Article theft prevention system
The anti-theft system uses signal strength monitoring between a main and secondary unit to activate alerts or alarms, addressing the ineffectiveness of detachable trackers by ensuring early detection and prevention of theft.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- TW115202051
- Authority / Receiving Office
- TW · TW
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2036-03-09
AI Technical Summary
Existing anti-theft systems for items, such as wireless trackers, are easily detachable by thieves, rendering them ineffective for recovering stolen items.
An anti-theft system comprising a portable main unit and a portable secondary unit, each equipped with control, wireless transmission, and alarm units, that monitors the signal strength between them to activate alerts or alarms when the distance exceeds predefined thresholds, ensuring early detection of potential theft.
The system effectively prevents theft by providing multi-level monitoring and timely alerts, reducing the likelihood of items being stolen by triggering alarms when the distance between the units exceeds safe thresholds.
Smart Images

Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115202051-A0305-14-0001-1 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115202051-A0305-14-0002-2 
Figure IMG-2_DRAW_115202051-A0305-14-0003-3
Abstract
Description
Anti-theft system ARTICLE THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to an anti-theft device, and more particularly to an anti-theft system for items transmitted via wireless technology. Prior Technology
[0002] To protect valuables from theft, many people carry them with them or keep them in sight. However, pickpockets often take advantage of moments when people are not paying attention to easily steal valuables. Therefore, while wireless trackers are available to locate and track items, and this method can pinpoint the item's location after it has been stolen, pickpockets can easily detach the tracker, rendering it ineffective. Thus, once an item is stolen, it is very difficult for the owner to recover it. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide an anti-theft system for items, addressing the shortcomings of existing technologies.
[0004] This invention provides an anti-theft system for items, including a portable main unit and a portable secondary unit. The portable secondary unit includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, an alarm unit, and a vibration sensing unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit, the alarm unit, and the vibration sensing unit. The portable main unit includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, and an alert unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit and the alert unit. When the received signal strength indication value of the wireless connection between the portable main unit and the portable secondary unit is less than a first preset value and greater than a second preset value, the control unit of the portable main unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alert signal. When the received signal strength indication value of the wireless connection between the portable main unit and the portable secondary unit is less than a third preset value, the control unit of the portable main unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alarm signal and controls the control unit of the portable secondary unit to control the alarm unit to output a secondary unit alarm signal. The first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value.
[0005] This invention provides an anti-theft system for items, including multiple portable sub-units and a portable main unit. Each portable sub-unit includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, an alarm unit, and a vibration sensing unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit, the alarm unit, and the vibration sensing unit. The portable main unit includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, and an alert unit. The control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit and the alert unit. When the portable main unit receives a signal strength indicator value less than a first preset value and greater than a second preset value from some of the portable sub-units, the portable main unit operates in normal mode. When the portable main unit receives signal strength indicator values less than the first preset value and greater than the second preset value from all of the portable sub-units, the control unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alert signal. When the portable main unit receives a signal strength indicator value less than a third preset value from some of the portable sub-units, the portable main unit operates in normal mode or the control unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alert signal. When the portable host receives a signal strength indication value less than the third preset value from all the portable slave units wirelessly connected, the control unit of the portable host outputs a host alarm signal and the control unit of the portable slave units outputs a slave alarm signal; wherein the first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value.
[0006] In summary, the anti-theft system provided in this embodiment can prevent and deter theft of items in advance, and provides a variety of protective measures through multi-level monitoring at different distances, thus ensuring the safety of items and making them less likely to be stolen.
[0007] To gain a better understanding of the features and technical content of this work, please refer to the following detailed description and illustrations. However, the illustrations provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit this work. Simple Explanation of the Diagram
[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an anti-theft system for items provided in one embodiment of this invention.
[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a portable host tracking a portable slave unit, according to one embodiment of this invention.
[0010] Figure 3 is a control flowchart of an anti-theft method for items provided in one embodiment of this invention.
[0011] Figure 4 is a control flowchart of a portable host performing a search mode according to one embodiment of this invention.
[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an anti-theft system for tracking multiple portable devices provided in one embodiment of this invention.
[0013] Figure 6 is a control flowchart of one embodiment of the present invention, which provides a method for tracking multiple portable devices to prevent theft of items. Implementation
[0014] The following specific embodiments illustrate the implementation of this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content provided in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are for simple illustration only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the provided content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.
[0015] It should be understood that while terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used in this document to describe various components or signals, these components or signals should not be limited by these terms. These terms are primarily used to distinguish one component from another, or one signal from another. Furthermore, the term "or" as used herein may, depending on the context, include any combination of one or more of the related listed items.
[0016] This invention provides an anti-theft system for items, which refers to a system where a portable main unit carried by the user tracks a portable secondary unit attached to an item to be tracked. Specifically, after the portable main unit and the portable secondary unit are wirelessly connected, the portable main unit tracks the changes in the signal strength between them and determines the distance between them based on these changes. If the distance exceeds the warning or alarm distance, an anti-theft warning or alarm is activated in advance. Furthermore, the portable main unit actively executes the aforementioned anti-theft mechanism within the wireless connection range of the portable secondary unit, allowing the user wearing the portable main unit to respond early based on the warning or alarm, effectively preventing items from being stolen by other individuals.
[0017] [Architecture Example of an Anti-theft System]
[0018] Please refer to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of an anti-theft system provided in one embodiment of this invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a portable host tracking a portable slave device provided in one embodiment of this invention. The anti-theft system 1 described in this embodiment can be carried by the user and can monitor items for theft prevention. This anti-theft system 1 includes a portable host 2 and a portable slave device 3. The portable host 2 and the portable slave device 3 are designed separately and are wirelessly monitored through wireless communication. For example, after the portable host 2 is successfully paired with the portable slave device 3, the portable host 2 can monitor the wireless connection status with the portable slave device 3 at any time, thus enabling real-time monitoring of the distance changes between the portable slave device 3 installed on the item and the portable host 2 carried by the user.
[0019] It should be noted that when the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 are wirelessly connected, the portable host 2 determines the working mode according to the received signal strength indication value of the wireless connection with the portable slave unit 3. Here, the working mode is explained as normal mode, reminder mode or alarm mode.
[0020] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG2, the normal mode means that the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave 3 is within a safe distance (that is, the distance between the portable slave 3 and the portable host 2 is less than the first preset distance D1). At this time, the portable host 2 and the portable slave 3 do not need to perform any anti-robbery reminders or warnings in advance.
[0021] In some embodiments, the reminder mode shown in FIG2 refers to the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 exceeding the safe distance but within a reminder distance range, where the reminder distance range is between the first preset distance D1 and the second preset distance D2. At this time, the portable host 2 performs an anti-robbery reminder in advance. For example, the portable host 2 can output a host reminder signal (such as sound, visual cues or vibration) to remind the user.
[0022] In some embodiments, the alarm mode shown in FIG2 refers to the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 exceeding the alarm distance, which is the third preset distance D3 shown in FIG2. In this case, the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 will activate the anti-robbery alarm earlier. For example, the portable host 2 can output a host alarm signal (such as sound, visual cues, or tactile cues) to remind the user, and the portable slave unit 3 can output a slave alarm signal (such as sound, visual cues, or tactile cues) to warn the thief.
[0023] In some embodiments, the alarm mode can also refer to a situation where the distance between the portable main unit 2 and the portable slave unit 3 exceeds the alarm distance, and the portable slave unit 3 is simultaneously vibrated. In this case, the portable main unit 2 and the portable slave unit 3 can execute the anti-robbery alarm earlier. The portable main unit 2 can further determine whether the portable slave unit 3 has been moved by a thief, thus reducing false alarms.
[0024] It should be noted that the safety distance is less than the first preset distance D1 or the second preset distance D2, the first preset distance D1 is less than the second preset distance D2, and the second preset distance D2 is less than the third preset distance D3.
[0025] In some implementations, as shown in Figure 1, the portable host 2 includes a control unit 20, a wireless transmission unit 22, a notification unit 24, a display unit 26, an operation unit 27, and an identification unit 28. The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit 22, the notification unit 24, the display unit 26, the operation unit 27, and the identification unit 28. The control unit 20 of the portable host 2 is wirelessly connected to the portable slave unit 3 through the wireless transmission unit 22, and the control unit 20 determines the operating mode of the portable host 2 based on the received signal strength indication value of the wireless transmission unit 22.
[0026] The control unit 20 can control the reminder unit 24 to output reminders or alarms. For example, when the operating mode is reminder mode, the control unit 20 controls the reminder unit 24 to output a host reminder signal. When the operating mode is alarm mode, the control unit 20 controls the reminder unit 24 to output a host alarm signal. Here, the reminder unit 24 can be a sound output element (such as a speaker or buzzer), a visual element (such as an LED light-emitting element, a flat panel display, or a projector), or a tactile element (such as a vibration motor, a bone conduction sound wave element, a cooling element, a phase change material (PCM) element, an airflow output element, or a deformation element / component). The host reminder signal or host alarm signal can be output through sound output elements, visual cues through visual elements (such as displaying light signals through LED light-emitting elements, displaying images through a flat panel display, or projecting images through a projector), or tactile cues such as vibration, temperature changes, airflow changes, or surface changes (such as changing the surface height to bulge or sink).
[0027] The control unit 20 can control the display unit 26 to display the relevant operating status of the portable host 2, such as the strength of the connection signal, the operating mode, and the relative distance or direction between the host and the portable slave unit 3.
[0028] The control unit 20 can obtain input signals based on the input operations of the operation unit 27, which can be a button or a touch panel. For example, the control unit 20 can control the portable main unit 2 to perform parameter settings for various working modes, search modes, or control the portable slave unit 3 to directly generate an alarm sound based on the input signals.
[0029] The control unit 20 can obtain physiological signals from the identification unit 28 for use as identity verification on the portable host 2. The identification unit 28 is, for example, a fingerprint reader.
[0030] In some implementations, as shown in Figure 1, the portable handset 3 includes a control unit 30, a wireless transmission unit 32, an alarm unit 34, an identification unit 36, a vibration sensing unit 37, a locking unit 38, and a positioning unit 39. The control unit 30 is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit 32, the alarm unit 34, the identification unit 36, the vibration sensing unit 37, the locking unit 38, and the positioning unit 39. The control unit 30 of the portable handset 3 is wirelessly connected to the portable host 2 via the wireless transmission unit 32, and is controlled by the different operating modes of the portable host 2 to output alarms to the alarm unit 34. For example, the control unit 30 can obtain the handset alarm signal or handset search signal output by the portable host 2 via the wireless transmission unit 32, and the control unit 30 controls the alarm unit 34 according to the handset alarm signal or handset search signal.
[0031] For example, when the portable host 2 is in the reminder mode, the control unit 30 of the portable slave unit 3 does not need to control the alarm unit 34 to issue an alarm according to the control of the portable host 2. When the portable host 2 is in the alarm mode, the control unit 30 of the portable slave unit 3 controls the alarm unit 34 to output a slave unit alarm signal according to the output control of the portable host 2. The warning unit 34 can be a sound output element (such as a speaker or buzzer), a visual element (such as an LED light-emitting element, a flat panel display or a projector), or a tactile element (such as a vibration motor, a bone conduction sound wave element, a cooling element, a phase change material (PCM) element, an airflow output element, or a deformation element / component). The alarm signal of the sub-unit can be output through the sound output element (such as an alarm sound), output through the visual element (such as displaying a light signal through an LED light-emitting element, displaying a picture through a flat panel display or outputting a projected picture through a projector), or generate different tactile cues such as vibration, temperature change, airflow change, or surface change (such as changing the surface height to bulge or sink).
[0032] The control unit 30 can obtain physiological signals from the identification unit 36 for use as identity verification on the portable terminal device 3. The identification unit 36 is, for example, a fingerprint reader.
[0033] The control unit 30 determines whether the portable handset 3 is vibrating due to external force based on the vibration sensing results (such as vibration value) from the vibration sensing unit 37. The control unit 30 can also wirelessly transmit this vibration value to the portable host 2 via the wireless transmission unit 32 for usage determination. In addition, the portable host 2 can use whether this vibration value exceeds the vibration alarm threshold as a control basis for determining whether the operating mode should enter the alarm mode.
[0034] The control unit 30 can be used to control the unlocking operation of the lock body 38. For example, in this portable handset 3, the structure is illustrated by incorporating the lock body 38. After the portable handset 3 is locked to an item via the lock body 38, the subsequent unlocking action is performed by identifying whether the user is authorized. For example, the control unit 30 can obtain physiological information through the identification unit 36. This physiological signal is used as the unlocking signal, and the control unit 30 can identify whether the physiological information indicates an authorized user. If the identification is successful, the control unit 30 can control the lock body 38 to unlock. Alternatively, the portable handset 3 can also wirelessly obtain physiological signals provided by the portable host 2 to unlock the lock body 38.
[0035] The control unit 30 can obtain the location signal of the portable sub-unit 3 from the positioning unit 39 and transmit this location signal to the portable host 2 through the wireless transmission unit 32 so that the portable host 2 can track the location of the portable sub-unit 3.
[0036] In some embodiments, for the portable host 2, the control unit 20 can obtain the Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value through the wireless transmission unit 22. When the RSSI value is greater than a first preset value, the control unit 20 determines that the portable host 2 is operating in normal mode. When the RSSI value is less than the first preset value and greater than a second preset value, the control unit 20 determines that the portable host 2 is operating in alert mode, and the portable host 2 outputs a host alert signal through the alert unit 24. When the RSSI value is less than a third preset value, the control unit 20 determines that the portable host 2 is operating in alarm mode, and the portable host 2 outputs a host alarm signal through the alert unit 24 and controls the alarm unit 34 of the portable slave unit 3 to output a slave alarm signal.
[0037] It should be noted that the first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value. For the control unit 20, the first preset value is used to determine whether the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is greater than the first preset distance D1. For example, when the received signal strength indication value is greater than the first preset value, it means that the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is less than the first preset distance D1.
[0038] The control unit 20 uses a second preset value to determine whether the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is greater than a second preset distance. For example, when the received signal strength indication value is less than a first preset value but greater than a second preset value, it means that the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is greater than the first preset distance D1 but less than the second preset distance D2. Conversely, when the received signal strength indication value is less than the second preset value, it means that the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is greater than the second preset distance D2.
[0039] The control unit 20 uses a third preset value to determine whether the distance between the portable main unit 2 and the portable sub-unit 3 is greater than a third preset distance. For example, if the received signal strength indication value is less than the third preset value, it means that the distance between the portable main unit 2 and the portable sub-unit 3 is greater than the third preset distance D3. If the received signal strength indication value is greater than the third preset value, it means that the distance between the portable main unit 2 and the portable sub-unit 3 is less than the third preset distance D3.
[0040] In some embodiments, the wireless transmission unit 22 and the wireless transmission unit 32 are respectively a Bluetooth communication circuit or a Zigbee communication network.
[0041] In some embodiments, the portable host 2 may be a wearable device (such as a bracelet, necklace, or ring), and the portable slave device 3 may be an electronic tag locator.
[0042] In some embodiments, when the portable host 2 executes the reminder mode or alarm mode, the volume of the host reminder signal or host alarm signal output by the reminder unit 24 is proportional to the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3; and the volume of the slave alarm signal output by the alarm unit 34 is proportional to the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3.
[0043] In some embodiments, when the portable host 2 executes a reminder mode or an alarm mode, the volume or frequency of the sound, visual cues flashing, brightness, or tactile feedback of the host reminder signal or host alarm signal output by the reminder unit 24 is proportional to the speed of movement of the portable slave unit 3; and the volume or frequency of the sound, visual cues flashing, brightness, or tactile feedback of the slave alarm signal output by the alarm unit 34 is proportional to the speed of movement of the portable slave unit 3.
[0044] In some embodiments, the first preset distance is, for example, 1 meter, the second preset distance is, for example, 2 meters, and the third preset distance is, for example, 3 meters.
[0045] [Control Implementation Examples of Anti-theft Methods for Items]
[0046] Please refer to Figure 3, which is a control flowchart of the anti-theft method for items provided in this embodiment. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is illustrated using the architecture of the aforementioned embodiment as an example. When the flowchart shown in Figure 3 is executed in the anti-theft system 1, it includes the following steps.
[0047] In step S301, wireless connection is established. The portable host 2 pairs with the wireless transmission unit 32 of the portable slave unit 3 through the wireless transmission unit 22. Once pairing is complete, the two can establish a wireless connection.
[0048] In step S303, distance detection is performed. The portable host 2 determines the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 based on the relative magnitude of the received signal strength indication value obtained through the wireless transmission unit 22.
[0049] In step S305, the operating mode is determined. Based on the determination result of step S303, the portable host 2 determines the operating mode according to the relative magnitude of the received signal strength indication value. For example, when the received signal strength indication value is greater than a first preset value, the portable host 2 operates in normal mode and returns to step S301. When the received signal strength indication value is less than the first preset value and greater than the second preset value, the portable host 2 operates in alert mode and executes step S307. When the received signal strength indication value is less than a third preset value, the portable host executes step S309.
[0050] In step S307, the reminder mode is entered. The portable host 2 outputs a host reminder signal through the reminder unit 24, such as generating sound, visual cues, or vibration on the portable host 2.
[0051] In step S309, it is determined whether there is vibration. The portable host 2 determines whether the portable slave unit 3 is vibrating. For example, when the vibration value of the vibration sensing unit 37 of the portable slave unit 3 exceeds the vibration alarm value, the portable host 2 operates in alarm mode and executes step S311. When the vibration value of the vibration sensing unit of the portable slave unit 3 does not exceed the vibration alarm value, step S313 is executed.
[0052] In step S311, the alarm mode is entered. The portable host 2 outputs a host alarm signal through the alert unit 24, such as generating an audible, visual, or tactile alert on the portable host 2. The portable slave unit 3 outputs a slave alarm signal through the alert unit 34, such as generating an audible (e.g., alarm tone), visual, or tactile alert on the portable slave unit 3.
[0053] In step S313, a misjudgment occurs. At this time, the portable host 2 is not in alarm mode. However, since the distance between the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 is already too far, the portable host can work in reminder mode to issue an alarm.
[0054] Please refer to Figure 4, which is a control flowchart of a portable host executing the search mode in one embodiment of this invention. The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is illustrated using the architecture of the aforementioned embodiment as an example. When the process shown in Figure 4 is executed in an anti-theft system, it includes the following steps.
[0055] In step S401, the connection is interrupted. When the portable host 2 and the portable slave unit 3 are too far apart, the connection will be interrupted, and the portable host 2 will be unable to perform the anti-theft security function on the portable slave unit 3.
[0056] In step S403, the search mode is activated. Here, the operation unit 27 of the portable host 2 can activate the search mode based on the user's input signal.
[0057] In step S405, a display screen is shown. The portable host 2 can display the relevant display screen for the search mode execution through the display unit 26.
[0058] In step S407, it is determined whether a signal is detected. If a signal is detected, the portable handset 3 and the portable host 2 re-establish a wireless connection. The portable host 2 can then display the location and distance of the portable handset 3 relative to the portable host 2 on the display unit 26, and step S409 is executed. If no signal is detected, step S407 is repeated.
[0059] In step S409, an alert signal is output. The portable host 2 outputs a host search signal to the alert unit 24 to generate a tactile, visual, or audible alert signal. In addition, the portable host 2 can also control the portable slave unit 3, and the control unit 30 of the portable slave unit 3 outputs a slave search signal to the alarm unit 34 to output an alarm sound, tactile alert, or visual alert.
[0060] In some embodiments, when the portable host 2 is operating in reminder mode or alarm mode, if the user does not deactivate the reminder mode or alarm mode of the portable host 2 within a preset time (e.g., 3 seconds), the portable host 2 may further output a feedback signal to an external device (e.g., a mobile communication device).
[0061] The above embodiments illustrate the anti-theft function operation of a single portable host 2 in conjunction with a single portable slave unit 3. Further examples illustrate that a single portable host 2 can also be used in conjunction with multiple portable slave units 3 to perform the anti-theft function operation.
[0062] Please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of an anti-theft system for tracking multiple portable sub-devices provided in one embodiment of this invention. The anti-theft system 1a described in this embodiment is portable and can monitor items for theft prevention. This anti-theft system 1a includes a portable main unit 2 and multiple portable sub-devices 3, wherein the portable main unit 2 and the portable sub-devices 3 are designed separately and are wirelessly monitored via wireless communication. The internal architecture of the portable main unit 2 and the portable sub-devices 3 can be seen in Figure 1, and will not be described in detail here.
[0063] In some embodiments, the portable host 2 is wirelessly connected to each of the portable slave units 3, and the portable host 2 operates in normal mode, reminder mode or alarm mode according to the received signal strength indication value of the wireless connection with the portable slave units 3.
[0064] For example, when the portable host 2 receives a signal strength indication value greater than a first preset value when it is wirelessly connected to any portable slave unit 3, the portable host 2 operates in normal mode.
[0065] For example, when the portable host 2 receives signal strength indicators from only a portion of the wireless connections of these portable slave devices 3 that are less than a first preset value and greater than a second preset value, the portable host 2 operates in normal mode. However, when the portable host 2 receives signal strength indicators from all of these wireless connections of the portable slave devices 3 that are less than the first preset value and greater than the second preset value, the portable host 2 operates in reminder mode, that is, at this time the portable host 2 can output a host reminder signal through the reminder unit 24.
[0066] When the portable host 2 receives signal strength indicators from only a portion of the wireless connections of the portable slave devices 3 that are less than the third preset value, the portable host 2 operates in normal mode or alert mode. When the portable host 2 receives signal strength indicators from all of the wireless connections of the portable slave devices 3 that are less than the third preset value, the portable host 2 operates in alarm mode, and the portable host 2 outputs a host alarm signal through the alert unit 24, and the portable slave devices 3 output slave alarm signals through the warning unit 34. The first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value.
[0067] In some embodiments, when the received signal strength indication value is less than a third preset value, the portable host further determines whether the vibration value of the portable slave unit 3 exceeds the alarm vibration value. When the vibration value exceeds the alarm vibration value, the portable host 2 operates in alarm mode. When the vibration value does not exceed the alarm vibration value, the portable host 2 operates in reminder mode. The host reminder signal and host alarm signal are generated on the portable host 2 by tactile prompts, visual prompts or sounds. The slave alarm signal is generated on the portable slave unit 3 by alarm sounds, tactile prompts or visual prompts.
[0068] In some embodiments, when the received signal strength indication values of all portable slave devices 3 wirelessly connected to the portable host 2 are all less than a third preset value, the portable host 2 determines whether the vibration direction of all portable slave devices 3 is consistent or whether the moving speed of all portable slave devices 3 exceeds a preset speed. This determination mechanism ensures that all portable slave devices 3 are consistent in group comparison.
[0069] For example, when the portable host 2 determines that the vibration direction of all portable slave units 3 is not completely consistent, the portable host 2 operates in reminder mode; when the portable host 2 determines that the vibration direction of all portable slave units 3 is completely consistent, the portable host 2 operates in alarm mode.
[0070] For example, when the portable host 2 determines that the moving speed of all portable slave units 3 does not exceed the preset speed, the portable host 2 operates in reminder mode; when the portable host 2 determines that the moving speed of all portable slave units 3 exceeds the preset speed, the portable host 2 operates in alarm mode.
[0071] As explained above, the portable host 2 will only confirm the working mode as alert mode or alarm mode when the received signal strength indication values of all wirelessly connected portable slave units 3 meet the judgment conditions of alert mode or alarm mode. This can effectively avoid misjudgment by a single portable slave unit.
[0072] In some embodiments, the wireless transmission unit 22 of the portable host 2 and the wireless transmission unit 32 of the portable slave unit 3 can communicate wirelessly with each other through Bluetooth Mesh technology of Bluetooth communication circuit or parallel cellular architecture of Zigbee communication network. This extends the communication distance between the portable host 2 and these portable slave units 3 and strengthens the signal transmission, making the portable slave units 3 less susceptible to signal interference or signal loss due to environmental factors.
[0073] Please refer to Figure 6, which is a control flowchart of a method for tracking multiple portable devices to prevent theft, provided in one embodiment of this invention. The flowchart shown in Figure 6 is illustrated using the architecture of the aforementioned embodiment as an example. When the flowchart shown in Figure 6 is executed in the anti-theft system 1a, it includes the following steps.
[0074] In step S601, any one of the portable sub-units 3 meets the alarm mode. When the portable host 2 determines that one of the multiple portable sub-units 3 meets the judgment condition of the alarm mode, the working mode of the portable host 2 has not yet been confirmed. It is necessary to further confirm the relative positions of the other portable sub-units 3 and whether they have been vibrated.
[0075] In step S603, it checks whether the other portable sub-units 3 operate simultaneously. The portable main unit 2 determines the relative positions of the other portable sub-units 3 and whether they are vibrating. If all other portable sub-units 3 operate simultaneously and meet the judgment conditions of the alarm mode, then step S605 is further executed. If any portable sub-unit 3 does not operate simultaneously, then step S607 is executed.
[0076] In step S605, it is determined whether the moving speed exceeds a preset speed. If the moving speed of all portable sub-units 3 exceeds the preset speed, then step S609 is executed. If the moving speed of any portable sub-unit 3 does not exceed the preset speed, then step S611 is executed.
[0077] In step S607, a single reminder is issued. Here, a single reminder means that the portable host 2 is operating in reminder mode, that is, only the portable host 2 issues a reminder.
[0078] In step S609, a group alert is issued. Here, a group alert means that the portable main unit 2 is operating in alarm mode, meaning that both the portable main unit 2 and all portable slave units 3 will issue an alarm alert.
[0079] In step S611, a single reminder is issued. Here, a single reminder means that the portable host 2 is operating in reminder mode, that is, only the portable host 2 issues a reminder.
[0080] In some embodiments, when performing step S605, it is further determined whether the moving speed of all portable slave units 3 continuously exceeds the moving time (e.g., 300~500ms). If the determination is correct, step S609 is executed; if the determination is not correct, step S611 is executed.
[0081] In some embodiments, the control unit 20 and the control unit 30 may be one or any combination of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a system-on-a-chip (SOC), and may be used in conjunction with other related circuit elements and firmware to realize the above-mentioned functional flow.
[0082] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]
[0083] The anti-theft system provided by this invention can prevent and deter theft of items in advance, and provides a variety of protection measures through multiple layers of monitoring distances, thus ensuring the safety of items and making them less likely to be stolen.
[0084] The above-described content is merely a preferred embodiment of this invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of this invention. Therefore, any equivalent technical changes made using the description and drawings of this invention are included within the scope of the patent application of this invention.
[0085] 1.1a: Anti-theft system 2: Portable main unit 20: Control Department 22: Wireless Transmission Department 24: Reminder Department 26: Display Section 27: Operations Department 28: Identification Department 3: Portable electronic device 30: Control Department 32: Wireless Transmission Department 34: Warning Department 36: Identification Department 37: Vibration sensing unit 38: Lock body 39: Positioning Department S301: Wireless Connection S303: Distance Detection S305: Determine the working mode S307: Entering Reminder Mode S309: Determine if there is vibration S311: Enter alarm mode S313: Misjudgment S401: Connection interrupted S403: Start search mode S405: Display screen S407: Signal detected S409: Output reminder signal S601: Any portable handset meets alarm mode requirements S603: Do other portable handsets operate simultaneously? S605: Movement speed exceeds preset speed S607: Single Reminder S609: Group Reminder S611: Single Reminder
Claims
1. An anti-theft system for items, comprising: A portable handset includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, an alarm unit, and a vibration sensing unit, the control unit being electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit, the alarm unit, and the vibration sensing unit; and a portable main unit includes a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, and an alert unit, the control unit being electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit and the alert unit; wherein when a received signal strength indicator value of the wireless connection between the portable main unit and the portable handset is less than a first preset value and greater than a second preset value, the control unit of the portable main unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alert signal; wherein when the received signal strength indicator value of the wireless connection between the portable main unit and the portable handset is less than a third preset value, the control unit of the portable main unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alarm signal and controls the control unit of the portable handset to control the alarm unit to output a handset alarm signal; wherein the first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value.
2. The anti-theft system for items as described in claim 1, wherein when the received signal strength indication value of the wireless connection between the portable host and the portable slave unit is less than the third preset value, and a vibration value output by the vibration sensing unit of the portable slave unit to the portable host exceeds an alarm vibration value, the reminder unit of the portable host outputs the host alarm signal; when the vibration value does not exceed the alarm vibration value, the control unit of the portable host controls the reminder unit to output the host reminder signal; the host reminder signal and the host alarm signal generate visual cues, tactile cues, or sound cues on the portable host, and the slave alarm signal generates alarm sounds, visual cues, or tactile cues on the portable slave unit.
3. The anti-theft system for items as described in claim 2, wherein when the portable sub-unit loses connection with the portable main unit, the portable main unit executes a search mode based on an input signal, and when the portable sub-unit and the portable main unit re-establish wireless connection, the portable main unit displays the location and distance of the portable sub-unit relative to the portable main unit, or generates vibration, visual cues or sound on the portable main unit, and generates alarm sound, tactile cues or visual cues on the portable sub-unit.
4. The anti-theft system for items as described in claim 3, wherein the portable main unit further comprises: Operations Department; A recognition unit; a display unit; the control unit of the portable host is electrically connected to the operation unit, the recognition unit and the display unit, the control unit is wirelessly connected to the portable slave unit through the wireless transmission unit, and controls the reminder unit and the display unit according to the received signal strength indication value and the vibration value; wherein the control unit controls the reminder unit of the portable slave unit to generate alarm sound, tactile prompt or visual prompt according to the input signal of the operation unit.
5. The anti-theft system for items as described in claim 4, wherein the portable handset further comprises: An identification unit; a lock body; wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the identification unit and the lock body, the control unit is wirelessly connected to the portable host via the wireless transmission unit, and obtains the slave alarm signal or slave search signal output by the portable host, and controls the alarm unit according to the slave alarm signal or slave search signal; wherein the control unit controls the lock body according to an unlock signal, and the control unit obtains the unlock signal through the identification unit or obtains the unlock signal output by the identification unit of the portable host via the wireless transmission unit.
6. The anti-theft system for items as claimed in claim 5, wherein the reminder unit and the warning unit are respectively a sound output element, a visual element, or a tactile element.
7. The anti-theft system for items as claimed in claim 6, wherein the tactile element is a vibration motor, a bone conduction acoustic element, a cooling element, a phase change material element, an airflow output element, or a deformation element.
8. An anti-theft system for items, comprising: Multiple portable sub-devices, each including a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, an alarm unit, and a vibration sensing unit, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit, the alarm unit, and the vibration sensing unit; and a portable main unit, including a control unit, a wireless transmission unit, and an alert unit, wherein the control unit is electrically connected to the wireless transmission unit and the alert unit; wherein when the portable main unit receives a received signal strength indication value that is less than a first preset value and greater than a second preset value when wirelessly connected to some of the portable sub-devices, the portable main unit operates in normal mode; and when the portable main unit receives received signal strength indication values that are less than the first preset value and greater than the second preset value when wirelessly connected to all of the portable sub-devices, the control unit of the portable main unit controls the alert unit to output a main unit alert signal; When the portable host receives a signal strength indication value less than a third preset value when wirelessly connected to some of the portable slave devices, the portable host operates in normal mode or the control unit of the portable host controls the reminder unit to output a host reminder signal. When the portable host receives a signal strength indication value less than the third preset value when wirelessly connected to all of the portable slave devices, the control unit of the portable host controls the reminder unit to output a host alarm signal and controls the control unit of the portable slave devices to control the warning unit to output a slave alarm signal. The first preset value is greater than the second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the third preset value.
9. The anti-theft system for items as described in claim 8, wherein when the portable host receives a received signal strength indication value that is less than the third preset value when it is wirelessly connected to all the portable sub-units, and when the vibration value output by the vibration sensing unit of all the portable sub-units to the portable host exceeds an alarm vibration value, the control unit of the portable host controls the reminder unit to output the host alarm signal; when the vibration value does not exceed the alarm vibration value, the control unit of the portable host controls the reminder unit to output the host reminder signal; the host reminder signal and the host alarm signal generate tactile, audible, or visual prompts on the portable host, and the sub-unit alarm signal generates an alarm sound, tactile prompt, or visual prompt on the portable sub-unit.
10. The anti-theft system of claim 8, wherein when the portable host receives a signal strength indication value less than the third preset value from all the portable sub-units wirelessly connected, and the portable host determines that the vibration direction of all the portable sub-units is not consistent or the moving speed of all the portable sub-units does not exceed a preset speed, the control unit of the portable sub-unit controls the reminder unit to output the host reminder signal; and when the portable host determines that the vibration direction of all the portable sub-units is consistent or the moving speed of all the portable sub-units exceeds the preset speed, the control unit of the portable sub-unit controls the reminder unit to output the host alarm signal.