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WO2011039548A1 - Dispositif d'alarme - Google Patents

Dispositif d'alarme Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011039548A1
WO2011039548A1 PCT/GB2010/051645 GB2010051645W WO2011039548A1 WO 2011039548 A1 WO2011039548 A1 WO 2011039548A1 GB 2010051645 W GB2010051645 W GB 2010051645W WO 2011039548 A1 WO2011039548 A1 WO 2011039548A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
alarm
module
electrically
powered
alarm device
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.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2010/051645
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Sean Mccarroll
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO2011039548A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011039548A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/02—Mechanical actuation
    • G08B13/14—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles
    • G08B13/1409—Mechanical actuation by lifting or attempted removal of hand-portable articles for removal detection of electrical appliances by detecting their physical disconnection from an electrical system, e.g. using a switch incorporated in the plug connector
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G04—HOROLOGY
    • G04G—ELECTRONIC TIME-PIECES
    • G04G15/00—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals
    • G04G15/003—Time-pieces comprising means to be operated at preselected times or after preselected time intervals acting only at one preselected time or during one adjustable time interval
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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 OR CALCULATING; 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
    • G06F21/81—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer by operating on the power supply, e.g. enabling or disabling power-on, sleep or resume operations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/63—Generation or supply of power specially adapted for television receivers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an alarm device of the type that, for example, is coupled in a supply line between a power outlet and an electrically- powered device.
  • the gaming console is typically dedicated computing hardware that is optimised for the playing of games and comprises dedicated software and firmware for the playing of games.
  • the games console is thereby capable of loading different games to be played and so provides flexibility of use in that the games console is not limited to the playing of a single or number of pre-stored games.
  • the gaming console provides considerable entertainment, use of the gaming console is known to be unrestricted, i.e. the console is available to be played at any time of the day or night. In a parenting context, this is undesirable.
  • a parent typically wants a child to stop playing with the gaming console at a particular time in order to begin a bed time routine or engage in another activity, for example homework.
  • This is relatively easy to implement through regular parenting skills when the gaming console is located in a communal room, for example a lounge.
  • timer units that plug into electric power outlets in order to control when an electrically-powered device is powered.
  • One typical use of the timer is for controlling the powering up of electric lights, typically in a home when an owner is not at home, such as on holiday.
  • the timer comprises a plug portion that connects to the power outlet.
  • the timer also has a socket portion that receives a plug from the electrically-powered device.
  • timers of this type can equally be used to control use of the gaming console, the control exercised by timers of this type is easily circumvented by disconnection of, for example by unplugging, the gaming console from the timer.
  • the parent cannot effectively prevent the child from playing the gaming console during certain periods of time.
  • an alarm device for restricting use of an electrically-powered device, the alarm device being arranged to be connected, when in use, in a supply line between a power outlet and the electrically-powered device; wherein the alarm device comprises: a timer module arranged to exercise, when in use, control over when the electrically- powered device is powered; an alarm module arranged to detect an attempt to interfere with the exercise of control over when the electrically-powered device is powered.
  • the alarm module may be arranged to detect the attempt to interfere with the exercise of control by detecting a mechanical break in the supply line.
  • the timer module may be arranged to allow flow of electrical current through the supply line during a time window and to inhibit the electrical current from flowing through the supply line outside the time window.
  • the timer module may be arranged to provide selective definition of the time window.
  • the alarm module may be arranged to detect mechanical decoupling of the electrically-powered device.
  • the alarm device may further comprise a power supply port for electrically coupling the electrically-powered device thereto.
  • the alarm module may be arranged to provide the alert in response to disconnection of the electrically- powered device from the power supply port.
  • the timer module may be user-configurable.
  • the alert may be an alarm.
  • the alarm may be an audible and/or visible alarm.
  • the timer module may be a mechanical timer having a mechanically actuable element in order to support definition of when the electrically-powered device is permitted to be powered.
  • the timer module may be a digital timer module operably coupled to an input key for receiving an instruction in order to support definition of when the electrically-powered device is permitted to be powered.
  • the alarm device may further comprise an anti-tamper module operably coupled to the timer module.
  • the anti-tamper device may be a mechanical locking device arranged to prevent unauthorised use of the mechanically actuable element.
  • the anti-tamper device may be a digital inhibition module arranged to prevent unauthorised use of the digital timer unit.
  • the digital inhibition module may be arranged to require an authorisation code in order to permit use of the digital timer unit.
  • the digital inhibition module may be arranged to require the authorisation code as a number of keypresses.
  • the digital inhibition module may be arranged to receive the authorisation code wirelessly.
  • the digital inhibition module may be arranged to receive the authorisation code via a Radio-Frequency (RF) tag.
  • RF Radio-Frequency
  • the timer module and the alarm module may be arranged to provide a warning alert a predetermined period of time in advance of when the electrically- powered device is no longer permitted to be powered.
  • the alarm device may further comprise a housing arranged to provide a plug on one side thereof for coupling to the power outlet, and a socket on another side thereof for coupling to the electrically-powered device. [0025] It is thus possible to provide an alarm device that is capable of exercising control over when an electrically-powered device is powered and hence used, while also providing an alert as to when an attempt is being made to circumvent the exercise of control by the alarm device.
  • the child can be prevented from using the electrically- powered device a sufficient amount of time prior to going to sleep and so the sleep routine of the child is improved over a situation where the child had been using the electrically-powered device immediately prior to going to bed. Hence, the child will be better rested.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a device constituting an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in greater detail
  • Figure 3 is another perspective view of the device of Figure 1 in greater detail; and Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of functional internal elements of the device of Figure 1 .
  • an electric power outlet 100 is provided in a room (not shown) for connection to an electrically-powered device 102, for example a television, a gaming console and/or a computer, such as a Personal Computer (PC).
  • the electric power outlet 100 is a domestic electric socket.
  • An alarm device 104 is plugged into the electric socket 100, the alarm device 104 having an additional socket (not shown in Figure 1 ) on one side thereof for coupling to the electrically-powered device 102 via, for example, an electric plug 106 on another side thereof, the electric plug 106 being coupled to the electrically- powered device via an electric cable, for example a three-core electric cable 108.
  • the alarm device 104 is coupled in a supply line between the power outlet 100 and the electrically-powered device 102.
  • the alarm device 104 is shown as being directly connected to the electric socket 100, the skilled person should appreciate that the alarm device 104 can be coupled to the electric socket 100, for example via an extension cable (not shown).
  • the electrically-powered device 102 is shown as being directly connected to the alarm device 104 via the electric cable 108, the skilled person should appreciate that the electrically-powered device 102 can be coupled to the alarm device 104, for example via an extension cable (also not shown).
  • the alarm device 104 comprises another outlet point or power supply port, for example an electrical socket portion 1 10, and an electrical plug portion 1 12 formed with a housing 1 14 of the alarm device 104.
  • a user panel 1 16 is disposed on an upper side wall 1 18 of the housing 1 14.
  • the user panel 1 16 comprises a display 120, for example a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), timer control keys or buttons 122 and lock control keys or buttons 124.
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • the alarm device 104 comprises a switching device 126, for example an electronically actuated relay, electrically coupled, in line, between the plug portion 1 12 and the socket portion 1 10.
  • a switching device 126 for example an electronically actuated relay, electrically coupled, in line, between the plug portion 1 12 and the socket portion 1 10.
  • an electronically actuated relay is employed in this example, the skilled person should appreciate that other switching arrangements can be employed, for example a solid-state device arrangement.
  • a control terminal 128 of the switching device 126 is coupled to a timer module 130, the timer module 130 being, in this example, a digital timer module that is coupled to the timer control buttons 122 and the display 120.
  • the lock control buttons 124 are coupled to a digital inhibition, or security, module 132, the security module 132 constituting an anti-tamper module and also being coupled to the timer module 130 and an alert or alarm module 134.
  • the alert module 134 is also coupled to a loudspeaker 136 in order to provide, in this example, an audible alert, such as an alarm.
  • an audible alert such as an alarm.
  • the alert module 134 is also electrically coupled to a "live" terminal 138 and a "neutral" terminal 140 of the socket portion 1 10.
  • the alarm device 104 is plugged into the electric socket 100 and a power switch 142 is set to an "on" state.
  • the alarm device 104 has a back-up battery supply in order to maintain power to the timer module 130 in order to retain settings thereof, details of which will be described in greater detail later herein.
  • the timer control buttons 122 are used by a user to selectively define one or more time windows during which the electrically-powered device 102 is permitted to be powered.
  • the timer module 130 is therefore used to set an "on" time and an "off' time.
  • the timer module 130 supports the storage and implementation of programmes, for example setting common "on” and “off' times for weekdays and different common "on” and “off' times for weekends. Other programmes are, of course, envisaged, for example time windows for alternate days or other patterns. Similarly, multiple time windows can be defined, if desired, for one or more days of the week.
  • Output, for example while setting the time window, provided by the timer module 130 is provided to the user via the display 120.
  • Three of the timer control buttons 122 can also be used to set a time for an internally maintained clock of the timer module 130.
  • the user sets the time window to be the period of time between the hours of 3pm and 5pm each day.
  • the user has to provide the alarm device 104 with an authorisation or security code in order to demonstrate authorisation to be able to set the timer module 130.
  • the user can enter the security code via the lock control buttons 124.
  • each button of the lock control buttons 124 represents a numerical digit.
  • the security module 132 receives the security code via the lock control buttons 124 and determines whether the security code is correct.
  • the security module 132 sends an "authorised" signal to the timer module 130 in order to instruct the timer module 130 to permit setting thereof.
  • the timer module 130 enters a "locked” state and the security code has to be provided again.
  • the method of setting and/or modifying the security code will not be described herein. However, the skilled person should appreciate that any suitable technique can be employed.
  • the timer module 130 uses the internal clock mentioned above to maintain a record of the current time.
  • the timer module 130 sends an "actuate" control signal to the switching device 126.
  • the switching device 126 electrically connects the terminals of the plug portion 1 12 to the terminals of the socket portion 1 10. Consequently, during the time window, electrical current is permitted to flow through the supply line from the electric socket 100 to the electrically-powered device 102, thereby powering the electrically-powered device 102.
  • the timer module 130 exercises control over when the electrically- powered device 102 is powered.
  • the timer module 130 sends another "actuate" control signal to the switching device 126 in order to toggle the switching device 126.
  • the switching device 126 electrically disconnects the terminals of the plug portion 1 12 from the terminals of the socket portion 1 10. Consequently, outside the time window, electrical current is inhibited from flowing through the supply line from the electric socket 100 to the electrically-powered device 102, thereby depriving the electrically-powered device 102 of power.
  • the alert module 134 monitors the plug portion 1 14 in order to detect an attempt to interfere with the operation of the alarm device 102 in order to use the electrically-powered device 102 outside of the time window.
  • the alert module 134 detects the disconnection and initiates an audible alarm.
  • the alert module 134 detects a mechanical break in the supply line by detecting mechanical decoupling of the electrically-powered device 102 from the alarm device 104.
  • the audible alarm issued via the loudspeaker 136, is sufficiently loud so as to be heard in a different room to the alarm device 104.
  • the alarm cannot be deactivated without provision of a deactivate code, which can be the same as the security code, via the lock control buttons 124.
  • the security code and/or the deactivate code can be provided wirelessly.
  • the security module 132 is arranged to receive wireless information in accordance with any suitable technique, for example via a so-called Radio Frequency (RF) tag.
  • RF Radio Frequency
  • the timer module 130 can be arranged to cause the alert module 134 to generate a warning alert to a user of the electrically-powered device 102 to which the alarm device 104 is coupled in order to provide advance warning of the approach of the end of the time window, for example five minutes prior to the end of the time window.
  • the advance warning a predetermined period of time in advance of when the electrically-powered device is no longer permitted to be powered, enables a person using the electrically- powered device 102 to begin powering down the electrically-powered device 102 in advance of the end of the time window in order to ensure that the electrically- powered device 102 is powered down safely, for example in order to avoid a loss of data by the electrically-powered device 102.
  • the timer module 130 can comprise mechanical components, for example a dial of fingers or other mechanically actuable elements, which can be set either to an "on" state or an "off state. By setting a continuous block of fingers, the time window can be defined.
  • the mechanically actuable elements support definition of when the electrically-powered device is permitted to be powered.
  • the mechanical timer module operates in accordance with other such known mechanical timers, namely using electrical power to rotate the dial of fingers such that a finger attributable to an "on" state at a predetermined point in time causes a switch to actuate at the predetermined time in order to activate a mechanical switching device to enable coupling and decoupling of the plug portion 1 12 with respect to the socket portion 1 10.
  • a mechanical locking device can be provided to prevent the dial of fingers being altered in an unauthorised manner, for example during use.
  • the alert module 134 comprises a sensor to detect forced rotation of the dial of fingers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Hardware Design (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Software Systems (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)
  • Professional, Industrial, Or Sporting Protective Garments (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'alarme (104) destiné à limiter l'utilisation d'un dispositif alimenté électriquement (102), lequel dispositif est conçu pour être connecté, en période d'utilisation, à une ligne d'alimentation allant d'une prise de courant (100) au dispositif alimenté électriquement (102). Le dispositif d'alarme (104) comprend un module de minuterie (130) conçu pour exercer, en période d'utilisation, une commande sur le dispositif alimenté électriquement (102) lorsque celui-ci est alimenté. Le dispositif d'alarme (104) comprend également un module d'alarme (134) conçu pour détecter une tentative d'interférence avec l'exercice de la commande du dispositif alimenté électriquement (102) lorsque celui-ci est alimenté.
PCT/GB2010/051645 2009-10-01 2010-10-01 Dispositif d'alarme Ceased WO2011039548A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0917217A GB2474035A (en) 2009-10-01 2009-10-01 Restricting use of an electrical device
GB0917217.2 2009-10-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011039548A1 true WO2011039548A1 (fr) 2011-04-07

Family

ID=41393699

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2010/051645 Ceased WO2011039548A1 (fr) 2009-10-01 2010-10-01 Dispositif d'alarme

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2474035A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011039548A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
TWI640962B (zh) * 2016-09-09 2018-11-11 日商夏普股份有限公司 用於緊急警報訊息之傳訊之系統及方法
US11196825B2 (en) 2016-05-18 2021-12-07 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting network access

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4314464C1 (de) * 1993-05-03 1994-05-05 Herbert Nabereit Elektrisches Schaltgerät für die Steuerung eines eine Bildröhre umfassenden Bildwiedergabegerätes
US5525965A (en) * 1995-03-23 1996-06-11 Crg Enterprises, Inc. Appliance theft prevention alarm
US20040075775A1 (en) * 2002-10-01 2004-04-22 Dr. Michael J. Maurer Device for limiting time of use of electronic equipment
DE102006029427A1 (de) * 2006-06-27 2008-01-03 Wolf-Dieter Freyhann Elektronisches Schloss für aufladbare Endgeräte oder Endgeräte mit externem Netzgerät

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2310323A (en) * 1996-02-14 1997-08-20 John Victor Laverick Secure programmable usage controller for electrical appliances

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4314464C1 (de) * 1993-05-03 1994-05-05 Herbert Nabereit Elektrisches Schaltgerät für die Steuerung eines eine Bildröhre umfassenden Bildwiedergabegerätes
US5525965A (en) * 1995-03-23 1996-06-11 Crg Enterprises, Inc. Appliance theft prevention alarm
US20040075775A1 (en) * 2002-10-01 2004-04-22 Dr. Michael J. Maurer Device for limiting time of use of electronic equipment
DE102006029427A1 (de) * 2006-06-27 2008-01-03 Wolf-Dieter Freyhann Elektronisches Schloss für aufladbare Endgeräte oder Endgeräte mit externem Netzgerät

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
JAN VAN DEN BULCK: "PhD", vol. 27, 2004, SLEEP, article "Television Viewing, Computer Game Playing, and Internet Use and Self-Reported Time to Bed and Time out of Bed in Secondary-School Children"

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11196825B2 (en) 2016-05-18 2021-12-07 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting network access
US11665252B2 (en) 2016-05-18 2023-05-30 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting network access
US12177308B2 (en) 2016-05-18 2024-12-24 DISH Technologies L.L.C. Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting network access
TWI640962B (zh) * 2016-09-09 2018-11-11 日商夏普股份有限公司 用於緊急警報訊息之傳訊之系統及方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0917217D0 (en) 2009-11-18
GB2474035A (en) 2011-04-06

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