. Contribution rate unit  44  may identify changes in the balances of the pre-existing accounts of the user and determine a financial status cost factor based on the balances. For example, when the balances of the pre-existing accounts rise, contribution rate unit  44  may determine that the user is able to contribute to one of financial accounts  40  at a relatively higher rate. 
     Contribution rate unit  44  may determine a rate of contribution for one of financial accounts  40  based on the one or more cost factors. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may generate a cost curve that varies over time using the one or more cost factors, such as costs associated with maintenance events of a particular connected device (e.g., as indicated by cost data of connected device database  22 ), an estimated cost of replacement of the connected device, a geographical location in which the connected device is located, and/or any variety of other cost factors. Contribution rate unit  44  may determine a rate of contribution that is sufficient to satisfy the costs indicated by the cost curve. 
     In some examples, contribution rate unit  44  may determine a rate of contribution that varies over time. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may determine a rate of contribution that is relatively low when a connected device is new and increase the rate of contribution throughout the lifetime of the connected device, e.g., as general maintenance costs, repairs or replacement become more likely. In other examples, contribution rate unit  44  may determine a static rate of contribution that does not change throughout the lifetime of the connected device. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, contribution rate unit  44  may determine the rate of contribution a single time or on a periodic basis. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may determine a rate of contribution for an estimated lifetime of the connected device at a time at which account association unit  38  associates the connected device with one of accounts  40 . 
     In some examples, contribution rate unit  44  may also periodically determine (e.g., update) the rate of contribution one or more times over the lifetime of the connected device. For example, cost data from the same or comparable connected devices may be added to connected device database  22  in real-time or near real-time during operation of the connected devices. In another example, the user may move the connected device to a different geographical location or have a change in financial status. The changes to the cost factors may impact the above-described cost curve. Accordingly, contribution rate unit  44  may determine the one or more cost factors on a periodic basis and update the rate of contribution based on the updated cost factors. 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, contribution rate unit  44  may maintain separate contribution rates for repair of the connected device and replacement of the connected device. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may determine a first rate of contribution for maintaining a connected device based on the cost factors, as well as a second rate of contribution for replacing the connected device. Contribution rate unit  44  may determine the first rate of contribution and the second rate of contribution based on the same or different cost factors. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may determine the first rate of contribution for maintenance of the connected device based on the cost data and a geographical cost factor and may determine the second rate of contribution for replacement of the connected device based on an estimated cost of replacement and a financial status of the user (e.g., as indicated by financial data associated with the user). 
     Contribution rate unit  44  may output the rate of contribution. For example, contribution rate unit  44  may generate an electronic message to the user that indicates one or more suggested rates of contribution. In another example, contribution rate unit  44  may automatically transfer funds to one of financial accounts  40  associated with the connected device at the determined rate of contribution from another financial account of the user. 
     In the example of  FIG. 2 , device financing unit  14  also includes credit offer unit  46 . According to aspects of this disclosure, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer for a user of a connected device based on financial information about the user. For example, a financial services provider may seek to accelerate a purchase of a new connected device. Credit offer unit  46  may generate an offer for financing of a new connected device based on a variety of factors and send the offer to the user. 
     In some examples, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer based on a status of a connected device. For example, credit offer unit  46  may receive data that indicates a failure of the connected device. In this example, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer upon receiving an indication of the failure. In another example, credit offer unit  46  may determine that a particular component is prone to failure at a particular time. In this example, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer near the particular time, along with a notification of the potential for failure. Hence, in the examples above, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer based on the expected life and/or maintenance or repair history of a connected device. 
     In still another example, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer based on an account balance of one of financial accounts  40 . For example, financial account  40 A associated with a particular connected device may have accrued four hundred dollars. In addition, an estimated cost of replacement for the particular connected device may be two thousand dollars. In this example, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer based on the difference between the balance of financial account  40 A and the estimated cost of replacement. In still other examples, credit offer unit  46  may generate a credit offer based on a financial status/health of a user and/or other credit offers that are available in the marketplace. 
       FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram of a system for identifying a plurality of connected devices that are connected to a home network, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. The example of  FIG. 3  includes computing device  12  having device financing unit  14 , network  20 , home network  60 , connected devices  62 A- 62 E (collectively, “connected devices  62 ”) and computing device  64  having device discovery unit  66 . 
     Home network  60  may comprise a private network that is associated with a residence of a user. In some examples, home network  60  comprise one or more of a virtual private network (VPN), a LAN, a WLAN (e.g., a Wi-Fi network), or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) (e.g., a Bluetooth® network). Home network  60  may provide access to network  20  for connected devices  62 . Connected devices  62  may include any of a wide variety of appliances (e.g., thermostats, refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, dryers, ovens, toasters, lights, sprinkler systems, or the like) or other devices capable of connecting to home network  60 . 
     According to aspects of this disclosure, computing device  64  may execute device discovery unit  66  to identify connected devices  62  so that device financing unit  14  may associate connected devices with a financial account. In one example, device discovery unit  66  may comprise a web-based interface associated with device financing unit  14 . In this example, a user may log on to the web-based interface of a financial services provider using computing device  64 . In other examples, device discovery unit  66  may be integrated with a mobile application that is capable of identifying connected devices  62  connected to home network  60 . Device discovery unit  66  may poll home network  60  for connected devices  62 . 
     As noted above, device financing unit  14  may maintain respective financial accounts for respective connected devices  62 . In such examples, device financing unit  14  may perform a need-based transfer of funds between the respective financial accounts. For example, device financing unit  14  may identify a maintenance event for connected device  62 E and determine an estimated cost of repair. Device financing unit  14  may also determine that the estimated cost of repair for connected device  62 E exceeds a balance of the financial account associated with connected device  62 E. 
     In the example above, device financing unit  14  may transfer funds from one or more financial accounts associated with one or more of connected devices  62 A- 62 D based on the difference between the repair cost and the balance of the financial account associated with connected device  62 E. Device financing unit  14  may then update a rate of contribution for the respective one or more other financial accounts based on an amount of the transferred funds, e.g., to account for the shortfall due to the transfer. 
       FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating an example process for saving for maintenance, repair or replacement of a connected device, in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. While described with respect to computing system  10  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ), it should be understood that the process described with respect to  FIG. 4  may be carried out by a variety of computing devices. 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , device financing unit  14  may identify a connected device, such as any of the connected devices described herein ( 80 ). In some examples, device financing unit  14  may determine a purchase of the connected device based on financial data associated with a user of the connected device. In such examples, device financing unit  14  may identify the connected device based on the determined purchase. In another example, device financing unit  14  may identify the connected device using an electronic application associated with the financial services provider upon connection of the connected device to a home network of the user (e.g., as described above with respect to the example of  FIG. 3 ). In still other examples, device financing unit  14  may receive data from a user regarding the connected device (e.g., information identifying the connected device). 
     Device financing unit  14  may associate the connected device with a financial account designated for the connected device, where the financial account is being provided by a financial services provider ( 82 ). In some examples, device financing unit  14  may establish the financial account upon identifying the connected device. The financial account may be a sub-account of a pre-existing financial account provided by the financial services provider (e.g., a pre-existing checking or savings account). According to aspects of this disclosure, device financing unit  14  may generate a sub-account by transmitting an electronic offer to generate the sub-account to an electronic device associated with the user. 
     Device financing unit  14  may also determine one or more cost factors associated with the connected device ( 84 ). The one or more cost factors may be based on cost data that is sourced from a plurality of second connected devices that are comparable to the connected device and indicative of maintenance costs of the plurality of second connected devices. The one or more cost factors may additionally or alternatively include an initial cost of the connected device, an estimated cost of replacement, a geographical cost factor (e.g., a geographical cost associated with a geographical region in which the connected device is located), and/or a financial status cost factor. 
     In some examples, device financing unit  14  may periodically determine the one or more cost factors. For example, as described herein, cost data may be updated by connected devices in real-time or near real-time. Device financing unit  14  may update the one or more cost factors based on new data becoming available. 
     Device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution for the financial account based on the one or more cost factors associated with the connected device ( 86 ). For example, device financing unit  14  may determine a rate of contribution that is sufficient to satisfy the costs associated with the maintaining or replacing the connected device, as indicated by the one or more cost factors. In some examples, device financing unit  14  may periodically determine/update the rate of contribution based on the one or more cost factors, e.g., due to changes in the one or more cost factors (e.g., updates to cost data, changes in geographical location, changes in financial status of the user, or the like). In some examples, device financing unit may increase the rate of contribution over a lifetime of the connected device, e.g., in anticipation of higher general maintenance, repair or replacement costs associated with an ageing device. 
     Device financing unit  14  may output the rate of contribution ( 88 ). For example, device financing unit  14  may generate an electronic message to the user that indicates the rate of contribution. In another example, device financing unit  14  may transfer funds to the financial account at the rate of contribution. 
     It is to be recognized that depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the techniques described herein can be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are necessary for the practice of the techniques). Moreover, in certain examples, acts or events may be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially. 
     In one or more examples, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code, and executed by a hardware-based processing unit. Computer-readable media may include computer-readable storage media, which corresponds to a tangible medium such as data storage media, or communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, e.g., according to a communication protocol. In this manner, computer-readable media generally may correspond to (1) tangible computer-readable storage media which is non-transitory or (2) a communication medium such as a signal or carrier wave. Data storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by one or more computers or one or more processors to retrieve instructions, code and/or data structures for implementation of the techniques described in this disclosure. A computer program product may include a computer-readable medium. 
     By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable storage media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, flash memory, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if instructions are transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in the definition of medium. It should be understood, however, that computer-readable storage media and data storage media do not include connections, carrier waves, signals, or other transitory media, but are instead directed to non-transitory, tangible storage media. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc, where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. 
     Instructions may be executed by one or more processors, such as one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), general purpose microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry, as well as any combination of such components. Accordingly, the term “processor,” as used herein may refer to any of the foregoing structures or any other structure suitable for implementation of the techniques described herein. In addition, in some aspects, the functionality described herein may be provided within dedicated hardware and/or software modules. Also, the techniques could be fully implemented in one or more circuits or logic elements. 
     The techniques of this disclosure may be implemented in a wide variety of devices or apparatuses, including a microprocessor, an integrated circuit (IC) or a set of ICs (e.g., a chip set). Various components, modules, or units are described in this disclosure to emphasize functional aspects of devices configured to perform the disclosed techniques, but do not necessarily require realization by different hardware units. Rather, as described above, various units may be combined in a hardware unit or provided by a collection of interoperative hardware units, including one or more processors as described above, in conjunction with suitable software and/or firmware. 
     Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.