WO2006137035A2

WO2006137035A2 - Rfid property and baggage security alarm

Info

Publication number: WO2006137035A2
Application number: PCT/IB2006/052036
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul F. Van Huffel; P. Charles Ammond; Michael W. Ford
Original assignee: Cascade Engineering, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-06-22
Filing date: 2006-06-22
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: WO2006137035A3

Abstract

An alarm system for personal property includes multiple intercommunicating Radio Frequency Identification (RFJD) transceivers. The system includes a control module and an alarm module. In one embodiment, the alarm module is programmed to continually search for the control module within an approximate predetermined range. The alarm module is adapted to attach to an article, and includes an alarm that is activated when the article lias been rawed outside of the predetermined distance from the control module. In another embodiment, t ie control and alarm modules additionally communicate with a master module that also includes a uniquely identifiable RFfD chip.

Description

RFID PROPERTY AND BAGGAGE SECURITY ALARM BACKGROUND OF THE TNVENTlON

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/692,S23, filed June 22, 2005.

The present invention relates to alarm systems, and more particular!y to a portable proximity alarm system for personal property.

As the need for greater security in airports and the public at large increases so does the need for prevention of luggage theft. As such, manufacturers are continually attempting to produce an alarm system for incorporation into luggage that is easily opeiable, yet sufficiently sophisticated to prevent would-be thieves from disabling the alarm by physical or electronic means, and to prevent competitors from copying the technology.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems aie overcome by the present invention, wherein an alarm system for personal property includes multiple intercommunicating Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transceivers,

In one embodiment the system includes a control module and an alarm module. The modules each include a uniquely identifiable RFID transceiver and a powet source. T he power sources power up the control and alarm modules such that they may actively intercommunicate with each other. In one embodiment, the alarm module is programmed to continually search for the control module within an approximate predetermined range. The alarm module is installed within an article, such as a piece of luggage, and includes an alarm that is activated when the article has been moved outside of the predetermined distance from the control module.

In another embodiment, the system additionally includes a master module that also includes a uniquely identifiable RFID chip. The master module chip may be passive, such that n docs not rely on a power source until identifying a signal from another RFID transceiver. In this embodiment, the alarm module is programmed to actively search for a signal from the control module, and to actively send a signal to the master module. In the event that the master module identifies a signal from the alarm module, it triggers its power source to power up and then sends a return signal to the alarm module with its unique identification information.

The present invention provides a portable security system for use is preventing theft or a wide variety of articles, including various pieces or luggage, electronics ard even childien. The RFlD transceivers enable communication, between the modules, and provide unique identification to prevent hacking,

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be readily understood and appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the current embodiment and the drawings,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a two-way embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the two-way embodiment, wherein an alarm module is moved beyond a predetermined distance.

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a three-way embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of the three-way embodiment, wherein an alarm module is moved beyond a predetermined distance.

Fig. 5 is a front view of a control module according to one embodiment, tig. 6 is an internal view of the control module of Fig. 5, schematically illustrating an RFID transceiver.

Fig. 7 is is a perspective view of a DVD player, wherein a ponton of the sidewall is broken away to expose an alarm module.

Fig. 8 is a diagram of an embodiment wherein the system is used in connection with luggage,

Fig. 9 is a diagram of an embodiment wherein the system is used in connection with a child. DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS 1. Overview

The illustrated embodiments show an electronic proximity sensing system comprising a plurality of modules. The modules communicate via radio frequency to determine whether one or more of the modules has moved outside of a predetermined distance from at least one other module. As illustrated schematically in Figs. 1 and 2, the system generally includes a control module A. and an alarm module C. Λs illustrated seiiematieally in Figs.. 3 and 4, the system may additionally include a master module B. The alarm module may be attached to an article, such as a piece of luggage, and may include an alarm, such that the alarm is activated when the alarm module is moved outside of said predetermined distance from at least one of said control module and said master module.

I I. Components

The control module A includes an RFID transceiver. RFID transceivers are conventional, and are typically compsised of an RFID tag, or chip, having a unique identification number and memory for stoiing additional data, and an antenna for trarsmitting information including the unique identification number. In one embodiment, the RFID transceiver additionally includes a power source, such as a battery for actively transmitting a signa, including the RFlD chip's unique identification number. The RFID transceiver may be programmed to perform a variety of functions. In one embodiment the conlrol RFID transceiver is prograt imed to identify the presence of another RFID transceiver within a particular, predetermined distance from the control module.

One embodiment of the control module is shown in Figs 5 and 6, In this embodiment, the control module 12 may include a housing 14 for containing the RFID transceiver 22. As shown, the transceiver 22 includes an RFlD chip 24, first and second electrical contacts 26, 27, and an antenna 29, The housing 14 may be provided with a plurality of buttons 16 that enable manual programming of the RFID transceiver 22 Additionally the control module may enable programming of other modules, such as the alarm module, by sending a command signal to the particular module to be programmed. A separate RF transmitter may be provided for sending the command signal. In another embodiment shown generally in Fig. 8, the control module may be incorporated into a cellular telephone 18. The cellular telephone 18 may be equipped with an RFID transceiver (not shown) installed by the manufacturer.

The alarm module C also includes an RFlD transceiver. Similar Io the control RFID transceiver, the alarm RFID transceiver may include a power source, such as a battery, that enables the alarm module to actively tiansmit a signal. In one embodiment, the alarm module includes an alarm connected to the transceiver, such that the transceiver can be programmed to activate the alarm. The alarm may be one of a variety of conventional alarms, sach as an audible alarm, a visual alarm or a vibiatory alarm, In one embodiment the alarm may be capable of producing a variety of different audible alerts, such as a single "notification" beep or a repetitive set of "emergency" beeps. In another embodiments the alarm is capable of producing a voice alert such as "STOLEN BAG.^" The transceiver ma> be provided with stored data for vocal alerts in various languages, such thai the transceiver can be programmed to produce an alert in the language native to the particular geographic location in which the alarm module is located. Far instance, if the alarm module is located in Mexico, the alarm may sound "stolen bag " in Spanish, or "MALETA ROBADA,"

The alarm module C is positioned adjacent to one or more of a variety of different articles. In one embodiment, shown in Fig. 8, the alarm module may be attached to or placed within an article of luggage 20. Alternatively, the alarm module may be attached tα a child, futmture. a variety of appliances., such as a television, laptop computer, desktop computer, VCR, DVD player or portable CD player, or any other item that is desirable to be protected with an alarm system. The alarm module may be attached to the article in a variety of known methods, s sch as a conventional adhesive or fasteners, or in the case of children, by attachment to a wristband, In another embodiment, the alarm module may be integrally formed with a portion of an article, such as the plastic housing of an article. One example of an alarm module 30 attached to a DVD player 31 is shown in Fig. 7. in this illustrated embodiment, the RFID transceiver 32, including an RFlD chip 34, an antenna 36, and a pair of electrical contacts 38 and 40 connecting the chip 34 to the antenna 36, are attached to the sidewall 28 of the DVD player housing. In another embodiment (not shown), the alarm module includes a housing that completely encloses the alarm RFlD transceiver and is free of buttons or other means for accessing the RFID transceiver, in order Io prevent tampering with the RFlD transceiver and potential disabling of the system. In this embodiment, the alarm module can be attached to an article simply by placing it within the article or adjacent to the article, or by other conventional attachment methods.

In yet another embodiment, a portion of the article to which the alarm module is attached may be formed from a conductive polymer. For example, in the DVD player embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the antenna 36 may be formed by molding a groove into the stdewall 28 having the desired path of the antenna, and then molding a strip of conductive polymer into the groove, for instance, with a second mold shot, such that it is in electrical contact with the first and second electrical contacts 38 and 40 similar to the standard antenna 36. Alternatively, a preformed strip of the conductive polymer could be placed in the groove, or attached to a desired location on the surface of the article. The conductive polymer material may have the same appearance as the portion of the sidcwall 28 in which it is placed, such that it is not visually detectable and therefore difficult to reverse engineer. In another embodiment, an entire portion or portions of the article may be formed from the conductive polymer, for instance, by compression molding or injection molding of the conductive polymer Into the shape of a portion of the article. Jn this embod rrsent, the conductive polymer forms an integral part of the RFID transceiver circuitry, such as the antenna 36 or anothet part of the circuit, In vet another embodiment, the conductive polymer may form a different part of an electrical circuit. For instance, as shown in Fig. 6, the jumper 37 connecting the chip 24 to the electrical contact 27 may be formed from a conductive polymer.

The RFID transceiver of the alarm module C may be programmed to perform various functions. For instance, the alarm RFlD transceiver may be programmed to Identify the presence of another RFlD transceiver signal, such as a control RFID transceiver signal w ithin a predetermined distance from the alarm module. As noted above, the alarm module may additionally be programmed to activate the alarm when the alarm RFID transceiver is unable to detect the presence of the control module, or both the control module and another module, within the predetermined distance. In an alternative embodiment, the alarm RFlD transceiver may be programmed to operate in multiple modes, such that it may also activate the alarm when it is able to identify the presence of the control RFlD transceiver within the predetermined distance, for instance, to alert that the article has been returned. Similarly, the alarm RFID transceiver may be programmed to identity the presence of an FAA airline on-board security system's RF signal, and to deactivate the alarm unlit the FAA signal is beyond the predetermined distance from the alarm module.

The master module generally includes a master RFID transceiver. The master RFlD transceiver includes an RFID chip and an antenna. IB one embodiment, the master RFlD module includes a power source, but does not use the power source until it identifies a signal from another RFlD transceiver. For instance, the master RFID transceiver may generally be passive, such that it receives power only from an external transceiver, while it Soolcs for a signal from the control RFlD transceiver or the alarm RFlD transceiver, However, when the master module identifies the presence of one of the other modules, it closes a circuit to activate its own power source, and then spends its own return signal. This operation allows the master module to conserve its internal power source, In this embodiment, the RFID transceivers of the alarm and control modules moy be programmed to signal to the master module continuously, or at predetermined intervals. Alternatively, the master module may be actively powered. Tn one embodiment, the master module is attached to (or within) a thin, credit card sized, piece of plastic for insertion into a user's pocket or wallet. In one embodiment, a plurality of master nodes may be used in the system, each with a unique identification number, The master module could alternatively be fixed to a location (perhaps by a stand, in a drawer, under carpeting, within walls, etc.) to protect property inside a home or office. In yet another embodiment the system may not include a master node. III. Operation

In the operation of one embodiment, the RFID transceivers, of both the alarm and control modules are programmed to inter-communicate using radio frequency. For instance, as shown schematically in Fgs. 1 and 2, the alarm RFID transceiver of the alarm module C is programmed to identify the presence of the control RFlD transceiver of the control module A within a predetermined distance, for instance, by identifying a signal 2 transmitted by the control module A. In this 2-vvay system, if the alarm module is unable to identify the presence of the control module A (shew n in Fig. 2), the alarm may give an alert, such as a tone or a voice command. In another embodiment, shown in Fig. 3, the alarm module C and the control module A each co-locate one or more master modules B, for instance by identifying signals 3 and 4 transmitted by the master module B, to ensure that personal property has not been inappropriately removed. As noted above, the signals 3 and 4 transmitted by the master module B may need to be "triggered" b y initial signals from the control and alarm modules. In this 3 -way system, the programmed operation of the system may be defined per the missing element(s) as follows:

If the alarm module does not see (i.e. "detect") any master module, but doe;, see the control module it will give a first alert , such as a single tone or voiced warning (i e. something distinct from a full emergency alert), to indicate this particular condition, after which an alternate 2- module system can be engaged, or the alarm can be silenced if the location of the one or several master modules are known, or a "full" alert can be activated the alarm module does not receive a signal within a predetermined time period,

As schematically illustrated in Fig 4, if the alarm module C does not see any master module B, AND does not see a control module A, then the alarm module will activate the alarm to give a second, "full" alert (such as a loud, repetitive tone or voice warning) indicating, from ils location attached to the property in question, that the property has been moved outside of the predetermined distance. This situation is similarly diagrammed in Fig. 8, wherein an alarm module is connected to a piece of iuggage 20, and two different people possess at least a control module 23. In one embodiment not illustrated, the people each additionally possess a master module In another embodiment not illustrated, after activating the alert, the alarm module may send a signal to the control module to identify which piece of luggage was stolen. This is particular y helpful in a system with multiple alarm modules in multiple pieces of luggage, because it enables the holder of the control module to quickly identify which piece of luggage they are missing. In a further implementation of this embodiment the control module may include an alarm, such that the control module may produce its own distinct alert when one or more of the alarm module are out of the predetermined distance, so that the holder of the control module knows if an alarm module has been taken.

If the alarm module does not see the control module, but does see one or several master modules, then the alarm RFlD transceiver may activate the alarm to give a single or other distinct alert (such as a tone or voice message) indicating that there is no control module within the predetermined distance. Upon re-identification of the presence of the control module, the alarm RFID transceiver may activate the alarm to give a single audible or other distint t alert (such as a tone or voice message) indicating that the control unit has been re-acquired,

In the embodiment wherein the control module includes one or more buttons for programming the control module and other modules, the control module may train each or several alarm units remotely and the number of master modules may be indicated after such training is complete.

One embodiment of the operation of this invention might involve a family going on vacation to a foreign country where their native language is not spoken (Japanese family in the US or Europe, or an American family in Spain or China). As they prepare to leave, they set their alarm modules into their various articles of luggage, and then proceed to program and train each alarm module with the control module. The two parents, and any other designated individuals, will each have a control module and a master module present during the alarm module training. The alarm modules in "checked'' luggage may be programmed to power-up the RFID transceivcts at a designated time, and may activate an alert when it senses one of the master iodc tags in order to make finding it easier, A designated "ring-tone" c&n be assigned or programmed for this feature, The RFID transceivers wtthin the alarm modules in the canry-on luggage are assigned to he active continually except for a few pre-programmed occasions where the RF transmitter roust be temporarily deactivated (i.e. on-board a commercial aircraft) to remain compliant with FAA and FCC regulations. While traveling, if one of the parents needs to perform an errand (i.e. purchase food or use the rβstrασm) the other parent can remain with the carry-on luggage and Ae alarm will not sound for the missing master module because the alarm module can still identify the presence of another master module. The separation of the control module (which as noted above may be housed or integrated within a cell-phone) from the master module may deter plck-pockets from attempting to overcome the system by stealing the master module and then the luggage, and consequently the alarm modules, of the traveler(s). When the family at rives at their destination and proceeds Io attempt to arrange transportation or acquire other services, if one of their articles is carried off by a stranger, when the alarm module no longer identifies the presence of either the control module or one of the master modules, the alarm module activates the alarm. Because an American family visiting Spam may not have a good mastery of Spanish, in the embodiment wherein the alarm includes a GPS receive, the alarm module may detect its geographic location via GPS, and then the alert produce by the alarm may come out as, "!AYUDAME! !SOY UN MALETA ROBADA!"

A second embodiment of the operation of this invention might be to attach the alarm module to a child(ren) when going to a store or a mail. When the child(ren) wander(s) beyond a predetermined distance from the master modulc(s) and the control module(s) such that the control module is unable to identify the presence of the alarm module, then the control module may activate an alarm within the control module to produce an alert (such as a tone or voiced message) to indicate that the child(ren) have moved outside of the predetermined range. Fig. 7 illustrates this situation, wherein an alarm module 25 is connected to a child's wrist The alarm on the child's alarm module may be activated upon the child moving out of the predetermined distance from two adults, each with control modules 23 - which may be incorporated into a cellular telephone 18. In addition, if the alarm module is unable to identify the presence of a control module or a master module, the alarm module may be programmed to activate the alarm to vibrate to remind the child( ren) that they arc out of their designated boundary (i.e. beyond the predetermined distance). The alarm module may additionally be programmed, such that after a designated time (perhaps one minute) the alarm module on the child will activate an alert to indicate to passers-by that the child has wandered too far from his/her accompanying adult.

In a third embodiment of the operation of this invention, the alarm module is attached within an appliance, such as a DVD player, and the master and control modules arc located at other locations within the predetermined distance of the DVD player such thai the alarm module can identify the presence of the control and master modules. In the event that the DVD player is moved outside the predetermined distance from one of the control or master module-;, or both the control and master modules, the alarm RFID transceiver will activate Ae alaπn.

In a fourth embodiment of the operation of this invention, wherain the alaπn module is provided with a receptacle incorporating at least one of a microphone, a vibration sensor, an acceleromelei, or an ignition sensor plagged into the alarm module, the alarm module may be attached to a vehicle for the purpose of protecting that property. The module may be programmed such that the attached device can activate the alarm. For instance, if a thief breaks a window, then the optional sensor may detect that the vehicle has been broken into, (a microohone might detect a sudden rise in ambient noise) and thus activate the alarm If the alarm Is rot disabled with the cøntiol module,, and a thief tries to take the property while one of the master nodes is within the predetermined distance, then the alarm will sound after it exceeds its predetermined distance.

The above description is that of the current embodiment of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles "a," "an," 'the"' or "said," is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

Claims

CLAIMSThe embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. An electronic proximity sensing system comprising: a control module including a control RFID transceiver; and an alarm module adapted to be connected to an article, said alarm module including an alarm RFID transceiver and an alarm, said alarm RFID transceiver programmed to identify the presence of said control RFID fratisceivei within a distance between said control module and said alarm module, said alarm RFiD transceiver programmed to activate said alarm to produce a first alert when said alarm module is unable to delect the presence of said control module within said distance,

2 The system of claim I further including a master module, said master module including a master RFID transceiver, said alarm RFID transceiver programmed to identify the presence of said master RFlD transceiver within a distance between said alarm module and said master module, said alarm RFlD transceiver programmed to activate said alarm to produce .said first alert when said alarm module is unable to detect the presence of said control module within said distance.

3. The system of claim 1 including a plurality of said alarm modules, wherein each said alarm RFlD transceiver is programmed to send a signal when each said alarm RFID transceiver is unable to detect the presence of said control module within said distance, said signal uniquely identifying said alarm RfID transceiver, said control RFID transceiver capable of identify ing said signal, said control module including an alarm, said control module alarm capable of producing a second alert when said control RFID transceiver identities said signal,

4. The system of claim 2 wherein said alarm RFID transceiver is programmed to activate said alarm to produce a third alert when said alarm module is unable to detecϊ the presence of said master RFID transceiver within said distance,

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said alarm module includes a GPS receiver in communication with said alarm RFID transceiver, said GPS receiver communicating positional data relating to the geographic position of said alarm module to said alarm RFID tran seeker, said alarm RFID transceiver including stored native language data relating to specific geographical locations, said transceiver associating said stored language data with said positional data, said transceiver programmed to active said alarm to produce an alert that is specific to said associated language data.

6 The system of claim 3 wherein said distance is a predetermined distance programmed into said alarm RFID transceiver.

7. The system of claim 4 wherein said first alert, said second alert and said third alert are different audible alerts.

8. The system of eiaim 1 wherein said alarm RFID transceiver is programmable to activate said alarm to produce a first alert when said alarm module is able to defect the presence of said control module within said distance.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said control module includes a means for programming said alarm RFID transceiver to at least one of a) activate said alaim to produce an afert when said alarm module is unable to detect the presence of said control module within said distance, b) activate said alarm to produce an alert when said alarm module is able to detect the presence of said control module within said distance and c) disable said alarm,

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said control module includes at least one button, said button enabling manual programming of said control RFlD transceiver.

1 1. The system of claim 10 wherein said control module is incorporated into a cellular telephone.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said article is comprised of a conductive polymer, and wherein said portion forms ars integral part of the circuitry of said ataπn RFlD transceiver,

13 The system of claim 12 wherein said portion formed of said conductive polymer forms an antenna.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein said portion is molded to form an integral part of said article.

1 5. The system of claim I wherein said alarm RFID transceiver is programmed to identify the presence of a radio frequency signal transmitted by art airline on-board security system, said alarm RFID transceiver suspending the transmission of RFID signals within said system when said presence of said airline on-board security system signal is identified.

1 6. The system of claim ! wherein said alarm module lias at least one receptacle adapted to attach to an external sensing device.

1 7. The system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said alarm RFID transceiver and said control RFlD transceiver is programmed to transmit a signal comprising of an encrypted unique identification and a key for decoding a subsequent encryption,

18. An electronic device comprising: a housing, a portion of said housing formed from a conductive polymer; and electrical circuitry, said portion electrically connected to said electrical circuitiy.

19. The electronic device of claim 1 S wherein said portion of said housing formed from a conductive polymer is molded to a desired shape, said electrical circuitry including an RFlD chip and an antenna, said conductive polymer portion forming said antenna.

20. lie electronic device of claim 19 wherein said RFlD chip includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, said antenna including a first portion and a second portion, said first electrical contact in electrical connection with said first portion of said antenna, said second electrical contact in electrical connection with said second portion of said antenna.