GB2520426A

GB2520426A - Security systems

Info

Publication number: GB2520426A
Application number: GB1419204.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Caroline Jill Carpenter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-10-31
Filing date: 2014-10-29
Publication date: 2015-05-20
Also published as: GB201419204D0

Abstract

A security system comprises a coded tag 10 containing a programmed microchip having means for the transmission of a radio signal, means (11, fig 1) for attachment of the tag to a person or animal, and a receiver 12 for reception of the signal and for generation of an alarm. The coded tag 10 may be contained alongside a hidden camera (16, fig 1) within a housing such that the camera is operable to transmit images remotely to receiver 12. The receiver 12 may also contain a GPS tracking system that, when utilised, enables the location of coded tag 10 to be identified. The security system aims to ensure the safety of children and to provide parents with a means of locating their child should they become lost or be abducted.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GB1419204.1 RTTVI Date:12 March 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Velcro Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo

SECURITY SYSTEMS

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to security systems and one application thereof is in relation to the protection of children to help with the safety of children in stores, museums, stores and other public places.

The invention can also be used to reduce the escape of prisoners or the loss of animals.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a security system comprising a coded tag containing a programmed microchip having means for the transmission of a radio signal, means for attachment of the tag to a person or animal, and a receiver for reception of the signal and for generation of an alarm.

The coded tag may be contained within a housing that also contains a hidden camera and means may be provided whereby the images taken by the hidden camera are transmitted to the receiver.

The receiver may also contain a GPS tracking system that enables it to identify the location of the tag.

The arrangement may be such that a shop, hospital, zoo or the like may have a supply of tags and receivers, with the arrangement such that, when a parent and child visit the shop, hospital, zoo or the like, the parent is handed a receiver and a tag is attached to an arm or leg or to part of the clothing of the child, with records kept by the shop, hospital, zoo or the like concerning the identities of the parent and child.

If the shop, hospital, zoo or the like has specific exit points, sensor devices are preferably located at the exit points and are programmed to sound an alarm or generate some other form of warning signal in the event that a child wearing a tag should reach one of the exit points.

The tag may be in the form of a representation of an animal and, if the system is for use in a zoo, the tag may be in the form of a representation of one of the animals in the zoo.

The tag may be in the form of a badge that can be clipped on to a part of the clothing of a child. Alternatively, it can be carried on a strap that can be worn around the wrist of a child.

The arrangement may be such that, when the child reaches the zoo exit and the tag is handed in, the child is given an animal badge to keep.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a tag for attachment to the wrist of a child, Figure 2 is a schematic view of a receiver for a parent, Figure 3 shows an exit point for a shop, hospital, zoo or the like, and Figure 4 is a schematic view of the security system.

Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The tag 10 shown in Figure 1 is carried by a strap 11 that has fastening formations of the kind sold under the Registered Trade Mark "VELCRO" at its ends so that the tag 10 can readily be attached to the wrist or part of the clothing of a child. The strap 11 may be of leather or other waterproof material. It may be coloured, for example, blue for boys and pink for girls.

The tag 10 contains a programmed microchip having means for the transmission of a radio signal and the arrangement is such that, when a parent and child enter a shop, hospital, zoo or the like, the parent is handed a tag 10 for attachment to the child and a receiver 12 (shown in Figure 2), which is of such size that it can be placed in a pocket or bag by the parent.

Each tag 10 and the associated receiver 12 have a unique code and the data relating to the codes is stored on a local, dedicated, stand-alone computer 13 (shown in Figure 4). The parent will normally write down his or her name and address plus the name of the child on a card and place the card in a slot at the back of the tag 10.

When the parent and child have finished visiting the particular location, the tag 10 and the receiver 12 are taken to the customer services counter and a record made confirming their return.

If, however, the child should leave the particular location prior to removal of the tag 10 and passes through an exit point, such as that shown at 14 in Figure 3, the alarm contained in the parent's receiver 12 will sound. The receiver 12 is provided with a GPS tracking system to enable the parent to find out the location of the child. The computer 13 may also be provided with a GPS tracking system to facilitate finding of a missing child.

A further safety feature is the provision of an in-built safety button 15 on the tag 10, operation of which will cause the sounding of an alarm when the tag 10 is removed from the child other than at the service counter.

The tag 10 may also be provided with a hidden camera 16, the images on which are transmitted to the parent's receiver 12 and/or to the computer 13.

If, for example, the child is playing on the beach or in the countryside and the parent is concerned about the child's location, the images that are received should enable the child to be located with minimal trouble.

Other potential uses of the security system include its use in nursing homes for the elderly or mentally handicapped, i.e. for any persons who are at risk of wandering off on their own. The system may also be used to provide additional security of prisoners in court or being transferred to or from prison.

As an alternative to being worn on the wrist of a child, the tag may be in the form of a badge that can be clipped (or otherwise fastened) on to the clothes of the child. If, for example, the system is being used for visitors to a zoo, the badge may be in the form of a representation of an animal. As applied to use of the system at a zoo, the arrangement may be such that, when the tagged badge is handed in by the child, a simple replacement badge is given, again with a representation of an animal or decorated with a symbol identifying or promoting the zoo.

Key -Page 1 Figure 2 Video and GPS Tracking System added to protect Data Coded unit 11 Velcro Strap, could also be leather strap, belt or wrist band Push up button to activate 16 Hidden camera to record the child's movements onto the parents' alarm system. It will enable parent and police to view the abductor instantly onto parents' alarm Alarm will go off and GPS tracking system will be activated.

inbuilt alarm switch Figure 2 12 Parents Alarm Data coded CF'S Tracking System IC) Push up button to activate Recording data (4 IC) O Page 2 Figure 3 14 Doors either stde of barriers alarmed Page 3 Figure 4 Data coded child's alarm with Velcro strap, belt or wrist band 12 Data coded parent alarm small enough for pocket 13 Computer to input code of child's and parents tagging device Push up button to activate

Claims

Claims:- 1. A security system comprising a coded tag containing a programmed microchip having means for the transmission of a radio signal, means for attachment of the tag to a person or animal, and a receiver for reception of the signal and for generation of an alarm.
2. A security system as claimed n Clam 1, in which the coded tag is contained within a housing that also contains a hidden camera.
3. A security system as claimed in Claim 2, in which means are provided whereby the images taken by the hidden camera are transmitted to the receiver.
4. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the receiver also contains a GPS tracking system that enables itto identify the location of the tag.
5. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the arrangement is such that a shop, hospital, zoo or the like has a supply of tags and receivers, with the arrangement such that, when a parent and child visit the shop, hospital, zoo or the like, the parent is handed a receiver and a tag is attached to an arm or leg or to part of the clothing of the child, with records kept by the shop, hospital, zoo or the like concerning the identities of the parent and child. a
6. A security system as claimed in Claim 5, in which the arrangement is such that, if the shop, hospital, zoo or the like has specific exit points, sensor devices are located at the exit points and are programmed to sound an alarm or generate some other form of warning signal in the event that a child wearing a tag should reach one of the exit points.
7. A security system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the tag is in the form of a representation of an animal.
8. A security system as claimed in Claim 7, in which the tag is in the form of a badge that can be clipped on to a part of the clothing of a child.
9. A security system as claimed in Claim 7, for use at a zoo, in which the arrangement is such that, when the child reaches the zoo exit and the tag is handed in, the child is given an animal badge to keep.
10. A security system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.