AU2021221664A1 - Systems, methods and devices configured to enable long-range discovery and management of portable item trackers - Google Patents

Abstract

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES CONFIGURED TO ENABLE LONG-RANGE DISCOVERY AND MANAGEMENT OF PORTABLE ITEM TRACKERS The present invention relates to systems, methods and devices configured to enable long-range discovery and management of portable item trackers. Embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to assist in recovery of lost items which carry item trackers, for example Bluetooth item trackers. A plurality of item trackers (ITUs) are activated. Each ITU includes: (i) an antenna; (ii) a wireless transceiver associated with the antenna; and (iii) a logic unit; and (iv) a unique identifier. A tracker locator software (TLS) application executes at a plurality of user smartphone devices and is configured to enable communications with one or more of the ITUs via the predetermined communications protocol via a wireless transceiver of the smartphone. A database is maintained in a network-accessible location and is configured to associate each of the ITUs, via each ITU's unique identifier (UID), with (i) a respective user account identifier; and (ii) data representative of item return settings. 1/7 130 UseregistrairverooSystemo 141 I ap 133 Webinterfaedat modue moule142 hadln moul 132 15' 13R UseregistraionrCoodinatio IT U RegisEdration D 13e e Reur - 138 -- FIG. 1144 121 O~O Commnicaion 1161 Use . n. ra QR Code rea User. ... nterfam.. . ..... 0110 FIG. 1

Description

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES CONFIGURED TO ENABLE LONG-RANGE DISCOVERY AND MANAGEMENT OF PORTABLE ITEM TRACKERS

The present invention relates to systems, methods and devices configured to enable long-range discovery and management of portable item trackers. Embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to assist in recovery of lost items which carry item trackers, for example Bluetooth item trackers. A plurality of item trackers (ITUs) are activated. Each ITU includes: (i) an antenna; (ii) a wireless transceiver associated with the antenna; and (iii) a logic unit; and (iv) a unique identifier. A tracker locator software (TLS) application executes at a plurality of user smartphone devices and is configured to enable communications with one or more of the ITUs via the predetermined communications protocol via a wireless transceiver of the smartphone. A database is maintained in a network-accessible location and is configured to associate each of the ITUs, via each ITU's unique identifier (UID), with (i) a respective user account identifier; and (ii) data representative of item return settings.

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FIG. 1

SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES CONFIGURED TO ENABLE LONG-RANGE DISCOVERY AND MANAGEMENT OF PORTABLE ITEMTRACKERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to systems, methods and devices configured to enable long-range discovery and management of portable item trackers. Embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to assist in recovery of lost items which carry item trackers, for example Bluetooth item trackers. While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to those applications, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

[0003] Electronic tracking devices ("item trackers") have become widespread in recent years. These make use of technologies such as Bluetooth and GPS thereby to track the location of an item to which an electronic tracking device is affixed. For example, electronic tracking devices have been incorporated into keyrings, wallet inserts, and the like.

[0004] An inherent technical problem associated with electronic tracking devices relates to long-range discovery. Typically, item trackers make use of a relatively short-range wireless communications protocol (for example Bluetooth). Such technology is beneficial in the context of power consumption (e.g. allowing item trackers to operate on batteries for months or even years). However, it relies on the tracker being within a threshold range of a user's locating device, which is typically a smartphone. If the device is out of communications range of the user's smartphone, the device cannot be tracked or located in real time.

[0005] Various approaches have been implemented to overcome this technical problem. For example, one approach is to use a form of "herd identification", whereby a given user's item tracker can be discovered and located by another user's smartphone, provided a specified software application is executing. This, whilst a promising solution, has in practice had only limited success (for example as a result of failing to meet a threshold necessary level of widespread user adoption required to reliably locate item trackers across a given geographical area).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0007] Example embodiments are described below in the section entitled "claims".

[0008] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "some embodiments" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in some embodiments" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but in some instances that may be the case. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[0009] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

[0010] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with comprising.

[0011] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of providing examples, as opposed to indicating quality. That is, an "exemplary embodiment" is an embodiment provided as an example, as opposed to necessarily being an embodiment of exemplary quality.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, byway of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a technological framework according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 2A illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 2B illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2B illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2D illustrates a method according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates an ITU tracking arrangement according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates example smartphone and ITU hardware according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present invention relates, in various embodiments, to systems, methods and devices configured to enable long-range discovery and management of portable item trackers. Embodiments of the invention are primarily directed to assist in recovery of lost items which carry item trackers, for example Bluetooth item trackers.

[0021] In overview, embodiments provide an item tracking technology ecosystem which enables streamlined and effective return of lost items, even where persons finding lost items are either not currently part of that ecosystem, or necessarily aware of the existence of that ecosystem.

[0022] Embodiments include computer implemented methods, performed at one or more server devices, being method configured to enable management of item trackers. These methods are performed in relation to tracking systems in which:

• A plurality of item trackers are activated. For the purposes of this description, these will be referred to as Item Tracker Units (ITUs). Each ITU includes: (i) an antenna; (ii) a wireless transceiver associated with the antennal; and (iii) a logic unit; and (iv) a unique identifier. The wireless transceiver is configured to communicate via a predetermined communications protocol, which for the purposes of embodiments described herein is a Bluetooth communications protocol. Other wireless communications protocols may be used in addition or as alternatives. The unique identifier may be an alphanumeric code. In some embodiments the unique identifier includes or is derived from a unique identifier of the wireless transceiver (for example using a Bluetooth MAC address). In some embodiments the unique identifier is represented both as a Bluetooth MAC address, and as an alphanumeric code derived from or otherwise associated with the Bluetooth MAC address, such that the ITU is uniquely identifiable based on either of the Bluetooth MAC address, and the alphanumeric code.

• A tracker locator software (TLS) application executes at a plurality of user smartphone devices. Each executing instance of the TLS application is configured to enable communications with one or more of the ITUs via the predetermined communications protocol via a wireless transceiver of the smartphone (which, as noted above, is Bluetooth in the present example embodiments). This wireless communication is enabled provided that one more of the ITUs are within a threshold range of the wireless transceiver of the smartphone (and that the wireless transceiver is in an active state).

• A database is maintained in a network-accessible location. This database is configured to (among other functions) associate each of the ITUs, via each ITU's unique identifier (UID), with (i) a respective user account identifier; and (ii) data representative of item return settings.

[0023] Each of the ITUs includes an optically readable indicia which may include a QR code. The optically readable indicia is readable via a camera module of a smartphone, thereby to trigger commencement of an item return process via a user interface rendered at that smartphone. For example, in the case of a QR code, the code is able to link to a website (or optionally deep link into a specific mobile application, or link to a location for downloading of that specific mobile application), which is a first step in a multi-step item return process.

[0024] Whilst embodiments described herein focus on an optically readable identifier, in some embodiments alternate forms of software agnostic token are used. The term "software agnostic token" refers to a token which is readable from an item via operating system level technology (as opposed to needing to execute a proprietary application). QR codes are a common example. Other examples include NFC tokens. NFC tokens, and other software agnostic tokens, are used in further embodiments.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the method configured to enable management of item trackers includes steps described below.

[0026] The method commences with receiving, via the Internet, data representative of the triggering of an instance of the item return process. For example, in some instances this occurs in response to a user of a smartphone reading a QR code on a ITU (referred to as the "found ITU") with the smartphone camera, and in response being directed to a web address encoded by the QR code.

[0027] The method then includes obtaining, via the item return process, from the smartphone at which the instance of the item return process is triggered (the "finder's device"), data representative of the unique identifier for the found ITU (i.e. the ITU from which the indicia was optically read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process).

[0028] The method then includes accessing the database, thereby to:

(i) determine the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the found ITU;

(ii) determine the item return settings for that associated with the found ITU;

[0029] The method then includes configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings.

[0030] Specifics of the item return process according to various embodiments are discussed in more detail further below. In overview, in one example, the item return process facilitates communication between the finder's device and a device associated with the user account of the found ITU. The item return process preferably additionally includes implementing a "item return reward" protocol, which is optionally customised based on the item return settings for that associated with the found ITU (for example those may define a monetary award payable in the case that the item is returned).

Example Technological Framework

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an example technological framework according to one embodiment.

[0032] In the context of the example of FIG. 1, the item tracking application is a mobile software application (i.e. a collection of computer executable code stored on a memory device) is executed via one or more processors of a mobile device (for example a smartphone or tablet device having a camera module). The mobile device may be, for example, a device with an Android or iOS type operating system. The mobile device is connected to a network (for example a WiFi network or cellular telecommunications network), which allows the mobile software application to communicate with a server device that is configured to perform cloud-based processing steps to support the operation of the mobile application. It will be appreciated that various steps described herein may be shifted between local and cloud-based processing in further embodiments.

[0033] Software executing at the mobile device and server system is described by reference to a plurality of "modules". The term "module" refers to a software component that is logically separable (a computer program), or a hardware component. The module of the embodiment refers to not only a module in the computer program but also a module in a hardware configuration. The discussion of the embodiment also serves as the discussion of computer programs for causing the modules to function (including a program that causes a computer to execute each step, a program that causes the computer to function as means, and a program that causes the computer to implement each function), and as the discussion of a system and a method. For convenience of explanation, the phrases "stores information," "causes information to be stored," and other phrases equivalent thereto are used. If the embodiment is a computer program, these phrases are intended to express "causes a memory device to store information" or "controls a memory device to cause the memory device to store information." The modules may correspond to the functions in a one-to-one correspondence. In a software implementation, one module may form one program or multiple modules may form one program. One module may form multiple programs. Multiple modules may be executed by a single computer. A single module may be executed by multiple computers in a distributed environment or a parallel environment. One module may include another module. In the discussion that follows, the term "connection" refers to not only a physical connection but also a logical connection (such as an exchange of data, instructions, and data reference relationship). The term "predetermined" means that something is decided in advance of a process of interest. The term "predetermined" is thus intended to refer to something that is decided in advance of a process of interest in the embodiment. Even after a process in the embodiment has started, the term "predetermined" refers to something that is decided in advance of a process of interest depending on a condition or a status of the embodiment at the present point of time or depending on a condition or status heretofore continuing down to the present point of time. If "predetermined values" are plural, the predetermined values may be different from each other, or two or more of the predetermined values (including all the values) may be equal to each other. A statement that "if A, B is to be performed" is intended to mean "that it is determined whether something is A, and that if something is determined as A, an action B is to be carried out". The statement becomes meaningless if the determination as to whether something is A is not performed.

[0034] The term "system" refers to an arrangement where multiple computers, hardware configurations, and devices are interconnected via a communication network (including a one-to-one communication connection). The term "system", and the term "device", also refer to an arrangement that includes a single computer, a hardware configuration, and a device. The system does not include a social system that is a social "arrangement" formulated by humans.

[0035] At each process performed by a module, or at one of the processes performed by a module, information as a process target is read from a memory device, the information is then processed, and the process results are written onto the memory device. A description related to the reading of the information from the memory device prior to the process and the writing of the processed information onto the memory device subsequent to the process may be omitted as appropriate. The memory devices may include a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), an external storage medium, a memory device connected via a communication network, and a ledger within a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0036] In the example of FIG. 1, a single ITU 110 is shown. This ITU is configured to communicate via Bluetooth wireless communications. ITU 110 includes an optically readable indicia, in the form of a QR code 111. The side and shape of ITU 110, and the size/shape/position of QR code 111, vary between embodiments. Physical devices may take a wide range of shapes/sizes/configurations, and may be embedded into devices/products serving functions other than tracking. It should also be appreciated that the framework of FIG. 1 is intended to function with a plurality of compatible ITUs (which in some cases may include non-electronic ITUs which are located solely on the basis of reading their respective QR codes).

[0037] As context, a tracking device such as ITU 110 can securely communicate with a secondary device, such smartphone device 120 (or another mobile phone or computer), using a one-way communication protocol. For instance, the ITU can generate a hash value based on the identity of the ITU (its unique identifier), a time interval during which the hash value is generated, or any other ITU parameters. The ITU can output the generated hash value, for instance as a Bluetooth-format advertisement or broadcast that is received by the smartphone.

[0038] The smartphone can receive the hash value via an ITU locating module 134, and can attempt to resolve the received hash value thereby to determine the unique identifier of the ITU. In addition to resolving the identity of the ITU, the smartphone can determine a location of the ITU (such as a location of the smartphone if the smartphone is within threshold proximity of the ITU). The smartphone can provide the identity of the ITU and the determined location to a tracking server (such as a cloud server). Along with the determined location, the smartphone sends a timestamp and a flag indicating that the determined location is a pre-lost location of the ITU.

[0039] An ITU owner smartphone device 120 is illustrated. ITU owner device 120 is a standard smartphone (for example an iOS or Android device) on which a TLS mobile app module 130 executes. Module 130 provides a user interface 121 on a display of smartphone 120.

[0040] Device 120 is an "ITU owner" device on the basis that TLS module 130 is configured to specifically recognise ITU 111. In this regard, TLS module 130 includes an ITU management/registration module, which allows for association via device 120 between a user account (which may be generated via a user registration module 132) and a unique identifier of ITU 110, via an ITU management/registration module 135. For example, module 135 is configured to enable Bluetooth discovery of ITU 110, and registration of the unique identifier of ITU 110 into a local data store, thereby to configure device 120 to monitor a location of ITU 110 (for example by receiving beacon transmissions periodically communicated by ITU 110).

[0041] TLS app module 130 is configured to communicate with server-side infrastructure, in FIG. 1 represented by a server system 140. In that regard, app module 130 includes a request/response management module which communicates with a complementary app data handling module 141 at server system 140. Messaging between the app and the server may use conventional mobile app communications protocols.

[0042] Server system 140 may uniquely identify a given instance of app 130 based on an address associated with a user account, and/or based on unique identification details for the specific smartphone. In relation to the former, a user registration module 132 is configured to enable a user of smartphone 120 to generate a new user account, or access an existing user account via inputting of credentials. The user account is defined in an ITU registration database 143. In the present embodiment, database 143 provides records which associate data attributes including the following:

• A unique user identifier (e.g. a username, email address, or other alphanumeric identifier).

* Unique identifiers for one or more ITUs that are registered against the user account by way of operation of module 135.

• For each of those ITUs, item return settings. These item return settings allow a user to customise operation of an item return process for each individual ITU registered against their account. For example, in a preferred embodiment the item return settings include information regarding a quantum of financial reward that to be is exchanged in consideration for return of a lost item.

[0043] Other data may be included, for example a description of an item in respect of which each ITU is being used (for instance "luggage", "passport", "car keys", "pet cat", and so on).

[0044] A second smartphone device is also illustrated in FIG. 1, this being referred to as an "ITU finder device" 160. The designation of smartphone 160 as a "finder device" is contextual, in the sense that this device is operated by a person who locates ITU 110. There need not be any functional similarities between smartphone 120 and smartphone 160. For instance: these may be different models/makes; and/or these may utilise different operating systems. Most significantly, there is no requirement that smartphone 160 have installed the ITU mobile app module. That is, smartphone 160 can be substantially any smartphone with a camera module.

[0045] The camera module of smartphone 160 us used to read QR code 111 of ITU 110. As noted, other forms of visually readable identifiers may be used. QR codes are especially useful on the basis that based on current widespread technology that are used to activate smartphone functionalities (for example loading of a web address embedded in the QR code, or other functions). Preferably ITU 110 includes instructional printed information, for example "if found, scan this code".

[0046] In this example embodiment, QR code 111 of ITU 110 embeds a web address that is unique to ITU 110, which when accessed causes smartphone 160 to load via a web browser application a user interface 161 on the screen of smartphone 160, based on code (for example HTML code) downloaded from a web server 150. Web server 150 provides functionality for passing of data between user interface 161 and server system 140 (via a web interface data handling module 142).

[0047] In other embodiments, alternate approaches are used rather than embedding an ITU specific web address. For example, these may include:

• Embedding a non-unique web address, and requiring that the user input additional information to determine a unique identifier for the ITU. For example, the additional input may come from an alphanumeric string, or from a secondary optically readable code (for example a unique image or the like). This is prompted via information displayed via user interface 161 based on code downloaded from web server 150.

• Embedding a deep link to a TLS mobile application, with this deep link being configured to either: (i) load a TLS mobile application already installed on device 160; or (ii) link to a web location that allows download of a TLS mobile application suitable for the current device operating system. This deep linking may include utilisation of JavaScript code in the head of a HTML page to which the QR code diverts, which diverts via a deep link URL on page load. This approach may utilise embedding of the ITU unique identifier in the QR code thereby to automate population of ITU details in the TLS mobile application.

• In some embodiments where a deep link to a TLS mobile application is used, a process is performed thereby to initiate Bluetooth discovery of ITU 110 via the TLS mobile application, thereby to determine the ITU unique identifier.

[0048] Whichever approach is used, following scanning of the QR code 111 or ITU 110, device 160 causes triggering of an item return process, which includes displaying on its display screen user interface 161 which allows data exchange with server system 140. In the embodiment described below, the item return process is completed via web pages (although in other embodiments the TLS mobile application or other mobile applications may be used)

[0049] As a preliminary step in the item return process, based on the ITU unique identifier transmitted from device 160 to server system 140, the server system accesses database 143 thereby to:

(i) Determine the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the found ITU (ITU 110). This enables the server system to deliver a message to a location associated with the user account. For example, this may include an email, a SMS, and/or an in-app notification. In the example described below, an in-app notification is described as a primary means of communication. In that regard, TLS app module 130 includes a return process coordination module 131 which is configured to display an "item found" notification in response to the triggering of the item return process, and provide user interface elements that provide additional steps in a multi step item return process.

(ii) Determine the item return settings for that associated with the found ITU (ITU 110).

[0050] Based on this information, return process execution module 144 configures the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings.

[0051] The item return settings may include any one or more of the following:

• Details of a monetary award available in exchange for return of an item that is tracked by ITU 110. As noted, ITU management module 135 allows a user to configure individual item return rules, such as a reward amount, for each of their registered ITUs. In some embodiments, as discussed further below, payment of a monetary award is handled via a reward coordination module, which accesses one or more external payment platforms. In some embodiments reward exchange is an offline process.

• Details of contact preferences. For example, in some cases a user is able to define settings of whether their email address or phone number is provided to the ITU finder, thereby to facilitate a more direct/streamlined return process. As discussed further below, communications between the ITU owner and ITU finder may be partially anonymised by way of using a communications management module 145 which coordinates exchange of messages (and optionally voice communications) between the ITU owner and the ITU finder. For example, this may include usage of in-app notifications for the ITU owner, and a web interface accessed by a SMS or email hyperlink for the ITU finder (in the case that they do not use the TLS mobile application).

• Details of return instructions. In some cases the ITU finder is presented with instructions for item return, for example a return location (for example a suburb, or specified business location), or a return protocol (for example to use a printable pre paid postage label delivered via hyperlink to device 160 via server system 140, or via another server system under instruction of server system 140).

[0052] Return execution process rules module 144 is configured to implemented logic thereby to coordinate a multi-step return process based on the return settings. Examples are discussed further below.

Example Item Return Processes

[0053] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D illustrates example methods performed by software executing at smartphone 120 (the ITU owner device), smartphone 160 (the ITU finder device) and server system 140 as part of an example item return process. It should be appreciated that this is an example process only, and that certain steps are omitted and/or modified for further embodiments.

[0054] Referring initially to FIG. 2A, block 200 represents installation of the TLS mobile app at the ITU owner device. It will be appreciated that this is typically a one-off step. This is followed by another one-off step of user registration at block 202, whereby a user provides information thereby to enable generation of a user record (with a user UID) in database 143 by server system 140 (block 206).

[0055] Block 202 represents an ITU discovery process. This is in some embodiments assisted by a user interface instruction presented via user interface 121 following selection of an "add new tracker" menu option. This instruction prompts a user to perform a physical operation on a new ITU that is to be added to that user's user account, for example depressing and holding a button. This causes the ITU to perform a limited-time broadcast a signal, which enables the TLS application to discover the ITU and configure the TLS application to identify future beacon frames communicated by that ITU (thereby to perform tracking operations). Following successful discovery, the ITU is registered to the user account at the ITU owner device (block 203) and also at database 143 (block 207).

[0056] Block 204 represents an ITU settings customisation process, whereby the user inputs additional information in relation to the ITU. For example, this may include a description of an item that it will be used to track. This also includes configuration of item return settings. For the sake of the present embodiment, the item return settings include:

• An item return reward amount. For example, this may define a financial reward that is to be provided to an ITU finder upon successful return of the associated item. This may be modified at a later time, for example upon loss of the item.

* Return instructions. The return instructions may include a return location or return locations, which may be defined as a ZIP code, one or more ZIP codes, or a chain of commercial venues (such as gas stations) at which in-person return may occur. The return instructions may also include a "prepaid return postage" option, whereby the finder is provided with a prepaid postage label for returning the item (the ITU owner is charged for that postage). It will be appreciated that a combination of the user-defined return instructions and item reward may be influential in convincing an ITU finder to go to the effort of returning a found item.

• Payment details for the item reward amount and, where relevant, prepaid postage (for example a credit card pre-authorisation, PayPal authorisation or the like). In some embodiments payment is managed following loss of the item, or otherwise later in the process.

[0057] It will be appreciated that fewer and/or other item return settings may be present in some implementations.

[0058] Customised ITU settings are recorded to database 143 by server 140 at block 208.

[0059] Block 205 represents an ITU tracking phase, during which the ITU owner device is configured to track the relevant ITU. The manner by which tracking occurs (for example whether an ITU transmits regular beacon frames, or only responds to probe frames, and other such matters) varies depending on the nature of the ITU and in some cases depending on customisable tracking settings.

[0060] Block 209 represents activity of an ITU finder device, which in the context of FIG. 2A is simply conventional device usage with no relevance to the other blocks illustrated.

[0061] FIG. 2B illustrates methods following discovery of an ITU (and perhaps associated item) by the ITU finder device (e.g. smartphone 160).

[0062] Block 230 represents a process whereby the QR code of a found ITU is scanned by the camera module of the ITU finder device, resulting in a request being provided to a web server (block 231). This request results in receiving of request data and triggering of an item return process at server system 140 as represented by block 220.

[0063] Block 221 represents a process of determining the ITU UID and return settings at server 140 based on data included in the request transmitted at block 231. This approach assumes that the request transmitted at block 231 is defined based on a QR code which embeds data from which the found ITU's UID is able to be determined. In some embodiments additional steps are included thereby to input data representative of the ITU's UID via the ITU finder device via means other than scanning of the QR code (e.g. inputting of an alphanumeric string, scanning a further code, etc).

[0064] Block 222 represents a process including transmitting data for display in the web browser interface of the ITU finder device in response to the scanning of the ITU QR code (block 232), this data being customised based on the item return settings and other information stored in database 143 in association with the ITU UID. This may include, for example:

* Details of an item that is to be returned.

• Details of how the item can be returned.

• A financial reward for return of the item.

[0065] For example, the following are sample item return information data sets which may be rendered:

* Item: car keys. Details of return: provide to any COMPANY brand gas station prepaid postage provided. Financial reward: $A.

• Item: laptop in laptop bag. Details of return: drop of in ZIP code XXXYYY. Financial reward: $B.

• Item: passport. Details of return: prepaid postage label will be provided. Financial reward: $C.

• Item: jacket. Details of return: contact owner. Financial reward: N/A. (In some embodiments a "financial reward" field is omitted rather than positively showing that there is no reward).

[0066] In relation to prepaid postage labels, these may be defined to include a trusted third party address either defined by the ITU owner, or proximal a location defined by the ITU owner (for example via a network of post offices, gas stations, and the like). It will be appreciated that an owner may wish to keep their address private.

[0067] The "item" descriptor is useful in differentiating between items of interest (for example a "laptop" as opposed to a "laptop bag" on which the ITU is placed.

[0068] The option of "contact owner" preferably does not reveal the ITU owner's details. An anonymised communications system may be used (as discussed below), or the ITU owner provided with means to initiate communications (for example if the finder is prepared to share their details).

[0069] It will be appreciated that these are provided as contextual examples only, and that in practice the information may be formatted and presented in enhanced manners.

[0070] The mention of a prepaid shipping label is relevant as in some examples server system 140 is configured to provide (directly, or indirectly) to the ITU finder user a printable prepaid shipping label (for example via a hyperlink in an email or SMS), which may be used to return the item to the ITU owner. The prepaid shipping is paid by the ITU owner, for example via pe-authorisation of a payment method, or in response to an in-app message and payment interface provided via system 140 to the TLS application.

[0071] Block 223 represents a process whereby an input is provided via the finder device user interface 161 representative of willingness to return the item (this may include providing a SMS or email address for further communications). This is optional; the finder may determine not to continue with the item return process. In the event that the input representative of willingness is provided, this is received at the server system at block 223, and the return process is marked as "commenced". Then, at block 224, a fund item notification is transmitted to device 120, in this case as an in-app notification which is received and available for display via the TLS app at block 210.

[0072] In the case that the finder user does not provide willingness/acceptance data at 233, an alternate process may be followed. This varies between embodiments. Options include:

* Taking no further action, such that the ITU owner is never informed that the item is found.

• Providing a notification to the ITU owner that the item was found, but will not be returned. This may, where such information is able to be determined via the web server, include a location at which the device was found.

[0073] Blocks 211, 225 and 234 respectively represent awaiting of next steps in an item return process for device 120, server system 140, and device 160.

[0074] FIG. 2C illustrates a communication process between an ITU owner and ITU finder facilitated by server system 140. In this example, communications are initiated by the ITU owner via an in-app communications interface of the TLS mobile application in response to a found item notification. The user authors a n ITU owner message, and transmits that message (block 241).

[0075] The ITU owner message is received by the server system 140 at block 251, and a message is defined for delivery to the ITU finder. This includes defining a hyperlink to a web interface which is used to view and respond to the message, with that hyperlink between communicated to the ITU finder device (e.g. via email or SMS) at block 252. The SMS or email is received at block 261, and the hyperlink accessed at 262. This provides a request (block 253) to the server system, which responds (block 254) with data to enable rendering of the ITU owner message and authoring of a reply via a web page rendered at device 160. The ITU owner message is read at block 263, and a reply sent at 264. The reply message content is received at the server system at block 255, and at block 256 the server system provides via an in-app notification to the ITU owner device access to read the reply message (block 242). The process optionally then loops to block 241 for another round of communications.

[0076] It will be appreciated that the approach of FIG. 2C allows for communication between the ITU and ITU finder in an anonymised manner, without revealing names or contact details of either party to the other. In some embodiments an alternate approach is taken whereby contact details are shared such that the parties are able to communicate via out-of-platform means. It will be further appreciated that the process of FIG. 2C is readily modified to enable communications via VOIP or other technologies whilst preserving anonymity.

[0077] Blocks 243, 257 and 265 respectively represent awaiting of next steps in an item return process for device 120, server system 140, and device 160.

[0078] FIG. 2D illustrates an example process whereby a reward is provided in respect of a found item. For the purposes of this example, it is assumed that the ITU owner has provided payment

[0079] Block 271 represents a process whereby the ITU owner device via the TS application provides to server system 140 data representative of item return. This may include one or more of the following:

* Input of confirmation that the item has been returned.

• Scanning of the ITU UID via Bluetooth (i.e. when the device comes back into range).

• Scanning of the ITU QR code.

[0080] This data is received by the server system at block 281, this triggering a reward payment proves. Item return settings are accessed at block 282, thereby to determine a reward amount at block 283. Then, as represented by block 284, a debit transaction is performed in respect of the ITU owner, for example using a pre-authorised payment mode recorded in database 243. Block 285 represents performing a credit transaction for the ITU finder. In this example, the credit transaction has to be claimed, and as such a notification (e.g. hyperlink in SMS or email) is provided to the ITU finder at 286, that is received at 291, and the reward claimed via the message at 292. Claiming the reward may include, for example:

* Providing PayPal or credit card information, thereby to allow a credit transaction.

• Providing a unique identifier for a prepaid credit amount, which is able to be used for payment at defined online stores.

• Providing a physical address for a cheque or the like.

[0081] In some embodiments there is a difference in quantum between what is charged to the ITU owner and what is paid to the ITU finder, for example with a fee being taken by a service provider. In some embodiments the reward exchange process is handled offline.

Streamlined sharing on info, Facebook integration....

Example ITU

[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a locating system 300, a mobile terminal 310 serves as a primary locating device, capable of communicating with one or more ITUs 340. Using the mobile terminal 310 in this manner provides a user with significant advantages. These advantages include access to tag locating functions using a full-featured user interface available in the typical mobile terminal 310. Conventional mobile terminals include keypads or equivalent input devices, text and/or graphic display devices, and full audio input/output capabilities. Because mobile terminals represent an item of everyday use for many people, using a mobile terminal 310 as a device to locate other items is particularly convenient.

[0083] In general use, a user physically associates one or more ITUs 340 with various items of interest 302. The mobile terminal 310 includes a wireless communications interface adapted for communicating with the ITUs 340. Note that the tag-locating wireless communications interface in the mobile terminal 310 may be independent of the primary base station or satellite communications interface. In an exemplary embodiment, the object locating wireless interface is a Bluetooth transceiver. Other exemplary embodiments use other wireless communication interfaces. Thus, under user control, signals transmitted from the mobile terminal 310 cause selected ones of the ITUs 340 to emit an audible signal. Using this audible signal, the user can conveniently locate the items 302 to which the ITUs 340 are attached. The ITUs 340 may have several different physical configurations, with each different physical configuration better suited for attachment to or inclusion within a particular type of item. Thus, the ITUs 340 may include key ring fobs, luggage tags, and other configurations.

[0084] FIG. 4 provides more details regarding the design of the enhanced mobile terminal 310 and a corresponding ITU 340, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Mobile terminal 310 comprises a cellular antenna 314 and associated cellular transceiver 316 (WiFi technology may also be used), a logic unit 318, input device 320 (such as a touch screen), display 324, and audio output circuit 326. An exemplary audio output circuit 226 includes a tone generator and output speaker. The input device 320, display 324, and audio output circuit 326 combine to form user interface 328. While the foregoing elements are representative of a conventional mobile terminal 310, any given mobile terminal 310 may implement variations or provide similar functionality with different elements.

[0085] For example, the mobile terminal 310 may consolidate keypad and display functions in a touch-screen. Regardless of how it is implemented, it is advantageous for the mobile terminal 310 to include some form of user interface, basic logic processing, and audio output. To these basic capabilities, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention adds a wireless transceiver 322 and associated antenna 312. The added wireless transceiver 322 allows the mobile terminal 310 to communicate with one or more ITUs 340. As the mobile terminal 310 already includes a full-featured user interface 328, the incremental cost of adding a local wireless interface for object locating purposes is not significant.

[0086] As noted, ITUs 340 may take on various physical configurations. Regardless of physical configuration, the ITU 340 in an exemplary embodiment includes an antenna 342 and associated wireless transceiver 344, a logic unit 346, an audio output circuit 348, a polling switch 350, and, optionally, a visual indicator 352. In basic operation, the ITU 340 receives a poll or locate signal from the mobile terminal 310. In response to the poll, the ITU 340 emits an audible signal using audio output circuit 348. Optionally, the ITU 340 additionally provides a visible signal using the visual indicator 352-preferably a visible LED. The ITU 340 may continue emitting the audible signal for a defined period of time, or may continue its audible signal until a subsequent signal is received from the mobile terminal 310. As a further option, the ITU 340 may continue emitting its audible signal until the user actuates its polling switch 350 or at the end of a defined time interval, whichever occurs first.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wireless transceiver 322 in the mobile terminal 310 and corresponding wireless transceiver 344 in ITUs 340 are compatible, if not identical, Bluetooth transceivers. Basing the communications interface between the mobile terminal 310 and the ITUs 340 on the Bluetooth standard represents an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, but other, alternative wireless communication interfaces may be used to provide similar object locating capability. In these alternative embodiments, the communications between the mobile terminal 310 and ITUs 340 may be one-way or two-way, with the specific implementation representing a balance of features, price, and power consumption. However, using the Bluetooth standard imparts advantages to some exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Many of these advantages stem from the adoption of Bluetooth technology as an enabling feature for many expanded mobile terminal functions. Thus, the Bluetooth interface may be included in the mobile terminal 310 as common practice and the present invention makes advantageous use of this interface.

Conclusions and Interpretation

[0088] It will be appreciated that the disclosure above provides technology whereby ITUs, for example Bluetooth ITUs, can be identified and returned even when out of range of the ITU owner's smartphone (or any other smartphone executing ITU-specific software).

[0089] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that there are other embodiments that are equivalent to the described embodiments. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrated embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0090] It should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, FIG., or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[0091] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0092] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

[0093] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

[0094] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (21)

1. A computer implemented method, executed at one or more server devices, being method configured to enable management of item trackers, the method being performed in relation to a tracking system wherein:

a plurality of item trackers are activated, including a plurality of electronic item trackers having: (i) an antenna; (ii) a wireless transceiver associated with the antenna, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to communicate via a predetermined communications protocol; and (iii) a logic unit; and (iv) a unique identifier;

a tracker locator software (TLS) application executes at a plurality of user smartphone devices, wherein each executing instance of the TLS application is configured to enable communications with one or more of the item trackers via the predetermined communications protocol via a wireless transceiver of the smartphone on which the TLS application is executing, provided that one more of the item trackers are withing a threshold range of the wireless transceiver;

a database is maintained in a network-accessible location, such that the database is configured to associate each of the item trackers, via each tracker's unique identifier, with (i) a respective user account identifier; and (ii) data representative of item return settings;

each of the item trackers includes an optically readable indicia, wherein the optically readable indicia is readable via a camera module of a smartphone, thereby to trigger commencement of an item return process via a user interface rendered at that smartphone;

the method including:

receiving, via the Internet, data representative of the triggering of an instance of the item return process;

obtaining, via the item return process, from the smartphone at which the instance of the item return process is triggered, data representative of the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process;

accessing the database, thereby to:

(i) determine the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process;

(ii) determine the item return settings for that associated with the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process;

configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the optically-readable identifier includes a QR code.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the optically-readable identifier embeds web address data for a web address configured to trigger the item return process.

4. A method according to claim 3 wherein the optically-readable identifier embeds data representative of the item tracker on which the QR code is provided.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the optically-readable identifier embeds web address data that is unique to the item tracker on which the optically-readable identifier is provided, such that the web address directs a user to a web page which is customised with data relating to the item tracker on which the optically-readable identifier is provided.

6. A method according to claim 4 wherein the optically-readable identifier embeds web address data that is unique to the item tracker on which the optically-readable identifier is provided, such that the web address deep links a user to a mobile application which is customised with data relating to the item tracker on which the optically-readable identifier is provided.

7. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the optically-readable identifier embeds instructions that cause launching or linking to downloading of a specified mobile software application.

8. A method according to any preceding claim wherein configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings includes: providing an anonymised communications channel between a user device on which the optically-readable identifier is scanned an a user device associated with the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read

9. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings includes: providing an exchange of communications details between a user device on which the optically-readable identifier is scanned an a user device associated and the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read.

10. A method according to any preceding claim wherein configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings includes: setting a reward payment rule configured to cause payment of a value defined by the item return settings from a payment source associated with user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read to a payment destination associated with the user device on which the optically-readable identifier is scanned.

11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the reward payment rule includes a condition that the item tracker is proximally identified by a user device associated with the user account identifier associated with the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read.

12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the proximal identification is via the predetermined communications protocol.

13. A method according to any preceding claim wherein configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings includes: configuring generation of a prepaid shipping label, and triggering a process for causing delivery of that prepaid shipping label to a location designated via the user device on which the optically-readable identifier is scanned an a user device associated.

14. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the return settings define a reward.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the reward is a financial reward.

16. A computer implemented method, executed at one or more server devices, being method configured to enable management of item trackers, the method being performed in relation to a tracking system wherein:

a plurality of item trackers are activated, including a plurality of electronic item trackers having: (i) an antenna; (ii) a wireless transceiver associated with the antenna, wherein the wireless transceiver is configured to communicate via a predetermined communications protocol; and (iii) a logic unit; and (iv) a unique identifier; a tracker locator software (TLS) application executes at a plurality of user smartphone devices, wherein each executing instance of the TLS application is configured to enable communications with one or more of the item trackers via the predetermined communications protocol via a wireless transceiver of the smartphone on which the TLS application is executing, provided that one more of the item trackers are withing a threshold range of the wireless transceiver; a database is maintained in a network-accessible location, such that the database is configured to associate each of the item trackers, via each tracker's unique identifier, with (i) a respective user account identifier; and (ii) data representative of item return settings; each of the item trackers includes a software agnostic token, wherein the software agnostic token is readable via hardware module of a smartphone via operating system software, thereby to trigger commencement of an item return process via a user interface rendered at that smartphone; the method including: receiving, via the Internet, data representative of the triggering of an instance of the item return process; obtaining, via the item return process, from the smartphone at which the instance of the item return process is triggered, data representative of the unique identifier for the item tracker from which the indicia was optically read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process; accessing the database, thereby to:

(i) determine the user account identifier associated with the unique identifierfor the item tracker from which the software agnostic token was read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process;

(ii) determine the item return settings for that associated with the item tracker from which the software agnostic token was read thereby to trigger the instance of the item return process;

configuring the instance of the item return process to execute based on: (i) the determined user account identifier; and (ii) the determined item return settings.

17. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the predetermined communications protocol is Bluetooth.

18. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the item return process is a multi-stage process.

19. An item management system including one or more computing systems configured to perform a method according to any preceding claim.

20. An item tracker configured to operate in the system of claim 19.

21. Subject matter as described herein.