EP3822932A1

EP3822932A1 - System and method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device

Info

Publication number: EP3822932A1
Application number: EP19208423.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Murat Demir; Gürmen KAHRAMANOGLU; Ismail Yilmazlar
Original assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2019-11-12
Filing date: 2019-11-12
Publication date: 2021-05-19

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (100) for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, comprising: a judgement unit (130) including a first input terminal and a second input terminal; an undervoltage device (110) connected to the first input terminal of the judgement unit (130); and a switch (120) connected to the second input terminal of the judgement unit (130), wherein the judgement unit (130) is configured to judge that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) is in a first state.

Description

FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, a consumer electronic device having the system, and a method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device. The embodiments of the present disclosure particularly relate to making a consumer electronic device unusable if a possible theft is detected.

BACKGROUND

Nowadays consumer electronic devices, such as displays and television sets, are sufficiently lightweight to make them easily movable. Such ease of transport also implies ease of theft. While the rightful owner of the consumer electronic device may conveniently transport the consumer electronic device almost anywhere, so can a thief.
In view of the above, new systems for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, consumer electronic devices having the system, and methods for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, that overcome at least some of the problems in the art are beneficial.

SUMMARY

In light of the above, a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, a consumer electronic device having the system, and a method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device are provided.
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an anti-theft protection for consumer electronic devices. It is in particular an object of the present invention to provide a safety feature for consumer electronic devices to prevent people other than the rightful user to use the consumer electronic devices.
The objects of the present invention are solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims.
According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, such as a television, is provided. The system includes a judgement unit including a first input terminal and a second input terminal; an undervoltage device connected to the first input terminal of the judgement unit; and a switch connected to the second input terminal of the judgement unit. The judgement unit is configured to judge that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a first state.
According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a consumer electronic device is provided. The consumer electronic device includes a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device. The system includes a judgement unit including a first input terminal and a second input terminal; an undervoltage device connected to the first input terminal of the judgement unit; and a switch connected to the second input terminal of the judgement unit. The judgement unit is configured to judge that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a first state.
According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device is provided. The method includes receiving a state indication from an undervoltage device at a first input terminal of a judgement unit; receiving a state indication from a switch at a second input terminal of the judgment unit; and judging, by the judgement unit, that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a first state.
Embodiments are also directed at devices for carrying out the disclosed methods and include device parts for performing each described method aspect. These method aspects may be performed by way of hardware components, a computer programmed by appropriate software, by any combination of the two or in any other manner. Furthermore, embodiments according to the disclosure are also directed at methods for operating the described system. The methods include method aspects for carrying out every function of the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments. The accompanying drawings relate to embodiments of the disclosure and are described in the following:

FIG. 1: shows a schematic view of a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to embodiments described herein;
FIG. 2: shows a schematic view of a system for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to further embodiments described herein; and
FIG. 3: shows a flowchart of a method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the figures. Within the following description of the drawings, the same reference numbers refer to same components. Generally, only the differences with respect to individual embodiments are described. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the disclosure and is not meant as a limitation of the disclosure. Further, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet a further embodiment. It is intended that the description includes such modifications and variations.
Consumer electronic devices, such as displays and television sets, are sufficiently lightweight to make them easily movable. Such ease of transport also implies ease of theft. While the rightful owner of the consumer electronic device may conveniently transport the consumer electronic device almost anywhere, so can a thief.
The present disclosure can detect when a possible theft has occurred and make the consumer electronic device unusable. In particular, a two-stage system is provided, which uses a combination of an undervoltage device and a switch to determine whether a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred. Only for a given combination of states of the stages it is judged that the possible theft has occurred. Thus, a safety feature for a consumer electronic device, such as a television set, is provided which can prevent people other than the rightful user to use the consumer electronic device.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a system 100 for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to embodiments described herein.
The system 100 includes a judgement unit 130 including a first input terminal and a second input terminal; an undervoltage device 110 connected to the first input terminal of the judgement unit 130; and a switch 120 connected to the second input terminal of the judgement unit 130. The judgement unit 130 is configured to judge that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device 110 and the switch 120 is in a first state.
In some implementations, the system 100 further includes an operation prevention device configured to prevent an operation of the consumer electronic device when the judgement unit 130 has judged that the possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred. Thus, people other than the rightful user can be prevented from using the consumer electronic device.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the consumer electronic device can be a portable computer, a tablet computer, a display, a monitor, a television, etc. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the consumer electronic device may be a television.
The undervoltage device 110 is configured to provide an undervoltage error if an undervoltage situation occurs. Such undervoltage device are generally used in systems where it is important to protect the connected loads from undervoltage hazards. In particular, an undervoltage can be quite harmful for the connected load, such as the consumer electronic device. The main function of the undervoltage device 110 is to disconnect the load from power supply side, whenever the supply voltage V_i drops down from the preset rated voltage V_ref.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the undervoltage device 110 may be an undervoltage relay.
The switch 120 is switchable between a first state and a second state. The first state of the switch 120 may be an on-state and the second state may be an off-state. Alternatively, the first state of the switch 120 may be an off-state and the second state may be an on-state.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the judgement unit 130 is configured to judge that no theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device 110 and the switch 120 is in a second state; or the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device 110 and the switch 120 is in the first state; or the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device 110 and the switch 120 is in the second state.
For example, the undervoltage device 110 and the switch 120 are configured to provide logic values 0 and 1 to the first input terminal and the second input terminal, respectively. The following table 1 shows the logic values 0 and 1, which can be referred to as "state indications", and the resulting judgement of the judgement unit 130: Table 1

V_i < V_ref (UE is active) Switch "ON" Blocked TV "Active"

0 0 0

0 1 0

1 0 0

1 1 1
The switch 120 may be configured to switch from the second state to the first state when the consumer electronic device is moved to another position. In some embodiments, the switch 120 may be configured to mechanically and/or electronically and/or optically detect a movement of the consumer electronic device to another position.
For example, the switch 120 may be in the second state when the switch 120 is in contact with a support surface supporting the consumer electronic device. The supporting surface may be a table or a wall on which the consumer electronic device is mounted. The switch 120 may be configured to switch from the second state to the first state when the switch 120 loses contact with the support surface due to a movement of the consumer electronic device.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the switch 120 is connected to a rechargeable power source which may be included in the system 100. The rechargeable power source may be a battery. In some implementations, the rechargeable power source is connected to a power line or (main) power supply of the consumer electronic device. When the consumer electronic device is disconnected and moved, the system 100 is provided with power from the rechargeable power source such that a correct and continued functioning of the system 100 can be ensured.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the system 100 is configured to provide an identification request to a user when the judgement unit 130 has judged that the possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred. The identification request may be provided when the consumer electronic device is reconnected to power. For example, the identification request may be provided on a display of the consumer electronic device.
According to some embodiments, the identification request includes, or is, a request to enter a password. If an incorrect password is entered, a time until a next attempt to input the password is allowed may be increased. In particular, the time until a next attempt to input the password is allowed may be increased every time the password is entered incorrectly. Thus, the person entering the password can be discouraged from trying further.
The password may be entered using a remote control of the consumer electronic device.
FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a system 200 for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to further embodiments described herein.
According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the judgement unit may include an AND-gate. Optionally, the judgement unit may be connected to, or include, a controller such as an MCU which receives the output of the AND-gate.
The system may continuously control in two stages whether the consumer electronic device, such as a TV, is plugged in or not.
In more detail, the first input of the AND-gate receives the output of the undervoltage device, which may be an undervoltage controller. If the input voltage V_i is lower than the pre-set reference input voltage V_ref, the undervoltage device outputs an undervoltage error UE. If the undervoltage error UE is not observed, the blocking system is not active. If the undervoltage error UE is detected, the first input of the AND-gate is "1".
The second input of the AND-gate is associated with another control mechanism, namely the switch, that is configured prevent the blocking system from being activated in an undesired way (e.g. if the consumer electronic device is not energized for another reason than theft).
The switch may be located under a foot of the consumer electronic device and/or between the consumer electronic device and a bracket on a wall. This switch may be connected to an internal battery, which may be rechargeable. If the battery is connected to a power line, the battery is charged.
If both inputs are "1", the output of the AND-gate is 1. Otherwise the output is always "0". This means that the system is in a passive mode (see table 1). Normally, the switch is in the second state, which may be a cut-off state. In other words, the AND-gate receives "0". When the device is moved away, the switch will change to the first state, which may be a conduction state, and the second input of the AND-gate receives "1".
When the stolen consumer electronic device is reenergized in another place, a password query screen may be displayed with a note indicating that the product is stolen and notified to the police. At this stage, if the user enters the correct password with his own remote control, the screen may disappear, and the blocking system can be deactivated again. If the correct password is not entered, the consumer electronic device is blocked.
The system of the present disclosure has the following advantages.
The system is a dual stage system. It can be activated or deactivated both electrically (via a main voltage) and mechanically. This prevents faulty warning messages and an erroneous blocking of the consumer electronic device.
If the system is active, this means that the consumer electronic device is on. In this case, the warning message on the screen may be seen both on the screen and via a network by the users connected to the same network as the consumer electronic device. Accordingly, a likelihood of the consumer electronic device being found can be increased.
After entering the password with the remote control of the consumer electronic device, it is checked whether the password is correct or not. The control time may increase as the number of password attempts increases. This time increase can discourage consecutive attempts to crack the password.
If the system includes the internal battery, the protection system remains active regardless of a connection to a main power line. Further, the internal battery may be a rechargeable battery. This increases the probability and duration of the system to work correctly.
FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for theft detection of a consumer electronic device according to embodiments described herein.
Generally, the method for theft detection of a consumer electronic device includes receiving a state indication from an undervoltage device at a first input terminal of a judgement unit; receiving a state indication from a switch at a second input terminal of the judgment unit; and judging, by the judgement unit, that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a first state.
Referring to FIG. 3, the input voltage V_i of the consumer electronic device is continuously controlled. If V_i drops below the reference voltage V_ref for undervoltage detection, the status of the switch is checked.
If the switch is in the conduction state, an alarm note ("StolenTV.Call155, Enter the password") may be displayed on the screen for entering the correct password. A remote control of the consumer electronic device may be used for entering the password.
The password screen may remain on the display until the correct password is entered. At this stage, the consumer electronic device cannot be reset to the factory settings. After entering the password with the remote control of the consumer electronic device, it is checked whether the password is correct or not. The control time increases as the number of password attempts increases. This time increase can discourage consecutive attempts to crack the password.
The present disclosure can detect when a possible theft has occurred and make the consumer electronic device unusable. In particular, a two-stage system is provided, which uses a combination of an undervoltage device and a switch to determine whether a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred. Only for a given combination of states of the stages it is judged that the possible theft has occurred. Thus, a safety feature for a consumer electronic device, such as a television set, is provided which can prevent people other than the rightful user to use the consumer electronic device.
While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Claims

A system (100, 200) for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, comprising:
a judgement unit (130) including a first input terminal and a second input terminal;

an undervoltage device (110) connected to the first input terminal of the judgement unit (130); and

a switch (120) connected to the second input terminal of the judgement unit (130),

wherein the judgement unit (130) is configured to judge that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) is in a first state.
The system (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein the judgement unit (130) is configured to judge that no theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when:
the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) is in a second state; or

the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) is in the first state; or

the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) is in the second state.
The system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first state of the switch (120) is an on-state and the second state is an off-state, or wherein the first state of the switch (120) is an off-state and the second state is an on-state.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switch (120) is configured to switch from the second state to the first state when the consumer electronic device is moved to another position.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch (120) is connected to a rechargeable power source.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the switch (120) is in the second state when the switch (120) is in contact with a support surface supporting the consumer electronic device, and wherein the switch (120) is configured to switch from the second state to the first state when the switch (120) loses contact with the support surface.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the undervoltage device (110) and the switch (120) are configured to provide logic values 0 or 1 to the first input terminal and the second input terminal, respectively.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the system (100) is configured to provide an identification request to a user when the judgement unit (130) has judged that the possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred.
The system (100) of claim 8, wherein the identification request includes, or is, a request to enter a password.
The system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 9, further including an operation prevention device configured to prevent an operation of the consumer electronic device when the judgement unit (130) has judged that the possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred.
A consumer electronic device, including the system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10.
The consumer electronic device of claim 11, wherein the consumer electronic device is a television.
A method (300) for theft detection of a consumer electronic device, comprising:
receiving a state indication from an undervoltage device at a first input terminal of a judgement unit;

receiving a state indication from a switch at a second input terminal of the judgment unit; and

judging, by the judgement unit, that a possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a first state.
The method (300) of claim 13, wherein it is judged that no theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred when:
the first input terminal receives an undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in a second state; or

the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in the first state; or

the first input terminal receives no undervoltage error from the undervoltage device and the switch is in the second state.
The method (300) of claim 13 or 14, further including:
preventing an operation of the consumer electronic device when the judgement unit has judged that the possible theft of the consumer electronic device has occurred.