SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRACKING CONTROL UNIT

BACKGROUND FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The invention generally relates to portable devices and more particularly to theft detection of portable devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Portable devices are being widely used for storing  manipulating  and exchanging data. A portable device can be an intelligent or unintelligent device based on the presence or absence of data processing capability in the device. Examples of an intelligent portable device includes  but are not limited to  portable remote control  portable audio player  portable video player  smart phone  mobile phone  laptop  and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The portable devices may be expensive in nature and may carry confidential and important data and are therefore prone to theft.

[0003] In home automation and hospitality sector  portable devices can be employed to control the operation of one or more electrical/electronic devices. These portable devices provide greater flexibility and comfort to end users in terms of controlling the operation of one or more components inside a house or a suite. However  the portable devices need to be charged frequently and are very vulnerable to theft or misplacement. Hence there are additional requirements of safety and maintenance of expensive portable devices.

[0004] Several technologies exist to detect occurrence of theft of portable devices using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). However  the existing RFID systems do not provide a mechanism of real time theft detection of a portable device carried by a mobile user in a location which is not secured by an RFID system.

[0005] Other methods suggested in the prior art for ensuring security of the portable device include using proximity card for tracking  biometric based tracking system and providing physical security for the portable device. However  the methods are not effective and customer friendly particularly in the field of hospitality sector.

[0006] Hence  there is a need for a system and method that facilitates real time tracking of a wide range of portable devices carried by a user  the system and method capable of further acting as a deterrent to theft of portable devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The above-mentioned shortcomings  disadvantages and problems are addressed herein which will be understood by reading and understanding the following specification.

[0008] In one embodiment  a method of tracking a control unit is provided. The method comprises steps of determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit  determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit is receiving  determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit and determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters.

[0009] In another embodiment  an automaton system comprising at least one control unit capable of remotely controlling the operation of one or more devices and a central processing unit wirelessly coupled to the control unit is provided. The control unit comprises a monitoring unit configured for tracking the control unit. Further  the monitoring unit is configured for determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit  determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit is receiving  determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit and determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters.
[0010] Systems and methods of varying scope are described herein. In addition to the aspects and advantages described in this summary  further aspects and advantages will become apparent by reference to the drawings and with reference to the detailed description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system for tracking control unit as described in an embodiment; and

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a flow diagram depicting a method of tracking control unit as described in another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In the following detailed description  reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof  and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments  which may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments  and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical  mechanical  electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is  therefore  not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0014] In one embodiment  as shown in FIG 1  an automaton system 100 is provided. The automation system 100 comprises at least one control unit 104 capable of remotely controlling the operation of one or more devices and a central processing unit 102 wirelessly coupled to the control unit 104. The central processing unit 102 may be coupled to one or more control units 104  106 and 108 wirelessly using one of radio frequency  ultrasonic  auditory  infrared  optical  microwave  laser  electromagnetic  or other transmission or connection. The central processing unit 102 may comprise mapping information related to multiple control units 104  106 and 108 in the form of a lookup table.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention  the control unit 104 is a remote control of a conventional type used to control the operation of an electrical or electronic devices through radio frequency or infrared signals.

[0016] The control unit 104 may be equipped with a transmitter  receiver  or both to facilitate communication with the central processing unit 102 and as well as with other electrical/electronic equipments. The receiver of the control unit 104 is configured for receiving communication signal from the central processing unit 102 and as well from an external service provider. Further  the remote control unit 104 includes control switches or buttons  and a microprocessor and circuit responsive to the controls that causes the transmitter to transmit a predetermined signal.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention  the central processing unit 102 is a computer  such as a laptop computer. The central processing unit 102 may also be provided with memory for storing instructions to control the control units 104  106 and 108  so that the central processing unit 102 may act in stand alone mode according to pre-programmed instructions. In one embodiment  almost any properly programmed microcontroller or microprocessor can perform the software functions described herein

[0018] In an embodiment of the invention  the external device is an electronic or an electrical appliance that is used inside a home or a suite such as a lighting device  door lock  and a heating system. The control unit 104 may be coupled to each of the appliances wirelessly using one of radio frequency  ultrasonic  auditory  infrared  optical  microwave  laser  electromagnetic  or other transmission or connection. Each of the external devices is capable of receiving  processing and executing instructions from the remote control unit 104 according to the transmitted signal.

[0019] Further  the control signals sent from the transmitter of the control unit 104 for controlling the operation of one or more of the appliances stated herein may employ DMX-512 protocol. In response to the command sent from the control unit 104  the appliance that receives the command may send the acknowledgement signal to the control unit 104 which is received by the receiver of the control unit 104.

[0020] Further  at least one of the central processing unit 102 and the control unit 104 may be coupled to at least one other device capable of receiving and responding to data  such as an alarm system  a VCR  a television  an entertainment device  a computer  an appliance  or the like.

[0021] Accordingly  a network created by an operable coupling between the central processing unit 102  plurality of control units 104  106 and 108 and one or more external appliances constitute the automation system 100.

[0022] Each of the control units 104  106 and 108 comprise a monitoring unit 110  112 and 114 respectively. For he purpose of simplifying the explanation  the function of the monitoring unit 110 is described herein. However  skilled artisans shall appreciate that the functioning of the monitoring unit 110 is similar to the functioning of the monitoring units 112 and 114. The monitoring unit 110 is configured for determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit 104  determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit 104 is receiving  determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit 104 and determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameter.

[0023] Accordingly  the monitoring unit 110 monitors three parameters  battery level  signal strength and current location and updates the central processing unit 102. The updates can be triggered based on one of a periodic basis  upon detecting a change one of the parameters and upon detecting a significant change in one of the parameters. Based on the detected parameters  the central processing unit 102 determines action plans. The action plan may include indication to recharge battery  generating an alert and performing one or more user specific actions.

[0024] In one embodiment  the monitoring unit 110 is configured for tracking the control unit 104 for safety and security. The monitoring unit 110 is capable of alerting the central processing unit 102 upon detecting the distance between the central processing unit 102 and the control unit 104 to be more than the predetermined distance. Further  safety of the control unit 104 can be ensured by detecting potential manhandling of the control unit 104 such as morphing  closing or killing an application running in the control unit 104. The monitoring unit 110 is configured to ensure that the use of the control unit 104 is restricted for intended purposes.

[0025] The battery level of the control unit 104 is detected by consulting the power resource of the control unit 104. The control unit 104 is equipped with components that receive and determine strength of a wireless communication signal. Illustrative forms include a signal from a wireless telecommunications network (wherein illustrative protocols include CDMA  GPRS  GSM  TDMA  etc.)  Wi-Fi  infrared  and the like.

[0026] Further  the third parameter  location of the control unit 104 is determined by using one of a GPS tracking system  RFID reader  wireless LAN access point  predetermined access point in wireless interface  cellular network  IR communication and Bluetooth communication.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment  upon detecting the battery level to be below a predetermined level  signal strength to be above a predetermined value and location to be within the predetermined distance  the central processing unit 102 can determine the action plan to be generating an alert to indicate the requirement to charge the battery.

[0028] In another exemplary embodiment  upon detecting the signal strength to be below a predetermined value and location to be outside the predetermined distance  irrespective of the level of charge present in the battery  the monitoring unit 110 alerts the central processing unit 102 to raise an alarm so as to facilitate tracking the control unit 104 that is apparently being outside the permitted area of usage.

[0029] In yet another exemplary embodiment  upon detecting the signal strength to be approximately NIL  the monitoring unit 110 may trigger an alarm at the central processing unit 102. The alarm generated comprises one of an audio  visual and tactile.

[0030] Further  the monitoring unit 110 is capable of identifying the intention of the user by tracking at least successive locations of the control unit 104 and identifying the direction of the user’s motion. Based on the finding  the monitoring unit 110 is capable of issuing command to one or more devices to perform one or more user specific actions such as opening a door lock when the user approaches the door  operating an air conditioner based on the ambiance.

[0031] The monitoring unit 110 can further identify one or more authorized users  detect one or more actions performed by the authorized users and thereafter initiate one or more predefined user specific actions based on the authorized user and the performed actions.

[0032] In one exemplary embodiment  the monitoring unit 110 may be programmed to transmit signals that reflect the personal lighting preferences of the individual to the control unit 104  so that room lights or other illumination may be changed  in color or intensity  when the person is in proximity to the receiver for the lights. The desired lighting environment conditions are automatically reproduced via the lighting network in the room.

[0033] Further  the control unit 104 may include other data associated with the individual  such as music preferences  temperature preferences  security preferences and the like  so that the control unit 104 would transmit the data to receivers associated with networked electronic components that are responsive to the signals. Thus  by walking into a room  the individual could cause the lights  music and temperature to be changed automatically by microprocessors controlling arrayed LEDs or other lights  a compact disc player or similar music source  and a thermostat.

[0034] For example  the control unit 104 may be configured for operating a music system upon locating the authorized user within a predetermined distance from the music system  switching on a water heater upon detecting the entry of an authorized user into a bathing area and initiating opening of an automated garage door subsequent to detection of the authorized user approaching the garage.

[0035] In one embodiment  the control unit 104 can be embedded within an intelligent portable device such as  portable audio player  portable video player  smart phone  mobile phone  laptop  Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)  digital watch and a digital camera so as to facilitate using the user interface of the portable device for communicating with one or more of the external devices.

[0036] In another embodiment  as shown in FIG. 2  a method 200 of tracking a control unit 104 is provided. The method comprises steps of determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit 104 at step 202  determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit 104 is receiving at step 204  determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit 104 at step 206 and determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters at step 208.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as  among other things: a method  system or computer-program product. Accordingly  the embodiments may take the form of a hardware embodiment  a software embodiment  or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In one embodiment  the present invention takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on one or more computer-readable media.

[0038] Accordingly  in one embodiment  a computer program product comprising instructions to be executed by a processor so as to result in the tracking of a control unit 104 is provided. The instructions comprise routine for determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit 104  routine for determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit 104 is receiving  routine for determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit 104 and routine for determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters.

[0039] Further  computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media  removable and non removable media  and contemplates media readable by a database  a switch  and various other network devices. By way of example  and not limitation  computer-readable media comprise media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions  data structures  program modules  and other data representations. Media examples include  but are not limited to  information-delivery media  RAM  ROM  EEPROM  flash memory or other memory technology  CD-ROM  digital versatile discs (DVD)  holographic media or other optical disc storage  magnetic cassettes  magnetic tape  magnetic disk storage  and other magnetic storage devices. These technologies can store data momentarily  temporarily  or permanently.

[0040] The method 200 and system 100 described herein provide an efficient and low power technique for real time theft detection and may be applicable to wide variety of intelligent and unintelligent portable devices.

[0041] This written description uses examples to describe the subject matter herein  including the best mode  and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims  and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims  or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A method of tracking a control unit  the method comprising
determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit;
determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit is receiving;
determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit; and
determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters.

2. The method of claim 1  wherein the action plan comprises generating an indication for recharge.

3. The method of claim 1  wherein the action plan comprises triggering an alarm at a central processing unit  the central processing unit being wirelessly coupled to the control unit  the alarm generated being one of an audio  visual and tactile.

4. An automaton system comprising:
at least one control unit capable of remotely controlling the operation of one or more devices;
a central processing unit wirelessly coupled to the control unit  the central processing unit configured for tracking the control unit;
wherein the control unit comprises a monitoring unit configured for tracking the control unit  the monitoring unit being configured for
determining a first parameter  the first parameter being battery level of the control unit;
determining a second parameter  the second parameter being signal strength  the signal strength representing a strength of a wireless communication signal that the control unit is receiving;
determining a third parameter  the third parameter being location of the control unit; and
determining an action plan based on at least one of the first  second and third parameters.

5. The automation system of claim 4  wherein the action plan comprises generating an indication for recharge.

6. The automation system of claim 4  wherein the action plan comprises performing one or more actions depending on the location of the control unit.

7. The automation system of claim 4  wherein the monitoring unit is further capable of identifying an authorized user operating the control unit.

8. The automation system of claim 7  wherein the central processing unit is configured for initiating one or more predefined user specific action in response to identifying the authorized user.

9. The automation system of claim 4  wherein the action plan comprises triggering an alarm at the central processing unit  the alarm generated being one of an audio  visual and tactile.

10. The automation system of claim 4  wherein the third parameter is determined by using one of a global positioning system based tracking system  radio frequency identification reader  wireless local area network access point  predetermined access point in wireless interface  cellular network  Infra red communication and Bluetooth communication