WO2018116234A1

WO2018116234A1 - A luggage system

Info

Publication number: WO2018116234A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/058273
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhishek Rai
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-22
Filing date: 2017-12-21
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2019-06-22

Abstract

The present invention discloses a luggage bag 1 equipped with system comprising Master Module 5, advanced Anti-Theft Module, Recovery Module, and Utility Module 28. The master module 5 controls and communicates with the modules and their sub-modules. The anti-theft module allows tracking of the luggage bag to prevent a theft or loss, it sends information on linked/registered user device about its distance from luggage bag, notifies user if the luggage bag is opened or an attempt to open is made by an unauthorized person and locking the luggage bag, The recovery module provides retrieval of the luggage bag in case it gets stolen or lost, it provides exact location of the bag along with the velocity of its movement and altitude above sea-level, navigating user towards the location of bag, locking down the wheels and handle of the bags and generating sound alert from the in-built HD speakers 6 of the bag.

Description

A LUGGAGE SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to luggage bags, and more particularly to a luggage bag equipped with advanced anti-theft module, recovery module, utility module and master module. The advanced anti-theft module allows tracking of the luggage bag to prevent a theft or loss and the recovery module provides retrieval of the luggage bag in case it gets stolen or lost. The luggage bag also includes a utility module to enhance traveling experience of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Luggage bags are widely used in travelling or outdoor life day to day life. A traditional luggage bag facilitates the user to keep his/her daily use and important/valuable belongings and lock the bag externally with a mechanical lock in order to keep the belongings secure. Generally, these mechanical locks lock the zip lockers. However, in many cases of theft, when a bag is recovered, it is found that the zippers are cut down to open the bag. Therefore, mechanical locks do not serve the purpose to provide safety of the bag when it comes to protecting the bag from opening when stolen.

Reports suggest that 7 incidents of baggage theft occur for every 1,000 passengers leading to the enactment of air passenger bills of rights have in some U.S. states as well as in Europe. Passengers are most likely to lose a bag when changing flights/ trains - especially if the connection time is short according to which the airlines are penalized strictly for losing the luggage. Although these events have alarmed the authorities about baggage theft problem, however, no effective solution has emerged yet. Moreover, passengers/ travelers still have limited recourse for self-help if luggage is lost by an airline or any other transportation service or while travelling. The problem is heightened because luggage contents are often valuables and needed urgently for an important time- sensitive event, such as a business meeting, recreational travel itinerary, or critical sales presentation.

Therefore, more advanced luggage bags are developed that contain external devices such as Global Positioning System (GPS) -equipped luggage tags. However, it may be damaged during baggage handling. The GPS tags and other GPS peripheral devices may also be removed or disabled by thieves, particularly when the devices are bulky enough to attract attention. Constant or frequent data collection and transmissions may drain the batteries of a GPS device even before it reaches the destination, especially on long duration flights and particularly because of the high-power requirements of many GPS devices. Further, federal regulations may forbid radio frequency transmissions by GPS units during a flight because of the potential risk for interference with avionics.

Thus, there is an ongoing need for solutions that can locate luggage bags from a distance and enable travelers to track and recover their baggage.

The present invention not only prevents the luggage bag from being stolen but also locates and tracks the luggage bag directly using real-time information system thereby helping in its recovery.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a luggage bag which is embedded with anti-theft module, recovery module, utility module and master module.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system embedded in the luggage bag that prevents it or its contents from being stolen by using anti-theft module. The anti-theft module sends information on linked/ registered user device about its distance from bag, notifies user if the bag is opened or an attempt is made by an unauthorized person and locking the bag, through its master module, other modules and their submodules.

Another object of the invention is to provide a system embedded in the bag that enables recovery of the luggage bag using its recovery module which provides exact location of the luggage bag alongwith the velocity of its movement and altitude above sea-level, navigating user towards the location of the luggage bag, locking down the wheels and handle of the luggage bags and generating sound alert from the built-in speakers of the luggage bag, through its master module, other modules and their submodules. Master module is used to control signals and communication of above modules and their sub- modules. Further object of the present invention is to provide additional features to the luggage bag such as on-the-go power bank and built-in High-Definition (HD) speakers using utility module.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a luggage bag equipped with a system comprising Master Module, advanced Anti-Theft Module, Recovery Module, and Utility Module. The master module controls and communicates with the modules and their sub-modules. The anti- theft module allows tracking of the luggage bag to prevent a theft or loss, it sends information on linked/ registered user device about its distance from luggage bag, notifies user if the luggage bag is opened or an attempt to open is made by an unauthorized person and locking the luggage bag, The recovery module provides retrieval of the luggage bag in case it gets stolen or lost, it provides exact location of the bag alongwith the velocity of its movement and altitude above sea-level, navigating user towards the location of bag, locking down the wheels and handle of the bags and generating sound alert from the inbuilt HD speakers of the bag,. Further, the Utility Module provides additional features to the bag such as on-the-go power bank and in-built HD speakers to enhance traveling experience of a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of the luggage bag according to the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a view of the master module in the luggage bag;

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the master module of the luggage bag; Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the luggage bag (unauthourized acess notification module);

Figure 5a illustrates the isometric of the luggage bag;

Figure 5b illustrates the back view of the luggage bag;

Figure 6 illustrates a schematic view of the strap embedded in extensible lock strap module of the luggage bag; Figure 7 illustrates a schematic view of the strap tied to the external fixture in the extensible lock strap module of the luggage bag;

Figure 8 illustrates the inner view of the portable locking system in the luggage bag; and Figure 9 illustrates the inner view of the utility module in the luggage bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description describes various features and functions of the present invention with reference to the accompanying figure. In the figure, similar symbols identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspect described herein are not meant to be limiting. It can be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed system can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

The embodiment is chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

The present invention provides a luggage bag 1 (Figure 1) that has plurality of compartments to include master module 5, anti-theft module, recovery module and utility module 28. The anti-theft module prevents loss or theft of luggage bag. However, in case the bag is stolen or lost, the recovery module of the luggage bag monitors and tracks the bag thereby helping in the recovery of the lost bag. In addition to that, utility module provides different features to the bag such as on-the-go power bank and in-built HD speakers to enhance traveling experience of a user/traveller. 1. Master Module (5)

The master module 5 serves a brain of luggage system and processes all the signals and data. This module 5 controls the function or process of other modules like anti-theft module, recovery module and utility module and their respective submodules. It processes the data obtained/ retrieved by other modules and perform appropriate action. (Reference Figure 2).

Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of the master module 5, wherein the microprocessor of the luggage system is directly interlinked to Bluetooth 2, power bank, GPS/GNSS 4, Cellular modem 3 and Audio module.

The module is responsible for controlling different modes of luggage bag like flight, anti- theft, utility and recovery. The Flight Mode can be enabled in two ways. The first option is sensing the airports location coordinates which are saved in the master module 5 and sending the alert to user mobile phone (UMP) for switching to the "Flight Mode". The user can accept the alert as per his/her wish. In case of no response received from the user, the master module 5 enables the flight mode status for 4 hours assuming that the passenger is at the airport. The second option for enabling the Flight Mode is by manually pressing the Flight button available at Interface Panel 15. If both Flight Mode switching option fail then there is a standby option activated by Accelerometer. The accelerometer senses high acceleration of aircraft during takeoff and enables the Flight Mode automatically. a) Anti-theft module

The system of present invention essentially comprises an anti-theft module that actively prevents the loss or theft of the luggage bag by tracking the location of the bag. When the anti-theft module is turned on, it constantly monitors the status of the luggage bag and notifies the users through various notification methods in case of violation of the predefined limits (i.e. range, speed, lock status, and distance from the user) of module. The anti-theft module further comprises of submodules as follows:

1. High frequency bluetooth beacon tracking module: This submodule tracks the luggage bag in case of theft/loss and consists of a beacon tracking device that comprises two ends such as a transmitter end and a receiver end. The transmitter end is embedded within the luggage bag and is preferably a bluetooth transmitter that is controlled by the master module 5. The bluetooth transmitter is configured to constantly transmit packets of predefined data through radio waves. These data packets are received by the receiver end of the module. The receiver may be a mobile phone of user such as a phone where the bluetooth sensor of the mobile phone receives these packets of data. The sub-module processes these packets and calculates the strength of the transmission received at the receiver end. The said strength of the transmission is inversely proportional to the distance between the luggage bag and the user device (that may be a mobile phone). Therefore, the distance of the luggage bag from the user device is calculated based on the strength of the signal received.

If the signal strength falls below the threshold limit i.e., the luggage bag distance between the luggage bag and the user device has increased more than a pre-defined limit, an audible and visual notification is sent on the user device through pop-ups, ringing tones and vibrations alerts.

2. Unauthorized Access Notification Module (16): The present invention provides a mechanism to allow authorized access of the luggage bag i.e. when a luggage bag is opened without proper authentication (including forcefully breaking the structure of the luggage bag), a notification is sent on the user device informing about the attempt to access the luggage bag without authorization. Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the luggage system (locking system) 16, comprising a trolley handle 12; fixed handle 13; battery level indicator 14; front half and second half cabinet 10, 11; lock button 15c; interface panel 15; flight mode button 15b and unlock button 15a. The system can be locked by pressing the front half cabinet 10 and second half cabinet 11, followed by a lock button 15c push located at the interface panel 15. The module also consists of a magnetic switch that determines status of the luggage bag i.e. open or closed status and sends the current status to the master module 5.

The master module 5 validates whether the status change (particularly from closed bag to an open bag) is preceded by proper authentication from the user. If no proper authorization is detected from the user before the luggage bag is opened, then the access of luggage bag is considered as unauthorized access to the luggage bag. Therefore, a notification for the same is sent to the user device in the form of pop ups, ringing tones and vibration alerts.

Referring to Figure 5a and 5b that illustrates the isometric and back view of the luggage bag (unlocking methods) 18 , displaying the NFC sensor 17 and the secondary TSA block 19 There are three methods to unlock the luggage bag; near filed communication (NFC) card which can be swiped at the NFC Sensor 17 on the luggage bag; unlocking form utility mobile phone (UMP) and Transport Security Administration (TSA) key 19. After using NFC or UMP, "Unlock Button" 15a is pressed for a further action. If any of the unlocking method is not followed, then the user is notified on UMP through visual, audio and vibration alerts. 3. Extensible locking strap module (22):

Figure 6 illustrates the two parts of the strap i.e. strap head 20a and strap pocket 20b affixed to the luggage bag. The extensible locking strap module 22 consists of a strong lightweight metal strip that ties the luggage bag with an external fixture (Figure 7). One end of the strap 20 is fixed in the luggage bag and the other end is spun around the fixture 21 coming back to the pluggable socket in the luggage bag. This creates a closed loop around the fixture in which both ends of this strap 20 are tied to the luggage bag, hence creating a lockdown of the luggage bag to the fixture 21 in case of force access or unauthorized access to the luggage bag. The other free end which is plugged back in the luggage bag can only be unlocked electronically. A servo/actuator lock located inside the luggage bag is configured to unlock the luggage bag electronically. The servo lock is controlled by the user device through master module and can also be unlocked by fingerprint authentication of the user directly on the luggage bag. The strap 20 is unlocked by swiping NFC card or by using UMP authentications. The extensible strap 20 can slide back into the luggage bag when not in use. b) Recovery Module:

The luggage bag of the present invention further comprises of a recovery module. In case the luggage bag is misplaced, the recovery module detects that the luggage bag is lost or stolen and sends a notification for the same on the user device. On receiving the said information, the user may activate the recovery module using the linked/ registered user device. Upon activation, the recovery module comes into action to facilitate regain of the lost luggage bag by using the following sub-modules:

1. Real-time GNSS Tracking Module:

This module includes Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) 4. Once the module is activated, the current location of the luggage bag is determined with the help of GNSS 4 and constant updates about its position are provided on the user device. GNSS 4 used in this module preferably are Global Positioning System (GPS) and GLONASS. The realtime location of the luggage bag is shown in a map provided on the application installed on user device. The module consists of a GPS and GLONASS receiver for receiving the GNSS Signals. These signals are then processed by the master module 5, wherein the raw data from the GNSS receiver is converted into a usable data. The data consists of longitude, latitude, velocity and altitude of the GNSS receiver. These data signals are then transmitted over the cellular network to the user device which is then processed to obtain and pin-point the exact location, i.e., exact co-ordinates of the luggage bag on the map alongwith the velocity of the luggage bag (if moving) and its altitude above sea level.

2. Beacon Tracking Module:

This module helps in tracking the luggage bag when the UMP is within the range of the Bluetooth transmitter of the luggage bag. It augments the GNSS Tracking to exactly determine the precise location of the luggage bag. This module consists of a Bluetooth transmitter at the luggage end and a Bluetooth receiver at the user's end on user device. When UMP is in vicinity of the luggage bag, it starts picking up the Bluetooth signals from the luggage bag's transmitter. These signals are then analyzed for their strength in UMP by the module and a possible distance is approximated. It is then possible to navigate towards the directions in which signal strength is high which in turn leads to the direction of lost or stolen luggage bag.

3. Portability Lockdown Module (27):

Figure 8 illustrates the view of the portable locking module 27 in the luggage system, comprising of electromechanical locks 25; locking pins 23 and portable locking mechanisms 26. The present module suspends all the mechanisms of the luggage bag which are responsible for its mobility (wheels and handles). The mechanisms generally used for making a luggage bag portable are wheels at the base of the luggage bag, and handle to carry it around. This creates a portability lockdown making it very difficult to carry around the luggage bag. The user sends signals from UMP to the master module 5 to control the motion and lock the wheels and handle which is executed by the combination of two miniature servo/ actuator based locking mechanisms: one at the wheels of the luggage bag and another at handles of the luggage bag, i.e. one mechanism at the main handle of the luggage bag and another mechanism at trolley handle 12 of the luggage bag. The trolley handle 12 has inbuilt stoppers which lock the trolley handle 12 when extended. This module can be activated using user device which sends signals to the master module 5 to give command to servo mechanisms to take lockdown position, and completely lock down the free movements of the luggage system.

Following the aforesaid command, the handle automatically slides back to the housing and get locked. Even the manual operation does not work after the command from UMP. The main handle gets locked by housing itself in the bag. There is a hinge mechanism (lock pins) that is activated to hold on the main handle. The servo/actuators at wheels lock the pins resisting any motion.

1. Sound Alert Notification Module: The present module on activation produces loud audio notifications from the in-built speakers 6 of the luggage bag stating clearly that the particular bag is lost or stolen. This module consists of a speaker 6 and an audio driver embedded in the bag, which are usually controlled by master module 5. The command to activate the sound alert notification module can be generated through UMP. c) Utility module

The present invention further comprises of utility module 28 which is introduced to enhance the traveling experience of a person/traveler carrying the luggage. The utility module include such as but not limiting to in-built battery charger to charge electronic gadgets, in-built audio systems to enjoy music while travelling.

1. On the go Power-Bank: The person carrying the luggage has gadgets like phone, laptops, cameras, etc. The battery of these gadgets might drain out while traveling; therefore, it becomes difficult to find a power source to charge the gadgets. The utility module of the present invention addresses this problem by providing a built-in removable battery 7 and a mini-invertor alongwith USB charging interface and a laptop charging interface (Figure 9). 2. Built-in High-definition Speakers: This module comprises a HD speaker 6 as shown in Figure 7 which is enclosed in the luggage system to enable the user to listen to music by simply streaming it through the phone via aux cable. The speakers 6 are powered by the battery of the luggage system (Figure 9). Further, the bag of the present invention also comprises the electronic parts or components as follows:

1. Combined GPS-GLONASS Receiver: This receives signal from the GPS and GLONASS satellites and produces a raw data which can further be processed to obtain the location, velocity and altitude of the luggage bag.

2. Bluetooth transmitter 2: It constantly keeps on sending raw data packets to its surrounding. These data packets are received by the application in UMP for further analysis and operation. It is also used for the communicating local data between UMP application and the luggage bag.

3. Cellular Modem 3: This module is responsible for carrying out all the communications between the luggage system and UMP. 4. Servo/Actuator: These motors control the various lock mechanisms in the luggage bag.

5. Speakers: Speakers 6 are used to send out loud public audio notification in case of theft or loss of the bag. Speakers are also used to play music by the user.

6. Power sockets: These are used as interface to charge the battery of the user's electronic gadgets, provide power to play audio through speaker and charge the mini- inverter.

7. Battery: Battery 7 is used as a power source for carrying out all the electronic operations of the luggage bag. Further, the battery is also used to provide power to external devices of the user and also to charge them. 8. LEDs: These are used as the indication lights to display the status of the luggage bag.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more preferred aspects, which aspects have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such aspects are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. Further, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous changes may be made in such details without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A luggage system in a luggage bag 1, comprising:

a master module 5;

an anti-theft module;

a recovery module;

a utility module 28, wherein the master module 5 controls the functionality of said anti-theft module, recovery module; and utility module 28; wherein the anti-theft module constantly monitors the status of the luggage bag and notifies the users in case of violation of the predefined limits (i.e. range, speed, lock status, and distance from the user) of the module; wherein the recovery module detects that the luggage bag is lost or stolen, sends a notification on the user device and facilitates regain of the lost luggage bag; wherein the utility module 28 comprising a power-bank to charge electronic gadgets and built-in high-definition speakers 6 to enjoy music while travelling.

2. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein flight mode for the bag 1 is enabled either by sensing location coordinates of airport saved in the master module 5 and sending the alert on user device for switching to the flight mode or enabling the flight mode manually pressing the button on the bag.

3. The luggage system as claimed in claim 2, wherein if no response is received on user device, the master module 5 enables the flight mode status for few hours.

4. The luggage system as claimed in claims 2 and 3, wherein when both flight mode switching options fail then the accelerometer in master module 5 senses high and low acceleration of aircraft during takeoff and landing to enable flight mode automatically.

5. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said bag 1 comprises of a near field communication (NFC) sensor 17 and a transportation security administration (TSA) key 19 enabling said user to unlock said bag by notifying the user on said UMP through visual, audio and vibration alerts.

6. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said bag 1 can be locked by pressing a first half cabinet 10 and a second half cabinet Hand a lock button 15c located at an interface panel 15 of said bag 1.

7. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said anti-theft module further comprises of a high frequency bluetooth beacon tracking module; an unauthorized access notification module 4 and an extensible locking strap module 22.

8. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said high frequency bluetooth beacon tracking module with transmitter part embedded in the luggage system constantly transmit packets of predefined data through radio waves and receiver at the user device, receives these packets to obtain the strength of the transmission which is directly proportional to the distance between the luggage bag and the user device.

9. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said unauthorized access notification module 16 sends notification on user device when the luggage bag is opened without proper authentication (including forcefully breaking the structure of the luggage bag).

10. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 7, wherein said extensible locking strap module 22 consists of a metal strip that ties the luggage bag with an external fixture 21, one end of the strap 20 is fixed in the luggage bag and the other end is spun around the fixture 21 coming back to pluggable socket in the luggage bag thereby creating a closed loop around the fixture 21 in which both ends of the strap 20 are tied to the luggage bag, creating a lockdown of the luggage bag to the fixture in case of force access or unauthorized access to the luggage bag.

11. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said recovery module further comprises of a real-time GNSS tracking module; a beacon tracking module; a portability lockdown module

27 and a sound alert notification module.

12. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said real-time GNSS tracking module provides the current location of the luggage bag continuously on user device using Global Positioning System (GPS) and GLONASS.

13. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said beacon tracking module augments GNSS 4 tracking to exactly determine the precise location of the luggage bag and consists of a transmitter at the luggage bag that transmits the signals to be picked up by the receiver on user device to analyze the strength of the signals and navigate towards the directions in which signal strength is high which in turn leads to the direction of lost or stolen luggage bag.

14. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said portability lockdown module 27 suspends the wheels and handle of the luggage bag responsible for its mobility.

15. The luggage system as claimed in Claim 11, wherein said sound alert notification module produces loud audio notifications from the in-built speakers 6 of the luggage bag announcing that the luggage bag is lost or stolen.