WO2017070749A1

WO2017070749A1 - A security supervisory system for a plurality of marketing message display devices

Info

Publication number: WO2017070749A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/051026
Authority: WO
Inventors: John James RAPLEY
Original assignee: Believe Media Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2016-10-28
Publication date: 2017-05-04

Abstract

A security improvement method for an electronic display panel of a type that includes a microcomputer with a data communications port. The method involves operating the data communications port to send data packets from time to time to a remote server. The microcomputer detect a change of a wide area network (WAN) internet protocol (IP) address associated with a router with which the microcomputer is in data communication. Upon detecting the change in the WAN IP Address the microcomputer renders the display panel inoperable. By rendering the display panel inoperable in response to the microcomputer detecting a change in the WAN IP address, unauthorized persons are dissuaded from illicitly removing the display panel.

Description

A SECURITY SUPERVISORY SYSTEM FOR A PLURALITY OF MARKETING MESSAGE DISPLAY DEVICES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method that is implemented across a data network by a central server for reducing the likelihood of remote computational devices such as computerized marketing display panels, being stolen or tampered with.

BACKGROUND

Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of the common general knowledge.

In recent years it has been common place to replace static marketing displays, such as shop signs and billboards, with computerized electronic displays. Electronic displays of this type may be found in bus shelters for example or at traffic intersections where there is exposure to a large number of potential viewers.

Due to the reduction in the cost involved in making such displays it is also known to make them smaller and to locate them in places where there may be less traffic. Such smaller displays may be prone to being stolen or being tampered with. Where a company provides many such displays and is responsible for their maintenance then the company may be exposed to a considerable risk of theft and/or tampering with the displays.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a method that operates across a data network for reducing the likelihood of a computerized display being stolen or tampered with. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a security improvement method for an electronic display panel of a type that includes a microcomputer with a data communications port, the method including operating the microcomputer according to the following steps:

operating the microcomputer of the display panel to detect a change of a wide area network (WAN) internet protocol (IP) address associated with a router with which the microcomputer is in data communication; and

upon detecting the change in the WAN IP Address, rendering the display panel inoperable.

Preferably the method may further includes, operating the data communications port to send data packets from time to time to a remote server; and in the absence of a response from the server to repeated sending of the data packets, rendering the display panel inoperable. The step of operating the data port to send data packets from time to time may comprise sending them at between five and fifteen minute intervals.

Preferably the electronic display panel includes a tamperproof switch in electronic communication with the microcomputer and the method includes: operating the microcomputer to monitor the status of the tamperproof switch; and

upon the tamperproof switch assuming a "tampered" state operating the microcomputer to render the display panel inoperable.

The step of rendering the display panel inoperable may comprise erasing data from a digital memory of the microcomputer.

It is preferred that the method includes, prior to rendering the microcomputer inoperable, sending a data packet to a remote administrator to advise that the microcomputer is about to be rendered inoperable. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a computerized display panel including a microcomputer, the microcomputer having a data port and a digital memory storing instructions for the microcomputer to:

detect change of a wide area network (WAN) internet protocol (IP) address associated with a router with which the microcomputer is in data communication via the communications port; and

upon detecting a change in the WAN IP Address, to render the display panel inoperable.

The digital memory may store instructions for the microcomputer to: operate the data port to send data packets from time to time to a remote server; and

upon not having received a response to the data packets from the server after a predetermined number of the data packets have been sent, render the display panel inoperable.

Preferably the panel includes a tamper proof switch in communication with the microcomputer wherein the digital memory further stores instructions for the microcomputer to:

monitor the status of the tamperproof switch; and

upon the tamperproof switch assuming a "tampered" state render the display panel inoperable.

The instructions to render the display panel inoperable may comprise instructions to erase data from the digital memory of the microcomputer.

Preferably the digital memory further stores instructions for the microcomputer to, prior to rendering the display panel inoperable, send an electronic message to a remote administrator. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of operating a central computer server to supervise a plurality of computerized display panels across a data communications network, each of the display panels including a microcomputer, the method including, for each display panel, operating the server to:

monitor for a reception of a data packet from the display panel; and upon not having received a data packet from the display panel for more than a predetermined time send an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.

The method for operating the server may include, upon receiving a data packet from the display panel, operating the server to determine whether or not the data packet from the display panel indicates that a tamperproof switch of the display panel has been activated and upon determining from the data packet that the tamperproof switch has been activated sending an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.

The method may further include operating the server to determine whether or not a data packet from the display panel indicates that the microcomputer of the display panel has detected a change in an associated WAN IP Address and upon making such a determination sending an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding

Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is an illustration of a display panel incorporating components for its operation.

Figure 2 is a view of the front of the display panel.

Figure 3 is an illustration which shows how the entities are connected with each other.

Figure 4 is a diagram of a method executed by the microcontroller. Figure 5 is a diagram of a method executed by the server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a block diagram of display panel 1 and a front surface of the panel (Figure 2). The display panel 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a commercial LED display panel which has semi-silvered face so that it appears to act as a mirror in some circumstances. The display panel 1 displays information in full screen such as advertisements and is intended to be attached to a wall and to be oriented in portrait mode enabling an individual to approach the panel for viewing. A user such as a marketing company may operate many display panels and it is intended that they be provided in the bathrooms of hotel chains for example.

The display panel 1 has installed into it a microcomputer 17 in the form of a Raspberry Pi computer. It will be realized that other small computers might also be used. The microcomputer 17 is comprised of a mainboard that includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 14, a digital memory for storing instructions for the CPU in the form of a Random Access Memory (RAM) 10, and Read Only Memory (ROM) 12, which stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) for boot up. The microcomputer 17 also incorporates a video adapter 9 and a network adapter 1 1 that provides a wired network connection port. Such microcomputers and their components are known in the prior art. For example, more information about the Raspberry Pi may be accessed from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raspberry_Pi (retrieved 28 October 2016) the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The display panel 1 has installed into it an infrared sensor 7 and a tamper proof switch 3 each of which are connected to the microcomputer 17. The microcomputer 17 is programmed to control those components. The microcomputer 17 is programmed to automatically restart after a power outage, which may occur when the display panel 1 is relocated for example. With reference to Figure 2, the infrared sensor 7 is installed on the front of the display panel 1 . Upon an individual approaching the display panel 1 the infrared sensor 7 detects the motion and in response the microcomputer 17 causes the display to transform from being displayed in full screen size 13 to being displayed in a small rectangle 15 located at the top left corner of the display panel 1 .

Once the image is transformed the remaining display panel 1 presents a mirror like surface to assist the individual with bathroom activities such as brushing teeth, shaving or applying makeup. When the infrared sensor 7 no longer detects proximal motion or proximal presence of the individual the microcomputer 17, executing instructions stored in its onboard digital memory, retransforms the image to full screen size 13 for full screen display of marketing messages.

The video adapter 9 generates a feed of output images to the display input 5 and controls the transformation of the images that are displayed.

The tamper proof switch 3 attaches to the casing of the display panel 1 . If the display panel 1 is tampered with, for example by being removed from its installed location, then the tamper proof switch 3 activates.

Referring now to Figure 3 there is illustrated a plurality of display panels 1 aa,..., 1 np connected to a server 21 through each of a number of routers 12a,..., 12n. it will be appreciated that router 12a for example supports a local area network (LAN) and provides LAN IP addresses via Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to each of the display panels 1 aa, 1 ab, 1 aq that are in data communication. The router 12a also has a wide area network (WAN) IP Address which is addressable from the side of the Internet 19 and which can be obtained from router 12a by each of the microcomputers in display panels 1 aa,...,1 np. The same situation holds similarly for display panels 1 ba,..,1 bm which have LAN addresses provided by router 12b and display panels 1 na,..,1 np which have LAN addresses provided by router 12n. It will therefore be realized that since the WAN IP address is different for each router 12a,...,12n if a display panel is moved from one router to another then the microcomputer in the display panel can detect such relocation by detecting the change in the WAN IP address of its associated router.

Each of the display panels 1 aa,...,1 np are ultimately connected to a data network such as Internet 19 via their respective router being one of routers 12a,..,12n and thence to a security server 21 . The server 21 is managed by an administrator 8.

In one embodiment the display panels 1 aa,..,1 np are each 42 inches measured on their diagonal. The size of the display panels is such that they are vulnerable to being stolen or tampered with by an individual. A user 6 may operate many display panels that may be prone to theft or tampering. Consequently a preferred embodiment of one aspect of the invention provides a central security method to protect the display panels from theft or unauthorised tampering. The server 21 provides for central management and security for the display panels 1 by transmitting and receiving data to and from the display panels 1 aa, ...,1 np via the Internet 19.

The user 6 is a subscriber to the server 21 and is provided with a user name and password to access the server 21 through the Internet 19. User 6 logs into the server 21 to access a control panel for example a webpage served by server 21 for management of display panels 1 . The server 21 facilitates the user 6 management tasks such as changing the advertisement picture on the display panel 1 or viewing the activity of the display.

Security software 23 is installed on the server 21 and contains instructions that are stored in digital memory of the server 21 for one or more electronic processors of the server to implement a security method that assists in reducing the risk of the display panels 1 being stolen or tampered with.

Referring now to Figure 4 there is illustrated a flow chart of a method of operation of the microcomputer 17 of each of the display panels. The method that is described with reference to this flowchart is programmed as instructions in digital electronic memory of the microcomputer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention at box 24 the microcomputer sets the loop counter to "1 ". Subsequently, at box 25 the microcomputer 17 sends a data packet to the server 21 . The data packet contains information including for example the health status of the display panel 1 , the operating statistics of the images such as the number of times the image is viewed, the identification of the display panel 1 such as the unique mac address of the network adapter 1 1 , the WAN IP address that the display panel 1 through the microcomputer 17 is connected to. The microcomputer 17 is programmed to find the WAN IP address from the router 12.

At box 27 the microcomputer 17 increments the loop counter variable. Subsequently at box 29 the microcomputer 17 determines whether it has received a response from the server 21 in regards to the data packet sent at box 25. The response from the server 21 comes in a form of a data packet which has commands for the microcomputer 17 to execute, for example to update the display image.

If at box 29 the microcomputer 17 has received a response from the server 21 then control diverts to box 39 at which the microcomputer 17 executes the commands contained in the data packet received from the server 21 . The loop counter is then reset to 1 at box 37. The loop counter is used to check if the microcomputer has not received a response from the server 21 "3" or more times. The method then proceeds again to box 25 so that the microcomputer 17 sends a further data packet to server 21 .

Alternatively, if at box 29 the microcomputer 17 determines that it has not received a response from the server 21 then control proceeds to box 31 . At box 31 , if the loop counter value is greater than or equal to "3" then control diverts to box 41 and the microcomputer 17 sends a data packet to the server 21. The microcomputer 17 then destroys its locally stored data, such as the marketing material and images, and then shuts down. Alternatively, if at box 31 the looping counter value is less than "3" then the microcomputer 17 determines at box 33 if the tamper proof switch 3 is activated or if the WAN IP address has changed. If the WAN IP address has changed or the tamper proof switch 3 is activated then control flows to box 41 . Now at box 33 if the tamper proof switch 3 has not been activated and the WAN IP address remains the same then control flows to box 35 and the microcomputer 17 waits ten minutes (or another desired interval set by the programmer such as 5 minutes) since the last data packet was sent. Accordingly, the microcomputer operates the data communications port to send data packets from time to time, such as at ten minute intervals for example, to the remote server.

Subsequently after 10 minutes has elapsed control flows to box 25 and the method begins again.

It will therefore be realized that the display panel 1 regularly sends reports to the server 21 , listens for a reply from the server 21 and in the absence of a reply, or if the WAN IP address has changed or the tamper proof switch 3 has activated, takes steps (at box 41 ) to render itself inoperable and advise the server of the same.

Referring now to Figure 5 there is illustrated a flow chart of a method that is executed by the server 21 .

Initially at box 42 the microcomputer 17 sets the loop counter variable to "1 ". Subsequently at box 43 the server 21 listens for a data packet from the microcomputer 17 embedded in display panel 1 . At box 45 the server 21 determines if it has received a data packet from the display panel 1 within 10 minutes of receiving the last data packet. Consequently if the data packet has not been received the loop counter is incremented at box 47.

Alternatively if the server 21 has received the data packet then the loop counter is reset to 1 at box 51 . At box 53 the server 21 determines if the data packet from remote display panel 1 contains healthy information about the display panel 1 . Healthy information in the data packet includes information indicating that the display panel 1 is functioning correctly and that no errors are present. If the information indicates that the display panel 1 is healthy then at box 55 the server 21 transmits a data packet containing commands for the microcomputer 17 for example to update the display image on the display panel 1. Subsequently control flows back to box 43 where the method recommences. If at box 53 the server 21 does not receive a healthy data packet then control flows to box 57 where the server 21 determines if the data packet contains information that the tamper proof switch 3 has been breached or the display panel 1 is operating from an unauthorised WAN IP address. If the information indicates tampering or an unauthorised WAN IP address then at box 59 the server 21 sends out an email to the administrator 8 advising about the breach of the display panel 1.

Alternatively if the data packet shows that the display panel 1 is operating from an authorised WAN IP address and the tamper proof switch 3 is not activated, then control flows to box 47 and the loop counter is incremented. Control then flows to box 49 where the server 21 conducts a check if the loop counter value is greater than or equal to "3". If the loop counter value is greater or equal to "3" then control flows to box 59. Alternatively if the loop counter is not greater than or equal to "3", then control flows back to box 43 and the server 21 continues listening for data packets. It will be realized that by rendering the display panel inoperable in response to the microcomputer losing data communications with the remote server or, in a preferred embodiment, in response to the tamperproof switch being operated, unauthorized persons are dissuaded from taking or tampering with the display panel. In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features.

The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of" is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Throughout the specification and claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Any embodiment of the invention is meant to be illustrative only and is not meant to be limiting to the invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A security improvement method for an electronic display panel of a type that includes a microcomputer with a data communications port, the method including operating the microcomputer according to the following steps:

2. A method according to claim 1 , including, operating the data communications port to send data packets from time to time to a remote server; and

in the absence of a response from the server to repeated sending of the data packets, rendering the display panel inoperable.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the step of operating the data port to send data packets from time to time comprises sending the data packets at between five and fifteen minute intervals.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic display panel includes a tamperproof switch in electronic communication with the microcomputer and the method includes:

operating the microcomputer to monitor the status of the tamperproof switch; and

upon the tamperproof switch assuming a "tampered" state, operating the microcomputer to render the display panel inoperable.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of rendering the display panel inoperable comprises erasing data from a digital memory of the microcomputer.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, including, prior to rendering the microcomputer inoperable, sending a data packet to a remote administrator to advise that the microcomputer is about to be rendered inoperable.

7. A computerized display panel including a microcomputer, the microcomputer having a data port and a digital memory storing instructions for the microcomputer to:

8. A display panel according to claim 7, wherein the digital memory stores instructions for the microcomputer to:

operate the data port to send data packets from time to time to a remote server;

upon not having received a response to the data packets from the server after repeated sending of the data packets, render the display panel inoperable.

9. A display panel according to claim 8, further including a tamper proof switch in communication with the microcomputer wherein the digital memory further stores instructions for the microcomputer to:

monitor the status of the tamperproof switch; and

10. A display panel according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the instructions to render the display panel inoperable comprise instructions to erase data from the digital memory of the microcomputer.

1 1 . A display panel according to claim 10, wherein the digital memory further stores instructions for the microcomputer to, prior to rendering the display panel inoperable, send an electronic message to a remote administrator.

12. A method of operating a central computer server to supervise a plurality of computerized display panels across a data communications network, each of the display panels including a microcomputer, the method including, for each display panel, operating the server to:

monitor for a reception of a data packet from the display panel; and upon not having received a data packet from the display panel for more than a predetermined time, send an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.

13. A method according to claim 12, including, upon receiving a data packet from the display panel, operating the server to determine whether or not the data packet from the display panel indicates that a tamperproof switch of the display panel has been activated, and upon determining from the data packet that the tamperproof switch has been activated, sending an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.

14. A method according to claim 12 or claim 13, including operating the server to determine whether or not a data packet from the display panel indicates that the microcomputer of the display panel has detected a change in an associated WAN IP Address, and upon making such a determination sending an electronic message to an administrator to notify the administrator thereof.