WO2008032290A2

WO2008032290A2 - Alarm arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2008032290A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/053716
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jacobus Mynhard Van Der Westhuizen; Pierre Juan De Villiers
Original assignee: Van Der Westhuizen Jacobus Myn; Pierre Juan De Villiers
Priority date: 2006-09-14
Filing date: 2007-09-14
Publication date: 2008-03-20
Also published as: WO2008032290A3

Abstract

The invention discloses an alarm arrangement for monitoring transport goods or containers, which includes at least one central processing unit; power means adapted to power the central processing unit; at least one wireless communications means associated with central processing unit and being and adapted to communicate via a wireless communication network; at least one alarm means associated with the central processing unit; arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means; at least one light sensor adapted to trigger the alarm means when it senses light; and being adapted to send a message, such as an SMS, by means of the wireless communications means to at least one specified mobile phone number if the alarm means is triggered.

Description

ALARM ARRANGEMENT

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an alarm arrangement.

More particularly, the invention relates to an alarm arrangement for monitoring transport goods and containers.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Theft of goods from luggage and tampering of luggage and baggage has become a serious problem at various locations where luggage is being handled, in particular airports throughout the world. Known means include to install monitoring equipment or closed-circuit television cameras to monitor the movement of luggage and the people handling the luggage.

Unfortunately these steps have not been successful due to the costs to install such equipment, the fact that these equipment cannot monitor each and every movement of the luggage and that these equipment can be switched- off or circumvented by thieves.

It is an object of the invention to suggest an alarm arrangement which will assist in overcoming the aforementioned problems.

In the specification and claims hereinafter the term "mobile phone" is to include a "cellular phone".

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to the invention, an alarm arrangement for monitoring transport goods or containers, includes

(a) at least one central processing unit;

(b) power means adapted to power the central processing unit; (c) at least one wireless communications means associated with central processing unit and being and adapted to communicate via a wireless communication network;

(d) at least one alarm means associated with the central processing unit;

(e) arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means;

(f) at least one light sensor adapted to trigger the alarm means when it senses light; and

being adapted to send a message, such as an SMS, by means of the wireless communications means to at least one specified mobile phone number if the alarm means is triggered.

Alco according to the invention, a method of monitoring transport goods or containers, which includes the steps

(a) of providing an alarm arrangement in a transport container or transported goods, the alarm arrangement including at least one microprocessor, power means adapted to power the microprocessor, at least one GSM module associated with the microprocessor and adapted to communicate with at least one administrator mobile phone via a GSM network, at least one alarm means associated with the microprocessor;

(b) of triggering the alarm means by means of at least one light sensor adapted to trigger the alarm means when it senses light;

(c) of arming and disarming the alarm means by means of arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means; and

(d) of sending an SMS by means of the GSM module if the alarm means is triggered. The arrangement may include memory means adapted to record events associated with the alarm arrangement.

The arrangement may include status indicator means adapted to indicate the status of the alarm arrangement such as being arm or disarmed.

The alarm means may be adapted to transmit audio sounds once the alarm means is triggered.

The alarm means may be armed only after at least 20 seconds after being activated.

The alarm means may be armed by means of a button.

Once the alarm means is armed, the pressing of the button may have no effect.

The alarm means may only be disarmed by sending an SMS to the central processing unit via the wireless communications means.

The status indicator means may include an LED light.

The power means may include a rechargeable or disposable battery.

An SMS may be sent to at least one specified mobile phone number if the power means fails or falls below a certain condition and/or voltage.

The arrangement may be adapted to be configured by means of sending from a specified mobile phone SMSs to the alarm arrangement.

Certain configuration functions may be reserved for specified mobile phone numbers.

A first specified mobile phone number may only be configured if no mobile phone number is defined.

The specified mobile phone numbers programmed may be determined by sending a SMS to the alarm arrangement.

Mobile phone numbers may be added and/or removed. The arrangement may be adapted to be placed in luggage, baggage, safes, ship containers, and/or road freight trailers.

The SMS may be time and date stamped.

The arrangement may include Ground Positioning System (GPS) means.

The arrangement may incorporate the use of triangulation positioning methods.

The wireless communications system may include GSM modules and/or a GSM network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

In the drawings there is shown in :

Figure 1 : a perspective view of an alarm arrangement in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: a block diagram of the alarm arrangement shown in Figure 1; and

Figure 3: a flow diagram of the alarm arrangement as shown in figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the Figures, an alarm arrangement in accordance with the invention, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, is shown.

The alarm arrangement 10 for protecting transport goods or containers, includes

(a) a central processing unit;

(b) power means adapted to power the central processing unit; (c) wireless communications means associated with central processing unit and being and adapted to communicate via a wireless communication network;

(d) alarm means associated with the central processing unit;

(e) arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means; and

(f) a light sensor adapted to trigger the alarm means when it senses light.

The alarm arrangement 10 is adapted to send a message such as an SMS by means of the wireless communications means to at least one specified mobile phone number if the alarm means is triggered.

The SMS is time and date stamped.

The alarm arrangement 10 includes memory means adapted to record events associated with the alarm arrangement.

The alarm arrangement 10 includes status indicator means adapted to indicate the status of the alarm arrangement such as being arm or disarmed. The status indicator means includes an LED light.

The alarm means is adapted to transmit audio sounds once the alarm means is triggered.

The alarm means is armed only after at least 20 seconds after being activated. The alarm means is armed by means of a button. Once the alarm means is armed, the pressing of the button will have no effect.

The alarm means can only be disarmed by sending an SMS to the central processing unit via the wireless communications means.

The power means includes a rechargeable or disposable battery. An SMS is sent to at least one specified mobile phone number if the power means fails or falls below a certain condition and/or voltage. The alarm arrangement 10 is adapted to be configured by means of sending from a specified mobile phone SMSs to the alarm arrangement. Certain configuration functions are reserved for specified mobile phone numbers. The first specified mobile phone number can only be configured if no mobile phone number is defined. The specified mobile phone numbers programmed can be determined by sending a SMS to the alarm arrangement. Mobile phone numbers can be added and/or removed.

The alarm arrangement 10 is adapted to be placed in luggage, baggage, safes, ship containers, and/or road freight trailers.

The alarm arrangement 10 includes Ground Positioning System (GPS) means and incorporates the use of triangulation positioning methods to identify the location of the alarm arrangement and thereby the location of the transport goods or container.

The wireless communications system includes GSM modules and/or a GSM network.

Component List

- GSM Module / Cellular Engine

- GPS Module

- Battery and Power Management Light Sensor

- Status Indicator

- Audio Transducer / Buzzer

- Activation Control / Button Memory Device

- Microprocessor Controlled

- Power supply / Charger

Arming / Disarming

The unit will be armed by pressing a small pushbutton on the unit. 30 seconds later, the unit will be armed. Pressing the button again will have no effect. The unit is disarmed when it receives an SMS containing text. Disarm : The unit will have an LED to show the arming status.

Battery: The unit will have its own built-in 12V battery, which can be charged from an external socket on the unit. If the battery voltage falls below 10V, the unit will send an SMS to the administrator number.

Configuration : The unit will be configured by sending SMS messages to the unit. An administrator number is defined, who is allowed to perform certain reserved configuration commands (such as adding / removing numbers).

Set Administrator number: This command will only work if there is no administrator number presently defined. (As would be the case after the "ADMIN CLEAR" command is sent). The administrator must send :

ADMIN SETADM : This will store the number of the phone used to send the message, as the new administrator number. The Wise-I will reply with a confirmation message.

Check Administrator number: This command allows the user to determine which number is the current Administrator number. Simply send : ADMIN? The alarm arrangement will reply with a message showing the current administrator number.

Add a Number to the list: This command can only be sent from the administrator number. To add a number (+27831234567) to the list, the administrator must send : ADMIN ADDN +27831234567 or ADMIN ADDN 0831234567. The alarm arrangement will reply with a confirmation message.

Note that only the first 3 numbers (The Administrator and two others) will receive SMS messages.

Remove a Number from the list: This command can only be sent from the administrator number. To remove a number (+27831234567) from the list, the administrator must send : ADMIN REMN +27831234567 or ADMIN REMN 0831234567. The alarm arrangement will reply with a confirmation message.

Clear all Numbers: This command can only be sent from the administrator number. This command will clear all numbers from the list, including the administrator number. The administrator must send : ADMIN CLEAR. The alarm arrangement will reply with a confirmation message.

Check Airtime: This command will check airtime remaining on the unit. The administrator must send : ATCHECK. The alarm arrangement will reply with a confirmation message detailing the airtime remaining.

Test: This command will test the communications to the device: TEST. The alarm arrangement will reply with a test message.

Note: The alarm arrangement needs to be able to identify the Administrator or the other numbers dialling in order to reply, therefore those respective numbers cannot be set on "withheld" while contacting the unit.

The alarm arrangement 10 in accordance with the invention can be placed in baggage, safes, ship containers, road freight trailers or numerous other applications and is designed to notify the owner or other designated persons as soon as the baggage or container has been opened via an SMS. The SMS is TIME and DATE stamped which assists in determining who the offending body is.

Both the Cellphone and GPS systems can be used to locate the position of the unit - the Cellphone technology via the Cellular network using basic triangulation, but is restricted to the extent of the network and gives an accuracy of roughly 10 meters in an "urban" environment and 100 meters in a "rural" environment. The GPS technology is effective across the globe due to the satellite network.

The alarm arrangement is adapted to notify the owner, or any designated body, as soon as their possessions have been tampered with via an SMS. The SMS is "Time and Date" stamped which enables the proximity of the baggage or goods to be determined thus assisting with any resulting legal issues should it arise.

In these instances, if baggage or goods were tampered with, there would be a notification as to the time and date, or if misplaced, would be able to locate them. The alarm is designed to be placed in baggage, briefcases, scholars' school and sports bags, safes, ship containers, furniture removal vans or any other similar application and to notify you or any other specified number via an SMS to your Cellphone that your possessions have been tampered with.

The great advantage is that each notification is DATE and TIME stamped placing the baggage or unit at a specific location at the time of the notification which assists in being able to make a case or submit a claim against a specific body or organization.

For example, a commuter arrives at Rome International Airport to discover that his baggage was tampered with and wants to lay a charge, but the company claims that the baggage arrived in Rome in that state and that the incident must have occurred in Paris.

Knowing the departure and arrival times and the DATE and TIME stamp from the SMS - one could confidently place the occurrence at the correct venue and take the necessary legal steps.

Detailed Device Specification

Bill of Materials

• NE 556N - Dual Timer

• TDA1072 Receiver

• 74HC42B Signal Decoder

• RA 10043 Chip Resistor

• RBlOlOO Capacitors

Hsdl -9000 Ambient light photo sensor

• Pc board

• 3V Lithium battery cr Vi AA

• LED lights - ^■ multi functional

• Alarm

• SIM card The hardware capabilities of the alarm arrangement include the following :

• Must be robust

• Be shockproof

• Rechargeable

• Can be colour-coded

The software capabilities of the alarm arrangement include the following :

• uses SMS - better coverage than data transfers

• SMS - not network-locked to facilitate international roaming

• interface with Cellphone

The programming of the alarm arrangement includes the following :

• ease of operation

• preserve battery life

• method to show battery life

• method to show remaining airtime (if not on contract)

• each unit needs a specific ID - can use cell number

• each unit needs a pin code - to avoid hacking

• activation and deactivation done via SMS

• event log via SMS to specified numbers - send message directly to user - (option to send SMS to base station then route to user - for billing purposes)

• code SMS message - battery and balance, change PIN, activated and triggered - 4 events therefore four messages - ("unit xx - battery % - balance R23.45", "unit xx - PIN - new PIN", "unit xx activated - time - date" and "unit xx triggered - time - date")

• acknowledge notification to deactivate - otherwise keep on sending (e.g. type "A")

• each SMS must be time and date stamped

• show status - (power, activated)

The alarm arrangement measures in the vicinity of 100 x 50 x 20 mm (prototype). Special specifications of the alarm arrangement include the following :

• A Lead-free assembly is available to accommodate overseas markets, but must be specified at the procurement phase.

• Conformal coating is also available to counteract moisture and humidity affecting the electronics of the unit.

• Colour-coded housings can be accommodated.

The GPS Technology is also available in two options namely:

• Passive System - the unit pings the satellites at regular intervals (once an hour or once a day - depending on the application) and stores the data in a file which is downloaded after the unit is retrieved. The route can then be viewed by overlaying it on an electronic map.

• Active System - where the unit is active the entire time and change in position can be viewed in real-time.

The alarm will not only restore commuter's right to privacy and resulting peace of mind, but will also have far-reaching positive effects on companies which ship goods via road, rail or sea in that they will be able to be notified if their goods are tampered with or be able to trace their freight in the event of it being mislaid.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. An alarm arrangement for monitoring transport goods or containers, which includes

(a) at least one central processing unit;

(b) power means adapted to power the central processing unit;

(c) at least one wireless communications means associated with central processing unit and being and adapted to communicate via a wireless communication network;

(d) at least one alarm means associated with the central processing unit;

(e) arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means;

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1, which includes memory means adapted to record events associated with the alarm arrangement.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, which includes status indicator means adapted to indicate the status of the alarm arrangement such as being arm or disarmed.

4. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the alarm means is adapted to transmit audio sounds once the alarm means is triggered.

5. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the alarm means is armed only after at least 20 seconds after being activated.

6. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the alarm means is armed by means of a button.

7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6, in which once the alarm means is armed, the pressing of the button will have no effect.

8. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the alarm means can only be disarmed by sending an SMS to the central processing unit via the wireless communications means.

9. An arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8, in which the status indicator means includes an LED light.

10. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the power means includes a rechargeable or disposable battery.

11. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which an SMS is sent to at least one specified mobile phone number if the power means fails or falls below a certain condition and/or voltage.

12. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to be configured by means of sending from a specified mobile phone SMSs to the alarm arrangement.

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 12, in which certain configuration functions are reserved for specified mobile phone numbers.

14. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which a first specified mobile phone number can only be configured if no mobile phone number is defined.

15. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the specified mobile phone numbers programmed can be determined by sending a SMS to the alarm arrangement.

16. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which mobile phone numbers can be added and/or removed.

17. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted to be placed in luggage, baggage, safes, ship containers, and/or road freight trailers.

18. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the SMS is time and date stamped.

19. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which includes Ground Positioning System (GPS) means.

20. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which incorporates the use of triangulation positioning methods.

21. An arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the wireless communications system includes GSM modules and/or a GSM network.

22. A method of monitoring transport goods or containers, includes the steps

(c) of arming and disarming the alarm means by means of arming and disarming means adapted to arm and disarm the alarm means; and (d) of sending an SMS by means of the GSM module if the alarm means is triggered.

23. An alarm arrangement substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of monitoring transport goods or containers substantially hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.