AU2013100767A4

AU2013100767A4 - Short Message Notification System

Info

Publication number: AU2013100767A4
Application number: AU2013100767A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Shane Rigney; Dujon Zivic
Original assignee: ANISTA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ANISTA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2012-10-11
Filing date: 2013-06-03
Publication date: 2013-07-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-06-03

Abstract

A system for recovery of a lost asset or child; said system including an identifier code attachable to a said asset or child; an owner of a said asset or parent or guardian of said child registering said identifier code with an enabling facility; said identifier code transmitted via a short message service (SMS) to said enabling facility by a finder of a said lost asset or child; said enabling facility identifying an owner of said lost asset or a-parent or guardian of said child from said identifier code; said enabling facility sending an SMS message to at least said owner or a parent or guardian of said child; said SMS message including a mobile phone number of said finder; said owner or a parent or guardian of said child enabled to contact said finder for recovery of said lost asset or child.

Description

P/001009 Regulation 3.10 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 INNOVATION SPECIFICATION Invention Title: SHORT MESSAGE NOTIFICATION SYSTEM The invention is described in the following statement, including the best method of performing it known to us: Our Reference: 136004 ASSET TRACKER TECHNICAL FIELD [00011 The present invention relates to asset recovery systems and, more particularly, to systems utilising mobile communication networks to recover lost portable assets. BACKGROUND [0002] The loss of any asset is at least inconvenient but in many cases can be financially significant. Thus in the case of a lost set of keys, particularly if they include car keys, the replacement cost can be quite high. Even more financially serious may be the loss of a handbag with purse, a wallet or some piece of portable electronic equipment, camera for example. [00031 At least one system is known specifically for the recovery of lost keys. The system accessible at http://www.key-sms.com/ provides for registration of a specially prepared key ring which requests a finder to initiate a process via a short message service (SMS) allowing contact between the loser and the finder. [0004] A particular disadvantage of this Netherlands based system is that it is predicated on a key ring system and is therefore restricted to lost keys only. A further disadvantage is that it provides for only the key loser to be notified of a finding of the lost keys so that, should it be impossible for some reason for the loser to receive notification, the opportunity for recovery may be lost. [0005] Although it is a common occurrence at shopping centres, sporting events, shows and open air markets for example, for a child to become separated from its parent/s or guardian, most people are unprepared for such an event. Separation can produce much stress for the responsible - 2 parents or guardians as well as the child and can become a serious impost on time and effort of the venue and police in searching. [00061 It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above problems. Notes [0007] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of". [0008] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country. SUMARY OF INVENTION [0009] Accordingly, in a first broad form of the invention, there is provided a system for recovery of a lost asset or child; said system including an identifier code attachable to a said asset or child; an owner of a said asset or parent or guardian of said child registering said identifier code with an enabling facility; said identifier code transmitted via a short message service (SMS) to said enabling facility by a finder of a said lost asset or child; said enabling facility identifying an owner of said lost asset or a parent or guardian of said child from said identifier code; said enabling facility sending an SMS message to at least said owner or a parent or guardian of said child; said SMS message including a mobile phone number of said finder; said owner or a parent or - 3 guardian of said child enabled to contact said finder for recovery of said lost asset or child. [0010] Preferably, said enabling facility sends said SMS message to any other entities nominated by said owner or a parent or guardian of said child at registration of said identifier code; said enabling facility further sending an SMS message to said finder; said SMS message including a mobile phone number of said owner or a parent or guardian of said child. [0011] Preferably, said enabling facility urges a said owner or a parent or guardian of said child of a recovered lost asset or child to reward a said finder of said lost asset or child. [00121 Preferably, registration of said identifier code is effected through a web site maintained by said enabling facility; an SMS message comprising said code sent from a mobile phone of a registering owner or a parent or guardian of a child to an SMS phone number returning a URL link of said web site to said mobile phone. [00131 In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of recovering a lost asset or a lost child; said method including the steps of: (a) an owner of said asset or a parent or guardian of said child attaching a predefined identifier code to said asset or said child, (b) an owner of said asset or a parent or guardian of said child sending an SMS message comprising said predefined identifier code to an SMS phone number maintained by said enabling facility, - 4 (c) said owner or a parent or guardian of said child receiving a return SMS message with a link to a registration web site maintained by said enabling facility, (d) said owner or a parent or guardian of said child completing registration of said identifier code and said asset or of said child by data entry into said web site, (e) a finder of a lost registered asset or child sending an SMS message comprising said predefined identifier code attached to said asset or said child to said enabling facility, (f) said enabling facility sending an SMS message advising finding of said asset or child to said owner or a parent or guardian of said child; said message including a mobile phone number of said finder, and wherein said identifier code comprises indicia provided on any one of a metal or plastic disc, self adhesive plastic or paper disc, a key ring tag or wrist band.

- 5 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00141 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the interactions between various elements of the asset tracker according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the operation of the asset tracker of figure 1, Figure 3 is an example of an identifier code element attachable to an asset, Figure 4 is an example of a rear surface of one possible embodiment of the identifier code element of figure 3, Figure 5 is a more detailed flow chart of the process according to the invention following the finding of a lost asset, Figure 6 is a representation of a wrist band for use in recovery of a lost child. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First preferred embodiment The Asset Identifier [0015] With reference firstly to figures 1, the tracker system 10 according to the invention, includes an Enabling Entity 162 which makes available through various retail outlets 14, asset identifier elements (see example in figures 3 and 4) for purchase by asset owners 12. Asset identifier elements 20 may be made available in a variety of forms, including for example plastic or metal discs, self adhesive plastic or paper discs as well as key ring tags.

- 6 [00161 In each form the asset identifier element carries indicia which, as shown in the example of figure 3, a unique asset identifier code 22, a request 24 to a finder to SMS the code 22 to an SMS number 36 of the Enabling Entity 16. Additionally it may include an internet web address 38 of the Enabling Entity. [0017] Plastic or metal disc asset identifiers 20 are provided with a hole 28 allowing the disc to be attached to any suitable asset, such as the ring' of a set of keys, or elements of the carry straps of a handbag or camera (not shown) for example. The asset identifier element 20 in self adhesive form, allows for an identifier to be attached to virtually any portable asset. [00181 Plastic or metal disc asset identifiers may additionally include indicia on their reverse sides, as shown for example in figure 4, which suggests to a finder that a reward is likely for a return of the found asset. It may further encourage the finder to act by linking the asset tracking system to support for a well known charity. Thus the system may for example include a contribution by the Enabling Entity to the charity for each SMS notification by a finder of a lost asset. Alternatively, the Enabling Entity could make a contribution for each sale of an asset identifier. Registration and Implementation [0019] With reference again to figure 1, the system of the asset tracker 10 of the invention is implemented in the following manner. An asset owners 12 purchase a preferred asset identifier/s 20 from a participating retail outlet 14 supplied by the Enabling Entity 16. The identifier/s will be provided with instructions for use to allow for registration of an asset identifier 20 by either one of two methods.

-7 [00201 In a first preferred method, an asset owner 12 sends an SMS message to the designated SMS phone number 36 of the Enabling Entity 16 from the asset owner's mobile phone 18. If this is a "smart" phone, the Enabling Entity 16 responds with a display on the phone 18 which includes a welcome message and a direct link to the Enabling Entity's internet web site. By activating this link, an asset owner 12 is shown a web page or pages into which various details may be entered, as explained more fully below. [0021] For other mobile phones without internet capability, the SMS message sent by an asset owner 12 will elicit a return SMS message from the Enabling Entity 16 which includes the URL of the Enabling Entity's web site, inviting the asset owner 12 to access that web site via a home computer 30 or other internet enabled device. [0022] In each case, the web page/s will, for registration of an asset identifier, require the name and address as well as the email address of the asset owner, the type of asset to be associated with the registration and a preferred mobile phone contact number for notification of a finding of the asset in case of loss. In addition, the asset owner will be permitted to nominate one or more additional contact numbers which may be notified, either in addition to the preferred contact number of the asset owner, or as an alternative should the asset owner be uncontactable. [0023] In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the asset owner, as part of the registration process, may be asked to make some commitment that he or she will offer some appropriate reward to the finder of the lost asset.

- 8 [0024] In at least one preferred form of the invention, subsequent to the initial purchase and registration of an identifier element, an asset owner may be required to maintain registration by payment of an annual renewal fee. Recovery of a Lost Asset [0025] With reference now to figures 1, 2 and 5, in the situation of a registered asset 32 being lost, a finder 34 will see the attached identifier element and may notify the find by an SMS message to the Enabling Entity 16. This message need comprise of no more than the identifier code 22 inscribed on the identifier element 20. The Enabling Entity 16 receives the SMS message and records the mobile phone number of the finder 34. In the event the code cannot be identified, the Enabling Entity 16 may SMS the finder 34 asking that the code be sent again. The Tfind and recovery" process is illustrated in detail in figure 5. [0026] The Enabling Entity 16 further interrogates its database with the identifier code 22 to ascertain the identity of the asset owner 12 of the found asset 32 and the contact number or numbers for notifying the asset owner that the asset has been found. This notification is in the form of an SMS message and may in addition be accompanied by an email, each indicating that the asset has been found and including the mobile phone number of the finder 34. [0027] In addition, the Enabling Entity responds to the SMS message of the finder 34 by returning a thank you message in appreciation of the finder's taking action to return the lost asset. This message could be in the form of for example: "Thank you for reporting finding our member's (asset), he/she will be contacting you shortly. Thank you again from the team at (Enabling Entity) at (web site)." - 9 [0028] The asset owner 12 may, on receipt of the SMS message and the finder's mobile phone number, make contact with the finder and arrange for recovering the asset. Second preferred embodiment [0029] In this second preferred embodiment, the principles of the invention are applied to the safe return of a lost child. Although the method could be applied to a child straying from home, a particular preferred application is in situations where a child accompanying a parent or guardian to a crowded venue, becomes separated. [0030] The present embodiment provides for identifying wristbands 100 such as shown in the example of figure 6, to be made available at some convenient location, for example at the entrance to a showground or at the information desk of a large shopping centre. The wristbands 100 are purchased by the venue or organisers of an event from the Enabling Entity described for the first embodiment above, and made available either free of charge or at some small charge to the parent or guardian of the child. [0031] The unique identifier codes 102 of the wristbands provided to the venue, as well as contact details of the venue, are recorded by the Enabling Entity. [0032] In this embodiment, the wristband 100 is registered with the Enabling Entity in the same way as described for the first preferred embodiment above. For those parents or guardians not having a smart phone facility, the venue may provide registration assistance. In any case registration will at least include the mobile phone number of the parent or guardian and the name of the - 10 child. It may additionally include the mobile phone numbers of other adult family members who may be at the venue. [0033] Should a child become lost, a person finding the child will become aware of the wristband and SMS the unique code to the indicated phone number. The Enabling Entity will respond with the thank you message and mobile phone number of the parent or guardian and any other nominated responsible adult, enabling contact to be made and the child reunited. [00341 In an alternative arrangement, the wristbands may be prepared specifically for an event or venue. In this case a finder of a lost child will be invited to SMS the unique code on the wristband to a contact number nominated by the event organiser or by the venue and printed on the wristband. It is then the event organiser or the venue which facilitates the return of the child to the parent or guardian. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0035] The asset tracker system of the present invention offers a facility for the efficient recovery of virtually any portable asset which may be lost, including a lost child. The range of different asset identifier elements allows for an identifier to be attached to a wide range of assets, and its additional use in the recovery of lost children is an important advance on the known prior art. [00361 In addition, the facility which allows an asset owner to nominate alternative or additional recipients of a text message notifying the finding of a lost asset, - 11 provides extra insurance that the asset owner will have the opportunity to recover his or her asset. [0037] The above describes only some embodiments of the present invention and modifications, obvious to those skilled in the art, can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for recovery of a lost asset or child; said system including an identifier code attachable to a said asset or child; an owner of a said asset or parent or guardian of said child registering said identifier code with an enabling facility; said identifier code transmitted via a short message service (SMS) to said enabling facility by a finder of a said lost asset or child; said enabling facility identifying an owner of said lost asset or a parent or guardian of said child from said identifier code; said enabling facility sending an SMS message to at least said owner or a parent or guardian of said child; said SMS message including a mobile phone number of said finder; said owner or a parent or guardian of said child enabled to contact said finder for recovery of said lost asset or child.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said enabling facility sends said SMS message to any other entities nominated by said owner or a parent or guardian of said child at registration of said identifier code; said enabling facility further sending an SMS message to said finder; said SMS message including a mobile phone number of said owner or a parent or guardian of said child.

3. The system of claim I or 2 wherein said enabling facility urges a said owner or a parent or guardian of said child of a recovered lost asset or child to reward a said finder of said lost asset or child. - 13

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein registration of said identifier code is effected through a web site maintained by said enabling facility; an SMS message comprising said code sent from a mobile phone of a registering owner or a parent or guardian of a child to an SMS phone number returning a URL link of said web site to said mobile phone.

5. A method of recovering a lost asset or a lost child; said method including the steps of: (g) an owner of said asset or a parent or guardian of said child attaching a predefined identifier code to said asset or said child, (h) an owner of said asset or a parent or guardian of said child sending an SMS message comprising said predefined identifier code to an SMS phone number maintained by said enabling facility, (i) said owner or a parent or guardian of said child receiving a return SMS message with a link to a registration web site maintained by said enabling facility, (j) said owner or a parent or guardian of said child completing registration of said identifier code and said asset or of said child by data entry into said web site, (k) a finder of a lost registered asset or child sending an SMS message comprising said predefined identifier code attached to said asset or said child to said enabling facility, (1) said enabling facility sending an SMS message advising finding of said asset or child to said owner or a parent or guardian of said child; said - 14 message including a mobile phone number of said finder, and wherein said identifier code comprises indicia provided on any one of a metal or plastic disc, self adhesive plastic or paper disc, a key ring tag or wrist band.