WO2006079150A1

WO2006079150A1 - Budget device

Info

Publication number: WO2006079150A1
Application number: PCT/AU2005/001625
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie Helen Ringrow; Wayne Scott Ringrow
Original assignee: Julie Helen Ringrow; Wayne Scott Ringrow
Priority date: 2004-10-22
Filing date: 2005-10-20
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: AU2004222775A1

Abstract

A budget tracking device (100) has a memory (46), a processor (44), function keys (32, 34, 36), number keys (30) and action keys (38, 40, 42). The user selects a function using the function keys, enters a number using the number keys and confirms or cancels using the action keys. The processor combines the input number with a value retrieved from memory, produces a result and automatically replaces the value retrieved from memory with the result.

Description

Budget Device

Field of Invention

This invention relates to an electronic device and/ or a specific integrated circuit and/ or a software application that simplifies maintenance of a running total or several running totals and more particularly to a device that is useful in tracking personal expenses-.

Whilst the preferred embodiments are directed to budgeting devices, the invention is not limited to such uses and may, for example, be used as a tracking tool for items in total. .

Background

Many people pay for a significant amount of their personal expenditure using non-cash payment methods. These include direct debits to bank accounts and payment of goods and services using debit and/or credit cards (herein after referred to as payment cards). Although each payment in person with a payment card results in issue of a receipt to the consumer, it is relatively difficult to keep track of what has been spent.

Summary of the Invention

hi an attempt to provide consumers with an aid to budgeting, the invention provides a device into which numbers are entered. The entered number is added to or subtracted from a previously stored number or previously stored numbers, which may be zero, and the new number or numbers automatically replace the previously stored number.

Accordingly, in one broad form the invention provides an electronic device including:

memory for storing at least one first number;

at least one interface for inputting a second number;

at least one function selector for selection of at least one preset function, the or each function associated with at least one first number, and

a processor that: produces a third number according to the selected function, the selected first number and the second number and

automatically replaces the selected first number in memory with the third number.

The selected first number may be copied to memory as a backup number before replacement by the third number and the device is operable to retrieve a backup number and to replace the corresponding first number.

The functions may include at least one of add, subtract and substitute.

Preferably at least one first number is indicative of a date.

The device may store at least one set of at least two first numbers and may include at least one set selector for selecting a set of first numbers. Where more than one set of numbers are stored the selected function is carried out on the corresponding first number of the selected set.

The device preferably includes a display that displays the numbers of a set. Thus if the device stores two numbers, one indicative of a date and the other of a total, preferably the display may display the date and total. The date and total may be displayed alternately or simultaneously. If the device stores more than one set of numbers, preferably the display also indicates the selected or active set of numbers.

Preferably at least part of the memory is non- volatile.

The interface or interfaces may include at least one of a keyboard, a wired connection and a wireless connection.

When used as a budgeting device, the or each number stored in the device corresponds either to an accumulated expenditure or a remaining budget amount and numbers entered correspond to purchases, payments or increases in budget.

The invention preferably includes a display and more preferably the display normally indicates the stored number, corresponding to accumulated expenditure or a remaining budget amount.

The device preferably includes a human interface device by which numbers may be entered into the device, more preferably a 0 to 9 keypad. Other human interface devices may be used.

In alternate forms of the invention data, including numbers, may also be entered remotely, via wired or wireless communications, such as infra red or radio wave communication.

Embodiments of the invention may also store a date, to act as a reminder to the user. Preferably the date stored is normally indicated on the display.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is circuit diagram of the embodiment of figure 1;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the circuit board of the embodiment of figure 1;

Figure 4 is a bottom plan view of the circuit board of figure 3;

Figure 5 is a schematic of the functional components of the embodiment of figure 1;

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a first mode of operation of the device of figure 1;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram of a second mode of operation of the device of figure 1;

Figure 8 is a flow diagram of a third mode of operation of the device of figure 1 , and

Figure 9 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments

Referring to figures 1 to 3 there is shown a budget device 10. The device 10 is preferably of the maximum dimensions of about 85 mm wide, about 55 mm high and about 3.5 mm thick. The width and height correspond approximately to the dimensions of a - A -

conventional payment card.

The device includes a hollow shell 12 in which is located a circuit board 14. Mounted on the circuit board are a battery 16, processor package 18, liquid crystal display (LCD) 20 and associated components. In the preferred embodiments the battery is a non- rechargeable, non-replaceable long life battery. When the battery is discharged, the device is disposed of. If desired the battery may be replaceable. If desired a solar cell and appropriate battery may be used. The circuit board includes terminals 22 for a membrane type keypad 24. The keypad may be integral with the shell or a separate component from the shell 12. When separate, the front surface of the shell 12 includes apertures through which the keys of the keypad extend. Pressing of a key closes the circuit of the corresponding switch terminals on the circuit board.

The front surface 26 of the shell includes a clear area 28 though which the LCD 20 may be viewed. Whilst a LCD is preferred, other forms of display may be used. The LCD has a "date" area 21 and a "number" area 23. The date area 21 is for display of a date stored in the device and the number area 23 is for display of stored or entered numbers and for user prompts.

A power button 43, labelled "PWR " is provided which turns the device on or off.

The keys of the keypad include 0 to 9 number keys 30, functional keys 32, 34 and 36, which are labelled "EXPENSE", "ADD " and "BUDGET", respectively and action keys 38, 40 and 42, which are labelled "ENTER ", "CL " (for "CLEAR") and "UNDO".

The basic operation of the device will be described with reference to figures 1 and 4.

_*

For ease of explanation the same components have the same numbers as in figures 1 to 3. The processor package 18 incorporates a processor 44 and memory 46. The memory stores two numbers Nl and N2 in memory stores Ml and M2 respectively. It will be appreciated that this is a logical separation and the memory stores Ml and M2 are merely part of the memory 46. The memory 46 also stores two dates Dl and D2, in memory stores M3 and M4, respectively. Again the separation of the memory is logical, not actual. When the device is turned on or after completion of a transaction the number Nl is displayed in the number area 23 of the LCD 20 and the date Dl is displayed in the date area 21 of the LCD 20.

The processor package 18 receives function inputs, numerical inputs and action inputs and displays appropriate values on the LCD 20. In the embodiment of figure 1 function inputs are provided by function keys 32, 34 and 36. Number inputs are provided by number keys 30 and action inputs are provided by actitfn keys 38, 40 and 42.

In use the user inputs a function to the processor, by pressing one of the function keys 32, 34 and 36 followed by the "ENTER " key 38 and then inputs a number, via the number keys 30. The number is either confirmed using the "ENTER " key 38 or erased for re-enter using the "CLEAR " key 40. The "UNDO" key 42 reverses the immediate past completed transaction and does not require selection of a function or input of a numerical value.

In the preferred embodiment the function keys have the following effect.

Budget

After pressing the "BUDGET" key 36, pressing the "ENTER " key 38, entering a number N3 using the number keys 30 and pressing the "ENTER " key 38, the processor 44 retrieves the number Nl, if any, stored in memory store Ml and copies it to memory store M2. The number N2, if any, previously stored in memory store M2 is replaced and discarded and Nl becomes N2. If no number has been stored in memory store Ml then Nl is assumed to be zero. The input number N3 is then stored in memory store Ml and becomes the new Nl . The newly stored number Nl is then displayed in the number area 23 ofthe LCD 20.

Expense

After pressing the "EXPENSE " key 32, pressing the "ENTER " key 38, entering a number N3 and pressing the "ENTER" key 38, the processor 44 retrieves the number Nl, if any, stored in memory store Ml and copies it to memory store M2, becoming number N2. If no number has been stored in memory store Ml then Nl is assumed to be zero. The input number N3 is subtracted from Nl and the resulting number N4 is then stored in memory store Ml and becomes the new Nl. The newly stored number Nl is then displayed in the number area 23 of the LCD 20.

Add

After pressing the "ADD " key 34, pressing the "ENTER " key 38, entering a number N3 and pressing the "ENTER" key 38, the processor 44 retrieves the number Nl, if any, stored in memory store Ml and copies it to memory store M2, becoming number N2. If no number has been stored in memory store Ml then Nl is assumed to be zero. The input number N3 is added to Nl and the resulting number N4 is then stored in memory store Ml and becomes the new Nl. The newly stored number Nl is then displayed in the number area 23 of the LCD 20.

Undo

The undo function, accessed via the "UNDO" button 42, causes the processor to retrieve the number N2 stored in memory store M2 and to copy it to memory store Ml-, overwriting the previously stored number Nl . The number N2 is thus stored in both memory stores Ml and M2 and this reverses the effect of the last transaction on the value of Nl stored in memory Ml. The newly stored number Nl is then displayed in the number area 23 of the LCD 20.

Operation of the embodiment of figure 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings of the device and the flow diagrams, as below.

Budget and Date Setting

In the budget setting mode, a budget or spending limit is stored in the device and any subsequent expenses are subtracted from the stored value and any subsequent payments added to the stored value.

The flow diagram for the budget settings is figure 6.

To store a new budget the "BUDGET" key 36 is pressed. The display 20 changes to display "NEW BUDGET?". The user presses the "ENTER " key 38 to confirm a new budget value is to be entered. Alternatively, if the user does not wish to proceed, the "CLEAR " key 40 is pressed and the device returns to its default state, displaying the due date and current balance.

If the enter key is not pressed within 10 seconds it is assumed that the action is no longer required and the system reverts to its default setting of displaying the number Nl stored in memory store Ml - the running budget value and the date.

If the user presses the power key 43, the device turns off and when turned on again reverts to its default state. In the preferred embodiment, after pressing a function key only the power key 43, the "CLEAR " key 40 and the "ENTER " key 38 are operational; pressing another key has no effect.

After pressing the 'ENTER " key 38 the number area 23 of the LCD 20 shows a "0" (zero) and the user inputs a budget amount. Alternatively, by pressing the "CLEAR " key 40 the transaction may be cancelled, with the device reverting to the default state. The device of the preferred embodiment does not have a decimal point key. A decimal point key may be provided if desired. The amount is entered as whole numbers, without decimal places. Thus "10,000.00" is entered as "1000000" and is displayed in the number area 23. The device automatically formats the number so that it is displayed as "10,000.00". The amount is confirmed by pressing the "ENTER " key 38. The input value is then stored in memory store Ml as the new value of Nl. If no number is entered and the "ENTER " key 38 is pressed, the new value of Nl is set to zero. The previous value of Nl is transferred to memory store M2 as N2. If a mistake is made before pressing the "ENTER " key 38 the amount may be cleared using the "CLEAR " key 40 and the correct amount entered.

The "CLEAR " key rolls back the input of the last key pressed, except the enter key. Repeatedly pressing the "CLEAR " key 40 will progressively roll back the keystrokes of a partially completed task. This applies in all modes. Thus if one enters the number "1234" instead of "11234" it is necessary to press the "CLEAR " key 40 three times before entering the correct digits. It will be appreciated that other mistake correction methods may be used. For example holding the "CLEAR " key 40 down for a preset time may clear the entire number, not just the last digit.

After pressing the "ENTER " key 38, to confirm the budget amount, the number area 23 becomes blank and the date area 21 starts to flash "00/00" to prompt the user to enter a period end date.

The user enters four digits corresponding to a date, such as "2308" for "23 August". These digits are displayed in the date area 21 as they are entered. In the preferred embodiment there is no need to or capability to enter a separator, such as a "/" or "-" and the separator is automatically generated by the device. Alternatively the "/" or "-"may be a static printed element of the display 20. In the preferred embodiment the system does not include a calendar and does not carry out validation of the date, although this is not precluded from embodiments of the invention. If desired a date may be entered as "0823". The new date is confirmed by pressing the "ENTER " key 38. Again a mistake may be corrected by pressing the "CLEAR " key 40 one or more times.

The display 20 initially shows four zeros. As Numbers are entered they shift existing numbers to the left and take the right-hand most placeholder. The left-hand most number is lost. Thus if you just enter "08" and press enter the date is taken as "08-00".

If no number is entered and the user presses the "ENTER " key 38 again then a zero value is stored and subsequently displayed as "00/00" or "00-00".

The device may include a date checking function and the ability to display a date in one or more formats different to that entered. For example, the user may enter "2308" and the device may display "23 Aug".

The date is stored in a separate memory store M3 as date Dl and, as with the'budget value, the previously stored date is transferred to memory store M4 as D2.

Pressing the "UNDO " key 42 at this point rolls back both the date and the new budget amount to the previously stored amounts.

After pressing the "ENTER " key 38 the display changes to alternately show the entered budget amount and the due date just entered. If desired the display may show both the entered budget amount and the due date simultaneously

If the user wishes to roll back the entered budget and date the user may press the "UNDO" key 42 followed by the "ENTER " key 38. This rolls back both of the entered numbers to their previous values.

Expense Tracking;

To record expenses the device is placed in an "expense" mode by pressing the "EXPENSE" key 32. This causes the number area 23 of the display to prompt the user with the words "Expense?". The user confirms this by pressing the "ENTER " key 38. Alternatively, if the user does not wish to proceed, the "CLEAR " key 40 is pressed and the device returns to its default state, displaying the due date and current balance.

The flow diagram for adding expenses is figure 7.

The number area 23 of the LCD 20 changes from showing the number Nl stored in memory (the running balance) to a "0" (zero).

In the preferred embodiments the date and amount are displayed alternately and when entering expenses or payments the date area 21 is blank. In embodiments in which both the date and the amount are shown simultaneously, the date area 21 may remain unchanged, showing the (due) date Dl.

The expense amount is entered and confirmed by pressing the "ENTER!" key 38. Again mistakes can be corrected beforehand by pressing the "CLEAR " key 40, as necessary.

On pressing the "ENTER " key 38 the entered amount is subtracted from the previous, stored, balance Nl and the new balance is stored in memory store Ml as previously described. The previous value is stored in memory store M2 as N2. The transaction may be rolled back by pressing the "UNDO" key 42 followed by the "ENTER " key 38. This transfers the number- N2 stored in memory store M2 to memory store Ml, replacing Nl.

Payment/ Add Mode

To record payments or otherwise increase the balance Nl, the device is placed in an "ADD " mode by pressing the "ADD " key 34. This causes the number area 23 of the display to prompt the user with the words "Add?". The user confirms this by pressing the "ENTER " key 38. Alternatively, if the user does not wish to proceed, the "CLEAR " key 40 is pressed and the device returns to its default state, displaying the due date and current balance.

The flow diagram for adding amounts to the budget is figure 8.

The number area of the LCD 20 changes from showing the number Nl stored in memory (the running balance) to a "0" (zero).

The payment amount is entered and confirmed by pressing the "ENTER " key 38. Again mistakes can be corrected beforehand by pressing the "CLEAR " key 40, as necessary. .

On pressing the "ENTER " key 38 the entered amount is added to the previous, stored, balance Nl and the new balance is stored in memory store Ml as previously described. The previous value is stored in memory store M2 as N2. The transaction may be rolled back by pressing the "UNDO" key 42 followed by the "ENTER " key 38. This transfers the number N2 stored in memory store M2 to memory store Ml, replacing Nl .

If the device is powered off during a transaction and before the "ENTER " key has been pressed to confirm the transaction, then the data in memory is not updated.

From the above it is apparent that keeping track of expenditure is much simplified. It merely requires one keystroke to select the EXPENSE function, input of the numerical amount (which obviously is a variable) and one key press of the "ENTER " key to update the total.

Figure 9 shows a budget device 100 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This device is substantially the same as the first embodiment except that it is designed for use with more than one payment card. Accordingly it is provided with a card selection key 102. The LCD 20 has a card area 108 which displays a code corresponding to the selected card, preferably "Cl", "C2" and "C3", respectively. By default, all transactions occur on card 1 and it is not necessary to select which card to enter data for. If one wishes to enter a transaction for card 2, the card selection key 102 is pressed for about 2 seconds. The card area 108 of the display changes to show "C2" and data is entered as previously described. If the user wishes to enter a transaction on card 3, the card selection key 102 is held down for about 4 seconds. The card area 108 of the display changes to show firstly C2 and then C3. The number of cards may be greater, with the display cycling through the cards if the key 102 is held down. At the end of the transaction or if the device is powered off then the device reverts to card 1 and the LCD displays Cl . Alternatively the device may remain in the selected card mode until actively changed by the user.

It will be appreciated that for each card the device will have separate logical memory areas to store budget and due date data and that future embodiments may have memory capacity to store every transaction on every card.

The invention may also provide a device that allows for tracking of categories of expenses and setting of sub-budgets for any or all of these categories.

The device may be provided with a category selector 104 for use when entering sub- . budgets and categorising expenses. Thus, for example, categories of Groceries, Entertainment and Clothes may be programmed into the device. During the budget setting process, after entering a total budget amount, sub-budgets may be entered. One may press the "category" key 104 and the display changes to a suitable prompt, such as "Enter sub total?". On pressing the "Enter" key, to confirm that one wishes to enter a subtotal, the display prompts for a category and displays the first of the list of categories. Repeated pressing or holding down of the key 104 cycles through the available categories. The user may select the currently displayed or highlighted category by pressing the "Enter" key. The amount is then entered using the numerical keys 30. Alternatively a displayed or highlighted category may be "automatically" selected by entering an amount. The amount is confirmed by pressing the "Enter" key.

The amount entered may be checked by the device against the total ^"budget or the unallocated budget so that a subtotal is not greater than the total budget or the unallocated budget is only accepted if not greater than both. Assume a total budget of $2,0000 is entered. A sub-budget of $200.00 for clothing is entered. This is subtracted from the total budget leaving $1800.00 unallocated. One may then allocate up to $1800.00 to one or more different categories. The process is repeated until the user has allocated as many sub-budgets as desired. After allocating sub-budget amounts to one or more categories, there may be part of the budget unallocated. This does not matter, as will be explained. Thus one may have a total budget of $2000.00 with $ 1500.00 split between groceries, clothing and entertainment and $500.00 in an "unallocated" category.

When entering expenses, after selecting the expense function, the user may enter and confirm the expense amount as previously described. In this case the expense amount is subtracted from the total budget and any "unallocated" category sub-budget.

If the user wishes to allocate an expense against a category, after selecting and confirming the expense function, the user presses the category key. The desired category is located by repeated pressing of the category key and selected using the enter key. The expense amount is entered and confirmed as previously described. The entered amount is subtracted from both the total budget and the selected category sub-budget.

Each expense may be allocated against different cards and different categories if the device provides for both different cards and different categories.

The display may include an area to indicate the category, as appropriate. Thus, for example, in the default mode the display may automatically cycle through the total amount and each of the sub-totals for the various categories. Alternatively, in the default mode, the display may just display the total amount as previously described. Pressing the category key in the default mode causes the display to display the first category and its associated remaining budget, with repeated pressing of the category key cycling through the categories.

The categories may be pre-programmed and not user changeable, but it is within the scope of the invention for the user to change the number and/or description of available categories. This may be by use of a user interface incorporated in the device, such as a keyboard, graphical user interface (GUI) or via a connection to a computer or the like.

It will be appreciated that the categorisation may be utilised in embodiments having only one budget, such as the figure 1 device, and those having multiple budgets, such as the figure 9 device.

Whilst the preferred embodiments utilise a keypad to enter data, it will be appreciated that other methods of data entry are within the scope of the invention. A touch screen or handwriting recognition may be used, for example.

The device may also be provided with inputs to receive data directly from another machine without the need for manual entering of data. For example, the device may be provided with an infrared or wireless receiver that may receive expense data directly from an appropriately equipped cash register, card reader, computer or other appropriate device.

The device may also have the ability to store details of each purchase, rather than just a running total. These details may be simply the value of each purchase or may include additional information such as one or more of the purchase date, category, location, store or other details as desired. Where the device receives data directly from another machine it is merely a matter of receiving and storing this data in memory. It is also relatively simple to include this extra information with the purchase value transmitted to the device. Whilst machine to machine transfer is the preferred method of inputting such data into such a device, it will be appreciated that this additional information may be manually entered by the user.

Storage of the value of each purchase allows the user to easily check bank or credit card statements, even if only the value is stored. If additional data is stored, such as date, this aids in reconciliation. This data may be merely displayed on the screen of the device for reconciliation or may be downloaded to a computer for reconciliation. Suitable transfer mechanisms include wired and wireless communications, such as IEEE 1394 or USB wired connections or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connections.

Whilst the device described is intended for tracking of expenses, it will be appreciated that it may be used for other purposes and the invention is not limited to tracking of money. Whilst the preferred embodiment of the invention is a dedicated device that only performs the invention, it is to be appreciated that the invention may be incorporated into portable devices that perform other functions, such as mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA's), portable music players, digital cameras and the like. When incorporated into a mobile phone, the number keypad of the phone is already present, as is the equivalent of an enter and cancel key. Selection of functions and the other keys described may be provided by extra keys or assigning different functions to existing keys.

Most mobile telephones, PDA's, portable music players and digital cameras are provided with wired or wireless communication systems, or both so receiving or sending data or both is easily achieved.

It will be appreciated that the keys may be provided by way of a touch screen rather than physical keys.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. An electronic device including:

memory for storing at least one first number;

at least one interface for inputting a second number;

at least one function selector for selection of at least one preset function, the Or each function associated with at. least one first number, and

a processor that:

^■produces a third number according to the selected function, the selected first number and the second number and

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the selected first number is copied to memory as a backup number before replacement by the third number.

3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2 operable to retrieve a backup number and to replace the corresponding first number.

4. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the functions include at least one of add, subtract and substitute.

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one first number is indicative of a date.

6. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the device stores at least one set of at least two first numbers.

7. The device of claim 6 including at least one set selector for selecting a set of first numbers, said selected function being carried out on the corresponding first number of the selected set.

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims including a display that displays at least one of the numbers of a set.

9. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least part of the memory is non- volatile.

10. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one interface includes at least one of a keyboard, a wired connection and a wireless connection.

11. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein data associated with each change in a stored first number is also stored in memory.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the data includes data corresponding to information selected from a group including: the second number, the date, the location, a description of an item.

13. An electronic device substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.