WO2014149248A2

WO2014149248A2 - Kiosk security for portable electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2014149248A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/015910
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew W. Moock; Christopher J. Fawcett; David N. Berglund; Gary A. TAYLOR; Jeffrey A. GRANT
Original assignee: Invue Security Products Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: WO2014149248A3

Abstract

An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal is provided. The anti-theft device includes a sensor coupled to the portable electronic device, wherein the sensor and/or portable electronic device is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the sensor in an unauthorized manner. The anti-theft device also includes a dock configured to be fixed to a support surface and to secure the portable electronic device, wherein the dock, portable electronic device, and/or the sensor is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the dock in an unauthorized manner.

Description

KIOSK SECURITY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001 ] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 ,791 ,593, filed March 15, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 /807,424, filed April 2, 2013, the contents of which are each incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to anti-theft devices for protecting consumer or point-of-sale electronic devices.

[0003] A recent trend in retail environments is to use smart devices, sometimes cellphones, but more often tablets, as customer service devices. This usage takes on two forms. One form is using a tablet as a kiosk where customers can interact with the device. This may be used to deliver information about the establishment or its products to the consumer or even act as an interface for customer loyalty programs in lieu of plastic cards. A second usage is for store personnel to take these devices with them around the store to help assist customers. The associate might do things like pull up a store map to show a customer where an item is, check on a price of an item, or pull up specifications on a product a customer is considering buying. In some stores, the tablets are even being used to check out customers on the spot. Restaurants might use these devices at a table for ordering or game playing. Entities such as hospitals may allow doctors and nurses to carry around these smart devices for instant access to patient's health charts. Moreover, schools may also utilize these devices for instructional purposes. [0004] This trend requires users to interact with smart devices that tend to be fairly expensive. In some instances, the user may need to leave the smart device unattended to attend to another task. Thus, there is a need for an anti- theft device for protecting portable electronic devices from theft.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to anti-theft devices for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal. According to one embodiment, an anti-theft device includes a sensor coupled to a portable electronic device, wherein the sensor and/or the portable electronic device is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the sensor in an unauthorized manner. The anti-theft device may further include a dock configured to be fixed to a support surface and to secure the portable electronic device, wherein the dock, portable electronic device, and/or the sensor is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the dock in an unauthorized manner.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the anti-theft device includes a dock configured to temporarily receive and support the portable electronic device and an alarming device configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock. The alarming device is configured to be disarmed when the portable electronic device is removed by an authorized user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an anti-theft device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 1 .

[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the anti-theft device shown in FIG. 1

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dock according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[001 1 ] FIG. 5 is a side view of the dock shown in FIG. 4.

[0012] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of a dock according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the dock shown in FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0015] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawing figures wherein identical reference numerals denote the same or similar elements throughout the various views. FIGS. 1 -3 show an exemplary embodiment of an anti-theft device, indicated generally by reference character 20, for protecting a tablet or similar portable electronic device, indicated generally by reference character T, against theft or unauthorized removal. As used herein, the term "tablet" is intended to include without limitation all types of portable, personal computers, for example laptop, notebook, mini-notebook, sub-notebook and netbook type computers, as well as personal data assistant (PDA) type devices and smart devices.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to anti-theft devices comprising a dock 30 or docking station configured to temporarily secure the portable electronic product to the dock, which is configured to be fixed to a support surface, counter, or wall, such as with one or more fasteners and/or adhesive. In some instances, the portable electronic device is configured to be readily placed within the dock and removed from the dock by an authorized user. For example, a retail associate may utilize a tablet for point-of-sale transactions and wish to temporarily secure the tablet. In addition, the dock may also be configured to be alarmed, locked, and/or otherwise secured so that unauthorized personal cannot remove the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the dock includes an alarming device 32 configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock and to disarm when the portable electronic device is removed by an authorized user. The portable electronic device may be operably engaged with the dock and/or the alarming device in a wireless manner (i.e., no tether is required), although wired means may be used if desired. FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a dock configured to support and secure the portable electronic device, although other shapes and configurations are possible for supporting a variety of portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the portable electronic device is at least partially enclosed within a shroud S as shown in FIGS. 1 -3. The shroud and portable electronic device may be configured to be supported by the dock as shown.

[0017] The dock 30 may include a mechanical mechanism 55, such as a pressure or plunger switch, operably engaged with the alarming device 32 and configured to activate in response to engagement and disengagement with the portable electronic device (see, e.g., FIG. 5). FIG. 7 shows that a pair of plunger switches may be used, although one or more switches may be used as desired. The authorized user may utilize a key, passcode, or the like to disarm the alarming device 32. In some embodiments, the dock 30 is configured to power up and/or charge the device when the device is docked. In this case, the anti- theft device 20 may include a power input cord coupled to the dock, inductive charging, or contact charging functionality. An LED or other signaling device 46 may be used to indicate that the anti-theft device is armed. In addition, the alarming device 32 may be configured to generate an alarming signal (e.g., an audible and/or a visible alarm) in response to unauthorized removal of the portable electronic device from the dock. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the dock may include one more recesses 60 for receiving a portion of the shroud therein. For instance, FIG. 3 shows that the recesses 60 may be configured to accommodate a protrusion on the outer surface of the shroud for ensuring that the shroud and portable electronic device are securely received and positioned within the dock.

[0018] In some embodiments, the dock 30 includes an opening 35 configured to receive a portion of the portable electronic device for supporting the device in a desired position and orientation. In one example shown in FIG. 5, the opening 35 is generally J-shaped. The opening 35 may be configured such that the portable electronic device is supported within the dock at an angled orientation (see, e.g., FIG. 2). The dock may also include a lip 45 that is configured to overlie an edge of the portable electronic device. The lip 45 may project towards the screen of the portable electronic device such that in order for the device to be removed from the dock, the device must be pivoted away from the lip. Thus, the lip 45 secures the portable electronic device to the dock, which may prevent unintended undocking of the device. In some instances, a pre-alarm may be activated for a predetermined period of time (e.g. about 5 seconds) when the portable electronic device is removed from the dock, which allows the device to be repositioned within the dock without prompting an alarming signal. An LED 46 or other signaling device may be used to indicate that the anti-theft device is armed. [0019] In some embodiments, the anti-theft device comprises a lock mechanism 36 for securing the portable electronic device the dock (see, e.g., FIG. 2), which may include electrical, magnetic, and/or mechanical interaction. For example, the lock mechanism may be configured to automatically lock when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock. In order to release the unit, an authorized user could a key or some other security means (e.g. a passcode) to disarm the alarming device and/or disengage the lock mechanism. In some instances, a customized adapter or shroud S may be operably engaged with the portable electronic device and configured to engage with the lock mechanism. This may be carried out using a shroud that covers the portable electronic device except for the screen, but could be accomplished in other ways, for example, attaching the locking features with adhesive to the back of the portable electronic device.

[0020] Another embodiment of a lock mechanism 36 comprises an electromechanical connection between the dock and the portable electronic device. For instance, an electro-mechanical lock may be configured to move into place when triggered by the portable electronic device being docked, such as with one or more pressure switches or similar means of detecting the presence of the portable electronic device. Where the portable electronic device includes a shroud, a mechanical lock may then engage the locking features on the shroud. Another embodiment of a lock mechanism is an electromagnetic lock. Again, the portable electronic device would be detected upon docking, but in this embodiment, an electromagnet would engage, holding the portable electronic device to the dock with magnetics.

[0021 ] An unlocking feature for removing the portable electronic device or disarming the alarming device may take many forms. One embodiment is an electrical key utilizing radio frequencies, infrared, or some other electronic means to communicate with the dock and/or alarming device to allow the portable electronic device to be released. For example, FIG. 1 shows that the dock may include a port 50 for receiving a signal from the key having a unique identifying code recognizable by the dock but otherwise unrecognizable by other docks not associated with the code (e.g., in other departments or stores). Moreover, in one embodiment, the key may have a limited timeframe in which the key is operable to remove the portable electronic device from the dock. For instance, the key may time out within a predetermined period of time. Other embodiments may include standard mechanical keys or magnetic keys that move locking members inside the dock. In some embodiments, the key may be similar to the IR and IR2 keys manufactured by InVue Security Products Inc.

[0022] In another embodiment, the lock mechanism 36 or means of securing the portable electronic device is an electro-magnetic interface. A piece of conductive material or metal is attached to the portable electronic device, such as with adhesive, glue, or a shroud that encases the entire device and has the metal as a component. A dock is configured to receive the portable electronic device with its metal plate attached. A means of detecting when the portable electronic device may be in the base and trigger the electromagnet to be turned on, thus attracting the metal plate to the magnet and securing the portable electronic device to the dock. In addition, the dock may have an alarming device to detect unauthorized removal of the portable electronic device from the dock. As before, a key may be used to authorize the dock to turn off the magnet and allow the portable electronic device to be removed. This key can take many forms from a traditional mechanical lock to a touchpad with a security code to some form of electronic key that can communicate a hidden security code to the base.

[0023] In other embodiments, the anti-theft device may include circuitry for automatically recognizing the portable electronic device. For example, the portable electronic device may comprise a program for communicating with the alarming device circuitry via wireless means (e.g. Bluetooth communication). As such, the anti-theft device is configured to automatically detect the presence of a particular portable electronic device. In this way, the portable electronic device may include an application that provides the functionality for communicating with the circuitry of the anti-theft device.

[0024] In another embodiment, the portable electronic device may include a program for detecting motion thereof and arming or disarming the device based on such motion. For instance, the portable electronic device may include an accelerometer for detecting motion of the device. The accelerometer may be configured to sense when the portable electronic device has been placed on a table or other surface and is automatically armed. When the portable electronic device is picked back up, the device may be configured to ask for authorization (e.g. a passcode) within a predetermined period of time before an alarming signal is activated. In this case, the portable electronic device may include a speaker for providing an audible alarming signal. The accelerometer may be sensitive enough to distinguish between holding the portable electronic device substantially still versus placing the device on a table or other support surface.

[0025] In another embodiment, the anti-theft device may include a sensor 40. For example, the sensor 40 may be an inductive sensor for sensing the presence of the portable electronic device. For example, the sensor 40 may be configured to directly detect the presence of the portable electronic device. In one embodiment, the sensor 40 may include an inductive coil configured to sense the presence of metal or other property of the portable electronic device. A first reading may be taken when the portable electronic device is docked, and when a device is docked again at a later time, another reading can be made and compared to the first reading. If the difference in the readings is greater than a predetermined value, it may be determined that the portable electronic device has been swapped with another device, thereby triggering an alarming signal. [0026] As noted above, a sensor 40 may be coupled to the portable electronic device. The sensor and/or portable electronic device may be configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the sensor. Thus, where the portable electronic device has been removed from the dock in an unauthorized manner, the sensor may provide an additional and independent means for preventing or deterring theft. The sensor may be attached to the portable electronic device using a variety of techniques, such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a shroud, a clamp, or attaching to one or more ports on the device. The sensor may also include a handle for facilitating more comfortable usage of the portable electronic device. Where power to the portable electronic device is desired during use, a power mechanism may be used to provide power to the portable electronic device when undocked. For example, the sensor may include a battery or other power source configured to provide power to the battery of the portable electronic device.

[0027] The sensor 40 may be configured to detect any number of activities that are indicative of theft and generate an alarming signal in response thereto. For example, the sensor may be configured to detect removal of the sensor from the portable electronic device, movement of the portable electronic device and the absence of light (e.g., indicating that the device is hidden), movement of the portable electronic device into an unauthorized location or zone, the location of the portable electronic device in relation to an authorized user, location, or perimeter, and/or the time that that the portable electronic device is located away from an authorized location or user. In one embodiment, the sensor may also include electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology 34 (e.g., an EAS tag) for indicating that the portable electronic device is located beyond an authorized location or perimeter. For instance, the sensor could activate an alarming signal from an EAS gate at a retail store exit in response to the sensor and associated EAS tag passing through the gate. [0028] Similar to the dock discussed above, an unlocking feature may be used to removing the portable electronic device from the sensor in an authorized manner. For example, an electrical key utilizing radio frequencies, infrared, or some other electronic means to communicate with the portable electronic device or sensor to allow the portable electronic device to be released. For example, the sensor may include a port for receiving a signal from the key. Other embodiments might include standard mechanical keys or magnetic keys that move locking members inside the sensor. Where the sensor is coupled or otherwise integrated with a shroud, the shroud may likewise include a port 50 for communicating with a key to remove the shroud from the portable electronic device (see FIG. 1 ). Moreover, the key may have a limited timeframe in which the key is operable to remove the portable electronic device from the sensor.

[0029] The foregoing has described one or more embodiments of an anti-theft device for protecting a tablet or similar portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate that numerous variations and modifications of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such variations and modifications are intended to be encompassed by the appended claims.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1 . An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising: a sensor coupled to the portable electronic device, wherein the sensor and/or portable electronic device is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the sensor in an unauthorized manner; and a dock configured to be fixed to a support surface and to secure the portable electronic device, wherein the dock, portable electronic device, and/or the sensor is configured to generate an alarming signal when the portable electronic device is separated from the dock in an unauthorized manner.

2. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , further comprising a lock mechanism for locking the portable electronic device to the dock.

3. The anti-theft device of claim 2, wherein the lock mechanism comprises an electromagnet.

4. The anti-theft device of claim 2, further comprising a shroud configured to house the portable electronic device, wherein the shroud is configured to engage with the lock mechanism.

5. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , further comprising an alarming device operably engaged with the dock.

6. The anti-theft device of claim 5, wherein the dock comprises a pressure switch operably engaged with the alarming device and is configured to activate in response to engagement and disengagement with the portable electronic device.

7. The anti-theft device of claim 5, wherein the alarming device is configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock and to be disarmed when the portable electronic device is removed by an authorized user

8. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor and/or dock comprises a port for receiving a signal from a key for permitting authorized removal of the sensor from the portable electronic device or authorized removal of the portable electronic device from the dock.

9. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the portable electronic device is configured to be secured wirelessly within the dock.

10. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an EAS tag configured to activate an alarm in an EAS system.

1 1 . The anti-theft device of claim 1 , further comprising a shroud configured to house the portable electronic device, wherein the sensor is integrated with the shroud.

12. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect at least one of: movement of the portable electronic device and the absence of light; movement of the portable electronic device into an unauthorized location; the location of the portable electronic device in relation to an authorized location or perimeter; or the time that that the portable electronic device is located away from an authorized location or user.

13. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the dock comprises an opening sized and configured to receive a portion of the portable electronic device.

14. The anti-theft device of claim 13, wherein the dock comprises a lip defined adjacent to the opening sized and configured to overlie an edge of the portable electronic device.

15. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises an inductive sensor for sensing the presence of the portable electronic device.

16. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , further comprising circuitry for automatically recognizing the portable electronic device.

17. The anti-theft device of claim 16, wherein the portable electronic device comprises a program for communicating with the circuitry.

18. The anti-theft device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is configured to detect movement of the portable electronic device and to generate an alarming signal in response thereto.

19. An anti-theft device for protecting a portable electronic device from theft or unauthorized removal, comprising: a dock configured to temporarily receive and support the portable electronic device; an alarming device configured to arm when the portable electronic device is positioned within the dock, wherein the alarming device is configured to be disarmed when the portable electronic device is removed by an authorized user.

20. The anti-theft device of claim 19, wherein the portable electronic device is configured to be secured wirelessly within the dock.