WO2008044048A1 - Portable security system - Google Patents
Portable security system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2008044048A1 WO2008044048A1 PCT/GB2007/003896 GB2007003896W WO2008044048A1 WO 2008044048 A1 WO2008044048 A1 WO 2008044048A1 GB 2007003896 W GB2007003896 W GB 2007003896W WO 2008044048 A1 WO2008044048 A1 WO 2008044048A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- transponder
- master
- signals
- portable security
- security apparatus
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
- G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
- G08B13/1427—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles with transmitter-receiver for distance detection
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
- G01S13/74—Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
- G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
- G08B21/0241—Data exchange details, e.g. data protocol
- G08B21/0252—System arrangements wherein the child unit emits, i.e. the child unit incorporates the emitter
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)
- Alarm Systems (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to a portable security system for preventing two or more objects from being separated more than a specified distance. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a portable security- system for preventing the objects chosen by a user, for example, electronic devices or a child, from being separated from that user more than a specified distance. The portable security apparatus comprises a master transponder (1) and a secondary transponder (34). Each transponder is associated with an alarm. The transponders are arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency back and forth between each other, characteristics of the signals providing information dependent on the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder. The apparatus monitors the signals such that, in use, should the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceed a specified distance Rn then at least one of the alarms is activated.
Description
Portable Security System
This invention relates to a portable security system for preventing two or more objects from being separated more than a specified distance. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a portable security system for preventing the objects chosen by a user, for example, electronic devices or a child, from being separated from that user more than a specified distance. Many problems are created by the theft of wallets, purses, car keys, mobile phones and other valuable possessions. As well as the immediate theft there can be further problems created by identity theft using information included in the possessions that have been stolen. Even more distressingly, straying children or pets can find themselves in trouble, such as dangerous traffic, or may even become vulnerable to abduction.
There are existing products to monitor theft and detectors and locators for tracking down lost or straying items. However, these suffer from one or all of the following disadvantages: they are not portable; they do not monitor the loss of an object but need to be manually initiated to find the lost object; or they are vulnerable to interference from environmental factors. It is known for example to provide a detector using a single radio frequency to detect and/or locate the position of an object. The radio frequency used by the detector may be interfered with by the large amount of electromagnetic radiation that exists in the modern world. This may either prevent a signal from being detected, and hence cause a false alarm, or create the impression of a signal being received when the object has been taken and thus its absence remaining undetected. The
interference may be from, among other things, mobile telephones, Bluetooth communication devices, WIFI networks, or RF goods tagging systems used in retail.
The present invention seeks to mitigate or overcome one or more of the above-identified disadvantages associated with the prior art.
The present invention provides portable security apparatus comprising a master transponder and a secondary transponder, wherein each transponder is associated with an alarm, the transponders being arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency back and forth between each other, characteristics of the signals providing information dependent on the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder, and the apparatus is further arranged to monitor the signals such that, in use, should the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceed a specified distance then at least one of the alarms is activated.
The master transponder and secondary transponder may comprise Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Advantageously, the master transponder and secondary transponder form a set, where the two transponders are matched to each other both to send and receive the two signals of different frequencies. Advantageously, the use of two signals of different frequency reduces the problem of interference from other radio frequency signals in the environment. The security apparatus may be arranged such that both signals have to be received to counter the problem of false signals indicating the presence of an object, or that only one signal need be received, thus preventing false
alarms when one of the signals is prevented from being received. The choice between the two options relating to how the signals have to be received may be made during the manufacture of the security apparatus and depends on the operational parameters required for the apparatus.
The two signals of different frequency may include predetermined codes, the codes transmitted and recognised by both the master transponder and secondary transponder. The codes transmitted via the two signals of different frequency may be selected randomly from a range of codes during the manufacture of the apparatus and set permanently for the lifetime of the apparatus (meaning in this case, in a manner which is not readily changeable by the user of the system and allowing two or more sets to operate within close proximity to each other without one interfering with the other) . The two signals of different frequency may be selected randomly from a range of frequencies during manufacture of the apparatus and set permanently for the lifetime of the apparatus. Preferably, the at least two frequencies lie in a range between 3OkHz and 5.8GHz.
The master transponder may include an antenna and two radio frequency circuits arranged such that, in use, the two radio frequency circuits operate sequentially, sharing the antenna and transmitting and receiving to and from the secondary transponder. The secondary transponder may include an antenna and two radio frequency circuits arranged such that, in use, the two radio frequency circuits operate sequentially, sharing the antenna and transmitting and receiving to and from the master transponder. Sharing an antenna between two radio frequency circuits may reduce both the cost and weight of the transponder.
The master transponder may include a reset switch to deactivate any alarms associated with the secondary transponder, provided the secondary transponder associated with the alarm is within the specified distance from the master transponder. The master transponder may include a reset switch to silence any alarm associated with the master transponder that has been activated. The master transponder may include an on/off switch to enable it to be turned on and off. Advantageously when the off switch is pressed the master transponder sends out a "close down" signal to the or each secondary transponder causing it to enter a sleep mode in which it consumes very little power.
The specified distance may be selected during the manufacture of the security apparatus and permanently set for the lifetime of the apparatus. The sets of master transponder and secondary transponder are preferably manufactured such that the specified distance and the frequencies are preset during manufacture. This has the advantage of being cheaper than making the members of the set with adjustable frequencies, may save weight over having an adjustable set of transponders and significantly increases the ease of use of the security apparatus. Furthermore, once the set has been manufactured, there is no easy way of identifying what frequencies that set operates on, increasing the security of its operation
There may be a plurality of secondary transponders, each secondary transponder being associated with an alarm. Advantageously, this means that the security apparatus comprises a set including a plurality of secondary transponders and can be used to protect a plurality of objects with only one master transponder. Preferably, each of the plurality of secondary transponders transmits a
unique, with regard to the other members of the set, identification code to enable the master transponder to identify it. Advantageously, the master transponder may be arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency to and from the plurality of secondary transponders, and the apparatus being further arranged to monitor the signals such that, in use, should an indication of the distance between the master transponder and any of the secondary transponders exceed a specified distance then at least one of the alarms is activated. Preferably, the specified distance is the same for each member of the set. This allows the set to be defined by the number of secondary transponders and the specified distance that the master transponder and the secondary transponders are allowed to be separated. The master transponder may transmit and receive signals to and from each of the plurality of secondary transponders sequentially, moving from one to the next in a predetermined order. Alternatively, the master transponder may transmit and receive signals to and from each of the plurality of secondary transponders simultaneously.
A user may purchase a set in accordance with their needs as regards the number of secondary transponders required and the specified distance they wish them to be able to be separated from the master transponder. This greatly simplifies the choices available to the user, and improves ease of use, as no set up steps are required.
Advantageously, the master transponder includes a reset switch which may deactivate all of the alarms other than the one associated with the secondary transponder that is further than the specified distance from the master transponder, assisting in the location of the said secondary transponder.
When the set of transponders includes a plurality of secondary transponders, it is advantageous that the master transponder includes a reset switch to enable a user to select which of the secondary transponders to activate. In use, the user places all of the secondary transponder devices of a set (which are in the sleep mode as described above) which they wish to use within the specified distance from the master transponder, and then presses the reset button. The reset button causes the master transponder to send a signal to all of the secondary transponders within the specified distance from the master transponder and establishes all of those transponders that will be used in the set for that period causing them to change from the low power sleep mode to a normal power mode. An indication of the distance between the master transponder and secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be determined by measuring the attenuation of the two signals of different frequency being transmitted and received between the master transponder and the secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders. Should the signal strength drop below the level which represents the specified distance the secondary transponders are allowed to be from the master transponder, at least one alarm associated with a member of the set of transponders is activated.
An indication of the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be determined by measuring the time it takes the two signals of different frequency to be transmitted between them. The master transponder and/or the secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders
may include a clock to measure the time it takes for a signal to be sent back and forth between the transponders. At least one of the alarms associated with any of the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be an audible alarm. At least one of the alarms associated with any of the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary- transponders may be a visual alarm. At least one of the alarms associated with the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be a vibrating alarm.
Any of the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be battery powered. Any of the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be solar powered. Any of the master transponder, secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be powered by an object to which they are attached. For example, a secondary transponder attached to a mobile phone may take charge from the mobile phone battery.
Preferably, the master transponder is arranged to be carried by a user. The master transponder may be arranged to be attached to the user. This may be by being associated with a strap or straps with by which the master transponder may be attached to the user. Alternatively, there may be a belt loop associated with the master transponder by which it may be attached to a belt being worn by the user.
The secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be arranged to be attached to another person or persons. This may be by being associated with a strap or straps by which the secondary transponder may be attached to the other person.
The secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be arranged to be attached to an electronic device or devices. The secondary transponder may be associated with a clip, strap or adhesive patch in order that it can be attached to an electronic device, or it may be built into the electronic device itself. The secondary transponder or plurality of secondary transponders may be arranged to be attached to the personal belongings of a user, for example, their wallet, handbag or purse. The secondary transponder may be associated with a hard tag, or affixed into the garment or belongings, in order that it may be securely attached to the personal belonging of the user. Advantageously, the invention comprises portable security apparatus comprising a master transponder and a secondary transponder, wherein each transponder is associated with an alarm, the transponders being arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency back and forth between each other, the apparatus is arranged to ascertain from the signals a parameter dependant on the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder, and the apparatus is arranged to monitor the parameter such that, in use, should the parameter exceed a specified threshold then at least one of the alarms is activated.
The invention further provides a method of monitoring the distance between an object and a user, comprising the steps of: providing the user with a master transponder; providing the object with a secondary transponder associated with the master transponder;
the master transponder transmitting a first pair of signals at first and second frequencies to the secondary transponder, the first and second frequencies being different; the secondary transponder receiving the first and second signals and in response transmitting third and fourth signals at the third and fourth frequencies, the third and fourth frequencies being different; the master transponder receiving the third and fourth signals and in dependence thereon calculating whether the distance between the master transponder and the secondary- transponder exceeds a specified distance, and activating an alarm in the event that the calculated distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceeds a specified distance.
In the event that no signal from the master transponder is received by at least one secondary transponder, indicating that the secondary transponder is out of range of the master transponder (i.e. the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceeds the specified distance) , then the alarm associated with the secondary transponder may be immediately activated. In the event that no signal is received from at least one secondary transponder by the master transponder, indicating it is out of range (i.e the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceeds the specified distance) then the alarm associated with the master transponder may be immediately activated.
Preferably, the first signal and third signal are the same frequency and the second signal and the fourth signal are the same frequency.
The step of analysing the signals received by the master and secondary transponders may include comparing the attenuation of the signal with a preset value, and if the value is less than this it being deemed inappropriate to send a return signal.
Alternatively, the method may further include a step of the master transponder and/or secondary transponder measuring the time taken for a signal to be sent by a transponder, received by a different transponder and then back to the original transponder, thus indicating the distance between the master transponder and secondary transponder .
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompany drawings of which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the portable security system, including a master transponder and secondary transponder;
Figure 2 is an operational flow-chart of the process undertaken by the master transponder and secondary transponder as shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention, including a master transponder and two secondary transponders, when the distance between the master transponder and the two secondary transponders is within the specified distance; and
Figure 4 shows the second embodiment of Figure 3 when one of the two secondary transponders is outside the specified distance.
Figure 1 shows a master transponder 1 and a secondary transponder 2. The master transponder comprises a first
radio frequency circuit 3 and a second radio frequency circuit 4, information processing circuits 5, a battery- power source 6, an on/off switch 7, a low power indicator 8, a reset button 9, an antenna 10 connected via a first splitter 11 to the first radio frequency circuit 3 and to the second radio frequency circuit 4. The master transponder is associated with an alarm 12, and are together enclosed in a housing 13. The secondary transponder 2 comprises a third radio frequency circuit 14 and a fourth radio frequency circuit 15, information processing circuits 16, a battery power source 17, a low power indicator 18, an antenna 19 connected to the third radio frequency circuit 14 and to the fourth radio frequency circuit 15 via a second splitter 20, and an alarm 21 all of which is enclosed in a housing 22.
Figure 1 shows signals being sent between the master transponder 1 and secondary transponder 2. A first signal 23 is sent by the first radio circuit 3 at frequency fl, a second signal 24 is sent by the second radio frequency circuit 4 at frequency f2, a third signal 25 is sent by the third radio frequency circuit 14 at frequency fl and a fourth signal 26 is sent by the fourth radio frequency circuit 15 at frequency f2. Each of the signals 23, 24, 25 and 26 includes a unique code (compared to the other signals mentioned) which may be used to identify the signal and which transponder it is going to or has come from. The frequencies, fl and f2, and the codes are randomly selected during the manufacture of the master transponder 1 and secondary transponder 2 and set permanently for the lifetime of the transponders (i.e. in a manner which is not readily changeable by the user of the system) . In this embodiment, the two frequencies fl and f2 are 3OkHz and 50GHz,
respectively. The information processing circuits 5 and 16 include information relating to codes that have been randomly selected during manufacture and set into the transponders permanently for their lifetime. The information processing circuits 5 and 16 also include information relating to the strength of the two signals of different frequency that relate to the distance between the master transponder 1 and secondary transponder 2 when the signals are sent from one to the other. There is a specified signal strength permanently set into the transponders during manufacture that relates to the maximum distance the master transponder 1 and secondary transponder 2 may be separated before at least one alarm is activated.
Figure 2 is a flow-chart showing the steps of operation of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 when in use. At the start 27 the information processing circuits 5 of the master transponder 1 send coded and encrypted information (what will from now on be described as the "ask" code) to the first radio frequency circuit 3 and second radio frequency circuit 4. Then, via the splitter 11 and antenna 10, the
"ask" code is sequentially transmitted 28 on the frequencies fl and f2, as shown by arrows 23 and 24 of Figure 1. The "ask" code is then received sequentially 29 by the secondary transponder 2 via the antenna 19 and is sent to the information processing circuits 16 of the secondary transponder. The information processing circuits 16 register whether or not the message has been received in accordance with the specified protocols 30. The specified protocols include the level of attenuation (or strength) of the signals compared to a value preset in the information processing circuits 16. The attenuation relates to the distance between the master transponder 1 and secondary
transponder 2 when the "ask" code is sent. Should the level of attenuation be such that the signal is less than the value that corresponds to the specified distance then the message has not been received in accordance with the protocols. The "ask" code also includes a code, the code being recognisable by the information processing circuits 16. If the code is not recognised by the information processing circuits 16 then the message has not been received in accordance with the protocols. In either case, the information processing circuit 16 then activates the alarm 21 associated with the secondary transponder 2. Should the signal strength be greater than the value that corresponds to the specified distance and the required code has been recognised then the message has been received in accordance with the protocols. The secondary transponder 2 then sends back an "all ok" code 32 sequentially on frequencies fl and f2, as shown by the third signal 25 and fourth signal 26. It will of course be recognised by the skilled man that the order the signals are sent could vary. For example, rather than the master transponder 1 sending two signals and then receiving two signals back, the master transponder could send one signal and then receive one signal back, followed by sending a further signal and receiving back another reply. Where there is a plurality of secondary transponders, each one must have a uniquely identifiable signal in relation to the others in the set of secondary transponders. This enables the master transponder 1 to identify each one individually and recognise when one is further than the specified distance. The signals may be uniquely identifiable with respect to the other signals because of the code they transmit, each code corresponding to a
particular secondary transponder. The skilled man will also appreciate that the master transponder 1 could send and receive signals to and from each of the plurality of secondary transponders in turn. Alternatively, the master transponder 1 may send out a signal to all of the secondary transponders simultaneously and await the return signals.
The signals are received by the first radio frequency circuit 3 and second radio frequency circuit 4 and directed to the information processing circuits 5 of the master transponder, as shown by step 33, where the signals are checked regarding the required protocols as described for the "ask" code previously described. The information processing circuits 5 then analyse whether the "all ok" code has been received from the secondary transponder, or if there is a plurality of secondary transponders if the "all ok" codes have been received from all of the secondary transponders in the set (as mentioned above, each of which has a unique identification code) .
If yes, then the process returns to the start 27 and begins again.
If the "all ok" signal is not received in accordance with the specified protocols, then the master transponder 1 sounds the alarm 12 with which it is associated, and also signals to the secondary transponder 2, or all of the secondary transponders if there is a plurality of transponders, to sound the alarm with which they are associated.
Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the invention where there is a master transponder 1 and two secondary transponders 34 and 35, where the secondary transponders are constructed in the same way as the secondary transponder 2. The secondary transponders 34 and 35 have been activated by
being brought within the specified distance to the master transponder 1 and the reset button of the master transponder 1 being pressed. This both turns on the secondary- transponders 34, 35, taking them out of sleep mode in which they consume very little power, and on the receipt of a responding signal identifies to the master transponder 1 which secondary transponders it is monitoring. The specified distance that the secondary transponders 34, 35, are allowed to be from the master transponder 1 is indicated by the arrows Rn. While both of the secondary transponders 34, 35, are within this distance, as shown in figure 3, then none of the alarms sound. Figure 4 shows a situation when the secondary transponder 35 is at a distance greater than Rn from the master transponder 1. Each alarm associated with the master transponder 1 and secondary transponders 34, 35 has been activated. The alarms within the specified distance Rn may be silenced by pushing the reset button 9 of the master transponder 1. The alarm associated with the secondary transponder 35, as it is not within the specified distance Rn, remains in its activated state.
Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. For example the master transponder may be worn by attachment to a wrist strap, a belt, or a necklace chain. The secondary transponder may be in the form of a hard tag, a bracelet or clip. The secondary transponder may be worn on clothing, attached to, or built in to, a mobile telephone or a satellite navigation unit. Also, in the above embodiment the first and second signals sent by the master transponder match the frequencies
of the third and fourth signals sent by the secondary transponder. It may be possible to have signals such that either only one or none of the signals sent match each other in frequency.
For that reason, reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention.
Claims
Claims
1) Portable security apparatus comprising a master transponder and a secondary transponder, wherein each transponder is associated with an alarm, the transponders being arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency back and forth between each other, characteristics of the signals providing information dependent on the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder, and the apparatus is further arranged to monitor the signals such that, in use, should the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceed a specified distance then at least one of the alarms is activated.
2) Portable security apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two signals of different frequency include predetermined codes.
3) Portable security apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the predetermined code is selected randomly during the manufacture of the apparatus and set permanently for the lifetime of the apparatus.
4) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the two signals of different frequency are selected randomly from a range of frequencies during manufacture of the apparatus and set permanently for the lifetime of the apparatus.
5) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the at least two frequencies lie in a range between 3OkHz and 5.8GHz
6) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any- preceding claim, wherein the master transponder includes an antenna and two radio frequency circuits arranged such that, in use, the two radio frequency circuits operate sequentially, sharing the antenna and transmitting and receiving to and from the associated secondary transponder.
7) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the secondary transponder includes an antenna and two radio frequency circuits arranged such that, in use, the two radio frequency circuits operate sequentially, sharing the antenna and transmitting and receiving to and from the master transponder.
8) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the specified distance from the master transponder and the secondary transponder is selected during the manufacture of the security apparatus and permanently set for the lifetime of the apparatus.
9) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the master transponder includes a reset switch to deactivate any alarms associated with the secondary transponder, provided the secondary transponder associated with the alarm is within the specified distance from the master transponder.
10) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the master transponder includes a reset switch to silence any alarm associated with the master transponder that has been activated.
11) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an indication of the distance between the master transponder and secondary transponder is determined by measuring the attenuation of the two fixed frequency signals being transmitted and received between the master transponder and the secondary transponder.
12) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein an indication of the distance between the master transponder and the secondary- transponder is determined by measuring the time it takes the two fixed frequency signals to be transmitted between them.
13) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is a plurality of secondary transponders, each secondary transponder being associated with an alarm.
14) Portable security apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the master transponder is arranged to transmit and receive two signals of different frequency to and from the plurality of secondary transponders, and the apparatus being further arranged to monitor the signals such that, in use, should the distance between the master transponder and any of the secondary transponders exceed a specified distance then at least one of the alarms is activated.
15) Portable security apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein the specified distance is the same between the master transponder and each of the plurality of secondary- transponders .
16) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any claim of claims 13 to 15, wherein the master transponder includes a reset switch to enable a user to select which of the plurality of secondary transponders to activate.
17) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any- preceding claim, wherein at least one of the alarms is an audible alarm.
18) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the master transponder is arranged to be carried by a user.
19) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any- preceding claim, wherein at least one secondary transponder is arranged to be attached to an object belonging to the user.
20) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any- preceding claim, wherein at least one secondary transponder is arranged to be attached to another person.
21) Portable security apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein at least one secondary transponder is arranged to be attached to an electronic device.
22) A method of monitoring the distance between an object and a user, comprising the steps of: a) providing the user with a master transponder; b) providing the object with a secondary transponder associated with the master transponder; c) the master transponder transmitting a first pair of signals at first and second frequencies to the secondary transponder, the first and second frequencies being different; d) the secondary transponder receiving the first and second signals and in response transmitting third and fourth signals at third and fourth frequencies, the third and fourth frequencies being different; e) the master transponder receiving the third and fourth signals and in dependence thereon calculating whether the distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceeds a specified distance, and f) activating an alarm in the event that the calculated distance between the master transponder and the secondary transponder exceeds the specified distance.
23) A method according to claim 22, wherein the first signal and third signal are at the same frequency and the second and fourth signals are at the same frequency.
24) A method of monitoring the distance between an object and a user as claimed in claim 22 wherein part e) includes the step of the attenuation of the signals being measured and compared with a preset value.
25) A method of monitoring the distance between an object and a user as claimed in claim 22, wherein part e) includes
a step of the master transponder and/or secondary transponder measuring the time taken for a signal to be sent by a transponder, received by a different transponder and then back to the original transponder.
26) A method of monitoring the distance between an object and a user by use of the apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, wherein the master transponder is supplied to the user and a secondary transponder is supplied to the object.
27) Security apparatus as substantially described herein, with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0620267.5 | 2006-10-12 | ||
| GB0620267A GB2442778A (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2006-10-12 | Portable security system for preventing two or more objects being separated by more than a predetermined distance |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2008044048A1 true WO2008044048A1 (en) | 2008-04-17 |
Family
ID=37491403
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2007/003896 WO2008044048A1 (en) | 2006-10-12 | 2007-10-12 | Portable security system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2442778A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2008044048A1 (en) |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE10016537A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-09-20 | Delphi Tech Inc | Anti theft protector for vehicle has radar distance sensor and transponder for user identification, where signals from transponder and distance sensor are used to determine distance to transponder |
| US20030034887A1 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2003-02-20 | Crabtree Timothy L. | Article locator system |
| GB2391674A (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2004-02-11 | Meganeed Ltd | Distance monitoring system with optional signal boost to extend range |
| US20050040944A1 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2005-02-24 | Contestabile Robert A. | Electronic monitoring systems and methods |
| US7005985B1 (en) * | 1999-07-20 | 2006-02-28 | Axcess, Inc. | Radio frequency identification system and method |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4593273A (en) * | 1984-03-16 | 1986-06-03 | Narcisse Bernadine O | Out-of-range personnel monitor and alarm |
| GB2243739A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1991-11-06 | Arrowaxe Ltd | Frequency modulation distance measurement of active target |
| US5289163A (en) * | 1992-09-16 | 1994-02-22 | Perez Carla D | Child position monitoring and locating device |
| US20040046658A1 (en) * | 2002-08-08 | 2004-03-11 | Jon Turner | Dual watch sensors to monitor children |
| US7061385B2 (en) * | 2003-09-06 | 2006-06-13 | Fong Gordon D | Method and apparatus for a wireless tether system |
-
2006
- 2006-10-12 GB GB0620267A patent/GB2442778A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2007
- 2007-10-12 WO PCT/GB2007/003896 patent/WO2008044048A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7005985B1 (en) * | 1999-07-20 | 2006-02-28 | Axcess, Inc. | Radio frequency identification system and method |
| DE10016537A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-09-20 | Delphi Tech Inc | Anti theft protector for vehicle has radar distance sensor and transponder for user identification, where signals from transponder and distance sensor are used to determine distance to transponder |
| US20030034887A1 (en) * | 2001-03-12 | 2003-02-20 | Crabtree Timothy L. | Article locator system |
| GB2391674A (en) * | 2002-08-09 | 2004-02-11 | Meganeed Ltd | Distance monitoring system with optional signal boost to extend range |
| US20050040944A1 (en) * | 2003-08-20 | 2005-02-24 | Contestabile Robert A. | Electronic monitoring systems and methods |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2442778A (en) | 2008-04-16 |
| GB0620267D0 (en) | 2006-11-22 |
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