Physical item security: tracking device activation
US8502644B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 29, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q10/08
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for tracking an item by concealing a tracking device in the item and activating the tracking device when the item is relocated or accessed without authorization. In particular, according to some embodiments, a system is provided for tracking the geographic location of a physical item that is stored in a controlled area and then later removed from the controlled area. An exemplary system comprises: an inner sensor located proximate to a perimeter of the controlled area; an outer sensor located between the perimeter and the inner sensor; and a tracking device associated with the physical item, wherein the tracking device is triggered when the physical item passes by the inner sensor and then the outer sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.