Patent Publication Number: US-10332381-B2

Title: Intelligent asset detachment sensor system

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     An embodiment relates to electronic devices, and more particularly to an intelligent sensor apparatus or system that is configured to inform a user, or other person, when an item or asset (e.g., a workplace identification-and-access badge) normally attached to the user is detached from the user for longer than a threshold period of time. 
     SUMMARY 
     An embodiment of an intelligent sensor system includes a user holder and an asset holder. The user holder is configured for attachment to a user (typically a person), for example, with a lanyard, belt clip, or pocket clip, and the asset holder is configured to hold an item or asset, for example, an identification badge, an access badge, an identification-and-access badge, or key (hereinafter, “badge” refers to any of the aforementioned badges). The user holder and asset holder are configured to attach to one another in normal operation while the user goes about his/her routine. In response to the user detaching the asset holder from the user holder to use the asset (e.g., to swipe a badge past a badge reader that gives the user access to a secure area of a building), at least one of the user holder and the asset holder measures the time elapsed from the detachment, and sounds an alarm (e.g., a beep) in response to the elapsed time exceeding a time threshold (e.g., ten seconds). The purpose of the alarm is to notify the user of the prolonged detachment, which can occur, for example, if the user leaves the asset behind, if another person detaches the asset holder from the user holder without the user&#39;s knowledge, or if the asset holder detaches from the user holder sua sponte without the user&#39;s knowledge. 
     Furthermore, at least one of the user holder and the asset holder can be configured to notify an entity other than the user of the prolonged detachment of the asset holder from the user holder. For example, wherein the asset is a badge, then at least one of the user holder and/or the asset holder can notify a security-monitoring service of the prolonged detachment so that the service can disable the badge&#39;s ability to grant access to a secure area. 
     Moreover, the user holder can include a “panic button” that a user can press, or otherwise activate, to obtain assistance, for example, if the user injures himself/herself or finds himself/herself in a dangerous situation. In response to activating the panic button, the user holder can generate an audible alarm, or can transmit an alarm signal or distress call to, e.g., local police or to a security-monitoring service. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An identification (ID), or an access card or badge, is a common asset, often worn by a user to identify the user, to monitor the user, or to gain user access to a secure area. ID and electronic access badges vary in shape, size, engineered features, and construction, depending upon their intended purposes. Typical features of ID badges and access cards include a photo of the user, the user&#39;s name, and a machine-readable identification code, which may include a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag or a similarly acting element. 
     Devices for attaching and securing an asset, such as an ID and access card or badge, to an individual often include, or otherwise make use of, lanyards with clip-on holders, and are well known. Typically, these devices either permanently attach to the asset, or allow the asset to disconnect from the holder by employing clips, snaps, or other metal or plastic fasteners. Other such devices employ a spring-loaded or coiled attachment cable, which allows a user to pull the asset a short distance from the user without actually detaching the asset from the device, and which then retracts or recoils to return the asset to the user. 
     Many of these wearable asset-attachment devices require some degree of dexterity to attach to the asset, and do not allow for the asset to be easily disconnected from the holder, as may be desired for ease of use. Furthermore, many of these devices are purely mechanical attachments, and provide no capability to alert the user, and potentially another person (e.g., a security administrator) or entity (e.g., a security-monitoring service), if the asset is misplaced, stolen or otherwise detached from the holder for a prolonged period of time. 
     Therefore, a need has arisen for a better attachment system for assets such as ID and access cards or badges, with easy-to-use, yet intelligent, attachment and monitoring features for both the wearer/user and the administrator of the badge or badge system. 
     One or more embodiments address this problem to provide a versatile, practical, and intelligent badge or other small-asset detachment-sensor system. With the following disclosure, one or more embodiments of the system are described with reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective frontward view of a user holder of an asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective rearward view of the user holder of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is side view of an asset holder of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system attached to the user holder of  FIGS. 1-2 , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective frontward view of an asset holder attached to a user holder of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic view of electronic circuitry and other electronic components of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flow diagram of the operation of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  is an isometric front view of an asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, with an asset holder of the system attached to a user holder of the system, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  is an isometric front view of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIG. 8A  with the asset holder detached from the user holder, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of electronic circuitry of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded isometric view of parts of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric bottom view of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B and 10 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded front view with portions broken away of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B, 10-11 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is an isometric cutaway partial view of the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B and 10-12 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram of a network that includes the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B and 10-13 , according to an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram of a network that includes the asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system of  FIGS. 8A-8B and 10-13 , according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded isometric view of an asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, according to another embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Reference characters included in the above drawings indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, as discussed herein. The description herein illustrates one or more embodiments, in one form, and the description herein is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or claims in any manner. It should be understood that the above-listed figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and may include fragmentary views, graphic symbols, diagrammatic representations, or schematic representations. Details that are not necessary for an understanding of embodiments by one skilled in the technology of the disclosed embodiments, or that render other details difficult to perceive, may be omitted. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An embodiment is an asset-detachment sensor apparatus and system, which is useful to attach an asset, such as an identification (ID) or access card or badge, or other common item or device; the asset-detachment system can be attached to a lanyard, clothing or belt clip, or other type of holder. Where the asset is a badge, the badge may vary in shape, size, engineered features and construction, as dependent upon its intended purpose. Usual features of ID and access badges include a photo of the user, and the user or wearer&#39;s name. Additionally, ID and access badges may be ‘smart’ and include alternative identification capabilities, such as machine-readable or electronic identification codes, and may include, or include features similar to, radio-frequency-identification (RFID) elements or tags, or other passive or active transponders. 
     The asset-detachment sensor system, according to an embodiment, is versatile and intuitive to use.  FIGS. 1 through 7  show embodiments of an asset-detachment sensor system, also referred to herein as a personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system&#39;  10  includes two parts, a user holder  11  and an asset holder  31 . The user holder is configured for attaching to a user  15 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , with, for example, a lanyard  16  or some similarly functioning device for attachment to the user. The lanyard  16  is a conventional tool for holding an asset, which is threaded-through, clipped, snapped, gripped, or in some other way, attached to the lanyard. Generally, the lanyard  16  may be any flexible ribbon, rope, string, or cable, adapted to hold a small asset. The user holder  11  includes a user attachment  25 , which may be a thread-though tab for receiving the lanyard  16 , or an attachment for receiving a clip type of attachment, or some similarly functioning attachment mechanism or device. Additionally, the asset holder  31  includes an asset attachment  33 , which is, for example, a clip attachment (see  FIG. 3 ) that receives an asset  34 . The asset  34  is, for example, an identification (ID) or access device, such as a card, badge or key, as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 . 
     Alternatively, the asset  34  may be any security device, key-card, access-clearance device, or environmental-clearance device, for example, a badge used for personnel identification, access, or entry. Again, keys or key-cards are also considered as examples of a possible asset  34 , held in the asset holder  31  of the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10 . 
     The user holder  11  and the asset holder  31  of the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10  are held together in an attached position  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the user holder  11  contains a magnet dock  22 , which includes a non-magnetic material (e.g., a metal such as steel) that is magnetically attracted to a magnet, such as a permanent magnet. Behind the magnet dock  22  is a magnetic-field sensor  24 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The magnetic-field sensor  24  is, for example, a Hall-type integrated-circuit sensor switch, which is a magnetically activated switch, well known to those skilled in magnetic-switch technologies. The Hall switch can operate omni-polar, with both magnetic S-poles and N-poles, to detect the close proximity of magnets upon attachment. 
     The asset holder  31  has an asset magnet  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , which is a permanent magnet that attaches and docks to the magnet dock  22  of the user holder  11 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . This magnetic connection is sensed by the magnetic-field sensor  24  to achieve an asset docked  50  functional condition for the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10 , as a programmed output of an electronic control  23 , with the functional operation steps of the electronic control shown schematically in  FIG. 7 . 
     The user holder  11  also includes an alarm device to produce an audible signal to the user  15 , with the alarm device, for example, embodied by an audio transducer  21  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 6 , which may be a piezoelectric type of beeper, or any other electronic buzzer or beeper device. The audio transducer  21  is activated by the intelligent electronic control  23 , which is configured to monitor the magnetic-field sensor  24  and to drive the audio transducer  21 . 
     In an operational embodiment of the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10 , the asset holder  31  attaches to the user holder  11  in a magnet-to-magnet connection  35  for easy docking, and subsequently the asset holder easily detaches to break the magnetic connection between the magnetic dock  22  of the user holder and the asset magnet  32  of the asset holder. The magnetic connection supplies sufficient force in the attached position  12  to hold the asset holder  31  in place under normal circumstances, but allows the user  15  to disconnect the asset holder simply by pulling upon the asset holder with sufficient force to detach the asset holder from the user holder  11 . Then, the user  15  may securely reattach the asset holder  31  to the user holder  11 , simply by placing the asset magnet into the magnet dock. Additionally, the electronic control  23  monitors this connection with the magnetic-field sensor  24  and notifies the user with the audio transducer  21  to provide an audible warning signal directed to the user, when the asset holder is removed from the user holder. 
       FIG. 7  schematically details an embodiment of the functional operation of the electronic control  23  in the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10 , with the user holder ready  40  function, which is completed with the battery  26  in place to energize the electrical components of the user holder  11 . For example, the battery is a conventional replaceable, long life disc-type of battery, but could be a rechargeable battery, possibly rechargeable with a USB connection or interface of the system  10 . The asset undocked  45  is a first determination by the electronic control  23 , with the magnetic-field sensor  24  sensing a disconnection of the magnetic dock  22  from the asset Magnet  32  of the asset Holder  31 . 
     If the magnetic dock  22  is connected to the asset magnet  32 , the electronic control  23  enters a sleep state  50  until the asset undocked  45  result is a “YES”  46  response, as shown in  FIG. 7 . With the asset magnet  32  detached from the magnetic dock, the electronic control  23  enters a user notification  60 . The user notification  60  is, for example, a ‘chirp’ or short-in-duration audible output from the audio transducer  21 , for the purpose of informing the user  15  that the asset  34  has been removed, or undocked, from the user holder  11 . 
     After an initial pre-set time period, for example, in the approximate range of five seconds to one minute, the electronic control  23  expects to enter an asset docked  55 . After entering the asset docked, the program of the electronic control  23  re-enters the sleep state  50  and waits for the asset undocked  45  to return the YES  46  response with the magnetic-field sensor  24  detecting a disconnection of the magnetic dock  22  from the asset magnet  32  of the asset holder  31 . 
     If instead, the initial pre-set time period passes after the user notification  60 , as a default upon failure to enter the asset docked  55  function or state, the electronic control  23  enters an alert delay  65 . For example, the alert delay  65  is a different audible signal from the audio transducer  21  that indicates a higher level of urgency as compared to the user notification signal, with the purpose of alert delay to inform the user  15  that the asset  34  has been removed from the user holder  11 , for at least the initial pre-set time period. 
     After a secondary pre-set time period, for example, in the approximate range of one minute to three minutes after the alert delay  65 , the electronic control  23  expects to enter the asset docked  55  state. Again, after entering the asset docked  55  function or state, the program of the electronic control  23  re-enters the sleep state  50  and waits for the asset undocked  45  to return the YES  46  response with the magnetic-field sensor  24  sensing a disconnection of the magnetic dock  22  from the asset magnet  32  of the asset holder  31 . 
     If instead, the secondary pre-set time period passes after the user notification  60 , as a default upon still failing to enter the asset docked  55  function or state, the electronic control  23  enters an alert  70 . The alert  70  function is, for example, a different audio signal that includes a higher level of urgency as compared to the alert delay  65 , again from the audio transducer  21 . The more urgent audible signal of the alert  70  informs the user  15  that the asset  34  has been removed from the user holder  11  for an extended period of time. In the alert  70  function, and within a terminal, pre-set time period, for example in the approximate range of three minutes to five minutes after the alert  70 , the electronic control  23  still expects to enter the asset docked  55 . If instead, the terminal pre-set time period passes after the alert delay  65 , the electronic control  23  can execute additional functions, as needed to prevent misuse of the asset  34 , including activation of a transmitter  27 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , to notify a local intranet or other (e.g., cellular) network, of the extended loss of contact with the asset, so an administrator may take appropriate action. One such action may be locking-out any security clearance or access potentially provided by the asset  34  when the asset is, for example, an ID or access badge. 
     By intelligently detecting the presence or absence of the asset  34  and alerting the user  15  of the absence of the asset  34 , the personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  10  helps to eliminate the likelihood that the asset  34  will be misplaced, lost, stolen, or forgotten. Again, the asset can be any ID or access device, such as a card or badge, and the user holder  11  is attached to the user  15  by a lanyard  16  or equivalent acting clip device. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , the electronic control  23  can be any suitable programmable or non-programmable circuit, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), unprogrammable (hard-wired) analog or digital circuitry, or a combination of one of more of the aforementioned circuits. Furthermore, the electronic control  23  can include a battery-charger circuit configured to charge the battery  26  via, e.g., inductive charging or via accessible charging contacts (not shown in  FIG. 6 ). Moreover, the transmitter  27  can be any type of transmitter, such as a cell-network transmitter configured to communicate directly with a cell tower or other cell base station, an internet-of-things (IoT) transmitter configured to make the system  10 , or at least the user holder  11 , part of an IoT network, a wireless transmitter configured to communicate with, for example, a wireless router, or a Bluetooth® or Low-Power Bluetooth® transmitter. The transmitter  27  also can be configured to communicate with, or via, a smart phone carried by the user  15  ( FIG. 5 ). The transmitter  27  can include, or be coupled to, any suitable one or more transmit antennas, or one or more transmitter antenna arrays, which can be located, for example, onboard the user holder  11 . Moreover, the user holder  11  can include a receiver configured to receive information from a remote source, such as a cell tower, wireless router, or smart phone. Examples of such information include commands for execution by the electronic control  23 , software or firmware for programming the electronic control, and software or firmware updates for the electronic control. 
     Additional functionality may be added to the user holder  11  to provide additional alerts. For example, a button, or other input or signaling device, may be added to the user holder  11 , where if the user were to press and hold the button for one to three seconds, the transmitter  27  would be activated and a distress call could be issued, for example, to a security-monitoring service or to the police via a cellular network, or via the user&#39;s smart phone (or other smart phone in range of the transmitter  27 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-7 , alternate embodiments of the system  10  are contemplated. For example, one or more of the components described as being disposed on the user holder  11  can be disposed on the asset holder  31 . Likewise, one or more of the components described as being disposed on the asset holder  31  can be disposed on the user holder  11 . Furthermore, the system  10  can incorporate one or more components of, functions of, or steps performed by, the system  80  as described below in conjunction with  FIGS. 8A-15 , or the system  180  as described below in conjunction with  FIG. 16 . 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are diagrams of a personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  80  securing an asset  82 , according to an embodiment. The system  80  includes a user holder  84  and an asset holder  86 .  FIG. 8A  is a diagram of the asset holder  86  docketed with, hereinafter attached to, the user holder  84 , and  FIG. 8B  is a diagram of the asset holder undocked, hereinafter detached, from the user holder. 
     The user holder  84  includes a receptacle, hereinafter a female connector  88 , configured to receive a plunger, hereinafter a male connector  90 , of the asset holder  86 . As described below, the female connector  88  and male connector  90  include respective magnets are, therefore, magnetized. The user holder  84  also includes an attachment structure  92 , which is configured for securing the user holder to a user (e.g., a person or other living being) via a lanyard  94  or other attachment mechanism or device. Furthermore, as described below, the user holder  84  includes electronic circuity having an electronic control circuit, a sensor switch for detecting the attachment or detachment of the asset holder  86  from the user holder, and a battery for powering the electronic control circuit and the sensor switch. 
     In addition to the male connector  90 , the asset holder  86  includes a clip  96 , or other suitable mechanism or device, for holding the asset  82  (an identification-and-access badge in  FIGS. 8A-8B ). 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 8A-8B , operation of the system  80  is described, according to an embodiment. 
     First, a user pulls on the asset holder  86  with a force sufficient to overcome the force of magnetic attraction between the connectors  88  and  90  so as to detach the asset holder from the user holder  84 . For example, the user may detach the asset holder  86  from the user holder  84  to swipe the badge  82  through, or over, an access sensor to give the user access (e.g., unlock a door) to a secure area of a building. 
     The detaching of the asset holder  86  from the user holder  84  transitions the above-described sensor switch from an asset-holder-attached state to an asset-holder-detached state. 
     In response to detecting the transition of the switch from the asset-holder-attached state to the asset-holder-detached state, the electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) first causes the audio transducer  21  to generate, for example, one or more “chirps to let the user know that the asset holder  86  has been detached, and also to indicate to the user that the battery  26  in the user holder  84  still holds a charge. 
     Next, the electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) starts measuring an elapsed time starting from the time at which the electronic control circuit detected the state transition. For example, the electronic control circuit can include, or otherwise implement, a counter or timer. 
     The electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) periodically compares the measured elapsed time to a first threshold length of time, which may be equal to a time deemed sufficient for the user to have used the asset  82  for its intended purpose and to have reattached the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84 . For example, the first threshold length of time may be in an approximate range of five seconds to one minute. 
     If the measured elapsed time equals or exceeds the first threshold before the asset holder  86  is reattached to the user holder  84 , then the electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) generates, or causes the generation of, a first alert, such as an audible alarm like a series of “chirps” or “beeps.” The purpose of the first alert is to notify the user that the asset holder  86  is not yet reattached to the user holder  84 . For example, such failure to reattach the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84  may be due to the user forgetting to reattach the asset holder, or the user being unaware that he/she has dropped the asset holder or has left the asset holder behind. 
     If after the first alert the asset holder  86  still remains unattached to the user holder  84 , then the electronic control circuit continues  102  ( FIG. 9 ) to measure the time elapsed since the electronic control circuit sensed the transition of the state of the sensor switch, and thus sensed the detachment of the asset holder from the user holder. 
     The electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) periodically compares the measured elapsed time to a second threshold length of time, which is longer than the first threshold length of time and may be equal to a time deemed sufficient for the user to have reattached the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84  regardless of the reasons for the delayed reattachment. For example, the second threshold length of time may be in an approximate range of ten seconds to five minutes. 
     If the measured elapsed time equals or exceeds the second threshold before the asset holder  86  is reattached to the user holder  84 , then the electronic control circuit  102  ( FIG. 9 ) generates, or causes the generation of, a second alert, such as an audible alarm like a siren, which alert is louder, longer, or otherwise more intense than the first alert to indicate that this alert corresponds to a heightened level of urgency as compared to the first alert. Furthermore, the electronic control circuit may transmit a second alert to a remote location, such as a security-monitoring facility. The purpose of the second alert is to notify the user and security personnel that the asset holder  86  is not yet reattached to the user holder  84 . For example, such failure to reattach the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84  may be due to another person acquiring the badge  82  without authorization. In response to the second alert, security personnel can deactivate the badge  82 , or reconfigure a security system so that it does not “recognize” the badge, to prevent an unauthorized individual from accessing areas for which he/she is not authorized. Furthermore, security personnel can reconfigure the security system to generate a notification if/when one attempts to use the badge for access so that the badge holder can be located and, if appropriate, apprehended. 
     At some point, the user reattaches the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84 ; if this reattachment occurs before the elapsed time equals or exceeds the first threshold length of time, then the electronic control circuit  102  generates no alerts. For example, to reattach the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84 , the user can guide the male connector  90  of the asset holder toward the female connector  88  of the user holder. When the male connector  90  is close enough (e.g., within approximately 25 millimeters) to the female connector  88 , the magnetic attraction between the two connectors facilitates the engagement of the connector  90  into the connector  88 . In response to the male connector  90  fully engaging the female connector  88 , the sensor switch transitions from the asset-holder-detached state to the asset-holder-attached state. 
     In response to the reattachment of the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84 , the electronic control circuit stops measuring the elapsed time, and may “go to sleep” until the next time that asset holder is detached form the user holder. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 8A-8B , alternate embodiments of the system  80 , and its operation, are contemplated. For example, the user holder  84  can include a male connector, and the asset holder  86  can include a female connector. Moreover, the electronic control circuit may be configured to compare the elapsed time to fewer than or more than two threshold lengths of time, and to generate, or to cause the generation of, fewer than or more than two types of notifications or alerts, respectively, in response to the elapsed time equaling or exceeding one or more of the threshold lengths of time. In addition, the sensor switch can be any suitable type of sensor. Furthermore, the system  80  can include one or more of the operational features described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-7  for the system  10 . 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram of an electronic circuit  100  of the user holder  84 , and of the asset holder  86 , according to an embodiment, where components common to  FIGS. 6 and 9  are labeled with common reference numbers. 
     The electronic circuit  100  includes the audio transducer  21 , the battery  26 , the transmitter  27 , an electronic control circuit  102 , an input device  104 , a sensor switch  106 , and a receiver  108 . 
     The electronic control circuit  102  is configured to control, and to otherwise communicate with, the audio transducer  21 , the battery  26 , the transmitter  27 , the input device  104 , the sensor switch  106 , and the receiver  108 , and is configured to execute program instructions that cause the electronic control circuit to operate as described above and as otherwise herein. The electronic control circuit  102  can include a memory and other circuitry, and can be, or can include, a microprocessor, microcontroller, FPGA, or hardwired state machine. The electronic control circuit  102  can also include a battery charger configured to charge the battery  26  in response to signals, such as magnetic signals, received from an external charging device (not shown in  FIG. 9 ). 
     The input device  104  can be a push button, or other device, configured as a “panic button.” If a user finds himself/herself in a potentially dangerous, or otherwise dire, situation, he/she can activate the input device  104 . In response to the user activating the input device  104 , the electronic control circuit  102  is configured to cause the audio transducer  21  to sound an alarm, and to send a distress call, via the transmitter  27 , to a security-monitoring firm, the police, or other organization that responds to such distress calls. 
     The sensor switch  106  is configured to indicate whether the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 . In response to the male connector  90  of the asset holder  86  being fully inserted into the female connector  88  of the user holder  84  ( FIGS. 8A and 8B ), the switch  106  is configured to have a first state, e.g., an electrically open or “off” state, which state indicates that the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 . Conversely, in response to the male connector  90  not being fully inserted into, or being completely removed from, the female connector  88 , the switch  106  is configured to have a second state, e.g., an electrically closed or “on” state, which state indicates that the asset holder  86  is detached from the user holder  84 . Because it is anticipated that, during the lifetime of the system  80 , the asset holder  86  will be attached to the user holder  84  for much longer than the asset holder will be detached from the user holder, configuring the switch  106  so that the first state is an electrically open or “off” state can reduce the power consumption of the electronic circuit  100 , and, therefore, can extend the lifetime of the battery  26 . For example, if the electronic circuit  100  lacks the input device  104  (or does not require the input device to be enabled while the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 ), then the switch  106  can be coupled in series between the battery  26  and the parallel combination of the other components (e.g., the audio transducer  21 , the transmitter  27 , the electronic control circuit  104 , and the receiver  108 ) of the electronic circuit such that the electronic circuit draws little or no power from the battery while the asset holder is attached to the user holder. Furthermore, the sensor switch  106  can be, or can include, a mechanical switch, or any other suitable type of switch. 
     The receiver  108  can be any suitable type of receiver, such as a cellular-network receiver, a LAN (e.g., 802.11 compatible) receiver, a Bluetooth® receiver, or a Low-Power Bluetooth® receiver. For example, the receiver  108  can be configured to receive software, firmware, and software or firmware updates, for the electronic control circuit  102  and for other components of the system  80 . The receiver  108  can include, or be coupled to, any suitable one or more receive antennas, or one or more receive antenna arrays, which can be located, for example, onboard the user holder  11 . Furthermore, the transmitter  27  and receiver  108  can share one or more antennas or antenna arrays. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , alternate embodiments of the electronic circuitry  100  are contemplated. For example, the electronic circuitry  100  can include components in addition to those described, or can omit one or more of the above-described components. Furthermore, the electronic circuitry  100  can include one or more structural and operational features of the electronic circuitry of the user holder  11  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-7 . 
       FIG. 10  is an exploded partial isometric view of the system  80  of  FIGS. 8A-9 , according to an embodiment. In addition to the battery  26 , the audio transducer  21 , and the sensor switch  106 , the user holder  84  ( FIGS. 8A-8B ) includes a first magnet  120 , and the asset holder  86  ( FIGS. 8A-8B ) includes a second magnet  122 . The first magnet  120  is disposed at an inner end of the female connector  88  ( FIGS. 8A-8B ) of the user holder  84 , and the second magnet  122  is disposed within the male connector  90  ( FIGS. 8A-8B ) of the asset holder  86 . When within a range of magnetic attraction, for example, of approximately 2.5 mm, the magnets  120  and  122  attract one another, and, therefore, facilitate attachment and reattachment of the asset holder  86  to the user holder  84 . 
       FIG. 11  is an exploded isometric view of the system  80 , according to an embodiment. The male connector  90  of the asset holder  86  includes a cavity  130  configured to receive and to hold the magnet  122 , and the male connector and the female connector  88  of the user holder  84  have a peripheral shape (similar to Mickey Mouse® ears in an embodiment) that allows the male connector to fit within the female connector in only a single orientation. The peripheral shape being configured to allow an engagement of the connectors  88  and  90  in only a single orientation prevents inadvertent damage to, and possible improper operation of, the system  80 , and helps to ensure that the held asset (e.g., a badge) always has a proper orientation when the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 . 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded transparent view of the system  80 , according to an embodiment. The sensor switch  106  is disposed behind the magnet  120 , and includes a spring-loaded toggle member  140 . While the asset holder  86  is detached from the user holder  84 , the toggle member  140  has an extended position (the position shown in  FIG. 12 ) that corresponds to the electrically closed or “on” state of the switch  106 . And while the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 , a portion of the male connector  90  contacts the toggle member  140 , and forces the toggle member to rotate toward the electronic control circuit  102  into a collapsed position that corresponds to the electrically open or “off” state of the switch  106 . Therefore, in response to the user removing the asset holder  86  from the user holder  84 , the spring action of the toggle member  140  causes the toggle member to move into its extended position, and to thus transition the switch  106  from its “off” state to its “on” state. As discussed above, the electronic control circuit  102  senses this state transition of the switch  106  and, in response to this state transition, determines that the asset member  86  is detached from the user holder  84  and implements one of the routines described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 7-8B , or a similar routine. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 12 , alternate embodiments are contemplated. For example, the toggle member  140  of the sensor switch  106  can be replaced with a different type of structure such as a spring-loaded push button. 
       FIG. 13  is a cutaway isometric view of the system  80  while the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 , according to an embodiment. As described above in conjunction with  FIG. 12 , a portion  150  of the male connector  90  forces the toggle member  140  of the sensor switch  106  into its collapsed position while the asset holder  86  is attached to the user holder  84 . 
       FIG. 14  is a block diagram of a cellular-based network  160  to which the system  80  belongs, according to an embodiment. 
     In addition to the system  80 , the network  160  includes a cell tower or cell base station  162 , the internet (or cloud)  164 , and a remote server  166 , which can be, for example, a security-monitoring server or a police-department server. 
     In operation, the electronic control circuit  102  can send, via the transmitter  27 , data to the remote server  166  via the cell tower  162  and the internet  164 . Examples of the transmitted data include an alert that the asset holder  86  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) has been detached from the user holder  84  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) for a length of time that is longer than a threshold time, or can include a distress call initiated by the user activating the input device  104 . 
     Furthermore, the electronic control circuit  102  can receive, via the receiver  108 , data from the remote server  166  via the internet  164  and the cell tower  162 . Examples of the received data include a software or firmware download or update. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 14 , alternate embodiments of the network  160  are contemplated. For example, the network  160  can include components not described, or can omit one or more of the described components. Furthermore, a smart phone can be added to the network  160  as an interface between the system  80  and the cell tower  162 . For example, in response to the asset holder  86  being detached from the user holder  84  for a length of time that exceeds a threshold lengthy of time, the electronic control circuit  102  can send an alert to the remote server  166  via the transmitter  27 , a smart phone (e.g., the user&#39;s smart phone with which the user holder was previously paired), the cell tower  162 , and the internet  164 . Or, the electronic control circuit  102  can send, to the smart phone via the transmitter  27 , a request that the smart phone generate and send an alert to the remote server  166  via the cell tower  162  and the internet  164 . In response to the alert, the remote server  166 , or other device or person, can, for example, disable access privileges for a badge  82  attached to the asset holder  86 . Moreover, the remote server  166  can be configured to determine the physical location of the user holder  84  of the system  80 ; the ability to determine the physical location of the user holder can be particularly useful if a user activates the input device  104  to send a distress call. For example, the electronic circuitry  100  of the user holder  84  can be configured to determine its own location using onboard GPS circuitry, and to send its location to the remote server  166 . Or, the remoter server  166  can be configured to approximate the location of the user holder  84  from location information provided by the cell tower  162 , or may even be able to triangulate the location of the user holder if the user holder can communicate with at least three cell towers. In addition, the remote server  166  can query a database instantiated on the remote server, or instantiated elsewhere, to determine a time and/or a location of the badge  82  at its last use or attempted use. Moreover, the asset holder  86  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) can include electronic circuitry configured to communicate with the remote server  166 , for example, to send an alert that it is detached from the user holder  84  or to provide a location of the detached asset holder (in this latter case, the asset holder&#39;s electronic circuitry may include GPS circuitry, or the remote server can be configured to approximate the location of the asset holder in a manner similar to the manner described above in which the remote server may approximate the location of the user holder). 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of a local-area-based network  170  to which the system  80  belongs, according to an embodiment. 
     In addition to the system  80 , the network  170  includes a wireless router/modem  172 , the internet (or cloud)  174 , and a remote server  176 , which can be, for example, a security-monitoring server or a police-department server. 
     In operation, the electronic control circuit  102  can send, via the transmitter  27 , data to the remote location  176  via the router/modem  172  and the internet  164 . Examples of the transmitted data include an alert that the asset holder  86  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) has been detached from the user holder  84  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) for a length of time that is longer than a threshold time, or can include a distress call initiated by the user activating the input device  104 . 
     Furthermore, the electronic control circuit  102  can receive, via the receiver  108 , data from the remote location  176  via internet  174  and the router/modem  172 . Examples of the received data include a software or firmware download or update. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 15 , alternate embodiments of the network  170  are contemplated. For example, the network  170  can include components not described, or can omit one or more of the described components. Furthermore, a smart phone can be added to the network  170  as an interface between the system  80  and the router/modem  172 . For example, in response to the asset holder  86  being detached from the user holder  84  for a length of time that exceeds a threshold lengthy of time, the electronic control circuit  102  can send an alert to the remote server  176  via the transmitter  27 , a smart phone (e.g., the user&#39;s smart phone with which the user holder was previously paired), the router/modem  172 , and the internet  174 . Or, the electronic control circuit  102  can send, to the smart phone via the transmitter  27 , a request that the smart phone generate and send an alert to the remote server  176  via the router/modem  172  and the internet  174 . In response to the alert, the remote server  176 , or other device or person, can, for example, disable access privileges for a badge  82  attached to the asset holder  86 . Moreover, the remote server  176  can be configured to determine the physical location of the user holder  84  of the system  80 ; the ability to determine the physical location of the user holder can be particularly useful if a user activates the input device  104  to send a distress call. For example, the electronic circuitry  100  of the user holder  84  can be configured to determine its own location using onboard GPS circuitry, and to send its location to the remote server  176 , or the electronic circuitry can be configured to communicate with the user&#39;s, or another&#39;s, smartphone via the transmitter  27  and use the smartphone&#39;s onboard GPS circuitry to determine or approximate the location of the user holder. Or, the remoter server  176  can be configured to approximate the location of the user holder  84  from location information provided by the modem/router  172 . In addition, the asset holder  86  (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ) can include electronic circuitry configured to communicate with the remote server  176 , for example, to send an alert that it is detached from the user holder  84  or to provide a location of the detached asset holder (in this latter case, the asset holder&#39;s electronic circuitry may include GPS circuitry, or the remote server can be configured to approximate the location of the asset holder in a manner similar to the manner described above in which the remote server may approximate the location of the user holder). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-15 , alternate embodiments of the system  80  are contemplated. For example, the system  80  can incorporate one or more components of, functions of, or steps performed by, the system  10  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-7 , or the system  180  as described below in conjunction with  FIG. 16 . 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded view of a personal-device detachment sensor apparatus and system  180 , according to an embodiment. The system  180  includes the user holder  84  and an asset holder  182 , which can be similar in structure and operation to the asset holder  86  of  FIGS. 8A-15  except that the asset holder  182  includes an opening  184  configured to hold an asset such as one or more keys (not shown in  FIG. 16 ). Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8B and 16 , the user holder  84  can be configured to be compatible with different types of asset holders, such as the asset holders  86  and  182 , so that a user can swap out asset holders with the same user holder depending on the asset that the user wants to secure to the asset holder. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , alternate embodiments of the system  180  are contemplated. For example, the system  180  can incorporate one or more components of, functions of, or steps performed by, the system  10  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-7 , or the system  80  as described above in conjunction with  FIGS. 8A-15 . 
     In compliance with the statutes, one or more embodiments have been described in language more or less specific as to structural features and process steps. Furthermore, the specification illustrates embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of one or more embodiments, and the disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other embodiments and variations are possible, which employ the same or similar concepts as described above. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited except by the following claims, as appropriately interpreted. 
     Of note, the terms “substantially,” “proximate to” and “approximately” are employed herein throughout, including this detailed description and the attached claims, with the understanding that is denotes a level of exactitude or equivalence in amount or location commensurate with the skill and precision typical for the particular field of endeavor, as applicable. For example, when describing a quantity, such a physical length or length of time, these terms can indicate a range of values of the quantity within ±10% of the given value of the quantity. As an example, “approximately ten seconds” would indicate a range of time within 10±1 seconds.