An apparatus for managing last wills provisions

Abstract

An apparatus for managing last-wills provisions comprising a memory circuit (2) adapted to contain information entered by a testator, data entry means (4) for last-wills provisions in the memory circuit (2), message communication means (8), a programmable logic unit (5) operatively connected to the data entry means (4), the memory circuit (2) and the communication means (8), the apparatus (1) also comprising a computer product stored in the memory circuit (2) and adapted to be executed by the programmable logic unit (5) to provide access credentials to a first predetermined user to allow him access to the apparatus (1), to receive from the first predetermined user a death declaration of the testator, to send, via the communication means (8), a query message to the testator, to give the first predetermined user access to said last-wills provisions in the event of failure by the testator to reply to the query message within a predetermined time interval.

Description

[0001] AN APPARATUS FOR MANAGING LAST-WILLS PROVISIONS D E S C R I P T I O N

[0002] Definitions

[0003] In the present invention, the term "last-wills provisions" means the set of wishes of the testator with reference to the destination of his patrimonial assets and digital inheritances at a time after his death, as well as any messages to loved ones that the testator wants to leave. Conversely, in the present invention, the term "end-of-life provisions" refers only to the wishes of the testator regarding the funeral ceremony, that is, the choice of the rite to be carried out and the choice of burial practice.

[0004] Field of application

[0005] The present invention is applicable to the IT sector and relates to the management of last-wills information.

[0006] In more detail, the present invention relates to an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] During the course of people's lives, it happens that their patrimony undergoes changes, increasing or decreasing, but what matters is the fact that, especially with the continuous increase in technology, a person's patrimony assets at a certain point in life can be very varied. In fact, there may be real estate, movable assets of high economic value, current accounts opened with different banking institutions, investments of various types, but also digital assets such as email accounts, social network accounts, digital identities, and more.

[0009] Now, more and more often the owner of the patrimony wishes to keep track of such information in addition to other last-wills provisions so as to inform his successors of the capacity of his patrimony and what his wishes are at a later time after his death.

[0010] To do this, computer programs are known which collect a certain amount of information about the person and his assets in order to make it available or to transfer it to third parties specifically designated by the owner of the patrimony. In particular, the aforesaid programs comprise a programmable logic unit and a memory circuit connected thereto so as to store information such as, in addition to the assets that make up the patrimony, his wishes regarding burial, funeral rites, but also his wishes related to the methods of dividing his patrimony among his heirs and / or legatees.

[0011] However, the aforementioned programs do not guarantee the absolute secrecy of the information stored as long as the person is alive.

[0012] In fact, it may happen that the information on the patrimony can be transferred to the designated third parties while the owner is still alive. It follows that this could lead to significant inconvenience for the owner due, for example, to how he wants to divide his patrimony among the beneficiaries.

[0013] Presentation of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks highlighted above by providing an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions which allows the testator to guarantee the secrecy of such provisions until he so wishes or until death has actually occurred.

[0015] In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide the testator with an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions that allows him to intercept attempts to access his provisions before death has occurred.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions which allows the aforesaid provisions to be varied easily and any number of times.

[0017] A further object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions which allows the testator to enter information on his assets, constituting, in facts, an updated database thereof.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions which allows the testator to also arrange his digital assets such as email addresses, digital identity, social accounts and the like.

[0019] The aforesaid objects, as well as others which will appear more clearly below, are achieved by an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions in accordance with the following claims which are to be considered an integral part of the present patent.

[0020] In particular, the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions of the invention first comprises at least one memory circuit adapted to contain one or more pieces of information entered by a testator. The last-wills provisions are obviously included therein.

[0021] The same apparatus further comprises means for entering data available at least to the testator for the entry of at least the last-wills provisions in the memory circuit if not also of other further information on his assets and possessions he wishes to insert.

[0022] To manage it all, the apparatus of the invention also comprises at least one programmable logic unit operatively connected at least to the data entry means and at least to the memory circuit.

[0023] According to an aspect of the invention, the apparatus for managing lastwills provisions further comprises means for communicating messages at least towards the testator and one or more users predetermined by the testator.

[0024] Furthermore, the apparatus also comprises at least one computer product stored in the memory circuit and adapted to be executed by the programmable logic unit to: provide access credentials to at least a first of the predetermined users to allow them access to the management apparatus; receive from such first predetermined user at least one declaration of death of the testator; send, via the communication means, at least one query message to the testator; give the first predetermined user access at least to the last-wills provisions in the event of failure by the testator, within a predetermined time interval, to reply to the query message sent.

[0025] In other words, if one or more of the users predetermined by the testator, that is, those users which the testator in fact names as authorized to access his information and his last provisions in the event of death, tries to access this information, the apparatus will not only ask to declare the death of the testator, but will take care to verify that this has actually occurred by asking the same testator through messages sent to him. In the event of non-response to such messages within a predetermined time interval, the apparatus will consider the death confirmed and will unlock the access to the applicant. Advantageously, therefore, the apparatus is secure since it verifies the death of the testator by querying the testator himself.

[0026] Still advantageously, the apparatus allows the testator to be made aware if anyone among the predetermined users is attempting to access his data before death and, therefore, fraudulently.

[0027] Still advantageously, since the memory circuit can be provided particularly large, using the data entry means the testator can enter any provision and information in the apparatus, without any limitation.

[0028] In particular, still advantageously, the testator will be able to enter all his digital assets without any limit. Since, moreover, the apparatus is advantageously always accessible and the information entered therein is advantageously modifiable with ease and without bureaucratic difficulties, the testator can advantageously keep the situation of his assets up to date even in the presence of assets, such as digital ones, which can vary easily and frequently.

[0029] Still advantageously, since the management apparatus of the invention is always accessible by the testator, the information contained therein constitutes for the testator an up-to-date archive of his assets.

[0030] From the above, said objects are achieved by a method for managing lastwills provisions adapted to be implemented by a management apparatus according to the above and comprising the following steps: providing access credentials to at least a first of the predetermined users to allow them access to said management apparatus; receiving from the at least a first of the predetermined users at least one declaration of death of the testator; sending, via said communication means, at least one query message to the testator; giving access to the at least a first of the predetermined users at least to said last-wills provisions in the event of the testator's failure to respond to said at least one query message within a predetermined time interval.

[0031] Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more evident in light of the detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions according to the invention, illustrated by way of a non-limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing table, wherein FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus for managing last-wills provisions in a schematic view.

[0033] Detailed description of some preferred embodiments

[0034] With reference to the aforementioned figures, an apparatus 1 for managing last-wills provisions is described, first of all comprising a memory circuit 2 adapted to contain one or more pieces of information entered by a testator.

[0035] Some examples of information that the testator can enter are his personal and contact data, the reconstruction of his family tree in order to identify the heirs and in any case any other information he considers interesting or relevant for the execution of his last wishes.

[0036] The information which is stored in the memory circuit 2 obviously includes the last-wills provisions such as, for example, any donations which he wants to make to people who would normally be excluded from the legitimate succession or provisions related to the transfer of certain assets to certain heirs, but also the end-of-life provisions, i.e., those related to the choice of the funeral rite which the testator wishes for his last goodbye and the burial methods.

[0037] Advantageously, the above allows to memorize the will of the testator at a time when he is totally able to understand and want and, still advantageously, to express his will.

[0038] Moreover, still advantageously, the above allows the testator to be completely free from any external influence due, for example, to the presence of third parties when he expresses his will.

[0039] Moreover, according to an aspect of the invention, the information that the testator inserts into the memory circuit 2 comprises digital assets. In more detail, they are represented, for example, by email inboxes and social accounts without any limit for the present invention.

[0040] Advantageously, the possibility of inserting digital assets allows the testator to transfer access credentials to his successors or in any case, as will be seen below, to users predetermined by the same testator.

[0041] Still advantageously, this allows the successor to follow up on the digital assets according to the will of the testator. In fact, the testator may wish for his accounts to be kept active in his memory, that is, for them to be closed after his death.

[0042] Still advantageously, the possibility of including among his last wishes also the destination of the digital goods suggests that the apparatus 1 of the invention allows the testator full freedom and autonomy in including in such last wishes any object or asset of his property, even of little economic value. This aspect is relevant not only in itself, but also for the fact that it is combined with the possibility given to the testator to access the apparatus 1 of the invention whenever he likes and an unlimited number of times. This allows the testator to modify his last wishes, entering new entries or modifying entries already substantially entered immediately after elaborating such decisions.

[0043] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus 1 comprises data entry means 4 available to the testator for the insertion into the memory circuit 2 of the last-wills provisions if not also of further information on his assets and possessions he wants to insert.

[0044] Obviously, to manage the entire apparatus 1 of the invention it also comprises a programmable logic unit 5 operatively connected to the data entry means 4 and the memory circuit 2.

[0045] Typically, but not necessarily, the memory circuit 2 and the programmable logic unit 5 consist of a server 6 distributed over an internet network and accessible remotely by several users.

[0046] Advantageously, the server 6 allows to obtain a management apparatus 1 which is particularly efficient and fast in execution.

[0047] Moreover, as is known, what are called virtual servers 6 typically have unlimited memory capacity. It follows, still advantageously, that the testator can insert any arrangement and information into the memory circuit 2, without any space limit.

[0048] In particular, still advantageously, the testator will be able to enter all his digital assets without any limit. Since, moreover, the apparatus 1 is advantageously always accessible and the information entered therein is advantageously modifiable with ease and without bureaucratic difficulties, the testator can advantageously keep the situation of his assets up to date even in the presence of assets, such as digital ones, which can vary easily and frequently.

[0049] Still advantageously, since the management apparatus of the invention is always accessible by the testator, the information contained therein constitutes for the testator an up-to-date archive of his assets.

[0050] However, this aspect must not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention according to which the memory circuit comprises a physical or similar server and / or according to which the server is directly in the possession of the testator and therefore does not need to be connected to the internet.

[0051] As regards the data entry means 4, it is noted that they, according to a further aspect of the invention, comprise a keyboard associated with the server 6

[0052] However, the type of data entry means 4is not to be considered a limiting characteristic for different embodiments of the invention. In fact, according to some variant embodiments not represented herein, the data entry means comprise computer devices equipped with a keyboard (smartphone, video terminals, personal computer, tablet or other) and operatively connectable to the programmable logic unit. And there is more. According to further embodiments, the data entry means are represented by a microphone through which the testator enters his information and / or last-wills provisions by means of voice commands.

[0053] Advantageously, the presence of data entry means 4, of any type, allows information to be easily inserted inside the memory circuit 2.

[0054] According to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions 1 also comprises means 8 for communicating messages towards the testator and one or more users predetermined by the testator himself.

[0055] Advantageously, the presence of the message communication means 8 allows an exchange of information between the apparatus 1 and the testator and between the apparatus 1 and predetermined users.

[0056] Going into more detail of the embodiment described herein, it is noted that the communication means 8 comprise connection devices to an internet network.

[0057] Advantageously, this allows to send communications to the testator or to predetermined users by means of any communication system which works through the internet such as, by way of non-limiting example, sending emails, communications through instant messaging systems, but not only.

[0058] However, the type of communication means 8 should not be considered limiting for the present invention. In fact, according to an embodiment variant not shown here, the communication means comprise connection devices to a mobile phone network. Obviously, in this case, the exchange of communications between the management apparatus and the testator or between the management apparatus and the predetermined users occurs by means of phone calls or sending SMS. Moreover, the different types of communication means with the testator and with the predetermined users can coexist in the same apparatus for managing last-wills provisions.

[0059] In order to be able to do all this, according to another aspect of the invention, the apparatus 1 obviously also comprises a computer product stored in the memory circuit 2 and adapted to be executed by the programmable logic unit 5.

[0060] In detail, the computer product allows to provide access credentials to a first of the predetermined users to allow them to access the management apparatus 1. Specifically, in the embodiment described herein, upon the testator's entry of the first predetermined user, the computer product generates access credentials which, in the embodiment represented herein, are sent to the first predetermined user directly from the apparatus 1 via the communication means 8. However, such an aspect of the invention should not be considered limiting for different embodiments of the invention. In fact, according to an embodiment variant not represented here, the access credentials generated by the computer product are not sent directly to the first predetermined user, but are provided to the testator who, in turn, delivers them to the first predetermined user.

[0061] Thereby, advantageously, the first user may have access, through a dedicated interface, to some limited information entered by the testator, such as the name thereof. In this regard, going into more detail of the embodiment disclosed herein, it is noted that the last-wills provisions do not include end-of-life provisions. In this sense, among the information to which the first user will have access before the death of the testator, there are also the end-of-life provisions, i.e. , those, as anticipated above, related to the choice of the funeral ceremony. However, such an aspect should not be considered a limiting feature for different embodiments of the invention according to which, for example, the end-of-life provisions are provided to the first user only at a time after the death of the testator together with the last-wills provisions.

[0062] Furthermore, the computer product allows to receive a declaration of death of the testator from such first predetermined user. To this end, according to an aspect of the invention, in the predetermined user interface there is a clickable command with which the predetermined user can report the death, even possibly by entering the date and time thereof, without any limit for the present invention. Obviously, such a detail should not be considered limiting to the invention.

[0063] Upon receiving the declaration of the death of the testator, the apparatus 1 of the invention sends, via the communication means 8, a query message to the testator.

[0064] Thereby, advantageously, a verification of the actual death of the testator is allowed.

[0065] Subsequently, in fact, if the testator does not give any response to the query message within a predetermined time interval, the computer product gives access to the first predetermined user to all the information contained within the memory circuit 2 entered by the same testator. Conversely, if the testator responds to the query message, the computer product blocks the process of providing the lastwills provisions entered by the testator and contained in the memory circuit 2 of the device 1 of the invention.

[0066] In other words, if one or more of the users predetermined by the testator, that is, those users which the testator in fact names as authorized to access his information and his last provisions in the event of death, tries to access this information, the apparatus will not only ask to declare the death of the testator, but will take care to verify that this has actually occurred by asking the same testator through messages sent to him. In the event of non-response to such messages within a predetermined time interval, the apparatus will consider the death confirmed and will unlock the access to the applicant.

[0067] This advantageously allows the confidentiality of the last-wills provisions which the testator enters within the management apparatus 1 while the same is alive.

[0068] Still advantageously, in fact, the apparatus 1 is secure since it carries out a verification of the death of the testator by querying the testator himself.

[0069] Still advantageously, the apparatus 1 allows the testator to know if anyone among the predetermined users is attempting to access his data before his death and, therefore, fraudulently.

[0070] According to a further aspect of the invention, the management apparatus 1 comprises an additional computer product, also stored in the memory circuit 2 and adapted to be executed by the programmable logic unit 5 for asking the testator a plurality of predetermined questions, receiving corresponding answers from the testator via the data entry means 4 and processing the corresponding answers so as to draw up a holographic will model.

[0071] Advantageously, the presence of the additional computer product allows the testator to write in his own hand, on the basis of the holographic will model, a will in accordance with the law, certainly respecting the will of the testator but at the same time not prejudicial to any right of the heirs.

[0072] Still advantageously, this allows the will of the testator to be fully respected after his death.

[0073] Operationally, first the testator accesses the apparatus 1 for managing lastwills provisions by accessing a web address within which the testator registers, setting his username and password. Once the registration is carried out, the testator reaches a special interface through which he enters all the information he wants into the memory circuit 2 and via the data entry means 4. For example, such entry occurs by answering one or more questions posed by the apparatus 1 to the testator or by entering certain information within specific spaces, without, however, this constituting a limit for the present invention. The information which the testator enters in the apparatus 1 of the invention includes the contact details of one or more users predetermined by the testator. Thereby, the apparatus 1 for managing last-wills provisions sends to such predetermined users, via the message communication means 8, specific access credentials thereto and, in more detail, to a user interface in which the predetermined users can only see the identification data of the testator who has identified them as predetermined users as well as the end-of-life provisions. In addition to this, as anticipated, in the user interface there is a command clickable by predetermined users through which the apparatus 1 receives a declaration of death of the testator.

[0074] Thereby, when a predetermined user declares the death of the testator, the apparatus 1 of the invention sends, via the communication means 8, a query message to the testator himself so as to verify his actual death. In this sense, before all the information entered by the testator is made available to the predetermined users, a predetermined time interval must elapse within which the testator can reply to the query message. If the time interval elapses without any response to the query message, the apparatus 1 of the invention gives the predetermined users access to the last-wills provisions inserted by the testator in the memory circuit 2.

[0075] In light of the foregoing, it is understood that the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions of the invention achieves all the intended objects.

[0076] In particular, it allows the testator to guarantee the secrecy of the last-wills provisions until he so wishes or until his death has actually occurred.

[0077] In particular, the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions of the invention allows the testator to intercept attempts to access his last-wills provisions before death has occurred.

[0078] Moreover, the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions allows the aforesaid provisions to be varied easily and any number of times.

[0079] Furthermore, it allows the testator to enter information on his assets, constituting, in fact, an updated database thereof.

[0080] Furthermore, the apparatus for managing last-wills provisions of the invention allows the testator to also arrange his digital assets such as email addresses, digital identity, social accounts and the like.

[0081] The invention is subject to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may furthermore be replaced by other technically equivalent elements, and the materials may be different if required, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

C L A I M S1 . An apparatus for managing last-wills provisions comprising: at least one memory circuit (2) suitable for containing one or more pieces of information entered by a testator; data entry means (4) available at least to the testator for the entry of at least said last-wills provisions in said memory circuit (2); means of communication (8) of messages at least towards the testator and one or more users predetermined by the testator; at least one programmable logic unit (5) operatively connected at least to said data entry means (4), to said at least one memory circuit (2) and to said means of communication (8), said apparatus (1) further comprising at least one computer product stored in said at least one memory circuit (2) and suitable to be executed by said at least one programmable logic unit (5) to: provide access credentials to at least one first of the predetermined users to allow him access to said management apparatus (1); receive from the at least one first of the predetermined users at least one declaration of death of the testator; send, via said means of communication (8), at least one query message to the testator; give access to at least a first of the predetermined users at least to said last-wills provisions in the event of the testator's failure to respond to said at least one query message within a predetermined time interval.

2. Apparatus for managing according to claim 1 , wherein said provision step is carried out by sending access credentials to at least one of the predetermined users via said means of communication (8) of messages.

3. Apparatus for managing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said one or more pieces of information comprise digital assets.

4. Apparatus for managing according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one programmable logic unit (5) comprises at least one remotely accessible server (6).

5. Apparatus for managing according to claim 4, wherein said data entrymeans (4) comprise at least one keyboard associated with said at least one server (6).

6. Apparatus for managing according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said data entry means (4) comprise computer devices equipped with a keyboard and operatively connectable to said programmable logic unit (5).

7. Apparatus for managing according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said means of communication (8) comprise connection devices to a mobile phone network.

8. Apparatus for managing according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said means of communication (8) comprise connection devices to an internet network.

9. Apparatus for managing according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least one additional computer product stored in said at least one memory circuit (2) and suitable to be executed by said at least one programmable logic unit (5) to: ask the testator a plurality of predetermined questions; receive corresponding answers to said plurality of questions from the testator; process said corresponding answers to draw up at least one holographic will model.

10. A method for managing last-wills provisions suitable to be implemented by an apparatus for managing (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims comprising the following steps: providing access credentials to at least a first of the predetermined users to allow him access to said apparatus for managing(1); receiving from at least one first of the predeterm ined users at least one declaration of death of the testator; sending, via said means of communication (8), at least one query message to the testator; giving access to at least one first of the predetermined users at least to said last-wills provisions in the event of the testator's failure to respond to said at least one query message within a predetermined time interval.

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