EP2255318A1 - Theft-deterrent system and method - Google Patents
Theft-deterrent system and methodInfo
- Publication number
- EP2255318A1 EP2255318A1 EP08712877A EP08712877A EP2255318A1 EP 2255318 A1 EP2255318 A1 EP 2255318A1 EP 08712877 A EP08712877 A EP 08712877A EP 08712877 A EP08712877 A EP 08712877A EP 2255318 A1 EP2255318 A1 EP 2255318A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- unlock
- code
- product
- server
- software code
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/30—Authentication, i.e. establishing the identity or authorisation of security principals
- G06F21/31—User authentication
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/88—Detecting or preventing theft or loss
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a theft-deterrent system and method.
- the invention relates to a theft-deterrent system and method suitable for electronic devices having non- volatile memory.
- One common way of deterring theft include affixing a RFID tag on the product and installing RFID scanner at all the exit of the premises. When the RFID scanner senses an active RFID (with the product) is brought out from the premises, the RFID scanner sounds an alarm. However, this method does not fully prevent theft as the RFID tag can still be detached from the product. Further, a premise with more than one exit requires more RFID scanner to be installed thereto. Such system is also not suitable for an open area, such as a product fair. [0005] Some higher value and small size product are often kept behind a counter or packaged with a sealed packaging but viewing and browsing becomes difficult and hazardous to open. This approach is not customer-friendly, which may result in decrease in sales.
- a theft deterrent system for a device having a device controller for managing and controlling the function of device
- the theft deterrent system comprises a software code for residing in the device controller, the software code being adapted to deny access functionalities of the device by default, the software code being executable at a first use of the device to prompt for unlocking the device; and a server for generating and managing an unlock code for unlocking the software code of the device to allow access functionalities of the device, wherein the server generates and provides the unlock code to a manufacturer of the device, the unlock code is further provided upon payment for the product at a point of sale for unlocking the device.
- the unlock code may be provided in a printed form at the point of sale.
- the software code may be executed to prompt for unlocking the device when the device is connected to an unlock device for a first time. It is possible that the unlock code is inputted to unlock the device via the unlock device or the unlock code can be inputted to the device directly.
- the server may be connected to the manufacturer via a communication network.
- the point of sale may acquire the unlock code from the server via a communication network.
- a device with a theft deterrent feature provided therein, said device having a controller for managing and controlling the function of device, the device comprises a software code residing in the firmware, the software code being adapted to deny access functionalities of the product by default, the software code being executed at a first use of the product to prompt for unlocking the product; wherein the software code requires an unlock code to unlock the device to allow access functionalities of the device, said unlock code is provided upon purchase.
- the controller may include a firmware.
- the software code may be executed when the device is connected to an unlock device for a first time.
- the unlock device is a general personal computer, a dedicated standalone device or a remote server.
- the product may be connected to the unlock device via an USB interface or an I/O interface.
- the product may be connected to the unlock device via a reader device.
- the unlock code may be generated by a server connected to a manufacturer of the product, the unlock code may be stored on the server and provided to a retailer of the product. The unlock code for the product may be printed out upon purchase at the retailer for unlocking the product.
- a method for deterring theft for products having a device firmware for managing and controlling the product to function comprises embedding a software code in the device firmware, the software code being adapted to deny access functionalities of the device by default; generating an unlock code for unlocking the software code from a server; identifying the device at a point of sale; acquiring the unlock code from the server based on the identified device; providing the unlock code at the point of sale; and inputting the unlock code to unlock the software code to allow access functionalities of the device.
- the method may further comprise printing the unlock code at the point of sale.
- the method may further comprise executing the software code to prompt for the unlock code at the first use of the device.
- the method may further comprise connecting the device to an unlock device to activate the software code to prompt for the unlock code.
- the unlock code may be inputted via the unlock device. It is also possible that the unlock code generated by the server is sent to a manufacturer for manufacturing the device.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of theft-deterrent system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 A is a schematic diagram showing an unlocking device and a product to be unlocked in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2B exemplifies a clock diagram of typical camera having a theft deterrent system embedded therein in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram showing a purchase flow in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram for generating an unlock code in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 exemplifies a standalone unlock device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a supply chain network having a theft-deterrent system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the theft deterrent system provides a theft-deterrent function that helps to discourage stealing of products 101.
- the products 101 are electronic devices.
- the products 101 are manufactured at a manufacturer 110.
- the products 101 are distributed to distributors or retailers 120 for sale. These products 101 are generally arranged on shelves/showcases or hung on racks for displaying.
- These products 101 when displaying on the shelves/showcases or racks are susceptible to theft, even if they are monitored by a surveillance system. That is more so for small size products 101 that can easily be hidden in pockets without drawing attention from others.
- the theft-deterrent function is embedded in all the products 101 to deter theft activities by disabling the functionalities of the products 101 by default.
- a one-time authentication is required to restore/enable the functionalities of the products 101 at its first used. Even when the products 101 are stolen, the theft-deterrent function renders the products 101 unusable.
- the theft-deterrent function is in a form of software code residing in the products 101 at the time of manufacturing at the manufacturer 110.
- the software code is adapted to denial access to the functionality/usability of the products 101 by default.
- the soft code is self-executed at first use of the products 101 to prompt for unlocking code. Disabling the theft- deterrent function to enable/restore the functionalities of the products 101 is done by inputting a valid unlock code.
- the unlock code is unique to every products 101 and it is generated by a server 150. When the products 101 are distributed to the distributors or retailers 120, the distributors or retailers 120 are required to connect to the server 150 to obtain the unlock codes for each of the products 101.
- unlock codes can be stored securely at the distributors' or retailers' 120 computer/server, or stored on the server 150 and provided to the distributors or retailers upon request.
- the unlock codes are provided to the consumer who purchased the product 101 upon payment.
- the consumer has to unlock the product 101 to restore the functionalities of the products 101 when the product 101 is connected to a personal computer (PC) 130.
- the PC 130 can be any home PC or any general purpose computer.
- the product 101 can be connected to the PC 130 via a cable, or through an intermediate device, such as a memory card reader.
- the theft- deterrent function is self-executed to prompt for the unlock code.
- the product 101 is unlocked when the valid unlock code is provided, and the consumer can then use the product 101 as usual.
- the products 101 are being locked before shipment at the manufacturer 110. Therefore, even when the products 101 are being stolen on the way to the distributors/retailers 120, or any point before purchasing by consumers, the product 101 is deemed useless without a corresponding unlock code to unlock them.
- the unlock codes are generated by the server 150.
- the server 150 is located at the manufacturer 110. During the manufacturing of the products 101, the unlock codes are generated and coded into the products 101.
- the server 150 of FIG. 1 is provided by an unlock code provider located remotely from the manufacturers and the retailers.
- the unlock code provider is a key management system where the manufacturers' and the retailers' servers are connected thereto to obtain the unlock codes.
- the manufacturers acquire the unlock codes from the server 150.
- the unlock codes are generated and sent to the manufacturers and a copy of unlock codes are indexed and stored at the server 150.
- the unlock codes correspond to the products 101 are retrieved from the server 150 via a communication network, such as Internet.
- the retrieval of an unlock code from the server 150 is done at the point of sale. It can also be sent to the retailers' server when the products 101 are stocked, and retrieve from the retailers' server at the point of sale.
- the unlock code provider is updated to indicate that the product is legitimately purchased.
- the unlock code provider may provide services that manage the unlock keys for each product registered therewith.
- the manufacturers revert with a corresponding product serial number for indexing.
- the server 150 retrieve the corresponding key and printed a copy of the key for unlocking the product. Thereby, when the purchased product 101 is connected to a PC for the first time, the unlock code required to key-in on the PC to unlock the product 101 is provided.
- the product 101 is unlocked automatically when it is connected to relevant unlock code provider via a communication network.
- the point of sale connecting to the communication network updates the relevant unlock code provider of the purchase.
- the relevant unlock code provider verifies that the product is purchased legitimately, the relevant unlock code provider will send the unlock code to the product automatically to unlock the product when the product is connected to the unlock code provider via the communication network.
- the communication networks include cellular network providers, Internet service providers, the manufacturer website, and others.
- a mobile phone device can connect to a cellular network provider via GSM, GPRS, CDMA, EDGE, 3GSM, GPS and etc.
- a camera product is required to connect to the communication network via a computer connecting the Internet.
- the theft-deterrent function is self-executed to connect to the unlock key provider via the Internet, and when the camera product is verified legitimate, the unlock key provider sends a corresponding unlock code to unlock the camera product.
- FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of internal interfaces of the product 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the product 101 is adapted to connect to an unlocking device 230 via an I/O interfaces 250.
- the product 101 comprises a firmware 220 and functional means 210.
- the firmware 220 initializes the product 101 to operate the basic operations of the functional means 210.
- the firmware 220 includes a theft deterrent function to disable/denial access to all the functionalities of the functional means 210 by default.
- the theft deterrent function prompts to enter a unlock code.
- the functional means 210 are unlocked permanently.
- the functional means of a memory card is a flash memory.
- the functional means of a digital camera include image capturing and storage means, image-viewing screen, image processor, etc.
- the functional means of a mobile phone device include a voice encoder and decoder, a still and/or video camera, a radio receiver, a Bluetooth module and etc, just to name a few.
- FIG. 2B exemplifies a block diagram of typical camera 250 having a theft deterrent system embedded therein in accordance with one embodiment, of the present invention.
- the camera 250 include a camera firmware 251, a processor 252, an I/O interface 253, a power supply 254, a display driver 255 for controlling a LCD display, a memory controller 256, a sensor 257 and others functional means.
- the theft deterrent function of the theft deterrent system is embedded in the camera firmware 251.
- the camera firmware 251 When the camera is first powered up, the camera firmware 251 is loaded up to initiate the camera 250 as well as the theft deterrent function.
- a message can be shown on the LCD display to unlock the camera by connecting the camera 250 to a computer via the I/O interface 253.
- the theft deterrent function is activated to connect to an unlock server. If the camera is verified to be legitimate purchased product, the unlock server sends a unlock code to unlock the camera, thereby enabling all the functional means.
- FIGs. 2 A and 2B is provided by way of example merely, and not intend to limit scope of the present invention.
- the theft deterrent function can also be stored in a device ROM or embedded in a controller or device driver where the device is required to execute upon first use.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a purchase flow of the product 101 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the product 101 is provided with the theft-deterrent function described above.
- a consumer picks a product 101 and brings it to a checkout counter for payment in step 302.
- a casher of the checkout counter identifies the product 101 and retrieves a price of the product 101.
- a barcode scanner can be used to identify the product 101.
- an unlock code is provided to the consumer in step 306.
- the unlock code is generally provided on a printed slip or other similar means.
- the consumer unlocks the product 101 with the unlock code in step 308.
- the unlock code can be obtained from a pre-stored database, or generated by an unlock code generator.
- the pre-stored database can further be a local database or a remote database.
- all the unlock codes for each products are pre-generated on a server and provided to the retailer upon or after products delivery.
- each unlock code can be obtained upon request either by the retailers or the buyers themselves from the manufacturer through a communication network, such as the Internet.
- the unlock code generator is provided locally and the code is generated based on a pre-defined algorithm.
- the unlock code generator is provided remotely, such as at the server 150 of FIG. 1, and is retrieved upon request either by the retailers or the consumers themselves from the server 150 through a communication network, such as the Internet.
- the unlock code can be keyed into the product by means of keypads.
- This embodiment is suitable for products that comprise keypads and a display, such as mobile phones, game consoles, personal data assistant, and the like.
- the keypads can be physical keypads or soft keypads, and the display can be a normal display or a touch screen type display.
- the unlock code can be keyed through product registration through a communication network, such as the Internet while the products are connected to a PC.
- the server 150 may require to be updated upon the purchase of the product 101.
- the server 150 will not provide an unlock key to unlock the product 101.
- the products include SIM cards, software products, or PC hardware.
- the unlocking codes can be downloaded to the device wirelessly and automatically at the initial power up once the product serial number is identified to be valid.
- the methods of unlocking the products in said embodiments are provided herewith by way of example only, and intend to not limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that other unlock methods may be desired depending on the nature and design of the products.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a process of generating an unlock code in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the product 101 serial number is inputted into an automated system.
- the product 101 serial number can be inputted by way of scanning the product 101 bar code or inputting manually.
- the automated system connects to a server via a communication network, such as the Internet, in step 430.
- the server may be located at the corresponding manufacturer's site, or it can be a server of an unlock code provider.
- the server checks if the product serial number is valid. When an invalid serial number is detected, a warning message shall be displayed, in step 435.
- the invalid serial number shall signify that the product is a reported lost product, or a rejected product, therefore no unlock code is provided. All the functions of the product shall cease to function without the unlock code.
- the server provides an unlock code in step 440.
- the unlock code may be pre-generated for matching with the product serial number, or it can be generated by a unlock code generator of the server.
- the automated system received the unlock code from the server in step 450, and the code is printed for the consumer in step 460.
- FIG. 5 illustrates a dedicated standalone unlock device 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the unlock device 500 is adapted to connect with a product 501 to unlock the same. It is mainly required when a consumer purchases the product 501 required to unlock the product 501 immediately after the purchase without a PC.
- the unlock device 500 comprises a display 510, a input 520 and a plurality of I/O interfaces 530.
- the display 510 is an alphanumeric display for displaying input and output information such s a liquid crystal display.
- the input 520 is a keypad for inputting the unlock code.
- the I/O interfaces 530 include a multi-card format reader/writer, an USB connector, a Fire Wire connector and the like.
- the I/O interfaces allow any product 501 to be connected to the unlock device 500 to unlock the product.
- the theft-deterrent function embedded in the product 501 triggers the unlock device 500 to prompt for an unlock code on the display 510.
- the consumer inputs the unlock code that is provided upon purchase into the unlock device 500 via the input 520.
- the unlock device 500 unlocks the product 501 when the unlock code is correctly inputted.
- a kiosk may be provided at the retailers in placed of the stand alone device.
- the kiosk may provide a computer for connecting to the communication network.
- the consumer may bring the product to the kiosk and connect it thereto to unlock the product.
- the unlock device 500 can further connect to a dedicated server 503 via the Internet to unlock the product 501.
- the product information, such as the product serial number, and the unlock code are sent to the dedicated server 503 to validate the unlock code. If validation is successful, the product 501 is unlocked.
- Unlocking of the product is required at the first time when the product is used. Once the unlock code is accepted and the product is unlocked, subsequently, the product shall perform its regular function without the need to input the unlock code.
- the unlock code is kept with the manufacturer 110. The consumers purchase the products 101 are required to contact the manufacturer 110 to obtain the unlock code. The contact can be through a phone call or via internet. In order to obtain the unlock code, the serial number of the products 101 is required for identification. When the serial number are identified as stolen products, the unlock code will not be provided.
- the present invention provides a centralized server for generating and managing unlock codes.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SG2008/000052 WO2009102279A1 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2008-02-13 | Theft-deterrent system and method |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2255318A1 true EP2255318A1 (en) | 2010-12-01 |
EP2255318A4 EP2255318A4 (en) | 2011-06-15 |
Family
ID=40957183
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08712877A Withdrawn EP2255318A4 (en) | 2008-02-13 | 2008-02-13 | Theft-deterrent system and method |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2255318A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2009102279A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140263390A1 (en) * | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Robert W. Seneff | Pack Dispenser |
US11288662B2 (en) | 2018-03-19 | 2022-03-29 | Chng Weng WAH | Security systems and methods for electronic devices |
US10700868B2 (en) * | 2018-03-19 | 2020-06-30 | Chng Weng WAH | Security systems and methods for electronic devices |
US11763610B2 (en) * | 2018-09-13 | 2023-09-19 | Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation | Anti-theft systems and devices for battery-powered power tools |
US11890253B2 (en) | 2018-12-26 | 2024-02-06 | Therabody, Inc. | Percussive therapy device with interchangeable modules |
US11813221B2 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2023-11-14 | Therabody, Inc. | Portable percussive massage device |
EP4041178A4 (en) * | 2019-10-08 | 2024-02-21 | Therabody Inc | Networked theft prevention and multi-user synchronization system and method for percussive massage device |
US11857481B2 (en) | 2022-02-28 | 2024-01-02 | Therabody, Inc. | System for electrical connection of massage attachment to percussive therapy device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6005476A (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 1999-12-21 | Valiulis; Carl | Electronic identification, control, and security system for consumer electronics and the like |
US6647497B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2003-11-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for secure computer system transfer |
WO2007141374A1 (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-13 | Innohome Oy | Automated control system for multi-level authority to operate electronic and electrical devices |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2007515024A (en) * | 2003-12-17 | 2007-06-07 | レクサー メディア, インコーポレイテッド | Activation of electronic device sales locations to avoid theft |
US20050240498A1 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-10-27 | Arnold Thaler | Product verification and activation system, method and apparatus |
US20070109103A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-05-17 | California Institute Of Technology | Commercial product activation and monitoring using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology |
US7482929B2 (en) * | 2006-05-01 | 2009-01-27 | International Business Machines Corporation | Point-of-sale activation of consumer electronics |
SG137706A1 (en) * | 2006-05-11 | 2007-12-28 | Chng Weng Wah | Theft-deterrent mechanism and method and retail packaging employed the same |
-
2008
- 2008-02-13 EP EP08712877A patent/EP2255318A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2008-02-13 WO PCT/SG2008/000052 patent/WO2009102279A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6005476A (en) * | 1998-07-24 | 1999-12-21 | Valiulis; Carl | Electronic identification, control, and security system for consumer electronics and the like |
US6647497B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2003-11-11 | International Business Machines Corporation | Method and system for secure computer system transfer |
WO2007141374A1 (en) * | 2006-06-08 | 2007-12-13 | Innohome Oy | Automated control system for multi-level authority to operate electronic and electrical devices |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See also references of WO2009102279A1 * |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2255318A4 (en) | 2011-06-15 |
WO2009102279A1 (en) | 2009-08-20 |
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