Patent Publication Number: US-2021166185-A1

Title: Motivational System

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to motivational systems, and more particularly to a motivational system that develops a physical anchor to reinforce the reasons a user has for maintaining motivation. 
     Description of Related Art 
     The prior art teaches a wide range of motivational systems for helping people improve themselves. Some are implemented in educational courses or group events designed to inspire and motivate participants after completion. 
     Other prior art motivational systems may be in the form of jewelry, notebooks, clothing, etc., often printed with inspirational quotes or meaningful phrases decided by a manufacturer. 
     The prior art teaches motivational systems such as described herein. However, the prior art does not teach a motivational system which includes a computer implemented method for determining a reason to maintain motivation that is unique to the user, and also a computer implemented method of producing and delivering to the user a physical item (“anchor”) that includes reasons imprinted thereupon to maintain the user&#39;s motivation by constant physical reminder. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further advantages as described in the following summary. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below. 
     The present invention provides a motivational system that is adapted for determining a user&#39;s personal purpose, and for using that personal purpose to continuously motivate the user to achieve his or her purpose. The system transmits, via a central computer, a sign up form that includes a field for receiving a shipping address of the user. Once this has been received, a plurality of questions about reasons that motivate a user are transmitted, and a plurality of answers to the questions are received, and most pertinent reasons that motivate the user are determined. The most pertinent reasons are transmitted to a manufacturer computer so that a physical anchor that is adapted to be worn by the user may be manufactured, which has been imprinted with the most pertinent reasons. The physical anchor is then shipped to the shipping address of the user. 
     A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a motivational system having advantages not taught by the prior art. 
     Another objective is to provide a motivational system that includes a computer implemented method for determining a reason to maintain motivation that is unique to the user, and also a computer implemented method of producing and delivering to the user a physical item (“anchor”) that includes reasons imprinted thereupon to maintain the user&#39;s motivation by constant physical reminder. 
     A further objective is to provide a motivational system which results in a physical product that is customized to remind the user of what motivates him or her according to the determinations made by the computer implemented system. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a motivational system according to one embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of the operation of the motivational system; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a journey of a user that is at the core of the motivational system; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of the operation of a web site that facilitates the journey illustrated in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram of the motivational system illustrating the integration of the journey of  FIG. 3  and the web site functionality of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a web page that provides a sign up form that includes a field for receiving a shipping address of the user; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a physical anchor that is produced via the motivational system of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The above-described drawing figures illustrate the invention, a motivational system  10  for determining a user&#39;s personal purpose, and for using that personal purpose to continuously motivate the user to achieve his or her purpose. 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the motivational system  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the motivational system  10  includes a central computer  20  that interacts with a user computer  30  to perform the functions of the motivational system  10 . The central computer  20  also interacts with a manufacturer computer  40  to place orders for physical anchor products  50  which have been customized, as described below, to implement the motivational system  10 . 
     For purposes of this application, the term “computer” (or any other similar term, such as “server,” “computer device,” “electronic device,” “user device,” etc.), refers to any form of electronic device or plurality of devices having at least one computer processor, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), and some form of computer memory having the capability to store data. The server may comprise hardware, software, and firmware for receiving, storing, and/or processing data as described below. The hardware may be in a single unit, or operably connected via a network. For example, a computer or server may comprise any of a wide range of digital electronic devices, including, but not limited to, a server, a desktop computer, a laptop, a smart phone, a tablet, or any form of electronic device capable of functioning as described herein. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the central computer  20  includes a computer processor  22  and a computer memory  24 , and the computer memory  24  has operably installed thereupon a motivational program  26  that provides the functionality described in greater detail below. The central computer  20 , the user computer  30 , and the manufacturer computer  40  each have the capability to access a network, and are operably connected thereby. The user computer  30  has a computer processor  32  and a computer memory  34 , and may include an application  36  (e.g., a web browser, media player, etc.) capable of running the motivational program  26 . The manufacturer computer  40  has a computer processor  42  and a computer memory  44 , wherein the user may use the motivational program  26  to order an anchor  50  using an anchor ordering system  46  of the manufacturer computer  40 , whose function is described below. 
     While a certain arrangement of computers is shown in  FIG. 1 , this does not require any particular arrangement of physical computer components, and one single conceptual configuration is illustrated but should not limit actual implementations. For example, a single computer could theoretically perform all of the described functions, or each function could be performed by multiple separate computer devices, as is known in the art. For example, the central computer  20  and the manufacturer computer  40  could both be performed on a single physical computer, or each function could be distributed over a series of computers. For example, multiple anchor products (described below) could be manufactured at different locations each with a different manufacturer computer  40 . Any configuration known in the art should be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of the operation of the motivational system  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the motivational system  10  may be executed by the motivational program  26  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in this embodiment the system  10  starts when the user logs into a website or mobile application  36  via the user computer  30  to access the program  26 , using methods well known in the art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the central computer  20  generates and transmits forms which enable the user to provide account information in form fields, including at least a shipping address (shown in  FIG. 6 ), but also typically including name, email address, phone number(s), and other user information typically gathered by those skilled in the art. This is submitted to the central computer  20  by the user, and an account may be formed, payment received, etc. 
     Once an account is formed (or the user has logged in), the program  26  transmits, via the central computer  20 , a plurality of questions about reasons that motivate a user, wherein the user provides answers to the questions. The questions are designed to encourage a user to reflect on his or her past, such as significant people in the user&#39;s life, or times when he or she felt most excited or inspired. One example of such a question follows: “Recall an experience that was challenging but also rewarding. Although difficult, it was worthwhile, and you would do it again. What is it?” Another question might be, “Is there one thing you would like to tell yourself as a reminder every day? It could be a reminder or something you would like to tell your younger self.” Other questions might focus on the user&#39;s most deeply felt convictions or sympathies, to investigate the most important values defined by the user. While examples of possible questions are disclosed herein, it should be understood that one skilled in the art may device many similar questions and other forms of inquiry, and any particular structure of inquiry may be utilized within the scope of the present invention, so long as the user is assisted in the introspection process. 
     The program  26  then transmits the user&#39;s answers to the central computer  20 , where they undergo a review process. The program  26  then helps the user to determine the most pertinent reasons that motivate the user. Afterward, areas which show “themes” in your reasons will be highlighted so you may evaluate and develop them further. In one embodiment, the program  26  provides suggestions based on the answers. Suggestions should be in line with described passions, purpose, etc. 
     One specific example of a suggestion process is where an actual person reviews the answers transmitted by the user and extracts key words/phrases and repeated sentiments from the answers. Sometimes phrases may be “translated” to key words which are candidates for reasons. For example, if a user expresses worry about those in need, the reviewer may write “compassion,” “empathy,” or similar. Other times, the answer is already in condition for being a pertinent reason, such as when the user directly states family names, objects, etc. that mean the most to him or her. Words selected by the reviewer are shared with the user, wherein the user may tailor the words further. For example, “travel” may become “wanderlust,” or several words can become a theme such as “family.” Other typical most pertinent reasons include friends, ocean, exercise, adventure, etc. Anything which may remind the user what motivates him or her may be included in the final reasons. 
     Once the user has agreed on which reasons are the most pertinent, the motivational program  26  then transmits the most pertinent reasons to the manufacturer computer  40 , wherein the manufacturer computer  40  notifies a manufacturer to produce the physical anchor  50  imprinted with the reasons. For the purposes of this application, “imprinted” is hereby defined to include any form of printing, engraving, etching, molding, embossing, etc., as long as the anchor  50  is displaying the reasons to the user. The physical anchor  50  is adapted to be worn by the user and is shipped to the shipping address of the user so that he or she may wear it, as on the bracelet in  FIG. 1  and discussed in greater detail below. For the purposes of this application, “wear/worn” is hereby defined to include any method of wearing, affixing, carrying, holding, etc. an object, so long as the anchor  50  and therefore the imprinted reasons are kept in view of the user. 
       FIG. 3  is a diagram of a journey of a user that is at the core of the motivational system  10 . The journey may by cyclical and results in the anchor  50  that the user interacts with in daily life. The journey is the internal component of the motivational program  26  and varies for each user; it is intended to assist in finding reasons for what motivates the user to achieve their purpose, or “why.” As shown in  FIG. 3 , the user first feels a desire to introspect and discover a purpose. As described above, the user is then asked the questions which result in reasons for what motivates him or her. The reasons become “drivers” and help the user to define his or her passions. Next, the reasons are physically anchored so that the user is constantly reminded of them and drive is maintained. This method of anchoring is to keep the anchor  50  in sight each day, so that it may act as a metaphorical compass for staying motivated. Now that drive and inspiration are present, the why becomes clear in the final step of the journey. The why is the innermost component of the motivational system  10 , being the user&#39;s personal sense of purpose and motivation in life. 
     The why is not static and requires “checking in” on the most pertinent reasons to maintain focus and purpose. The user may go through many cycles of the journey, and each cycle may produce more reasons for the why. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagram of the operation of the web site  36  which is the intermediate component of the motivational system  10  and facilitates the journey illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The web site  36  is the “how” of the motivational program  26 , being the method of implementing the idea (“why”) and the physical actions and tools which do so (“what”). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the user first logs in to the website or mobile application  36  to access the motivational program  26 , then undertakes the journey described in  FIG. 3 . Once the user receives the physical anchor  50 , positive experiences may be shared with others so that the motivational system  10  can take more users through the cycle. 
       FIG. 5  is a diagram of the motivational system  10  illustrating the integration of the journey of  FIG. 3  and the web site method of  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , the motivational system  10  functions similar to some “circular” value models typically applied to business operations, i.e., a layered circle having an innermost circle representing “why” (purpose/mission), an intermediate circle representing “how” (what methods make the program effective), and an outermost circle representing “what” (tools/actions used to achieve a desired outcome). In this model, the “why” is in the journey of  FIG. 3 , the “how” is in the website operation of  FIG. 4 , and the “what” is the physical anchor  50  which connects the program to the outside world. The physical anchor  50  is shown in  FIG. 7  and discussed in greater detail below. 
       FIG. 6  is an illustration of one embodiment of a sign up form  60  that is transmitted from the central computer  20  and displayed via the browser  36 . The sign up form  60  has a user name field  62 , address fields  64 , and payment information fields  66  for receiving payment. The shipping address may be used to send the physical anchor  50  to the user, as discussed above. Fields may also collect other data to create a more personalized account. The sign up form should gather at least enough information to ship the anchor  50  to the user, once the user has decided on the most pertinent reasons to be imprinted on the anchor  50 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the physical anchor  50  that is produced via the motivational system  10  of  FIGS. 1-6 . In this embodiment, the physical anchor  50  includes charms  52  which may each include an imprinted reason  58  determined by the motivational program  26 . The charms  52  may be in the form of links, buttons, or any other object capable of receiving the imprinted reasons  58 . The charms  52  may be attached to a base item  54  which the user can keep in sight on a daily basis. 
     In this embodiment, the charms  52  are in the form of plates that are mounted around the base item  54 , in this case a bracelet adapted to be worn around the wrist of the user, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The charms  52  may be constructed of metal, plastic, or any other materials which may be affixed to the base item  54 . In an alternative embodiment, the base item  54  may be in the form of a necklace, or any other item worn by the user, or otherwise kept on the person of the user so that the reasons are within his or her view frequently during the day. In an alternative embodiment, the user may choose not to affix the charms  52  to any base item, and instead view the charms  52  via another method (e.g., carried in a pouch, placed on a mantle, etc.). 
     In this embodiment, the base item  54  is in the form of a bracelet/wristband having the charms  52  spaced a distance apart along the length of the bracelet  54 . The bracelet  54  may be constructed of leather, fabric, or any other material commonly used in the art. The bracelet  54  may also include a fastener  56  so that it may be easily taken on and off of the user&#39;s wrist. 
     The fastener  56  may be any type of standard fastener, e.g., a buckle, a latch mechanism, a hook and loop fastener, or any other typical fastener known in the art. In this embodiment, the base item  54  is in the form of a bracelet, but it may also be other types of wearable accessories (e.g., a necklace, pin, printed shirt, etc.), or any other item to which the charm  52  may be affixed (e.g., a wallet insert, a plaque, ornament, etc.). 
     Other alternatives may be considered compatible with the present invention, for example, the charms  52  may be in the form of LED lights displayed to the user on a base item such as a digital watch. Further, undisclosed embodiments of the physical anchor  50  may be implemented using the motivational system  10 , which should be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
     As used in this application, the words “a,” “an,” and “one” are defined to include one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms “approximately” and “about” are defined to mean +/−10%, unless otherwise stated. Also, the terms “have,” “include,” “contain,” and similar terms are defined to mean “comprising” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the terminology used in the specification provided above is hereby defined to include similar and/or equivalent terms, and/or alternative embodiments that would be considered obvious to one skilled in the art given the teachings of the present patent application. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one particular embodiment, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but rather the scope of the invention is defined by claims made to the invention.