SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR ALERTING USER OF THEFT OR LOSS, OR WHEREABOUTS, OF OBJECTS, PEOPLE OR PETS

• US 20120225633A1
• Filed: 03/02/2012
• Published: 09/06/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Nichols, Andrew
• Original Assignee: Nichols, Andrew
• Inventors: Nichols, Andrew
• Granted Patent: US 8,977,228 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/404.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1427 with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0225 Monitoring making use of different thresholds, e.g. for different alarm levels
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0277 Communication between units on a local network, e.g. Bluetooth, piconet, zigbee, Wireless Personal Area Networks [WPAN]
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/04 with alarm systems, e.g. fire, police or burglar alarm systems

Abstract

A personal security system for automatically warning a user when an item is lost, or after being so lost is then found, wherein when the first and second transceivers are separated by a distance exceeding the predetermined operating range for a predetermined duration, the first transceiver and second transceiver each generates the predetermined signal (which may include vibration of the first and second transceivers and playing a predetermined alarm sound) for a predetermined duration; and when after being so separated, the first and second transceivers are brought back within a defined distance or operating range, the first transceiver and second transceiver each generates the predetermined signal once again for a predetermined duration. The system may include a single, second transceiver, or multiple second transceivers, each being identical except with respect to their digital signatures and settings such as range, sound, volume and duration of alarms.

Claims

1. A personal security system (5) for automatically warning a user when an item is lost (i.e., has passed beyond a predetermined distance or range from the user), or after being so lost is then found (i.e., is once again brought back within range). The system (5), is comprised of:

a first transceiver;

a second transceiver in communication with the first transceiver;

an operational communication link connecting the first and second transceivers and having a predetermined operating distance or range;

a first memory operationally connected to the first transceiver;

a first microprocessor operationally connected to the first memory;

a predetermined signal stored in the first memory;

a first user interface including a display screen operationally connected to the first transceiver;

a first data processor operationally connected to the first transceiver;

a first vibration device operationally connected to the first transceiver;

a first sound device operationally connected to the first transceiver;

a second memory operationally connected to the second transceiver;

a second microprocessor operationally connected to the second memory;

a predetermined signal stored in the second memory;

a second user interface including a display screen operationally connected to the second transceiver;

a second data processor operationally connected to the second transceiver;

a second vibration device operationally connected to the second transceiver;

a second sound device operationally connected to the second transceiver;

wherein when the first and second transceivers are separated by a distance exceeding the predetermined operating range for a predetermined duration, the first transceiver and second transceiver each generates the predetermined signal (which may include vibration of the first and second transceivers and playing a predetermined alarm sound) for a predetermined duration; and

when after being so separated, the first and second transceivers are brought back within a defined distance or operating range, the first transceiver and second transceiver each generates the predetermined signal once again for a predetermined duration. The system may include a single, second transceiver, or multiple second transceivers, each being identical except with respect to their digital signatures and settings such as range, sound, volume and duration of alarms.

2. The personal security system of claim 1 wherein the first transceiver and all second transceivers may each be independently programmed with operational settings such as range, sound, volume and duration of alerts.

3. The personal security system of claim 1 wherein the first transceiver programs operational settings for the first and one or more second transceivers, including range, sound and duration of alerts.

4. The personal security system of claim 1 comprising:

either or both the first transceiver and one or more second transceivers of claim 1;

a hand-held computer device with telephonic and messaging and/or email capabilities (e.g., a smartphone or PDA);

a memory operationally connected to the hand-held computer device;

a microprocessor operationally connected to the hand-held computer device'"'"'s memory;

predetermined signals stored in the hand-held computer device'"'"'s memory;

a user interface including a display screen operationally connected to the hand-held computer device;

a data processor operationally connected to the hand-held computer device;

a vibration device operationally connected to the hand-held computer device;

a sound device operationally connected to the hand-held computer device;

an operational communication link connecting the hand-held computer device with the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers of claim 1 and having a predetermined operating distance or range;

a first computer readable program code governing communications between the hand-held computer device and either or both the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers of claim 1, including causing the hand-held computer device to (i) recognize digital signals from, and distinguish between, each transceiver;

(iii) cause the hand-held computer device to make pre-set responses to digital signals from the transceivers;

(iii) send digital signals back to such transceiver transceivers to either or both (a) program their distance or range, alarm sounds and duration, and other settings, and/or (b) cause such transceivers to respond in a pre-set way (e.g., by vibrating or making a specified alarm sound);

a second computer readable code for producing a display of information on the display screen of the hand-held computer device in response to digital signals generated by either or both the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers of claim 1;

a third computer readable code for creating, or importing from other programs installed on the hand-held computer device, a database stored in the memory of the hand-held computer device with contact and other information about the system user and third parties, including telephone and text messaging numbers, and email addresses;

a fourth computer readable code for creating a database stored in the memory of the hand-held computer device with settings and other information about the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers in claim 1 and the hand-held computer device, including the range/distance, alarm sounds, alarm durations, and volume for such system devices;

a fifth computer readable code for storing pre-written and/or recorded messages in the memory of the hand-held computer device;

a sixth computer readable code for causing the hand-held computer device to automatically send pre-written or recorded messages to recipients selected by the user in response to digital signals from the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers of claim 1;

wherein when either or both the first transceiver and one or more second transceivers of claim 1, and/or the hand-held computer device are separated by a distance exceeding the predetermined operating distance or range for a predetermined duration, the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers and the hand-held computer device, as the case may be, each generates a pre-set signal (which may include vibrations, and playing a predetermined alarm sound) for a predetermined duration; and

when after being so separated, a first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers and/or the hand-held computer device are brought back within a defined distance or operating range, then either or both first transceiver, second transceiver and/or the hand-held computer device, as the case may be, each generates the predetermined signal once again for a predetermined duration. If a predetermined signal is generated in the hand-held computer as a result of being separated from a first transceiver and/or on or more second transceivers of claim 1, messages may be automatically delivered from the hand-held computer device to the user and/or third parties alerting them of such separation.

5. The personal security system of claims 1 and 4 wherein there is no first transceiver of claim 1 and the hand-held computer device operationally functions as the first transceiver.

6. The personal security system of claim 4 comprising:

the first transceiver, one or more second transceivers, and hand-held computer device of claim 4;

a built-in actuator device operationally connected to the first transceiver device;

the operational communication link of claim 4;

the computer readable codes of claim 4;

a seventh computer readable code that causes the hand-held computer device to store in its memory, for later delivery to 911 operators and third parties, pre-set and/or user customized messages requesting specific types of responses (e.g., police rescue, emergency medical services, fire rescue, etc.) based on the number of times the built-in actuator in the first transceiver of claim 1 is pressed;

an eighth computer readable code that causes the hand-held computer device to initiate an automated 911 dialing sequence upon receiving one or more digital signals from the first transceiver of claim 1 as the result of a user activating (e.g., pressing) the built-in actuator button in such transceiver.

A ninth computer readable code that establishes dialing and other telephone protocols for the hand-held computer device, including (i) redialing for a defined number of times 911 or other recipient numbers in the event of “

busy”

signals or other failures to make a connection;

(ii) disconnecting 911 and other calls within a certain time frame or based on other cues; and

(iii) delivering telephonic notifications to third parties that 911 calls have been placed on behalf of the user after disconnecting from 911 operators.

A tenth computer readable code that causes the hand-held computer device to deliver pre-set messages to 911 operators after connection to 911 once an automated based on signals generated from the first transceiver in response to activation of the actuator device;

initiate an automated 911 dialing sequence upon receiving one or more digital signals from the first transceiver device of claim 1 as the result of a user activating the built-in actuator button in such transceiver.

An eleventh computer readable code for either or both (a) appending to pre-set 911 messages specific user information (e.g., name, address, allergies and other medical information, etc.); and

/or (b) replacing pre-set 911 messages with messages personalized by the user;

a twelfth computer readable code for producing a display of information on the display screen of the hand-held computer device in response to digital signals generated by the first transceiver in the event the emergency actuator is activated;

a thirteenth computer readable code that that causes the hand-held computer device to control or override certain telephonic features in the hand-held computer device based on the number of times the built-in actuator device in the first transceiver of claim 1 is pressed (e.g., turning on or off the speaker and microphone functions of such computer device);

an fourteenth computer readable code that that causes the hand-held computer device to play an alarm sound (e.g., siren) based on a certain type of activation of the actuator device in the first transceiver of claim 1 (e.g., continuous pressing of the actuator for a predetermined period of time); and

a fifteenth computer readable code that causes the hand-held computer device to cancel 911 or other dialing sequences or retract a call or message to 911 and/or third party based on the number of times the built-in actuator device in the first transceiver of claim 1 is pressed;

a sixteenth computer readable code that captures information from the global positioning system (GPS) program resident on a hand-held computer device and automatically appends GPS coordinates to messages delivered to 911 or other third parties.

wherein when a user presses the built-in actuator device in the first transceiver of claim 1 one or more times, a digital signal is sent from the first transceiver to the hand-held computer device, which (depending on the number of times the actuator is pressed) causes the hand-held computer device to perform one or more of the following automated tasks if it is within a predetermined communication range of the first transceiver;

(a) initiate a dialing sequence in the hand-held computer device'"'"'s telephone system to dial 911;

(b) upon connection to a 911 operator, deliver through such telephone connection a pre-recorded voice message soliciting specific types of rescue/assistance services (e.g., police, EMS, or fire rescue);

(c) after delivering a message to the 911 operator, deliver via the computer device'"'"'s email or text program a duplicate messages to one or more third party recipients based on contact information pre-set by the user;

(d) emit an emergency siren or other alarm sound in the computer device;

(e) cause the computer device'"'"'s speaker functions to be turned off so that dialing sounds and voice responses from a 911 operator and/or other parties will be silenced (thereby enabling 911 calls to be placed in a “

stealth”

mode so as not to alert an intruder or assailant);

(f) alternatively, turning on microphone and/or speakerphone functions and volume in the computer device so as to facilitate hands-free communications between a user and a 911 operator; and

(g) cancel or retract 911 calls or other messages if made in error.

7. The personal security system of claim 6 comprising:

the first transceiver of claim 1 with the built-in actuator of claim 4;

one or more second transceivers;

an optional hand-held computer device;

the programmable codes of claim 6;

a desktop or laptop, personal computer (PC) that is based in a home, office or other fixed location, and that has telephone, and text messaging and/or email capabilities;

an operational communication link having a predetermined operating distance or range connecting the PC with first and/or one or more second transceivers, and an optional hand-held computer device;

a memory operationally connected to the PC;

a microprocessor operationally connected to the PC'"'"'s memory;

predetermined signals stored in the PC'"'"'s memory;

a user interface including a display screen operationally connected to the PC;

a data processor operationally connected to the PC;

a sound device operationally connected to the PC; and

a seventeenth computer readable code for the PC and hand-held computer device (if present in the system) that governs interactions between the PC and hand-held computer device and controls which device will dial 911 and send alerts and messages in the event both are within range of the first transceiver with the built-in actuator, or one or more second transceivers.

wherein the PC can perform all functions of the hand-held computer device in claims 4 and 6;

but the PC only performs those functions in a fixed location (e.g., a home or office); and

if the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers are taken outside of the fixed location, a hand-held computer device takes over monitoring of, and responses to, the transceivers.

8. The personal security system of claims 4-7 wherein the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers, hand-held computer device, and PC contain complementary radio communication circuits for transmitting and receiving digital signals and communicating information about the devices in the security system.

9. The personal security system of claims 1-8 wherein the radio or other communication circuits comprise Bluetooth or similar transceivers.

10. The personal security system of claims 4-9 further comprising:

a menu system navigable by the user to obtain and provide information, create databases, program devices, and take other actions based on contents of the display screen in the hand-held computer device and/or PC.

11. A personal security system method comprising:

Transmitting digital signals between a first transceiver and one or more second transceivers;

detecting the separation beyond a predetermined range or distance of a first transceiver and one or more second transceivers;

detecting when a first transceiver and one or more second transceivers are brought within a predetermined range or distance; and

activating alarms in the first transceiver and one or more second transceivers to alert a user that the devices have been separated beyond a predetermined range or distance, or once separated, have been brought back within range.

12. The personal security system method of claim 11 comprising

transmitting signals from a first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers to a hand-held computer device or PC;

programming settings in the first transceiver and/or one or more second transceivers;

displaying information based on such signals on a display screen of the hand-held computer device or PC; and

based on such signals, activating predetermined responses in the hand-held computer device or PC, such as vibrating, playing audible alarm sounds, displaying information on a display screen, and sending messages to the user and third parties.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising:

a first transceiver with a built-in actuator device;

activating an alarm sound in the first transceiver based on certain activations of the actuator;

detecting in the computer device digital signals from the first transceiver based on activation of the actuator; and

activating in the computer device automated responses to such digital signals based on the number of times the actuator is activated, including, playing an alarm siren or other sound;

dialing of 911;

delivering pre-set messages to a 911 operator requesting specific types of assistance; and

delivering pre-set messages to third parties.

14. The method of claims 12 and 13 further comprising:

communicating data through a wireless communication system from the transceiver devices to one or more computer devices; and

displaying the communicated data on one or more computer display screens.

15. A system for automatically generating an emergency call from a nearby but remotely located cellular telephone or communications device, comprising:

a communications device;

a first transceiver operationally connected to the communications device;

a first memory operationally connected to the communications device;

a first microprocessor operationally connected to the memory, to the transceiver, and to the communications device;

a first message stored in the memory;

a second transceiver for generating a signal to the first transceiver; and

an actuator switch operationally connected to the second transceiver for initiating the signal;

wherein energizing the actuator switch initiates a signal from the second transceiver to the first transceiver; and

wherein receipt of the signal by the first transceiver initiates transmission of the first message to a predetermined recipient.