US20140375455A1 - Apparatus and method for securing a portable electronic device - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for securing a portable electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140375455A1 US20140375455A1 US14/481,552 US201414481552A US2014375455A1 US 20140375455 A1 US20140375455 A1 US 20140375455A1 US 201414481552 A US201414481552 A US 201414481552A US 2014375455 A1 US2014375455 A1 US 2014375455A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- location
- unattended
- tripod
- bag
- tether
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0082—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices for office machines, e.g. PC's, portable computers, typewriters, calculators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
- F16M11/28—Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/20—Undercarriages with or without wheels
- F16M11/24—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other
- F16M11/26—Undercarriages with or without wheels changeable in height or length of legs, also for transport only, e.g. by means of tubes screwed into each other by telescoping, with or without folding
- F16M11/32—Undercarriages for supports with three or more telescoping legs
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03B—APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OR FOR PROJECTING OR VIEWING THEM; APPARATUS OR ARRANGEMENTS EMPLOYING ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR
- G03B17/00—Details of cameras or camera bodies; Accessories therefor
- G03B17/56—Accessories
- G03B17/561—Support related camera accessories
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- G03B17/568—
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- 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
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B45/00—Alarm locks
- E05B45/06—Electric alarm locks
- E05B2045/065—Switch or sensor type used in alarm locks
- E05B2045/067—Switches triggered by inertia
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05B—LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS
- E05B73/00—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices
- E05B73/0005—Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Miscellaneous locking devices using chains, cables or the like
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/40—Portable
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/40—Portable
- Y10T70/402—Fetters
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5004—For antitheft signaling device on protected article
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5009—For portable articles
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T70/00—Locks
- Y10T70/50—Special application
- Y10T70/5009—For portable articles
- Y10T70/5027—Supporting stands
Definitions
- the present invention provides mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical devices and combinations thereof to prevent or deter unauthorized movement (i.e., theft) of portable devices that are unattended when used. Additionally, the present invention provides methods that may be employed separately or in combination to prevent or deter such unauthorized movement.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a security system for a portable electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an anchoring element auger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of the screw portion of the anchoring element auger of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the driving portion of the anchoring element auger of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 5 shows a side view of a securing screw according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of the securing screw of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 shows a top view of a tool that engages the securing screw of FIG. 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an anchoring element bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of section A-A of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the anchoring element bag of FIG. 8 in a cinched and locked configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tripod locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a security system of the present invention that uses a sensor to detect unauthorized movement of an associated device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting unauthorized movement of an unattended device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a security system for a portable electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly, FIG. 1 shows camera 46 set up on tripod 34 for video recording some outdoor activity. Tripod 34 preferably includes mast 36 for camera height adjustment, as shown.
- tripod 34 and/or camera 46 there may be an additional electronic devices present and connected to tripod 34 and/or camera 46 that assist orienting the camera automatically for better recording of surfing, kiteboarding, or other such activity.
- An archetypical example of a device that is intended to work unattended is an “automatic cameraman” or “automatic pointing system” or “camera control device” described in co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 13/726,380, titled “A Portable System for Automated Video Recording”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,203, titled “A Portable System for High Quality Video Recording”, and PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/71565, titled “A Portable System for High Quality Video Recording”, the contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
- the security systems of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods to secure unattended devices when available “anchors” are absent. Additionally, the security systems of the present invention provide electronic theft prevention systems as discussed further herein.
- camera 46 is secured to tripod 36 by camera attachment device 105 and camera tether 115 .
- Camera tether 115 may be made in a variety of ways and using a variety of materials such as chain, rope, wire, made of steel, reinforced nylon, etc.
- the security system hereof preferably comprises camera attachment device 105 that, in conjunction with camera tether 115 , prevents camera 46 being separated from tripod 36 .
- the construction of camera attachment device 105 depends on the type of camera or electronic device with which the camera attachment device will connect.
- camera attachment device 150 comprises a brace that attaches to tripod 34 preferably using a modified camera securing screw (see FIG. 5 ) and is designed to permit full access to the camera lens and controls.
- the brace preferably has an open state and a closed state;
- the brace when the brace is closed, the brace may be locked.
- the brace is preferably designed with an inner surface that has portions that, when the brace is closed, prevent movement of the camera relative to the brace in any direction.
- Camera tether 115 is an example of an “intermediate tether” used to interconnect a device (camera 46 ) to tripod 36 which is further anchored as discussed below.
- Other intermediate tethers may be incorporated to interconnect various devices to other components, such as camera 46 or tripod 34 .
- a camera may be fully incorporated and integrated with the “automatic cameraman” or “automatic pointing system” mentioned above and/or with the tripod.
- Tripod 36 is preferably equipped with a connection point or connection points to connect camera tether 115 and tether 125 (discussed further below).
- connection point may comprise braces, hooks, lashings and the like.
- the connection points are preferably made of high strength material in order to prevent or make it more difficult for a potential thief to cut them.
- anchoring element 160 is preferably a surface piercing element, preferably an auger, comprising a screw portion 135 and a driving portion 145 having a handle, as shown. Screw portion 135 is turned by driving portion 145 to penetrate or pierce the soil, sand, or other material at the desired location of the device to be anchored.
- Driving portion 145 is preferably removable as shown in FIG. 2 .
- Anchoring element 160 is driven into the soil, sand, or other material to secure the tethered item or items. Once screw portion 135 of anchoring element 160 has been securely placed into the soil, sand, or other material, driving portion 145 is removed. With driving portion 145 removed, extraction of screw portion 135 requires a tool, thus preventing or making it difficult for a thief to steal the items attached to the screw portion 135 with tether 125 . Thus, the items connected to tether 125 are attached to an object that is difficult to move.
- the removed driving portion 145 is preferably attached to tripod 36 and locked so that one does not have to carry driving portion 145 while the devices and components being secured are unattended.
- driving portion 145 is locked onto tripod 36 using a securing screw of the type show in FIG. 5 .
- an intermediate tether may be used to connect driving portion 145 to tripod 36 .
- driving portion 145 has a four-sided opening that connects with a corresponding element or projection of screw portion 135 .
- driving portion 145 may have a three-sided or five-sided opening (or other multi-sided opening) with a corresponding portion on screw portion 135 .
- the corresponding pieces fit together in a lock-and-key connection.
- Such an arrangement has an additional theft-prevention advantage in that three-sided or five-sided tools are not commonly available.
- a “three-sided” lock-and-key embodiment of driving portion 145 and screw portion 135 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an anchoring element auger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 shows a top view of the screw portion of the anchoring element auger of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the driving portion of the anchoring element auger of FIG. 2 .
- Locking mechanism 184 may be a pad lock, a combination lock, an electronic lock, a biometric lock, etc.
- Screw portion 135 and driving portion 145 preferably comprise correspondingly-shaped male and female parts, as shown. As noted above, other geometric configurations for the opening on driving portion 145 and projection on screw portion 135 may suffice. It is further noted that screw 135 portion may contain the opening while driving portion 145 may contain the projection that fits into such opening. When the driving portion and screw portion are connected, appropriate torque may be applied to handle 157 of driving portion 145 to install and remove anchoring element 160 .
- FIG. 5 shows a side view of a securing screw according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of the securing screw of FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 shows a top view of a tool that engages the securing screw of FIG. 5 .
- the removable driving portion 145 may be used for securing camera 46 on tripod 34 (or other components) using a securing screw when the configuration of the securing screw corresponds to the geometric configuration of the opening of driving portion 145 .
- Commercially available tripods generally have multiple securing screws that have a threaded part and a handle part.
- the handle part is typically a wing nut or is round in shape.
- securing screw 50 is provided with three-sided turning end 52 .
- Tool 60 comprises a matching opening 62 to engage turning end 52 of securing screw 50 and assists tightening and loosening of securing screw 50 .
- the end of securing screw 50 may be made with other configurations such as four-sided ends or five-sided screw ends.
- Tool 60 preferably has knurled rim around edge 64 for easier handling.
- the above-described preferred embodiments are suitable for those environments where the soil or ground may be penetrated relatively easily with an auger (anchoring element 160 ). In some environments, such as very rocky environments, insertion of an auger may not be feasible.
- the security systems of the present invention comprise an alternative apparatus and method of securing an unattended device.
- tether 125 (connected to tripod 34 ) is preferably connected to a preferably flexible container or bag. Tether 125 is preferably locked to the flexible container or bag using a locking mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 2 to prevent removal of the tether from the flexible container or bag (a portable anchoring element).
- the flexible container may be filled with material found at the location (for example, a beach). The material may be water, rocks, pebbles, sand, snow, etc.
- the flexible container may be used with or without auger 135 .
- the flexible container is preferably made of durable material that is difficult to cut open.
- the flexible container may also double as a travel bag that could hold, for example, the camera, tripod, and other items for transportation to a beach or other sporting venue.
- FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an anchoring element bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of section A-A of FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the anchoring element bag of FIG. 8 in a cinched and locked configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the anchoring element is embodied as bag 200 .
- bag 200 may have handles, pockets, and other features not shown. Bag 200 is shown in an open position in FIGS. 8 and 9 . As noted above, bag 200 is fillable with material by way of opening 230 . Bag 200 is portable.
- bag 200 preferably comprises outside surface 210 and inside surface 220 , as shown. Inside surface 220 of bag 200 is accessible via opening 230 .
- the wall thickness between outside surface 210 of bag 200 and inside surface 220 of bag 200 is sufficient to make the bag resistant to tearing or cutting.
- Bag 200 preferably comprises neck portion 215 where the thickness of inside surface 220 and outside surface 210 is reduced compared to other portions of bag 200 . This portion of bag 200 is preferably narrow relative to other portions of bag 200 so that bag 200 may be easily bunched together for closing.
- bag 200 is shown closed using a tightening belt or brace 240 (a bag-closing mechanism) and locked with lock 250 (a bag-locking mechanism). It is noted that tether 125 may be connected to and locked with lock 250 . With tightening belt or brace 240 tightened around narrow neck portion 215 there are no loose portions, as shown. This prevents the removal of tightening belt or brace 240 from bag 200 . As described above, tether 125 may be connected to lock 250 or secured to brace 240 prior to tightening brace 240 , etc.
- Bag 200 is preferably easy to fill and may be quickly filled. With tightening belt or brace 240 locked with lock 250 , tightening belt or brace 240 cannot slide off bag 200 . Thus, bag 200 may be used as a weight to anchor and secure an unattended device connected to bag 200 with tether 125 .
- the weighted bag is an object that is difficult to move.
- Bag 200 is preferably constructed of wire reinforced nylon, vinyl, or similar material. Bag 200 is preferably waterproof and even capable of holding water.
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tripod locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- tripod legs 38 of tripod 34 are locked in an open position.
- FIG. 11 only shows two tripod legs. With the tripod legs locked in an open position, a thief who steals the tripod is unable to collapse the tripod legs making transport awkward.
- This embodiment is another alternative to the principle of making the theft difficult by attaching the device that is to be protected from theft to an object that is difficult to move.
- Mast 36 of tripod 34 is locked in a fixed position using securing screw 42 , as shown.
- Securing screw 42 is preferably of the type shown in FIG. 5 .
- Cylindrical element 40 holding securing screw 42 is standard on most tripods and is firmly integrated with the body of the tripod.
- Second cylindrical element 44 when unsecured, may slide up or down mast 36 .
- second cylindrical element 44 When second cylindrical element 44 is moved to its topmost possible position, as shown in FIG. 4 , second cylindrical element 44 prevents legs 38 of tripod 34 from collapsing thus keeping the tripod legs in an open position.
- Second cylindrical element 44 keeps the tripod legs in an open position by having a thickness which prevents closing of the tripod legs.
- Second cylindrical element 44 is secured in place to mast 36 using securing screw 45 .
- Securing screw 45 is preferably of the type shown in FIG. 5 .
- the base unit is preferably associated with a device being protected (or multiple devices).
- the base unit is either integrated with the device being protected or attachable to it.
- the signaling device comprises a sound emitter located at a base unit.
- the signaling device emits an alarm signal in the form of an audible sound when the signaling device is activated. The emitted sound is intended to draw the attention of nearby bystanders to the thief.
- another signaling device in addition to the signaling device located at the base unit, another signaling device is associated with a remote unit carried by or otherwise collocated with a user who will be positioned at a location away from the electronic device being protected.
- the remote unit signaling device preferably emits an alarm signal in the form an audible alarm sound.
- the base unit and the remote unit are communicatively coupled.
- the base unit and remote unit are communicatively coupled by way of radio communication.
- the remote unit may comprise a signaling device in the form of a vibratory element which causes the remote unit to vibrate when activated.
- a vibratory element may alone or in combination with the audible alarm signaling device.
- a signaling device may only be present in a remote unit.
- FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the security system of the present invention that utilizes electronic theft detection according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- Base unit 355 is preferably integrated with connected to or otherwise associated with a device 350 that is being protected.
- the device that is being protected may be a camera, an “automatic cameraman” (i.e., a camera control device), a tripod, etc.
- Base unit 355 is connected to device 350 in a way such that movement that changes the location of device 350 is sensed by sensor 360 , a component of base unit 355 .
- Base unit 355 is preferably appropriately powered and is preferably equipped with a processing unit 365 that facilitates the operation of its components.
- Sensor 360 may be a single sensor or a combination of different sensors.
- sensor 360 When sensor 360 detects movement (i.e., change of location) of the device 350 , an electric signal is sent to the signaling component, or components of base unit 355 .
- the signaling component or components of base unit 355 .
- FIG. 12 two signaling devices are shown, light source 370 and sound source 375 . According to some preferred embodiments, the rest of the components shown in FIG. 12 may be omitted.
- the alarm system of FIG. 12 comprises remote unit 390 which is preferably located with the user/owner of device 350 that is being protected.
- Base unit 355 and remote unit 390 are both equipped with communication devices.
- base unit 355 comprises radio transceiver 380 , as shown.
- Radio transceiver 380 of base unit 355 sends and receives radio signals 385 to and from a transceiver/processor 395 of remote unit 390 . If sensor 360 detects movement of device 350 , an electric signal is sent to the signaling component in remote unit 390 .
- FIG. 12 two signaling devices are shown, sound source 376 (which emits sound or a siren on receipt of the electric signal) and vibratory element 400 (which vibrates to alert the user).
- FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting unauthorized movement of an unattended device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the initial location of the base unit is obtained by an associated global positioning device and stored (step 110 ).
- the global positioning device continuously receives location data and continuously updates its location at a pre-determined frequency (for example, at a frequency of five times per second) (step 120 ).
- the subsequent location updates are then compared to the initial location stored. If the distance of the current location is determined to be greater than a certain pre-determined distance from the initial stored location, an unauthorized movement is considered to have occurred. If the location sensor detects such unauthorized movement, the user is preferably alerted by a signal device of the remote unit in step 140 and an alarm will sound in the base unit in step 150 .
- the user may be alerted to unauthorized movement by way of a light source (such as a light emitting diode or LED).
- a light source may be illuminated when the system is operating normally; if unauthorized movement is detected, the LED is no longer visible to the user.
- the alarm at the remote unit may not be included.
- step 140 and step 150 may occur in reverse order or simultaneously.
- the system preferably comprises methods and systems to arm the alarm and disarm the alarm.
- Global positioning technology is commonly utilized for various purposes such as the determining the location of cars for navigation purposes.
- GPS which stands for Global Positioning System.
- ECEF earth-based, earth-fixed
- satellite systems may be complemented or even replaced by earth-based signal sources.
- the invention hereof may be practiced using receivers (antennas) of any fully or partially satellite-based positioning system, including also fully earth-based systems.
- Such systems and their elements will be referred to herein for convenience as global positioning technology, global positioning devices, global positioning units, global positioning receivers, or global positioning antennas.
- Global positioning devices provide location data with limited accuracy. For any particular brand of global positioning devices the typical error interval is known or can be experimentally determined and may have an error interval on the order of a few inches to several feet depending on the sophistication and the expense of the device.
- the geometrical perimeter of the space within which the location of a global positioning unit is uncertain is referred to as its error bubble.
- movement is detected when the base unit is outside of the error bubble if the center of the error bubble is the initial location of the global positioning device. There is a finite probability of erroneous location determination by a global positioning device and such errors could result in false alarms.
- the size of the error bubble may be reduced by averaging the location data of a stationary global positioning device over time.
- the alarming procedure may also preferably include a rule for reducing the error bubble for detection of unauthorized movement over time, making the protection more efficient.
Abstract
Anti-theft protection systems and methods for portable devices, such as portable electronic devices, that are unattended during use. The anti-theft protection systems and methods use a combination of measures including mechanical aspects, such as tethering the device to an object that is difficult to move, and electronic aspects that detect unauthorized movement and or alarm the user or other responsible party if unauthorized movement occurs.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 13/757,825, filed Feb. 3, 2013, titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/594,926, filed Feb. 3, 2012, titled “APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SECURING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE”, the contents of which are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.
- Devices left unattended are susceptible to being stolen. For certain expensive devices, such as electronic devices, users are unable to use the devices unattended without a significant risk of theft. The theft problem is particularly acute in the case of electronic devices that are left unsupervised during their normal use. Most thieves are inspired by the opportunity of an unattended electronic device or other valuable device. A great need exists for anti-theft systems and methods that secure electronic devices that are unattended during use.
- The present invention provides mechanical, electronic, and electromechanical devices and combinations thereof to prevent or deter unauthorized movement (i.e., theft) of portable devices that are unattended when used. Additionally, the present invention provides methods that may be employed separately or in combination to prevent or deter such unauthorized movement.
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FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a security system for a portable electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an anchoring element auger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 3 shows a top view of the screw portion of the anchoring element auger ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the driving portion of the anchoring element auger ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 5 shows a side view of a securing screw according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 6 shows a top view of the securing screw ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 7 shows a top view of a tool that engages the securing screw ofFIG. 5 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an anchoring element bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of section A-A ofFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the anchoring element bag ofFIG. 8 in a cinched and locked configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tripod locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of a security system of the present invention that uses a sensor to detect unauthorized movement of an associated device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting unauthorized movement of an unattended device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a security system for a portable electronic device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. More particularly,FIG. 1 showscamera 46 set up ontripod 34 for video recording some outdoor activity. Tripod 34 preferably includesmast 36 for camera height adjustment, as shown. - It is noted that there may be an additional electronic devices present and connected to
tripod 34 and/orcamera 46 that assist orienting the camera automatically for better recording of surfing, kiteboarding, or other such activity. An archetypical example of a device that is intended to work unattended is an “automatic cameraman” or “automatic pointing system” or “camera control device” described in co-owned and co-pending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 13/726,380, titled “A Portable System for Automated Video Recording”, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/726,203, titled “A Portable System for High Quality Video Recording”, and PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/71565, titled “A Portable System for High Quality Video Recording”, the contents all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. - In certain environments, such as on a beach, objects to which the camera or tripod may be secured may not be present or available. For example, a nearby tree or pole may not be present or available on a beach. A similar problem may arise in other environments such as when video recording snowboarding in a wide open bowl or dirt biking in an expansive desert. The security systems of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods to secure unattended devices when available “anchors” are absent. Additionally, the security systems of the present invention provide electronic theft prevention systems as discussed further herein.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , and according to a preferred embodiment hereof,camera 46 is secured totripod 36 bycamera attachment device 105 andcamera tether 115.Camera tether 115 may be made in a variety of ways and using a variety of materials such as chain, rope, wire, made of steel, reinforced nylon, etc. - Portable electronic devices, such as cameras, cell phones, and the like, are typically not equipped with a mechanical attachment point that may be attached to, for example, a high strength steel tether. The security system hereof preferably comprises
camera attachment device 105 that, in conjunction withcamera tether 115, preventscamera 46 being separated fromtripod 36. The construction ofcamera attachment device 105 depends on the type of camera or electronic device with which the camera attachment device will connect. In one preferred embodiment,camera attachment device 150 comprises a brace that attaches totripod 34 preferably using a modified camera securing screw (seeFIG. 5 ) and is designed to permit full access to the camera lens and controls. The brace preferably has an open state and a closed state; - when the brace is closed, the brace may be locked. The brace is preferably designed with an inner surface that has portions that, when the brace is closed, prevent movement of the camera relative to the brace in any direction.
-
Camera tether 115 is an example of an “intermediate tether” used to interconnect a device (camera 46) totripod 36 which is further anchored as discussed below. Other intermediate tethers may be incorporated to interconnect various devices to other components, such ascamera 46 ortripod 34. - It is noted that a camera may be fully incorporated and integrated with the “automatic cameraman” or “automatic pointing system” mentioned above and/or with the tripod.
- Tripod 36 is preferably equipped with a connection point or connection points to connect
camera tether 115 and tether 125 (discussed further below). Such connection point may comprise braces, hooks, lashings and the like. The connection points are preferably made of high strength material in order to prevent or make it more difficult for a potential thief to cut them. - The security system of the present invention preferably comprises anchoring
element 160, as shown. Anchoringelement 160 is portable. One end oftether 125 is preferably attached to anchoringelement 160. When anchoringelement 160 is anchored, the connection betweentether 125 and anchoringelement 160 makes it difficult for a thief to movetripod 36,camera 46, and any other associated securely connected devices. When appropriately set up,camera 46 may be used confidently unattended without fear of theft. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1 ,anchoring element 160 is preferably a surface piercing element, preferably an auger, comprising ascrew portion 135 and adriving portion 145 having a handle, as shown. Screwportion 135 is turned by drivingportion 145 to penetrate or pierce the soil, sand, or other material at the desired location of the device to be anchored.Driving portion 145 is preferably removable as shown inFIG. 2 . - Anchoring
element 160 is driven into the soil, sand, or other material to secure the tethered item or items. Oncescrew portion 135 ofanchoring element 160 has been securely placed into the soil, sand, or other material,driving portion 145 is removed. With drivingportion 145 removed, extraction ofscrew portion 135 requires a tool, thus preventing or making it difficult for a thief to steal the items attached to thescrew portion 135 withtether 125. Thus, the items connected to tether 125 are attached to an object that is difficult to move. - In one preferred embodiment, the removed driving
portion 145 is preferably attached totripod 36 and locked so that one does not have to carry drivingportion 145 while the devices and components being secured are unattended. In one preferred embodiment, drivingportion 145 is locked ontotripod 36 using a securing screw of the type show inFIG. 5 . In another preferred embodiment, an intermediate tether may be used to connect drivingportion 145 totripod 36. - In one preferred embodiment, driving
portion 145 has a four-sided opening that connects with a corresponding element or projection ofscrew portion 135. When drivingportion 145 is removed,screw portion 135 cannot be turned without an appropriate tool or wrench. Alternatively, drivingportion 145 may have a three-sided or five-sided opening (or other multi-sided opening) with a corresponding portion onscrew portion 135. The corresponding pieces fit together in a lock-and-key connection. Such an arrangement has an additional theft-prevention advantage in that three-sided or five-sided tools are not commonly available. A “three-sided” lock-and-key embodiment of drivingportion 145 andscrew portion 135 is shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 . -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of an anchoring element auger according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3 shows a top view of the screw portion of the anchoring element auger ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the driving portion of the anchoring element auger ofFIG. 2 . - Driving
portion 145 preferably comprisescentral portion 156, as shown. Handle 157 is preferably connected tocentral portion 156, as shown.Central portion 156 preferably comprises a triangular-shaped opening 158 (seeFIG. 4 ) that matches triangular-shapedend portion 136 of screw portion 135 (seeFIGS. 2 and 3 ) of anchoringelement 160. Triangular-shapedend portion 136 preferably projects upward fromcentral portion 137 ofscrew portion 135, as shown.Tether attachment ring 138 is securely connected withcentral portion 137, as shown. Tether 125 is connected totether attachment ring 138, as shown. Alocking mechanism 184 connectstether 125 totether attachment 138 to prevent removal oftether 125, as shown. A similar locking mechanism may be used at the point with whichtether 125 is connected with mast 36 (and at other points as desired to securely attach various devices).Locking mechanism 184 may be a pad lock, a combination lock, an electronic lock, a biometric lock, etc. Once so connected, and with reference toFIG. 1 ,tether 125 is securely connected to anchoringelement 160. -
Screw portion 135 and drivingportion 145 preferably comprise correspondingly-shaped male and female parts, as shown. As noted above, other geometric configurations for the opening on drivingportion 145 and projection onscrew portion 135 may suffice. It is further noted thatscrew 135 portion may contain the opening while drivingportion 145 may contain the projection that fits into such opening. When the driving portion and screw portion are connected, appropriate torque may be applied to handle 157 of drivingportion 145 to install and remove anchoringelement 160. -
FIG. 5 shows a side view of a securing screw according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 6 shows a top view of the securing screw ofFIG. 5 .FIG. 7 shows a top view of a tool that engages the securing screw ofFIG. 5 . - The
removable driving portion 145 may be used for securingcamera 46 on tripod 34 (or other components) using a securing screw when the configuration of the securing screw corresponds to the geometric configuration of the opening of drivingportion 145. Commercially available tripods generally have multiple securing screws that have a threaded part and a handle part. The handle part is typically a wing nut or is round in shape. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, securingscrew 50 is provided with three-sided turning end 52.Tool 60 comprises amatching opening 62 to engage turningend 52 of securingscrew 50 and assists tightening and loosening of securingscrew 50. According to other preferred embodiments hereof, the end of securingscrew 50 may be made with other configurations such as four-sided ends or five-sided screw ends.Tool 60 preferably has knurled rim aroundedge 64 for easier handling. - The above-described preferred embodiments are suitable for those environments where the soil or ground may be penetrated relatively easily with an auger (anchoring element 160). In some environments, such as very rocky environments, insertion of an auger may not be feasible. The security systems of the present invention comprise an alternative apparatus and method of securing an unattended device. In such an alternatively preferred embodiment, tether 125 (connected to tripod 34) is preferably connected to a preferably flexible container or bag. Tether 125 is preferably locked to the flexible container or bag using a locking mechanism similar to that shown in
FIG. 2 to prevent removal of the tether from the flexible container or bag (a portable anchoring element). The flexible container may be filled with material found at the location (for example, a beach). The material may be water, rocks, pebbles, sand, snow, etc. The flexible container may be used with or withoutauger 135. - The flexible container is preferably made of durable material that is difficult to cut open. The flexible container may also double as a travel bag that could hold, for example, the camera, tripod, and other items for transportation to a beach or other sporting venue.
-
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an anchoring element bag according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of section A-A ofFIG. 8 .FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the anchoring element bag ofFIG. 8 in a cinched and locked configuration according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. - In the preferred embodiment shown in
FIGS. 8 and 9 , the anchoring element is embodied asbag 200. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention,bag 200 may have handles, pockets, and other features not shown.Bag 200 is shown in an open position inFIGS. 8 and 9 . As noted above,bag 200 is fillable with material by way ofopening 230.Bag 200 is portable. - With reference to
FIG. 9 ,bag 200 preferably comprises outsidesurface 210 and insidesurface 220, as shown. Insidesurface 220 ofbag 200 is accessible viaopening 230. The wall thickness betweenoutside surface 210 ofbag 200 and insidesurface 220 ofbag 200 is sufficient to make the bag resistant to tearing or cutting.Bag 200 preferably comprisesneck portion 215 where the thickness ofinside surface 220 and outsidesurface 210 is reduced compared to other portions ofbag 200. This portion ofbag 200 is preferably narrow relative to other portions ofbag 200 so thatbag 200 may be easily bunched together for closing. - In
FIG. 10 ,bag 200 is shown closed using a tightening belt or brace 240 (a bag-closing mechanism) and locked with lock 250 (a bag-locking mechanism). It is noted thattether 125 may be connected to and locked withlock 250. With tightening belt or brace 240 tightened aroundnarrow neck portion 215 there are no loose portions, as shown. This prevents the removal of tightening belt or brace 240 frombag 200. As described above,tether 125 may be connected to lock 250 or secured to brace 240 prior to tightening brace 240, etc. -
Bag 200 is preferably easy to fill and may be quickly filled. With tightening belt or brace 240 locked withlock 250, tightening belt or brace 240 cannot slide offbag 200. Thus,bag 200 may be used as a weight to anchor and secure an unattended device connected tobag 200 withtether 125. The weighted bag is an object that is difficult to move. -
Bag 200 is preferably constructed of wire reinforced nylon, vinyl, or similar material.Bag 200 is preferably waterproof and even capable of holding water. -
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a tripod locking device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 11 ,tripod legs 38 oftripod 34 are locked in an open position. For clarity,FIG. 11 only shows two tripod legs. With the tripod legs locked in an open position, a thief who steals the tripod is unable to collapse the tripod legs making transport awkward. This embodiment is another alternative to the principle of making the theft difficult by attaching the device that is to be protected from theft to an object that is difficult to move.Mast 36 oftripod 34 is locked in a fixed position using securingscrew 42, as shown. Securingscrew 42 is preferably of the type shown inFIG. 5 . -
Cylindrical element 40holding securing screw 42 is standard on most tripods and is firmly integrated with the body of the tripod. Secondcylindrical element 44, when unsecured, may slide up or downmast 36. When secondcylindrical element 44 is moved to its topmost possible position, as shown inFIG. 4 , secondcylindrical element 44 preventslegs 38 oftripod 34 from collapsing thus keeping the tripod legs in an open position. Secondcylindrical element 44 keeps the tripod legs in an open position by having a thickness which prevents closing of the tripod legs. Secondcylindrical element 44 is secured in place tomast 36 using securingscrew 45. Securingscrew 45 is preferably of the type shown inFIG. 5 . - In addition to the mechanical security implements described above, non-mechanical features, such as alarms, are also preferably implemented to alert the user or responsible person to a theft incident. To accomplish this, devices may be added to the electronic device being protected. Alternatively, new functions are added to some components of the device to be protected. According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, a base unit associated with the tripod or device to be protected (or both) preferably comprises a location sensor and a signaling device. The location sensor is used to detect unauthorized movement of the device being protected. According to a preferred embodiment hereof, the location sensor is preferably a global positioning device. A signaling device is configured to provide an alarm signal when such unauthorized movement has been detected.
- As noted above, the base unit is preferably associated with a device being protected (or multiple devices). In this regard, the base unit is either integrated with the device being protected or attachable to it.
- In one preferred embodiment, the signaling device comprises a sound emitter located at a base unit. In such an embodiment, the signaling device emits an alarm signal in the form of an audible sound when the signaling device is activated. The emitted sound is intended to draw the attention of nearby bystanders to the thief.
- In another preferred embodiment, in addition to the signaling device located at the base unit, another signaling device is associated with a remote unit carried by or otherwise collocated with a user who will be positioned at a location away from the electronic device being protected. The remote unit signaling device preferably emits an alarm signal in the form an audible alarm sound. In such an embodiment, the base unit and the remote unit are communicatively coupled. In one preferred embodiment, the base unit and remote unit are communicatively coupled by way of radio communication. When the signaling device of the base unit and the signaling device of the remote unit are activated, a command is communicated to the base unit to activate an alarm signal and to the remote unit to activate an alarm signal, both preferably in the form of an audible alarm. In such an embodiment, the user is alerted that an unauthorized movement of the base unit has occurred. According to another preferred embodiment hereof, the remote unit may comprise a signaling device in the form of a vibratory element which causes the remote unit to vibrate when activated. Such vibratory element may alone or in combination with the audible alarm signaling device.
- According to another preferred embodiment hereof, a signaling device may only be present in a remote unit.
-
FIG. 12 shows a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the security system of the present invention that utilizes electronic theft detection according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.Base unit 355 is preferably integrated with connected to or otherwise associated with adevice 350 that is being protected. The device that is being protected may be a camera, an “automatic cameraman” (i.e., a camera control device), a tripod, etc.Base unit 355 is connected todevice 350 in a way such that movement that changes the location ofdevice 350 is sensed bysensor 360, a component ofbase unit 355.Base unit 355 is preferably appropriately powered and is preferably equipped with aprocessing unit 365 that facilitates the operation of its components.Sensor 360 may be a single sensor or a combination of different sensors. Whensensor 360 detects movement (i.e., change of location) of thedevice 350, an electric signal is sent to the signaling component, or components ofbase unit 355. InFIG. 12 , two signaling devices are shown,light source 370 andsound source 375. According to some preferred embodiments, the rest of the components shown inFIG. 12 may be omitted. - In a preferred embodiment, the alarm system of
FIG. 12 comprisesremote unit 390 which is preferably located with the user/owner ofdevice 350 that is being protected.Base unit 355 andremote unit 390 are both equipped with communication devices. In one preferred embodiment,base unit 355 comprisesradio transceiver 380, as shown.Radio transceiver 380 ofbase unit 355 sends and receivesradio signals 385 to and from a transceiver/processor 395 ofremote unit 390. Ifsensor 360 detects movement ofdevice 350, an electric signal is sent to the signaling component inremote unit 390. InFIG. 12 , two signaling devices are shown, sound source 376 (which emits sound or a siren on receipt of the electric signal) and vibratory element 400 (which vibrates to alert the user). -
FIG. 13 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of detecting unauthorized movement of an unattended device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. After the base unit is turned on, the initial location of the base unit is obtained by an associated global positioning device and stored (step 110). Once the initial location is stored, the global positioning device continuously receives location data and continuously updates its location at a pre-determined frequency (for example, at a frequency of five times per second) (step 120). Instep 130, the subsequent location updates are then compared to the initial location stored. If the distance of the current location is determined to be greater than a certain pre-determined distance from the initial stored location, an unauthorized movement is considered to have occurred. If the location sensor detects such unauthorized movement, the user is preferably alerted by a signal device of the remote unit instep 140 and an alarm will sound in the base unit instep 150. - According to another preferred embodiment, the user may be alerted to unauthorized movement by way of a light source (such as a light emitting diode or LED). For example, according to one preferred embodiment, a light source may be illuminated when the system is operating normally; if unauthorized movement is detected, the LED is no longer visible to the user. In such an embodiment, the alarm at the remote unit may not be included.
- It is noted that
step 140 and step 150 may occur in reverse order or simultaneously. The system preferably comprises methods and systems to arm the alarm and disarm the alarm. - Global positioning technology is commonly utilized for various purposes such as the determining the location of cars for navigation purposes. One form of global positioning technology is GPS (which stands for Global Positioning System). Several different systems exist that work on a similar principle of receiving signals from satellites and use a combination of known satellite locations and time-delay measurements to determine satellite-to-receiver distances. These systems may further employ trigonometry-based methods to determine the location of a receiver in an earth-based, earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate system. Further, satellite systems may be complemented or even replaced by earth-based signal sources. The invention hereof may be practiced using receivers (antennas) of any fully or partially satellite-based positioning system, including also fully earth-based systems. Such systems and their elements will be referred to herein for convenience as global positioning technology, global positioning devices, global positioning units, global positioning receivers, or global positioning antennas.
- Global positioning devices provide location data with limited accuracy. For any particular brand of global positioning devices the typical error interval is known or can be experimentally determined and may have an error interval on the order of a few inches to several feet depending on the sophistication and the expense of the device. The geometrical perimeter of the space within which the location of a global positioning unit is uncertain is referred to as its error bubble. In
step 130, movement is detected when the base unit is outside of the error bubble if the center of the error bubble is the initial location of the global positioning device. There is a finite probability of erroneous location determination by a global positioning device and such errors could result in false alarms. It is therefore useful to implement a procedure that establishes that more than one consecutive global positioning location data point must be obtained showing movement, i.e., being outside the error bubble around the original location of the base unit, before the alarm is activated. If, for example, three consecutive location data are required and the GPS update rate is five times per second, this will delay the alarm by 0.6 seconds. Preferably, the user may set this according to his or her preferences, balancing the inconvenience of false alarms against the advantage of being notified of an alarm-causing event faster. The size of the error bubble may be reduced by averaging the location data of a stationary global positioning device over time. The alarming procedure may also preferably include a rule for reducing the error bubble for detection of unauthorized movement over time, making the protection more efficient. - Different preferred embodiments, methods, applications, advantages, and features of this invention have been described above; however, these particular embodiments, methods, applications, advantages, and features should not be construed as being the only ones that constitute the practice of the invention. Indeed, it is understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications. Further, many other applications and advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.
Claims (18)
1. An apparatus for providing protection against unauthorized movement of an unattended camera control device, said apparatus comprising:
a) a tripod connectable with the camera control device, said tripod having tripod legs, said tripod equipped with a device that prevents the tripod legs from being closed and wherein said device that prevents the tripod legs from being closed is lockable with a locking element, said locking element configured to be unlocked with a tool;
b) an anchoring element that comprises a surface piercing portion and a removable driving portion wherein said surface piercing portion and said removable driving portion are connected by way of a correspondingly-shaped lock-and-key connection; and
c) at least one tether with at least one locking mechanism, wherein said at least one tether connects the camera control device to said tripod and to said anchoring element and said at least one locking mechanism prevents removal of said at least one tether.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising one or more intermediate tethers to interconnect additional devices.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tripod comprises a tripod mast and the device that prevents the tripod legs from being closed is attachable to the tripod mast.
4. An apparatus for providing protection against unauthorized movement of an unattended electronic device comprising:
a) at least one location sensor associated with the unattended device to detect the location of the associated unattended device, wherein said location sensor senses location based on signals received from a global positioning system;
b) an electronic control device that stores location information sensed by said location sensor; and
c) at least one first signaling device, wherein said at least one first signaling device is configured to provide an alarm signal when the location of the unattended device has substantially changed.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the alarm signal is provided when said location sensor detects location change from a stored location beyond the error bubble of said location sensor.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising a tether and a locking mechanism, wherein said tether connects the unattended electronic device to an object that is difficult to move, and said locking mechanism prevents removal of the tether connection between the unattended device and the object that is difficult to move.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the object that is difficult to move comprises a surface piercing element.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said surface piercing element comprises a surface piercing portion and a removable driving portion.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein said surface piercing portion and said removable driving portion connect via a correspondingly-shaped lock-and-key connection.
10. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the object that is difficult to move comprises a fillable bag, wherein said fillable bag is made heavy by filling said fillable bag with material or items adding weight to said fillable bag.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the object that is difficult to move comprises a fillable bag, wherein said fillable bag is difficult to move because it is filled with materials typically found on a beach, such material being water, sand, and/or pebbles.
12. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the object that is difficult to move comprises a tripod having tripod legs, wherein the tripod legs are lockable in an open position.
13. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising at least one remote unit and wherein said at least one first signaling device is communicatively linked with said at least one remote unit; wherein said at least one remote unit comprises at least one second signaling device configured to provide an alarm signal upon receiving information that said at least one first signaling device is providing an alarm.
14. A method of creating an alarm when an unattended device is moved, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a location sensor associated with the unattended device; wherein the location sensor is integrated with the unattended device and the location sensor detects location by receiving signals from a global positioning system;
b) detecting an initial location of the unattended device by the location sensor;
c) electronically storing the initial location;
d) periodically detecting current locations of the unattended device;
e) determining whether the current location of the unattended device is substantially different from the electronically stored initial location;
f) providing an alert when it is determined that the current location of the unattended device is substantially different from the electronically stored initial location.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of sending a signal to a receiver collocated with a user of the unattended device to alert the user of the location change of the unattended device.
16. The method of claim 15 , further comprising the step of tethering the unattended device to an object that is difficult to move.
17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising the steps of filling a bag with locally available material to add weight to the bag and tethering the filled bag to the unattended device.
18. The method of claim 16 , further comprising the steps of filling a bag with locally available material to add weight to the bag, such material being water, sand, and/or pebbles, and tethering the filled bag to the unattended device.
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20130199251A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 |
US8836508B2 (en) | 2014-09-16 |
WO2013116810A1 (en) | 2013-08-08 |
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