Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20020073005?dq=5,664,133
Timestamp: 2014-03-09 09:49:36
Document Index: 248265180

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 186', 'art 192', 'arts 186', 'arts 192', 'art 186', 'arts 192', 'arts 186', 'arts 186', 'art 186', 'art 192']

Patent US20020073005 - Computerized lifestyle planning system and method - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsIn one embodiment, the invention provides a computerized method for creating a customized lifestyle plan for a user. The user's desired lifestyle is identified. At least one user preference associated with the desired lifestyle is identified. Financial information associated with the user is identified....http://www.google.com/patents/US20020073005?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20020073005 - Computerized lifestyle planning system and methodAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20020073005 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 09/865,279Publication dateJun 13, 2002Filing dateMay 25, 2001Priority dateMay 25, 2000Publication number09865279, 865279, US 2002/0073005 A1, US 2002/073005 A1, US 20020073005 A1, US 20020073005A1, US 2002073005 A1, US 2002073005A1, US-A1-20020073005, US-A1-2002073005, US2002/0073005A1, US2002/073005A1, US20020073005 A1, US20020073005A1, US2002073005 A1, US2002073005A1InventorsMelissa Baribault, Michael Boyle, Nell Gharibian, Hugh Martin, Jeff Reiser, Romney Resney, James Scanlon, Raymond WelnickiOriginal AssigneeWelnicki Raymond P., Hugh Martin, Michael Boyle, James Scanlon, Melissa Baribault, Jeff Reiser, Nell Gharibian, Romney ResneyExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (22), Classifications (9) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetComputerized lifestyle planning system and methodUS 20020073005 A1Abstract In one embodiment, the invention provides a computerized method for creating a customized lifestyle plan for a user. The user's desired lifestyle is identified. At least one user preference associated with the desired lifestyle is identified. Financial information associated with the user is identified. The cost of the user's desired lifestyle, in accordance with the user preference, is determined. The desired lifestyle scenario is evaluated to determine whether the desired lifestyle is achievable with respect to the user financial information. If the lifestyle is achievable, a lifestyle plan associated with the desired lifestyle and the financial information is provided to the user. Images(30) Claims(28)
[0104] Will you be receiving additional money before or during retirement? (inheritance) [0105] The information entered in step 523 is provided to the one or more databases 42 for comparative information on anticipated investment growth and inflation rates to be retrieved. The database 42 and the information entered in step 58 are compared (step 60) and a difference is calculated (step 62) using summing junction 40. This provides a series of outputs that indicate how close the actor 34 is to realizing his or her dream retirement lifestyle. [0106] If the scenario and financial data are incompatible, as determined at step 64, the actor 34 is provided with options and/or suggestions (step 68) about how he can reconcile his dream with his financial resources as entered. Depending on the option and/or suggestion, the actor 34 may be prompted to modify his dream scenario and/or his financial data (step 70), such as by presenting one or more of the relevant queries associated with these steps again. For example, in one embodiment, the actor 34 is prompted with choices for revising the information entered at both steps 52 and 58. These options can, for example, include suggestions like changing housing locations, making housing payments earlier, increasing savings and other options based on the individual's specific scenario for example. The options suggested in step 68 may include any action or set of actions that might bring the actor 34's financial resources and desired retirement scenario into accord. In accordance with the economic methodology of one embodiment of the invention, when the actor 34's financial resources and lifestyle or retirement scenario are in accord, the desired retirement scenario is reasonably attainable with the entered financial resources. [0107] In one embodiment of the invention, a retirement plan is generated (step 66) if the desired retirement scenario is reasonably attainable. The retirement plan (which is an example of a lifestyle plan, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention) is designed according to the aforementioned economic methodology to enable the user to live the described retirement lifestyle using the financial resources entered and to identify a suggested course of action. [0108] Referring more particularly to the database 42 of FIG. 2, in one embodiment, information inputted to the converter 38 is matched (step 64) with the information from database 42. This data is aggregated and correlated with preferences that the actor 34 provided to the converter 38 in steps 52 and 54. The data is provided to the summing junction 40 for the calculations of steps 56 and 63. In one embodiment, the database 42 stores information such as: [0109] Cost of living, taxes for various regions [0110] Availability of homes, Taxes [0111] Average cost of home size relative to region [0112] Rental cost in a given region [0113] Cost of membership or fees for listed hobbies [0114] Cost of equipment for hobbies [0115] Cost of continuing education [0116] Vacation costs (Airfare, transport, lodging) [0117] Asset allocation models [0118] Anticipated inflation costs [0119] In one embodiment of the invention, the summing junction 40 is where the impact of the preferences provided to the converter 68 and data from database 42 is aggregated. The summing junction 40 integrates the consideration of resources that the actor 34 has available and generates suggestions (step 68) to the actor 34 on how to alter his preferences in order to maximize his existing resources using conventional methodology. The resulting information/data is fed back to the converter 38 where the actor 34 can alter or edit the entered preferences and begin the cycle again. The system 32, in one embodiment, relies on data within database 42 that is accessible. Making use of predetermined parameters, the system 32 evaluates variables, searches within the database 42 and matches cost/numbers with the preferences entered by the actor 34. [0120] Thus, in one embodiment, the summing junction 40 matches (step 64) the inputs (step 52) of the actor 34 from the converter 38 regarding his desired retirement lifestyle with corresponding data from the database 42 indicating how much each of those preferences will cost. The system 32 calculates (step 56) a total estimated cost for the actor 34 and provides it to the converter 38 to allow the actor 34 to modify or continue. The summing junction 40 compares (step 60) the inputs of the actor 34 with the database 42 to calculate what money will be available at the time of retirement. Using summing junction 40, the personal financial data is calculated (step 62) with the �dream� data provided in step 52, applying, for example, general assumptions about the growth of investments, inflation, and Social Security income stored in the database 42. This is used to generate an indicator as to whether the desired retirement scenario is feasible (step 64). [0121] When the �dreaming� is completed, the system 32 estimates the cost of the dream retirement and the ability of the actor 34 to attain this retirement given his inputs to the converter 38 and the information stored in the database 42 (step 62) using, for example, conventional economic methodologies. [0122] If the scenario and financial data compared at step 64 do not match, the system 32 may generate options (step 68) to help bring the retirement lifestyle into an attainable range. These options may include eliminating club memberships, scaling back travel, decreasing the size of the home, changing housing locations and so on, based on the individual inputs by user during the �dream� phase. In one embodiment, a user is linked to the planning phase, providing options for changing the personal savings/investment information (e.g., increasing annual savings or 401 K investments). Based on the tolerance of the actor 34 for risk, built-in asset allocators can recommend a proper investment mix (stocks, bonds, and money market accounts). When this phase of the planning is completed, and the difference calculated at step 62 is within an acceptable predefined range, a retirement plan is issued (step 66). [0123] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at any point in the process, actors 34 may save their scenarios and leave the site. When they return, they will be able to return to the dream �in progress� or begin a new dream. In one embodiment, actors 34 are alerted quarterly on the progress of their plan via email. These e-mails can, in one embodiment, encourage the recipient actors 34 to continue to visit and �dream� at the site. Multiple dream scenarios can preferably be stored for each identifiable actor 34. [0124] In one embodiment of the invention, the method of FIG. 3 works in conjunction with one or more functions/processes provided by another client, such as a third party financial partner, to perform at least a portion of the illustrated steps. For example, in accordance with the method of FIG. 3, the actor provides information about his dream and receives visual and textual representations of the dream along with an estimate of what that �dream� lifestyle would cost in today's dollars. This information is provided to a financial calculator engine of another entity, such as a financial partner and/or a white label client. When this occurs, to the user it still appears to be the same �session�; that is, the upload and presentation of the financial partner's calculator engine appears to be seamless. The actor inputs financial info into this engine, which can then uses that information, along with the current cost of the dream, to project out to retirement both the estimated future asset, and income of the user as well as the estimated future costs of the user's dream lifestyle. This projected information can be provided, for example, as the retirement plan of step 66. This retirement plan, in one embodiment, presents the comparison of future income and future costs to the user and provides recommendations, advice, referrals, etc. relative to that comparison. [0125] The following sample scenarios are for one embodiment of the invention created in accordance with FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein the scenario 36 takes the form of a website (not shown) accessible via a computer network, such as the Internet. EXAMPLE 1 [0126] An actor 34 visits the web site using a browser running on a conventional personal computer and enters data relating to at least some of the inquiries present, e.g. housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal retirement preferences. The system 32 computes a total cost for that retirement lifestyle based on the input information. The actor 34 then leaves the website. EXAMPLE 2 [0127] An actor 34 visits the website, goes through all, or a portion, of the housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal retirement preferences. The system 32 computes a total cost for that retirement lifestyle based on the input information. The actor 34 then enters personal financial data. The system 32 matches this personal financial information with the dream retirement preferences and creates a Dream Retirement Plan for the actor 34. The actor 34 then leaves the website. EXAMPLE 3 [0128] An actor 34 visits the website, goes through all, or a portion of the housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal retirement preferences. The system 32 computes a total cost for that lifestyle or retirement based on the input information. The actor 34 then enters personal financial data. The system 32 matches this personal financial information with a lifestyle such as the dream retirement preferences and creates a Dream Retirement Plan for the actor 34. The actor 34 is asked whether he/she would like to change the preferences in his dream. The user returns to the dreaming stages for housing, travel and hobbies and revises information, perhaps more than once, based on the suggestions that the system 32 recommends in the Dream Retirement Plan. A revised Dream Retirement Plan is generated based on the newly update preferences and/or financial data. The actor 34 then leaves the website. EXAMPLE 4 [0129] An actor 34 visits the website, goes through all, or a portion, of the housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal lifestyle or retirement preferences. The system 32 computes a total cost for that lifestyle or retirement based on the input information. The actor 34 then enters personal financial data. The system 32 matches this personal financial information with, for example, the dream retirement preferences and creates a Dream Retirement Plan for the user. The user is then referred either to the online financial advice partner and pays for online financial advice or is referred to offline financial partner for further financial planning advice. EXAMPLE 5 [0130] An actor 34 visits the website, goes through all, or a portion, of the housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal lifestyle or retirement preferences but leaves the site without completing the entries or having the system 32 compute a cost for the lifestyle described. The user returns at a later time/date and is able to resume the dreaming at the point in the process where he/she previously left off. EXAMPLE 6 [0131] A previous actor 34 who has visited the website and entered personal preferences and financial information has a Dream Retirement Plan stored in the system 32.The system 32 sends email notification to the actor 34 that his Dream Retirement Plan needs to be updated. The actor 34 returns to the website, and either revises the dream retirement preferences, or revises his personal financial information. A revised Dream Retirement Plan is generated based on the newly update preferences and/or financial data. The actor 34 then leaves the site. EXAMPLE 7 [0132] A previous actor 34 who has visited website and entered personal preferences and financial information has a Dream Retirement Plan stored in the system 32. The actor 34 returns some time later and begins an entirely new dream, while keeping the old one stored. The new dream retirement preferences are stored under a different dream name. EXAMPLE 8 [0133] An actor 34 visits the website, goes through all, or a portion, of the housing, hobbies and travel dreaming stages and enters his personal lifestyle or retirement preferences. The system 32 computes a total cost for that retirement lifestyle based on the input information. The actor 34 then goes directly to partner sites relating to identified information entered by the actor 34 such as travel, housing, hobbies and content through onsite hot links. EXAMPLE 9 [0134] An actor 34 goes to website and is confused on how the site works. He goes to a tutorial/�Previous Dream� section that provides a tutorial on how to use the website. He can see other pre-constructed dreams and is given helpful hints that can help make his experience more enjoyable. EXAMPLE 10 [0135] An actor 34 goes to the website and begins to input data needed to create his dream. The actor 34 realizes that he needs help and wants to ask questions. The website provides answers to (FAQ's) Frequently asked Questions. The actor 34 can return to where hey left off or send e-mail for help on various topics. The website can further offer a referral service to a professional financial advisor who is familiar with using the system 32 and creating a personal dream lifestyle or retirement scenario. EXAMPLE 11 [0136] The actor 34 arrives at the website with a lifestyle or retirement plan and income for such in place, for example from an online or offline financial planner. The actor 34 is instructed to go to the summary total page and enter his monthly or yearly lifestyle or retirement income information. The system 32 then works backwards from this total and help the actor 34 create a dream retirement that is within his limits. The system 32 preferably generates a list of retirement scenarios/options to chose from based on the lifestyle or retirement income that the actor 34 has entered (without having to go through the personal financial portion of the application.) [0137] Table-1 includes a table of examples of functionality of a lifestyle planning system implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. [0138]FIG. 4 is a block diagram 100 of a system according to one embodiment of the invention. In the system of FIG. 4, a user 110 interacts with the lifestyle management system 150 via a web server 130 and a content presentation system 140. The lifestyle management system 150 includes a business logic processing system 160, a rules system 170, one or more customer databases 180, one or more content databases 190, one or more lookup tables 200, and a data warehouse system 210. In one embodiment, the lifestyle management system 150 of the invention also is accessible to one or more partners 120. [0139] The user 110 is any type of entity, such as a client (see FIG. 1) capable of interacting with the Internet, a remote server, or a networked device, such as by using of a web server 130. For example, the community of possible users 110 includes users of devices that can interact with web sites that are accessible via web browsers, including users 110 that gain such access using a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), wide area protocol (WAP), digitized voice signals, interactive television signals, electronic mail systems, voice mail, direct mail, and various messaging systems, including short message service (SMS) systems. [0140] In one embodiment (not shown), the user 110 interacts directly with the lifestyle management system 150 without requiring use of a web server. For example, the lifestyle management system 150 is, in one embodiment, implemented using a computer-readable program medium installed or loaded to a computer (not shown) accessible to the user 110. In another embodiment, the lifestyle management system 150 is provided on one or more carrier wave signals that are accessible to the user 110 without requiring access to a web server 130. [0141] The web server 130 can be virtually any type of web server known to those skilled in the art, such as a web channel server (e.g., servers produced by Apache or Iplanet), a simple mail transfer protocol/post office (SMTP/POP) server (e.g., servers such as MICROSOFT EXCHANGE or Java Mail API), or an extensible markup language (XML) gateway server. [0142] The content presentation system 140 provides content to the web server 130, for display to the user 110. The content, in one embodiment of the invention, includes queries, printed reports, and/or online reports. In one embodiment of the invention, the content presentation system 140 comprises a content management system and one or more XSL presentation layers. Although not illustrated in FIG. 4, in one embodiment of the invention, the content presentation system 140 is part of the lifestyle management system 150. [0143] The lifestyle management system 150 creates queries to be provided to a user 110, receives responses to the queries, performs processing based at least in part on the queries and the responses, along with information stored in its databases and lookup tables, determines the requirements for a given lifestyle, creates lifestyle plans based at least in part on the requirements, and helps the user 110 explore the potential lifestyle. In one embodiment, the lifestyle management system 150 of the invention is implemented in accordance with �Enterprise class� standards. In one embodiment, the lifestyle management system of the invention is implemented in accordance with transactional-level standards. [0144] In one embodiment, the architecture of the lifestyle management system 150 is a flexible, XML-compliant design that includes real-time, database-resident support of all web site user information. This design permits true closed loop marketing capabilities that can take advantage of highly personalized, E-mail/WAP/Voice-based drive to web marketing. In one embodiment, as content is added to the lifestyle management system 150 (e.g., in content databases 190), the attributes of the content can be compared with a profile of a user 110 (stored, for example, in customer databases 180) using a set of rules (e.g., the rules system 170), and notification of such content (or the content itself) be delivered to the user 110 in near real time, using, for example a report generated in the data warehouse system 110 and presented to the user via the content presentation system 140. [0145] The business logic processing system 160 receives query responses from the web server 130, uses the responses to update the customer databases 180, retrieves data and information from the customer databases 180, content databases 190, and lookup tables 200, and communicates with the rules system 170 to apply one or more predetermined business rules to the user queries, to provide inputs to and receive output from the data warehouse system 210. The predetermined business rules, for example, may relate to economic assumptions, financial calculations, statistical calculations, demographic factors, and the like. The functions of the business logic processing system 160, in one embodiment, are accomplished using Java features such as servlets and Enterprise Java Beans (EJB), which help the lifestyle management system 150 to be platform-independent. [0146] The data warehouse system 210 communicates with the customer databases 180, the content databases 190, the lookup tables 100, and the rules system 170, to prepare reports which may be provided to the user 110, such as with an on-screen display. The data warehouse system 170 also organizes and stores data generated using the business logic 160 and the rules system 170 in databases such as relational online analytical processing databases (ROLAP). The functions of the data warehouse system 210, in one embodiment, are accomplished using servlets, EJB's, and data warehouse reporting tools (such as BRIO, available from Brio Technology, Santa Clara, Calif.). [0147] The rules system 170 processes the data it receives in accordance with one or more predetermined business rules. In one embodiment, the rules system 170 includes a rules engine, such as a Java-based rules engine, to perform the processing (such as the rules engine BLAZE, manufactured by Blaze Software of San Jose, Calif. and/or the rules engine ILOG, manufactured by ILOG, Inc., of Mountain View, Calif.). In one embodiment, the rules system 170 includes a repository for storing the rules it uses, such as a rules repository operating in accordance with a lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP). In one embodiment of the invention, the rules engine communicates with the lifestyle management system in accordance with remote method invocation (RMI) requirements and/or Java message service (JMS) requirements. [0148] The customer databases 180 include one or more databases for storing data provided by users 110 and/or derived from inputs by users 110. For example, in one embodiment, the customer databases 180 process and store data received from users in accordance with an online transaction processing (OLTP) methodology (this methodology can process transactions as soon as the relevant information is received and then update related master files almost immediately in an associated database management system). In one embodiment, the customer databases 180 store and retrieve derived customer data (e.g., dreams, plans, and/or costs created based on inputs by users 110) in databases such as ROLAP databases. [0149] In one embodiment, the customer databases 180 have real-time (OLTP) capabilities, which permits support of a ROLAP Data Warehouse (e.g., the data warehouse system 210) that supports standardized and custom built online marketing analytics reporting. In one embodiment, the data warehouse system 210 supports such reports under a secure Intranet model. In one embodiment, the online marketing analytics analysis reporting is available as a pure web application as well as through a client side application with ad-hoc reporting capabilities. [0150] The content databases 190 include one or more databases storing content that may be provided to a user 110 during operation of the system. In one embodiment, the content databases 190 are implemented in accordance with OLTP methodology. In one embodiment, the content databases 190 include data such as census data, demographic data (e.g., household size, age ranges, education level, household income, consumer lifestyles, ethnicity), and the like. [0151] The lookup tables 200 respond to queries from the business logic processing system 160 (which may originally have been provided by the user 110) and provide information such as responses, reports, charts and/or graphics related to specific inquiries from a user 110 (e.g., an actor). For example, the user 110 may query the lifestyle management system 150 as to the demographic profile of a particular community, the number of museums within a specified distance of a particular zip code, the number of homes of a particular price or market value range within a cluster of zip codes, or other such queries. This type of data may already be in the content databases 190, but may be more quickly and conveniently be provided by the lookup tables 200. The lookup tables 200 contain a subset of the data included in the content databases 190. The design of the lookup tables 200 is intended to facilitate quick response to the queries such as those described above in an easy to understand format. [0152] In one example embodiment, the content databases 190 and/or the lookup tables 200 include databases that have data that is �scored� in advance as to one or more predetermined characteristics. This is also referred to as �derived� data. The scored data can, for example, be maintained as a set of one or more tables of scores. In one embodiment, every zip code in the United States is assigned one or more scores based on certain demographic information. For example, a given zip code may be assigned a first score relating to the average income level within the zip code, a second score relating to the average housing cost within the zip code, a third score relating to the number of museums, and so on. Thus, when a user 110 indicates, as part of his �dream�, that she wants to live in an area having certain characteristics (e.g., low crime rate, low housing cost, lots of recreational facilities, etc.), the table of scores is checked to find locations having the best �scores� for each of the characteristics the user 110 has deemed important. [0153] In one embodiment of the invention, one or more partners 120 also can access the lifestyle management system 150. The partners 120, in one embodiment, are entities having an affinity partnership arrangement with the administrators of the lifestyle management system 150. For example, providers of financial planning services, travel agencies, real estate agents, etc., may arrange to communicate with the lifestyle management system 150 to receive information, such as contact information, demographic information, etc., relating to users 110 and or their �dreams,� including lifestyle planning information. For example, in one embodiment, a partner 120 is an entity, such as a mutual funds company, having direct management responsibility over resources, such as retirement funds, belonging to the user 110. This enables the partner 120 to provide helpful information, including personal financial data, to the lifestyle management system 150 to enable the user 110 to better utilize its planning features. [0154] In the above description of FIG. 4, it should be understood that any portion of the functionality provided by the lifestyle management system 150 could, in some embodiments, be provided by independent systems and/or different groupings of systems than illustrated in FIG. 4. For example, in one embodiment, the lifestyle management system 150 comprises a business logic processing system 160and a rules system 170, but is in operable communication with one or more other systems providing access to one or more of the customer databases 180, content databases 190, lookup tables 200, and data warehouse system 210, and may further be in operable communication with one or more systems providing access to tools such as a financial planning engine (e.g., a �white label client.� engine). [0155]FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for lifestyle planning implemented in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This method may be implemented in many different ways, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, including using a computer readable program medium, a computer program product, a computer signal embodied in a transmission medium (such as a carrier wave), an interlace, a computer-readable medium containing one or more data structures, etc. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the method of FIG. is implemented in an application executing on a computer system such as the one described in connection with FIG. 1. This method, in one embodiment, is implemented using the lifestyle planning system 150 of FIG. 4. [0156] Referring to FIG. 5, a user starts the process by selecting a dream (step 300). The �dream� that the user selects relates, in one embodiment, to a goal or idea that the user wants to achieve. For example, in one embodiment, the user selects a dream from a predetermined set of dream paths that can include items such as �People� the user wants to be with, �Places� the user wants to be, �Things� the user wants to own, or �Things� the user wants to do. Each of these dream paths is, in one embodiment, associated with business logic and or business rules (see FIG. 4) that are executed during the method of FIG. 5. Of course, these dream paths are merely representative of the types of paths that could be provided in various embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, users are not required to complete all dream paths, although completion of all dream paths may generate more meaningful results in step 330 (costing the dream) and step 340 (planning for the dream). [0157] A representative example of the options that can be presented to a user in step 300 is shown in the screen shots of FIGS. 9-21, which have been implemented in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [0158]FIG. 9 is a screen shot depicting an example welcome screen 1000 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The welcome screen 1000 illustrates the initial navigation for a visitor to the web site. The welcome screen 1000 is an entry point to a system implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and includes security and privacy information 1002, 1004. In one embodiment, the welcome screen 1000 also provides corporate background information 1004 about the entity responsible for maintaining or supporting the site. In accordance with one embodiment, screen shots such as that shown in FIG. 9 are designed to be an intuitive way for the user to navigate the methods of the invention, such as the method of FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the screen shots use rich media visuals and mouse-enabled forms, which may minimize the keyboard strokes required to utilize the application. [0159]FIG. 10 is a screen shot depicting in example pathway navigation screen 1020 constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Navigation of the system of the invention, in accordance with one embodiment, follows a structured format invisible to the user 110. For example, functional areas of the screen are divided into pathways whose effective �nav map� is determined by embedded system business rules. User information is carried across pathways and is utilized by the business logic. Textual content explains the process and the expected time to complete each section. F or example, navigation allows for options such as �come back later,� �skip this area,� and �proceed.� [0160] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, �Places,� �People,� �Things to do,� and �Things to have� are pathways for the systems and methods of at least one embodiment of the invention. Selecting from those four options is, in one embodiment, the initial step taken by a visitor to the web site in creating a profile for the visitor's lifestyle plan. It is not necessary for a user to complete all pathways, although, in one embodiment, it is advantageous for a user to complete all pathways to create a full profile that generates more meaningful results, particularly in the Cost and Plan portions. [0161] In one embodiment of the invention, the selection of a path operates in accordance with one or more of the following rules (which can, for example, be implemented in the business logic 160 of FIG. 4): [0162] Rule 1: Once a pathway is entered, it can be completed, skipped, or returned to later. �Skipped� means that the system will not suggest it again, unless the user 110 does not complete one of the other pathways. [0163] Rule 2: New users complete at least one pathway per dream before COST, PLAN, and EXPLORE functions are accessible. The user 110 will be prompted to complete other pathways, and will have the option to skip them. [0164] Rule 3: Users who exit and save their dream are returned, upon re-entry, to their dream page and are prompted to complete any incomplete pathways. [0165] Referring again to FIG. 10, the pathway navigation screen 1020 depicts detailed pathway navigation for the Dream function for paths such as Places 1022, People 1024, Things to do 1026 and Things to have 1028. The user selects one of the four pathways and, in response to queries posed by independent statements, declares, interests and preferences relative to that pathway. When the user completes a pathway, the user can move on to another pathway. [0166] For example, the People path 1024 includes topics, such as �family,� �friends,� and �new people,� that help determine line items for budgeting and exploring. In another example, the Things to do path 1026 Things to have path 28 each includes topics that also help to determine line items for budgeting and exploring, and provides suggestive sorting of large lists. [0167]FIG. 11 is a screen shot depicting a first place navigation screen for the �Place� pathway 1022 of FIG. 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the Place pathway 1022, the user (or other visitor to the system) is prompted to provide preferences relative to weather as it pertains his or her residence selection or travel desires. In the screen shot of FIG. 12, for the purposes of example, the user has selected a second home to be a preference. [0168] Referring briefly to FIG. 5, based on the dream selected in step 300, the user is provided with one or more questions relating to the dream (step 310). These questions are, in one embodiment of the invention, designed to elicit from the user information necessary to help the user focus more squarely on the realities of the user's dream. In one embodiment, the questions may be sorted by category, as shown in the representative screen shot 1020 of FIG. 10. In one embodiment, the queries provided to the user are stored in one or more databases, such as content databases 190 (FIG. 4), and are provided in accordance with rules used by a business logic processing system 160 (FIG. 4). [0169]FIGS. 11 and 12 are representative screen shots illustrating the types of queries that a user might receive when selecting a �Place� dream, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Depending on the responses to the queries, the user may receive even more queries. For example, in the screen shot of FIG. 12, the user has selected a second home as a preference along with specifics regarding weather. Therefore, the Place pathway drills down to the next level of relevant inquires to enable and enhance the further development of the Place profile. More specific information may be requested to fill out this portion of the dream. The illustrated categories are not all inclusive, but they are representative. [0170] Referring again to FIG. 5, based on the responses to the queries to the user, the dream information is processed (step 320) to create a summary of the dream information. FIG. 13 is a representative screen shot depicting a representative place summary screen 1020for the �Place� pathway of FIGS. 11 and 12, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. When the user has completed information relating to the user's preferences, the system provides the summary screen 1020, together with a map that highlights geographical areas that meet the preferences of the user. Facts, figures, and charts are provided to assist in comparisons of highlighted options. Users can compare their preference matches with their current address and region. Adjustment to selections can be made at anytime. In one embodiment, use of the summary screen 1020 and the information therein is iterative, with ongoing feedback to the user. [0171] In one embodiment (not illustrated in FIG. 5), after the dream information is processed in step 320, the user may be given several options: [0172] (1) Go back to step 300 and select another dream pathway (e.g., if the user has first selected the �Places� pathway, the user may next want to go through the �People� pathway), which may include saving the current �dream� scenario: [0173] (2) Save the existing dream scenario and returning to the method of FIG. 5 at a later time; and/or [0174] (3) Develope a cost for the dream created so far (i.e., moving to step 330 and beyond). [0175] If the user chooses option (1) above, the user may select and provide information on other aspects of their dream (e.g., the other dream pathways, such as �People,� �Things to Do,� and/or �Things to Have�, as illustrated in the screen shots of FIGS. 9 and 10.) [0176] In one example, if the user selects the �People� pathway, the user is prompted to respond to iterative queries designed to allow the user to make declarations regarding people that are important to them. FIG. 14 is a screen shot depicting an example navigation screen for the �People� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, which shows how a user may be prompted to indicate the importance of various people in his or her life. The user also can be presented with specific inquires regarding family. [0177]FIG. 15 is a screen shot depicting another example navigation screen for the �People� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, showing representative examples of additional queries. Some areas of the screen shot of FIG. 15 can be �drilldown� areas to prompt the user to provide additional specific and relevant information. For example, a Children: rating of 5 or greater on a scale of 1 to 10 generates additional questions that ultimately could impact the costing and planning steps of FIG. 5. [0178]FIG. 16 is a screen shot depicting still another example navigation screen for the �People� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This screen shot outlines additional pathways that, in one embodiment of the invention, are provided within the �People� pathway, such as the Friends, New People and Personal Options pathways. These pathways follow similar drilldown detail to that of the Family pathway. [0179] As with the �Places� pathway, the dream information for the �People� pathway is processed (step 320) to create a summary of the dream information. FIG. 17 is a screen shot depicting a summary screen for the �People� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. This screen summarizes all selections made in the People pathway. [0180] In another example, if the user selects the �Things to do� pathway at step 300 of FIG. 5, the user is prompted to respond to iterative queries designed to allow the user to declare the activities that are important to him. FIG. 18 is a screen shot depicting an example navigation screen for the �Things to do� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 19 is a screen shot depicting another example navigation screen for the �Things to do� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 19, the preferences of the user are sought after to build a profile of the items most important to the user. In one embodiment, the �Things to do� pathway includes searchable indexes to assist the user in the development of his �Things to do� pathway (e.g., see the text in the screen shot of FIG. 19 stating �I know what I want�show me a list of activities�). [0181] As with the �Places� and �People� pathways, the dream information for the �Things to do� pathway is processed (step 320) to create a summary of the dream information. FIG. 20 is a screen shot depicting an example summary screen for the �Things to do� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The screen shot of FIG. 20 provides a summary page of all selections is provided in this section with an opportunity for the user to make changes if desired. [0182] In still another example, if the user selects the �Things to have� pathway at step 300 of FIG. 5, the user is prompted to respond to iterative queries designed to allow the user to declare the activities that are important to him. FIG. 21 is a screen shot depicting an example navigation screen for the �Things to have� pathway of FIG. 10, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the screen shot of FIG. 21, information is provided that relates to higher-level choices that may have been made by the user in preceding pathways. The user can add more specificity to their overall dream in this section. [0183] Referring again to FIG. 5, the cost for a dream, as selected and characterized by the user, is computed (step 330). FIGS. 22 and 23 are screen shots depicting example cost queries and a cost summary screen, respectively, for a �Dream� created in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the user is provided with a high level estimate of costs associated with selections that the user made relating to his or her dream. In one embodiment, the cost screens enables user to view comparisons of costs associated with regions as selected by the user. In one embodiment, the user can drill down (i.e., get more information) on specific cost items. [0184]FIG. 23 is a screen shot depicting another example of a summary screen for the costs of a �Dream� created in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, the user is provided with a summary of dream costs projected to selected milestones. The user may be prompted to pursue options in moving forward on planning (step 340 of FIG. 5), creating alternative dream scenarios (steps 300-330 of FIG. 5), exploring options (step 350of FIG. 5), or saving their work for future access. [0185] Referring again to FIG. 5, the plan for the dream is created (step 340). In one embodiment, the step of planning for the dream involves querying the user additionally for information (e.g., financial information) related to the dream being planned. FIGS. 24 and 25 are examples of screen shots depicting an example of a calculation tool screen, and associated queries, and a high level summary of costs, respectively, constructed in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [0186] In FIG. 24, the example �Financial Plan Lite Calculator� that is displayed can, in one embodiment, be a �branded� financial calculator associated with a particular financial application (e.g., QUICKEN). In one embodiment, a �Financial Plan Lite Calculator� is provided as part of the dream planning application, which is useful if the method of FIG. 5 is used in connection with other applications that do not have access to a web based financial calculator. In one embodiment, the example �Financial Plan Lite Calculator� of FIG. 24 is interchangeable with financial planning applications that many financial service companies currently utilize. In one embodiment, to use the calculator, the user fills in the required data. In another embodiment, the financial data is available from a user's financial application or a user's service company. [0187]FIG. 25 is a screen shot depicting a summary screen for projected financial status, created in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. This screen provides a high level summary of costs as compared to the assets of the user. Options are highlighted for the user to choose from to accomplish their final objective. In one embodiment, the user may seek assistance in this section from their financial service company to help them achieve their dreams. [0188] Referring once again to FIG. 5, in some embodiments of the invention, the user will be able to more fully explore the dream he has selected (step 350). In the exploring step, the user explores specific areas of interest in detail that are related to their dream(s). In one embodiment, the user can fulfill aspects of his dream either directly or via permission marketing opportunities made available though one or more partners 120(see FIG. 4) associated with the systems and methods of the invention. FIGS. 26-28 are screen shots depicting examples of �Explore� screens created in accordance with embodiments of the invention. [0189]FIG. 27 is a screen shot depicting an album of dream and financial information created in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The screen shown in FIG. 27 enables user to have a highly visual experience. The user can page through the on-screen �album� as easily as reading a book or magazine that describes a �dream� lifestyle. Representations in the �album� are, in one embodiment, context sensitive and personalized based on the visitor's input. For example, if the user's dream is to retire to the Tarpon Springs on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife and dog, live in a new condo, and spend his days fly-fishing, the �album� could include pictures of the locale, information about boat rental and repair shops, maps showing new condo locations, names and addresses of veterinarians in the area, and so forth. Financial data, such as a month-by-month savings plan, with yearly goals and milestones, also may be included. In one embodiment, the user can upload his or her own pictures to the album. [0190]FIG. 28 is a screen shot depicting one of the pages in the album of FIG. 28. [0191] In one embodiment of the invention, the actions associated with the �Explore� step of FIG. 5 include functions and screens providing a number of additional tools and features. For example, in one embodiment, the step of �exploring� includes using tools such as search engines, including a context sensitive search engine. The context sensitive search engine allows a user to enter in a simple search term and then, in performing the search, automatically takes into account (using, for example, Boolean strings and other approaches) other relevant aspects known about the user. [0192] For example, a user who is interested in retiring to Arizona and whose projected retirement income exceeds $150,000 might enter the search term �golf country clubs� into the context sensitive search engine. The engine, by first examining known attributes of the user and his/her dream, would search for golf country clubs in Arizona that would be appropriate for upper income people. Similarly, a user entering the term �marinas� into this engine would receive results relative to southern Florida that can accommodate boats of greater than 40 feet in length if that additional information fits the known profile of the user. [0193] The �explore� functionality also, in one embodiment, includes features such as bulletin boards and chat rooms. In another embodiment, the �explore� functionality includes community pages, which users can personalize to contain news items, articles, links and other content that relate to their dream(s) and which may be updated on a periodic basis. In one embodiment, these community pages are not �static� pages; the layout and content is tailored to both the customizing done by the user as well as by what is known about the user. For example, the lifestyle planning system 150 of FIG. 4 can maintain these community pages and provide the user knowledge to tailor them. [0194] In one embodiment, the �explore� functionality also provides access to periodic webcasts. For example, those webcasts that are on topics especially relevant to a user's dream are highlighted on their community pages and/or in email alerts. [0195]FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 are flow charts illustrating, in greater detail, the method for lifestyle planning of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method for lifestyle planning, from the perspective of a client, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for lifestyle planning, from the perspective of a server, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method for lifestyle planning using an external application for processing the dream cost information, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; [0196]FIG. 29 is a system architecture 155 for a system implemented according to one embodiment of the invention. The system architecture 155 follows the functional breakdowns illustrated in the block diagram 100, of FIG. 4 and description of these functions is not repeated here. [0197] In the system architecture 155 of FIG. 29, one or more users 110 interacts, via a web server 130, with a lifestyle management system that includes customer activity business logic 162, derived customer data business logic 164, a rules engine 172, an LDAP rules repository 174, a rule interface 176, a customer maintenance database 182, a customer centric profile database 184, a customer-centric data mart 186, a blinded data mart 192, database resident content 194, lookup tables 200, data warehouse business logic 212, a data warehouse reporting tool 214, and a multi-dimensional data warehouse 222. One input to this lifestyle management system includes update information 188, and outputs of the lifestyle management system of this embodiment include custom data extracts 216, online reports 218, and printed reports 220. Any one or more of the outputs may be provided to a user 110 and/or a partner 120. [0198] The aforementioned lifestyle management system also interacts with a content presentation system that includes a content management system 142, a database of channel specific and multichannel content 144, and one or more XSL presentation layers. The types of content stored in the database 144 are, in one embodiment, provided to a user in accordance with the type of channel by which a user communicates. For example, the user 110 may receive certain content if the user 110 is communicating using a protocol such as WAP, a different message if the user is using a direct mail protocol, and so on. [0199] The web server 130 sends one or more of the following types of information to the customer activity business logic 162: standard clickpath data (such as channel server requests), standard survey data (such as user preferences, user profile, demographic information, registration information), graphical menu score data (including visual object menu choices), and displayed dynamic content (such as content selected by the user 110) provided in accordance with a set of dynamic rules or by random menu choices of the user 110. Graphical menu score data is, in one embodiment, the results of the graphical preference choices that are presented 5throughout the dreaming process. For example, if the user is presented with climate choices, the user moves a slider rather than check a text box. In some instances, the user may be presented with several graphics to choose from to best represent, for example, the type of house they envision living in. Standard survey data refers, in one embodiment, to the declarations (typically made early in the dream process) that the user makes about how he wants his experience on the site to work, who can have access to the dream, basic info about who he is, etc., and displayed dynamic content (such as content selected by the user) provided in accordance with a set of dynamic rules or by random menu choices of the user. [0200] The customer activity business logic 152, in one embodiment of the invention, responds to information and/or data that are provided to it in accordance with one or more rules implemented using the rules engine 172. In one embodiment, in response to receiving information such as clickpath data and/or channel server requests, from the web server 130, the customer activity business logic 162, in one embodiment, sends one or more real time queries to the XSL presentation layers 146, which interact with the content management system 142 and the channel specific and multichannel content database 144 to provide responses to the requests. These responses are provided to the web server 130 by the XSL presentation layers 146 and/or the channel specific and multichannel content database 144. [0201] In response to receiving survey data from the web server 130, graphical menu score data, and/or dynamic content that is displayed (e.g., requested for display by the user), the customer activity business logic 162 provides updates to one or more customer databases, such as the customer maintenance database 182 and/or the customer centric profile database 184. In response, either or both of these databases may, in accordance with their respective transaction processing protocols, provide the customer activity business logic with one or more real time query responses, which are then provided to the user 110 via the XSL presentation layer 146. In addition, in one embodiment, the customer centric profile database 184 provides update information to the derived customer data business logic 164, which then provides this information to any one or more of the customer centric data marts 186, the blinded data marts 192, the database resident content 194, and/or the lookup tables 200. Any one or more of these databases my respond with a query data response for the user. [0202] In one embodiment, the queries are posed to a database or a session layer (e.g., EJB's) that contains cached data that may or may not have actually hit the database yet. Thus, in one embodiment, there are multiple sources of data housed in multiple locations, all of which can be accessed in real time to develop highly personalized, dynamic content. The responses from the databases (e.g., the customer maintenance database 182, the customer centric profile database 184, the customer centric data mart 186, the blinded data marts 192, the database resident content 194, the lookup tables 200, and/or the multi-dimensional data warehouse 222) flow through the XSL presentation layers 146 (which, it should be noted, may comprise a single XSL presentation layer 146) to be formatted for the proper presentation channel (email, web, etc) for the user 110. [0203] The standard survey data sent from the web server 130 to the customer activity business logic 162 is, in one embodiment, provided as an update to the customer centric profile database 184. The customer centric profile database 184 provides the standard survey data (in the form of an update from the customer centric profile database 184) to the customer centric data marts 186. In one embodiment, the derived customer data business logic uses one or more rules implemented in the rules engine 172 to provide the standard survey data (update) in the form of derived preference data, derived session data, and derived segmentation data. As discussed previously, in one embodiment, derived data can be �scored� data or other data that has been classified in some manner, such as that provided in the lookup tables 200. Another example of derived segmentation data, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, is the storage of data such as the total number of times a user visits a web site implementing the invention, conclusions about the user based on the users responses to survey questions, e.g. �If you live in Greenwich, Conn. there is a high propensity that you make more than 100,000 K/yr�. In response, the customer centric data marts 186 may provide one or more real time queries to the derived customer data business logic 164, which are then provided to the user 110 via the XSL presentation layer. [0204] In response to receiving dynamic content messages, the customer activity business logic 162 provides the information to the customer centric profile database 184 in the form of an update, which is received at the derived customer data business logic 164 and then provided to the database resident content 194 in the form of one or more batch updates. In response, the database resident content 194 can submit a real time query to the derived customer data business logic 164, which then transmits the query response to the XSL presentation layer 146, in accordance with one or more rules implemented at the rules engine 172, for forwarding to the user 110. [0205] As noted previously, updated information 188 can be provided to the system architecture 155 in the form of batch updates of data that are sent to the derived customer data business logic 164, which then provides the information 188 in the form of batch updates to the lookup tables 200. In response, the lookup tables 200 may provide real time queries to the derived customer data business logic 164, which can provide the queries to the user 110, via the XSL presentation layer 146, in accordance with one or more rules implemented by the rules engine 172. [0206] The aforementioned information (standard clickpath data, dynamic content, standard survey data, and/or graphical menu score data) may also, in one embodiment, be provided to the data warehouse business logic 212 via one or more updates sent to the customer centric profile database 184. The data warehouse business logic 212 communicates this information to the data warehouse reporting tool 214 so that it can prepare, as needed, custom data extracts 216, online reports 218, and/or printed reports 220. In addition, the data warehouse business logic 212 can, in one embodiment, communicate this in formation to the multi-dimensional data warehouse 222. Further, the data warehouse business logic 212 also can provide information from the customer centric data mart 186, the blinded data mart 192, the database resident content 194, and/or the lookup tables 200, to the multi-dimensional data warehouse. [0207] The customer maintenance database 182, in one embodiment, contains information such as user name, address, login info, user level lockout, and the like. [0208] The customer centric profile database 184, in one embodiment, contains information such as user specific transactional info that relates to questions answered by the user, e.g. �Do you want to learn to play golf ?�
[0214] As described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, some embodiments of the present invention may overcome the significant shortcomings of prior art systems and methods and provide a computerized lifestyle and retirement planning system and method which takes a user's wishes, needs and goals into consideration in identifying a recommended investment or savings plan. [0215] It should be understood that, in the Figures of this application, in some instances, a plurality of system elements or method steps may be shown as illustrative of a particular system element, and a single system element or method step may be shown as illustrative of a plurality of a particular systems elements or method steps. It should be understood that showing a plurality of a particular element or step is not intended to imply that a system or method implemented in accordance with the invention must comprise more than one of that element or step, nor is it intended by illustrating a single element or step that the invention is limited to embodiments having only a single one of that respective elements or steps. In addition, the total number of elements or steps shown for a particular system element or method is not intended to be limiting; those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of a particular system element or method steps can, in some instances, be selected to accommodate the particular user needs. [0216] It also should be noted that the previous illustrations of screen shots, together with the accompanying descriptions, are provided by way of example only and are not limiting. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many different designs of interfaces, screen shots, navigation patterns, and the like, are within the spirit and scope of the invention. [0217] Although the invention has been described and pictured in a preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form, has been made only by way of example, and that numerous changes in the details of construction and combination and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6865578 *Sep 4, 2001Mar 8, 2005Wesley Joseph HaysMethod and apparatus for the design and analysis of market research studiesUS7606828 *Nov 18, 2003Oct 20, 2009Sap AgDelta-mechanism for integration of OLAP-based planning and reportingUS7650303Jun 9, 2006Jan 19, 2010Financeware, Inc.Method and system for financial advisingUS7698190 *Feb 15, 2007Apr 13, 2010Penkalski Thomas AMethod of creating financial plans of action and budget for achieving lifestyle and financial objectivesUS7716156 *Jul 13, 2006May 11, 2010United Services Automobile AssociationSystems and methods for sharing data from web accessed calculatorsUS7765138Dec 15, 2004Jul 27, 2010Financeware, Inc.Method and system for financial advisingUS7840470 *Oct 3, 2008Nov 23, 2010The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance CompanyRetirement planning system and methodUS7895102 *Feb 29, 2008Feb 22, 2011United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Systems and methods for financial plan benchmarkingUS7912771May 23, 2006Mar 22, 2011Young Robert AFinancial planning document and process thereforUS7917530Mar 26, 2010Mar 29, 2011United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Systems and methods for sharing data from web accessed calculatorsUS8103693 *Feb 17, 2011Jan 24, 2012United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Systems and methods for sharing data from web accessed calculatorsUS8112332Dec 30, 2005Feb 7, 2012United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Financial assessment systems and methodsUS8321423Dec 19, 2011Nov 27, 2012United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Systems and methods for sharing data from web accessed calculatorsUS8463682 *Oct 2, 2001Jun 11, 2013Versata Development Group, Inc.Finance and configuration method and apparatusUS8533092 *Mar 30, 2012Sep 10, 2013Fat Donkey, Inc.Financial evaluation processUS8635132 *Apr 14, 2008Jan 21, 2014United Services Automobile Associatiion (USAA)Self-service real-time financial adviceUS8645243 *Oct 15, 2008Feb 4, 2014United Services Automobile Association (Usaa)Systems and methods for a retirement location advisorUS20100100424 *Jul 31, 2009Apr 22, 2010Bank Of America CorporationTools for relating financial and non-financial interestsUS20110112985 *Nov 5, 2010May 12, 2011Kocmond Peter GeorgeMethod and system for generating a financial plan scoreUS20110313947 *Nov 18, 2009Dec 22, 2011Moonstone Information Refinery International Pty LtdFinancial Practice Management System and MethodUS20120136762 *Nov 23, 2011May 31, 2012Stefan WissenbachSystems, Methods, and Media for Lifestyle ManagementWO2006127975A2 *May 24, 2006Nov 30, 2006Robert A YoungFinancial planning document and process therefor* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification705/35, 705/36.00RInternational ClassificationG06Q40/00Cooperative ClassificationG06Q40/06, G06Q40/00, G06Q40/02European ClassificationG06Q40/02, G06Q40/06, G06Q40/00RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google