Patent Publication Number: US-2017352249-A1

Title: System and method for detecting that an open bag is being carried

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to property security devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system to detect whether a user is carrying an open portable container. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     It is fairly common for people to carry personal belongings and other goods around in backpacks, satchels, handbags, or other portable containers. Typically, the portable containers have some sort of bag, box, or wrap form, and can be closed so that the contents are more or less entirely concealed within the interior of the portable container. Often, the portable container may be so secured with a zipper or similar fastener. A drawback of this system is that when users forget to fasten their portable container closed, objects may fall out or be more easily stolen. As it is easy to forget to secure one&#39;s backpack or handbag, this is a common problem. 
     In view of the above, there is a need for a way to alert users that they have left portable containers opened as they carry them. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a system for detecting that an open bag is being carried includes a portable container having a first compartment with a first opening, the first opening mutable between an open state and a closed state. The system includes at least one first sensor incorporated in the portable container, the at least one first sensor configured to detect that the first opening is in the open state. The system includes at least one mechanical switch incorporated in the portable container, the at least one mechanical switch having an actuator that activates the at least one mechanical switch when the portable container is lifted. The system includes a control circuit coupled to the at least one first sensor and at least one mechanical switch, the control circuit configured to transmit an alert to a user when the at least one first sensor detects that the first opening is in the open state and the at least one mechanical switch is activated. 
     In a related embodiment, the at least one first sensor further includes a light sensor disposed within the first compartment. In an additional embodiment, the light sensor is disposed adjacent to the first opening. In another embodiment, the portable container also includes a second compartment. In an additional embodiment, the at least one first sensor further includes a light sensor deployed within the second compartment. A further embodiment also includes a window that permits light that enters the second compartment to enter the first compartment. In another embodiment, the at least one first sensor further includes at least one proximity sensor mounted on an edge of the opening, the at least one proximity sensor configured to detect proximity of the sensor to an opposite edge of the opening. In yet another embodiment, the at least one first sensor further includes an audio emitter and receiver pair deployed within the first compartment. In another embodiment still, the actuator is incorporated in a handle. In another embodiment, lifting the portable container by the handle causes the actuator to activate the switch. In an additional embodiment, the control circuit further includes a processor. In a further embodiment still, the control circuit is electrically coupled to at least one of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor. In another embodiment, the control circuit is coupled to at least one of the at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor by a transmitter-receiver pair. An additional embodiment further includes at least one signaling device coupled to the control circuit. A further embodiment also includes a transceiver coupled to the control circuit, the transceiver configured to convey the alert to a computing device. 
     In another aspect, a system for detecting that an open bag is being carried includes a portable container having a first compartment with a first opening, the first opening mutable between an open state and a closed state. The system includes at least one first sensor incorporated in the portable container, the at least one first sensor configured to detect that the first opening is in the open state. The system includes at least one second sensor incorporated in the portable container, the at least one second sensor configured to detect an application of physical force when the portable container is being carried. The system includes a control circuit coupled to the at least one first sensor and at least one second sensor, the control circuit configured to transmit an alert to a user when the at least one first sensor detects that the first opening is in the open state and the at least one second sensor detects the application of physical force. 
     In a related embodiment, the at least one second sensor is a piezoelectric pressure sensor. In another embodiment, the at least one second sensor is a piezoelectric tension sensor. In a further embodiment, the at least one second sensor is a capacitive pressure sensor. In an additional embodiment, the at least one second sensor is a capacitive tension sensor. 
     Other aspects, embodiments and features of the disclosed system and method will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The accompanying figures are for schematic purposes and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or substantially similar component that is illustrated in various figures is represented by a single numeral or notation at its initial drawing depiction. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure. Nor is every component of each embodiment of the system and method is shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the device and method. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The preceding summary, as well as the following detailed description of the disclosed system and method, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the attached drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the system and method, presently preferred embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that neither the system nor the method is limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
         FIG. 1A  is a block diagram depicting an example of an computing device as described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a block diagram of a network-based platform, as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 2B  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 2C  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 2D  is a block diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 4C  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 4D  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the disclosed system; 
         FIG. 4E  is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the disclosed system; and 
         FIG. 5  is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of the disclosed method. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS 
     Some embodiments of the disclosed system and methods will be better understood by reference to the following comments concerning computing devices. A “computing device” may be defined as including personal computers, laptops, tablets, smart phones, and any other computing device capable of supporting an application as described herein. The system and method disclosed herein will be better understood in light of the following observations concerning the computing devices that support the disclosed application, and concerning the nature of web applications in general. An exemplary computing device is illustrated by  FIG. 1A . The processor  101  may be a special purpose or a general-purpose processor device. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, the processor device  101  may also be a single processor in a multi-core/multiprocessor system, such system operating alone, or in a cluster of computing devices operating in a cluster or server farm. The processor  101  is connected to a communication infrastructure  102 , for example, a bus, message queue, network, or multi-core message-passing scheme. 
     The computing device also includes a main memory  103 , such as random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory  104 . Secondary memory  104  may include, for example, a hard disk drive  105 , a removable storage drive or interface  106 , connected to a removable storage unit  107 , or other similar means. As will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant art, a removable storage unit  107  includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data. Examples of additional means creating secondary memory  104  may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM, or PROM) and associated socket, and other removable storage units  107  and interfaces  106  which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit  107  to the computer system. In some embodiments, to “maintain” data in the memory of a computing device means to store that data in that memory in a form convenient for retrieval as required by the algorithm at issue, and to retrieve, update, or delete the data as needed. 
     The computing device may also include a communications interface  108 . The communications interface  108  allows software and data to be transferred between the computing device and external devices. The communications interface  108  may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a PCMCIA slot and card, or other means to couple the computing device to external devices. Software and data transferred via the communications interface  108  may be in the form of signals, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by the communications interface  108 . These signals may be provided to the communications interface  108  via wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular phone link, and radio frequency link or other communications channels. Other devices may be coupled to the computing device  100  via the communications interface  108 . In some embodiments, a device or component is “coupled” to a computing device  100  if it is so related to that device that the product or means and the device may be operated together as one machine. In particular, a piece of electronic equipment is coupled to a computing device if it is incorporated in the computing device (e.g. a built-in camera on a smart phone), attached to the device by wires capable of propagating signals between the equipment and the device (e.g. a mouse connected to a personal computer by means of a wire plugged into one of the computer&#39;s ports), tethered to the device by wireless technology that replaces the ability of wires to propagate signals (e.g. a wireless BLUETOOTH® headset for a mobile phone), or related to the computing device by shared membership in some network consisting of wireless and wired connections between multiple machines (e.g. a printer in an office that prints documents to computers belonging to that office, no matter where they are, so long as they and the printer can connect to the internet). A computing device  100  may be coupled to a second computing device (not shown); for instance, a server may be coupled to a client device, as described below in greater detail. 
     The communications interface in the system embodiments discussed herein facilitates the coupling of the computing device with data entry devices  109 , the device&#39;s display  110 , and network connections, whether wired or wireless  111 . In some embodiments, “data entry devices”  109  are any equipment coupled to a computing device that may be used to enter data into that device. This definition includes, without limitation, keyboards, computer mice, touchscreens, digital cameras, digital video cameras, wireless antennas, Global Positioning System devices, audio input and output devices, gyroscopic orientation sensors, proximity sensors, compasses, scanners, specialized reading devices such as fingerprint or retinal scanners, and any hardware device capable of sensing electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic fields, gravitational force, electromagnetic force, temperature, vibration, or pressure. A computing device&#39;s “manual data entry devices” is the set of all data entry devices coupled to the computing device that permit the user to enter data into the computing device using manual manipulation. Manual entry devices include without limitation keyboards, keypads, touchscreens, track-pads, computer mice, buttons, and other similar components. A computing device may also possess a navigation facility. The computing device&#39;s “navigation facility” may be any facility coupled to the computing device that enables the device accurately to calculate the device&#39;s location on the surface of the Earth. Navigation facilities can include a receiver configured to communicate with the Global Positioning System or with similar satellite networks, as well as any other system that mobile phones or other devices use to ascertain their location, for example by communicating with cell towers. In some embodiments, a computing device&#39;s “display”  109  is a device coupled to the computing device, by means of which the computing device can display images. Display include without limitation monitors, screens, television devices, and projectors. 
     Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory  103  and/or secondary memory  104 . Computer programs may also be received via the communications interface  108 . Such computer programs, when executed, enable the processor device  101  to implement the system embodiments discussed below. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the system. Where embodiments are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computing device using a removable storage drive or interface  106 , a hard disk drive  105 , or a communications interface  108 . 
     The computing device may also store data in database  112  accessible to the device. A database  112  is any structured collection of data. As used herein, databases can include “NoSQL” data stores, which store data in a few key-value structures such as arrays for rapid retrieval using a known set of keys (e.g. array indices). Another possibility is a relational database, which can divide the data stored into fields representing useful categories of data. As a result, a stored data record can be quickly retrieved using any known portion of the data that has been stored in that record by searching within that known datum&#39;s category within the database  112 , and can be accessed by more complex queries, using languages such as Structured Query Language, which retrieve data based on limiting values passed as parameters and relationships between the data being retrieved. More specialized queries, such as image matching queries, may also be used to search some databases. A database can be created in any digital memory. 
     Persons skilled in the relevant art will also be aware that while any computing device must necessarily include facilities to perform the functions of a processor  101 , a communication infrastructure  102 , at least a main memory  103 , and usually a communications interface  108 , not all devices will necessarily house these facilities separately. For instance, in some forms of computing devices as defined above, processing  101  and memory  103  could be distributed through the same hardware device, as in a neural net, and thus the communications infrastructure  102  could be a property of the configuration of that particular hardware device. Many devices do practice a physical division of tasks as set forth above, however, and practitioners skilled in the art will understand the conceptual separation of tasks as applicable even where physical components are merged. 
     The computing device  100  may employ one or more security measures to protect the computing device  100  or its data. For instance, the computing device  100  may protect data using a cryptographic system. In one embodiment, a cryptographic system is a system that converts data from a first form, known as “plaintext,” which is intelligible when viewed in its intended format, into a second form, known as “cyphertext,” which is not intelligible when viewed in the same way. The cyphertext is may be unintelligible in any format unless first converted back to plaintext. In one embodiment, the process of converting plaintext into cyphertext is known as “encryption.” The encryption process may involve the use of a datum, known as an “encryption key,” to alter the plaintext. The cryptographic system may also convert cyphertext back into plaintext, which is a process known as “decryption.” The decryption process may involve the use of a datum, known as a “decryption key,” to return the cyphertext to its original plaintext form. In embodiments of cryptographic systems that are “symmetric,” the decryption key is essentially the same as the encryption key: possession of either key makes it possible to deduce the other key quickly without further secret knowledge. The encryption and decryption keys in symmetric cryptographic systems may be kept secret, and shared only with persons or entities that the user of the cryptographic system wishes to be able to decrypt the cyphertext. One example of a symmetric cryptographic system is the Advanced Encryption Standard (“AES”), which arranges plaintext into matrices and then modifies the matrices through repeated permutations and arithmetic operations with an encryption key. 
     In embodiments of cryptographic systems that are “asymmetric,” either the encryption or decryption key cannot be readily deduced without additional secret knowledge, even given the possession of the corresponding decryption or encryption key, respectively; a common example is a “public key cryptographic system,” in which possession of the encryption key does not make it practically feasible to deduce the decryption key, so that the encryption key may safely be made available to the public. An example of a public key cryptographic system is RSA, in which the encryption key involves the use of numbers that are products of very large prime numbers, but the decryption key involves the use of those very large prime numbers, such that deducing the decryption key from the encryption key requires the practically infeasible task of computing the prime factors of a number which is the product of two very large prime numbers. Another example is elliptic curve cryptography, which relies on the fact that given two points P and Q on an elliptic curve over a finite field, and a definition for addition where A+B=R, the point where a line connecting point A and point B intersects the elliptic curve, where “0,” the identity, is a point at infinity in a projective plane containing the elliptic curve, finding a number k such that adding P to itself k times results in Q is computationally impractical, given correctly selected elliptic curve, finite field, and P and Q. 
     The systems may be deployed in a number of ways, including on a stand-alone computing device, a set of computing devices working together in a network, or a web application. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize a web application as a particular kind of computer program system designed to function across a network, such as the Internet. A schematic illustration of a web application platform is provided in  FIG. 1A . Web application platforms typically include at least one client device  120 , which is an computing device as described above. The client device  120  connects via some form of network connection to a network  121 , such as the Internet. The network  121  may be any arrangement that links together computing devices  120 ,  122 , and includes without limitation local and international wired networks including telephone, cable, and fiber-optic networks, wireless networks that exchange information using signals of electromagnetic radiation, including cellular communication and data networks, and any combination of those wired and wireless networks. Also connected to the network  121  is at least one server  122 , which is also an computing device as described above, or a set of computing devices that communicate with each other and work in concert by local or network connections. Of course, practitioners of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that a web application can, and typically does, run on several servers  122  and a vast and continuously changing population of client devices  120 . Computer programs on both the client device  120  and the server  122  configure both devices to perform the functions required of the web application  123 . Web applications  123  can be designed so that the bulk of their processing tasks are accomplished by the server  122 , as configured to perform those tasks by its web application program, or alternatively by the client device  120 . Some web applications  123  are designed so that the client device  120  solely displays content that is sent to it by the server  122 , and the server  122  performs all of the processing, business logic, and data storage tasks. Such “thin client” web applications are sometimes referred to as “cloud” applications, because essentially all computing tasks are performed by a set of servers  122  and data centers visible to the client only as a single opaque entity, often represented on diagrams as a cloud. 
     Many computing devices, as defined herein, come equipped with a specialized program, known as a web browser, which enables them to act as a client device  120  at least for the purposes of receiving and displaying data output by the server  122  without any additional programming. Web browsers can also act as a platform to run so much of a web application as is being performed by the client device  120 , and it is a common practice to write the portion of a web application calculated to run on the client device  120  to be operated entirely by a web browser. Such browser-executed programs are referred to herein as “client-side programs,” and frequently are loaded onto the browser from the server  122  at the same time as the other content the server  122  sends to the browser. However, it is also possible to write programs that do not run on web browsers but still cause an computing device to operate as a web application client  120 . Thus, as a general matter, web applications  123  require some computer program configuration of both the client device (or devices)  120  and the server  122 . The computer program that comprises the web application component on either computing device&#39;s system  FIG. 1A  configures that device&#39;s processor  200  to perform the portion of the overall web application&#39;s functions that the programmer chooses to assign to that device. Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the programming tasks assigned to one device may overlap with those assigned to another, in the interests of robustness, flexibility, or performance. Furthermore, although the best known example of a web application as used herein uses the kind of hypertext markup language protocol popularized by the World Wide Web, practitioners of ordinary skill in the art will be aware of other network communication protocols, such as File Transfer Protocol, that also support web applications as defined herein. 
     The one or more client devices  120  and the one or more servers  122  may communicate using any protocol according to which data may be transmitted from the client  120  to the server  122  and vice versa. As a non-limiting example, the client  120  and server  122  may exchange data using the Internet protocol suite, which includes the transfer control protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP), and is sometimes referred to as TCP/IP. In some embodiments, the client and server  122  encrypt data prior to exchanging the data, using a cryptographic system as described above. In one embodiment, the client  120  and server  122  exchange the data using public key cryptography; for instance, the client and the server  122  may each generate a public and private key, exchange public keys, and encrypt the data using each others&#39; public keys while decrypting it using each others&#39; private keys. 
     In some embodiments, the client  120  authenticates the server  122  or vice-versa using digital certificates. In one embodiment, a digital certificate is a file that conveys information and links the conveyed information to a “certificate authority” that is the issuer of a public key in a public key cryptographic system. The certificate in some embodiments contains data conveying the certificate authority&#39;s authorization for the recipient to perform a task. The authorization may be the authorization to access a given datum. The authorization may be the authorization to access a given process. In some embodiments, the certificate may identify the certificate authority. 
     The linking may be performed by the formation of a digital signature. In one embodiment, a digital signature is an encrypted a mathematical representation of a file using the private key of a public key cryptographic system. The signature may be verified by decrypting the encrypted mathematical representation using the corresponding public key and comparing the decrypted representation to a purported match that was not encrypted; if the signature protocol is well-designed and implemented correctly, this means the ability to create the digital signature is equivalent to possession of the private decryption key. Likewise, if the mathematical representation of the file is well-designed and implemented correctly, any alteration of the file will result in a mismatch with the digital signature; the mathematical representation may be produced using an alteration-sensitive, reliably reproducible algorithm, such as a hashing algorithm. A mathematical representation to which the signature may be compared may be included with the signature, for verification purposes; in other embodiments, the algorithm used to produce the mathematical representation is publically available, permitting the easy reproduction of the mathematical representation corresponding to any file. In some embodiments, a third party known as a certificate authority is available to verify that the possessor of the private key is a particular entity; thus, if the certificate authority may be trusted, and the private key has not been stolen, the ability of a entity to produce a digital signature confirms the identity of the entity, and links the file to the entity in a verifiable way. The digital signature may be incorporated in a digital certificate, which is a document authenticating the entity possessing the private key by authority of the issuing certificate authority, and signed with a digital signature created with that private key and a mathematical representation of the remainder of the certificate. In other embodiments, the digital signature is verified by comparing the digital signature to one known to have been created by the entity that purportedly signed the digital signature; for instance, if the public key that decrypts the known signature also decrypts the digital signature, the digital signature may be considered verified. The digital signature may also be used to verify that the file has not been altered since the formation of the digital signature. 
     The server  122  and client  120  may communicate using a security combining public key encryption, private key encryption, and digital certificates. For instance, the client  120  may authenticate the server  122  using a digital certificate provided by the server  122 . The server  122  may authenticate the client  120  using a digital certificate provided by the client  120 . After successful authentication, the device that received the digital certificate possesses a public key that corresponds to the private key of the device providing the digital certificate; the device that performed the authentication may then use the public key to convey a secret to the device that issued the certificate. The secret may be used as the basis to set up private key cryptographic communication between the client  120  and the server  122 ; for instance, the secret may be a private key for a private key cryptographic system. The secret may be a datum from which the private key may be derived. The client  120  and server  122  may then uses that private key cryptographic system to exchange information until the in which they are communicating ends. In some embodiments, this handshake and secure communication protocol is implemented using the secure sockets layer (SSL) protocol. In other embodiments, the protocol is implemented using the transport layer security (TLS) protocol. The server  122  and client  120  may communicate using hyper-text transfer protocol secure (HTTPS). 
     Embodiments of the disclosed system and method warn users if they are carrying an opened portable container. A user who leaves his or her backpack unzipped and begins to carry it away may be alerted by the system; the alert may be a visible or audible signal, or may be transmitted to the user&#39;s mobile device. 
       FIGS. 2A-C  illustrate an embodiment of a system  200  for detecting that an open bag is being carried. As an overview, the system  200  includes a portable container  201 . The portable container has a first compartment  202 . The first compartment  202  has a first opening  203 . The first opening  203  is mutable between an open state and a closed state. The system  200  includes at least one first sensor  204  incorporated in the portable container  201 , the at least one first sensor configured to detect that the first opening  203  is in the open state. The system  200  includes at least one second sensor  205  incorporated in the portable container  201 , the at least one second sensor configured to detect that the portable container  201  is being carried. The system  200  includes a control circuit  206  coupled to the at least one first sensor  204  and at least one second sensor  205 , the control circuit  206  configured to transmit an alert to a user when the at least one first sensor  204  detects that the first opening  203  is in the open state and the at least one second sensor  205  detects that the portable container  201  is being carried. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2A  in further detail, the system  200  includes a portable container  201 . In some embodiments, the portable container  201  is a container that can be moved about by or on a person. The portable container  201  may include a bag. The portable container  201  may include luggage, such as a suitcase, duffel bag, carry-on bag, or similar item. The portable container  201  may include a briefcase, a backpack, a purse, a carryall, or any similar hand-held device. The owner of the portable container  201  may be carrying it wheeling it, dragging it, or riding with it next to the owner on a seat or in a storage area. The owner of the portable container  201  may be walking or riding on a bicycle, wheelchair, scooter, car, train, bus, airplane, or other vehicle for transporting people. The portable container  201  may be constructed of any material or combination of materials suitable for the construction of a portable container, including substantially rigid materials, such as substantially rigid natural or synthetic polymers, metal, wood, or fiberglass, and substantially flexible materials such as textiles, leather, or substantially flexible natural or synthetic polymers. 
     The portable container  201  may have a first compartment  202  with a first opening  203 . The first opening  203  may be mutable between an open state, for instance as shown in  FIG. 2A , and a closed state, for example as shown in  FIG. 2B . One or more fasteners may secure the first opening  203  in the closed state. The one or more fasteners may include any fastener suitable for fastening one surface to another. The one or more fasteners may include without limitation one or more slide fasteners, such as zippers, one or more hook-and-loop fasteners, one or more buckles such as a slide-release buckles, tension locks, or frame buckles, one or more snaps, one or more buttons, one or more magnets, or one or more ties. 
     The at least one first sensor  204  is incorporated in the portable container  201 . In some embodiments, the at least one first sensor  204  is incorporated in the portable container  201  if the at least one first sensor  204  is attached to the portable container  201 . The at least one first sensor  204  may be attached anywhere on the portable container  201 . The manner of incorporation in the portable container  201  may depend on the sensors that the at least one first sensor  204  includes. For instance, in some embodiments, the at least one first sensor  204  includes a light sensor  220 . The light sensor  220  may be any sensor that converts electromagnetic radiation to an electric signal; the electric signal may be a voltage or current signal. The light sensor  220  may include, without limitation, a photo-junction device such as a photodiode or phototransistor, a photo conductive cell such as a photo-resistor or a light-dependent resistor, a photo-voltaic cell, a photo-emissive cell, or any other device that alters the state of an electric circuit in response to a change in electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the light sensor  220  is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation substantially within the spectrum visible to human beings; that is, the light sensor  220  may produce an electric signal when exposed to light that a typical person is capable of perceiving visually, while not producing a signal when exposed only to light that is significantly outside of that range, such as light having frequencies in the ultraviolet range or higher and light having frequencies in the infrared range or lower. The light sensor  220  may be sensitive to wavelengths above or below the human visual range as well. In some embodiments, the light sensor  220  is deployed within the first compartment  202 . Disposal within the first compartment  202  may ensure that the light sensor detects an increase in light when the compartment is open in a place that has ambient or direct light; the first compartment  202  may be opaque to the wavelengths detectable by the light sensor, meaning that when the first opening  203  is closed, the light sensor  220  is sending a detectably lower electrical signal than when the first opening  203  is opened. 
     In some embodiments, as shown for example in  FIG. 2C , the at least one first sensor  204  includes multiple light sensors. For instance, the first sensor  204  may include four sensors. The plurality of sensors may be spread apart from each other; for example, the plurality of sensors may be spaced substantially equal distances from each other near to the first opening  203 . In some embodiments, the multiple sensors  204  may be able to sense that a part of the first opening  203  has been opened while another part remains closed; for instance, where the first opening  203  is closed by a double-ended zipper, one of the at least one first sensor  204  may be positioned to sense light entering from the first end of the double-ended zipper when the first end is opened, while if the other end of the double-ended zipper is opened another sensor of the at least one first sensor  204  may be positioned to sense the light entering from that end of the opening. In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  is configured to detect that the first opening  203  is in the open state when any one of the at least one first sensor  204  detects light in excess of a threshold amount; the threshold may be a reference voltage, a reference current, a degree of change in resistance, or a number stored in digital memory that is compared to the degree of light energy sensed by the at least one first sensor  204 . 
     In some embodiments, the light sensor  220  is disposed adjacent to the first opening, for instance as shown for the at least one first sensor  204  in  FIG. 2A . The light sensor may be disposed adjacent to the opening  203  when the light sensor is close enough to the opening  203  that visible light can pass from the opening  203  to the light sensor  220  unless the compartment  202  is substantially completely full; for instance, where the portable container  201  has a top, and the first opening  203  is near to the top of the portable container  201 , the light sensor may be disposed near the top of the portable container  201  as well. 
     In some embodiments, the portable container  201  also has a second compartment  207 . For instance, where the portable container  201  is a backpack, the portable container  201  may have a first compartment  202  next to the surface that rests against the user&#39;s back when the user is wearing the backpack in the typical manner, and a second compartment  207  adjacent to the first compartment  202 . Similarly, where the portable container  201  is a handbag, suitcase, satchel, or other portable container  201  as described above, the portable container  201  may include one or more compartments, some of which may be adjacent to the first compartment  202 . The second compartment  207  may included a second opening  208 ; the second opening  208  may be mutable between an open state, as shown in  FIG. 3 , and a closed state, as shown in  FIGS. 1A-B . The second opening  208  may be any opening suitable for use as the first opening  203  as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-C . In some embodiments, the first sensor  204  includes a second light sensor disposed within the second compartment  207 ; the light sensor within the second compartment  207  may detect an increase in light when the second opening  208  is open; this may be implemented as described above for the first opening  203  in reference to  FIGS. 1A-C . In other embodiments, as shown for instance in  FIG. 3 , the second compartment  207  includes a window  301  that permits light that enters the second compartment to enter the first compartment; as a result, when the second opening  208  is open, the light sensor disposed within the first compartment  202  may detect the light entering the second compartment  207 , causing the light sensor to send a signal even if the first compartment  202  is closed. The window  301  may be constructed of any material sufficiently translucent to a wavelength detectable by the light sensor to cause the light sensor to detect that the second opening  208  is open, including without limitation clear or translucent polymer materials, glass, or crystal. The window  301  may be an opening between the first compartment  301  and second compartment  207 ; that is, there may be no material in the window  301  at all. The translucent or transparent material making up the window  301 , where present, may be attached to the opening by any suitable means including without limitation adhesion, press fitting, sewing, and heat-sealing. 
     In other embodiments, the at least one first sensor  204  includes other sensors. The first sensor  204  may include an audio sensor  221 ; the audio sensor  221  may detect sound or other vibrations including one or more audio frequencies and produce a resulting electrical signal, for instance in the manner used by a microphone. The detected audio frequency may be within the audible range for a typical person. In other embodiments, the detected audio frequency may have a lower frequency than the audible range of a typical person. In other embodiments, the detected audio frequency has a higher frequency than the audible range for a typical person; the detected audio frequency may be ultrasonic. In some embodiments, the at least one first sensor  204  includes an audio emitter  222 , which receives an electrical signal and produces an audio signal, for instance in the manner of an electrical speaker. The audio emitter  222  may emit any frequency detectable by the audio sensor  221 ; for instance, the at least one first sensor  204  may include an ultrasonic audio emitter  222  and an ultrasonic audio sensor  221 . In some embodiments, the audio sensor  221  can detect a first echo pattern corresponding to the compartment  202  with a closed first opening  203 , and a second echo pattern corresponding to the compartment  202  with an open first opening  203 . The control circuit  206  may be configured to detect the difference between a signal produced by the audio sensor  221  based on the first echo and a signal produced by the audio sensor  221  in response to the second echo. 
     The at least one first sensor  204  may include a proximity sensor  223 . For instance, as shown as  FIG. 4A , the at least one first sensor  204  may include at least one proximity sensor  401  mounted on an edge of the first opening  203 , the at least one proximity sensor configured to detect proximity of the sensor to an opposite edge of the first opening  203 . The proximity sensor  401  may have an opposite component  402  on the opposite edge, the distance from which the proximity sensor  401  can sense. In another embodiment, for instance as shown in  FIG. 4B , the proximity sensor  401  is mounted on one slider of a slide fastener, such as a zipper. The opposite member may be mounted on another slider, for instance as illustrated in  FIG. 4B , if the slide fastener has two sliders. The opposite member may be mounted at any point along the edge of the first opening, including at one end of the slide fastener. 
     Returning to  FIGS. 2A-D , the system  200  includes at least one second sensor  205  incorporated in the portable container  201 , the at least one second sensor  205  configured to detect that the portable container  201  is being carried. In some embodiments, the at least one second sensor  205  includes a light sensor. The light sensor may be mounted on an exterior surface  209  of the portable container  201  that is typically covered when the portable container  201  is being carried; as a result, the light sensor may detect significantly less light when the container  201  is being carried. For instance, the exterior surface  209  may be a surface of a backpack or handbag that typically rests against the user&#39;s body when the backpack or handbag is being carried. As another example, where the container  201  includes a strap  210 , the exterior surface  209  may be an underside of the strap  210 , where the underside is the surface of the strap that contacts the person of the user when the portable container  201  is being carried; for instance, the strap  210  may be the shoulder strap of a backpack or handbag, and the underside of the strap  210  may be the surface of the shoulder strap that rests on the shoulder, chest, or back of the user when the backpack or handbag is being carried. 
     The at least one sensor  205  may include a motion sensor. The at least one motion sensor may include any sensor or combination of sensors by means of which the at control circuit  206  may be able to detect its own motion. The at least one motion sensor may include at least one accelerometer. In some embodiments, the at least one accelerometer includes two or more accelerometers; for example, the at least one accelerometer may include three accelerometers aligned to non-parallel axes (e.g., three mutually orthogonal accelerometers), coupled to the control circuit  206 , enabling the control circuit  206  to determine the direction of acceleration of the motion sensor in three dimensional space. The at least one motion sensor may include at least one gyroscope. The at least one gyroscope may include two or more gyroscopes; for example, the at least one gyroscope may include three gyroscopes aligned to non-parallel axes (e.g., three mutually orthogonal gyroscopes), coupled to the control circuit  206 , enabling the control circuit  206  to determine the direction of a change of pitch of the motion sensor in three dimensional space. The at least one motion sensor may include at least one magnetometer. The at least one magnetometer may include two or more magnetometers; for example, the at least one magnetometer may include three magnetometers aligned to non-parallel axes (e.g., three mutually orthogonal magnetometers), coupled to the control circuit  206 , enabling the control circuit  206  to determine the a change of direction of the at least one motion sensor, relative to a magnetic field such as the magnetic field of the Earth, in three dimensional space. In some embodiments, the at least one motion sensor includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) incorporating one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, or magnetometers as described above; the IMU may also include a dedicated processor that interprets sensor input and renders it more easily usable for the control circuit  206 . The at least one second sensor  205  may include other elements, such as thermal sensors that detect the proximity of a user&#39;s body to the portable container  201 . 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIGS. 4C-4E  the second sensor includes a mechanical switch  402 . In some embodiments, the mechanical switch  402  is an object movable between a first state having a first effect on an electric circuit and a second state having a second effect on the electric circuit; the control circuit  206  may be configured to sense when the mechanical switch  402  has moved from the first state to the second state, or to sense when the mechanical switch  402  has moved from the second state to the first state. The mechanical switch  402  may include switch that can break or join a circuit, such as a light switch. The mechanical switch  402  may include a component whose effect on the electrical circuit changes substantially continuously as an element of the mechanical switch  402  is moved through a range of positions; for instance, the mechanical switch  402  may include a potentiometer, adjustable capacitor, or the like. The second sensor  205  may include an actuator  403 ; the actuator  403  may be any component or set of components movable with respect to the mechanical switch  402  so that moving the actuator  403  causes the switch  402  to move between the first state and the second state. Moving between the first state and the second state may involve moving from the first state to the second state or moving from the second state to the first state, or both. The actuator  403  may be any component that behaves as an actuator in any switch. The actuator may be a knob, shaft, or other element that rotates, such as a knob in a rotary switch, variable capacitor, or potentiometer. The actuator  403  may include an element that is pulled away from the switch  402  to modify the state of the switch  402 ; as a non-limiting example, the switch  402  may be a pull switch, and the actuator may include a cable, rod, chain, or other element that is pulled away from the pull switch to move its state between the first and second states. Similarly, the actuator  403  may include an element that translates motion to the switch to push the switch, for instance, where the switch is a push-button switch or similar device. The actuator  403  may include a lever; for instance, the switch  402  may be a toggle switch, and the actuator  403  may act as a lever. 
     The actuator  403  may combine any or all of the above elements as necessary to cause the switch  402  to switch between the first state and the second state. For instance, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4C-E , the switch  402  may be a rotary switch, and the actuator  403  may include an element  403   a  that rotates to actuate the switch  402 , and an additional element  403   b  that when moved, causes the first element  403   a  to rotate. The additional element  403   b  may include, without limitation, a flexible element such as a cable, string, chain, or the like wound on a pulley axially fixed to the first element  403   a ; the additional element  403   b  may be a lever having its fulcrum at the first element  403   a . Similarly, one element of the actuator  403  may be rotated, and cause another element of the actuator to move linearly, for instance using a gear. As another example, the actuator  403  may include a piston (not shown) having a rod that actuates the switch  402  and another element that produces pressure on the piston, such as a bladder that when squeezed creates pressure, causing the piston to move; the piston in turn may have its translational motion transformed to rotational motion by gears, pulleys, or other mechanisms. In other embodiments, the switch  402  is actuated by gravity; for instance, the switch  402  may be a mercury switch or have a weighted rotor, so that a shift in position of the switch causes the switch to actuate. Similarly, the switch  402  may be actuated by changes in magnetic fields or in attitude (e.g. by means of a gyroscope). 
     In some embodiments, lifting the portable container  201  causes the actuator  403  to actuate the switch  402 . For example, where the switch is gravity-actuated, a change in angle of the portable container  201  relative to the ground may actuate the switch; similarly, a change in position of the switch relative to a magnetic field may actuate the switch  402 . In other embodiments, the actuator  403  has a component that is incorporated in a handle of the portable container  201 ; as a non-limiting example, the handle may be a shoulder strap  210 . In some embodiments, the actuator  403  is incorporated in the handle so that lifting the portable container  201  by the handle causes the actuator to actuate the switch. As a non-limiting example, the actuator  403  may have a lever element that extends into the handle, so that when the handle lifts up, such as may be expected of a shoulder strap when slung over a user&#39;s shoulder, the lever pivots up; this may in turn actuate the switch by mechanisms as discussed above, for example by toggling a toggle switch or causing the rotation of the actuator of a rotary switch.  FIG. 4D  illustrates one embodiment with the shoulder strap  210  hanging down, and the actuator  403  also pointing downward within the shoulder strap  210 ;  FIG. 4E  illustrates the handle  210  in that embodiment pulled upward, for instance because the portable container  201  is being lifted; the actuator  403  has rotated relative to the switch  402 , moving the switch between the first and second states and signaling to the control circuit  206  that the portable container  201  is being lifted up. Likewise, an element of the actuator may be inserted into the handle so that tension on the handle when the handle is used to lift the portable container  201  causes the element of the actuator  403  to pull away from the switch, actuating the switch by mechanisms described above, such as a pulley actuating a rotary switch, or the element directly actuating a pull-switch. As a further non-limiting example, compression of the handle or shoulder strap may compress an element of the actuator  403 , such as a bladder coupled to a piston, which in turn actuates the switch  402 . 
     The at least one second sensor  205  may include a sensor that detects the application of physical force, such as increased pressure, tension, or shear stress. For instance, a piezoelectric component that senses pressure may be inserted into a handle, such as a shoulder strap  210 , so that the pressure on the handle when the handle is supporting the weight of the portable container  201  causes the piezoelectric element to change the conditions of a circuit in which the piezoelectric element is located, for instance by generating an electric potential difference across the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may similarly alter the conditions of an electrical circuit in response to tension on the piezoelectric element, for instance because the piezoelectric element is inserted in the handle so that tension on the handle confers tension on the piezoelectric element. Similarly, the piezoelectric element may change the conditions of the electric circuit in response to shear stress or torsion on the piezoelectric element resulting from lifting the handle. Any other device may be used to sense changes in pressure or tension; for instance, the at least one second sensor  205  may include a capacitive pressure sensor or tension sensor. 
     The control circuit  206  may be any circuit that receives the input of the at least one first sensor  204  and the at least one second sensor  205  and transmits an alert to the user as when the at least one first sensor  204  detects that the first opening  203  is in the open state and the at least one second sensor  205  detects that the portable container  201  is being carried. In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  includes a processor, which may be any processor  101  as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-B . For example, and without limitation, the processor  101  may be a microprocessor. The processor may be programmable; for instance, the processor may be coupled to memory, such as main memory  102  or secondary memory  103  as disclosed above in connection with  FIGS. 1A-1B . 
     The control circuit  206  is coupled to the at least one first sensor  204  and the at least one second sensor  205 . The control circuit  206  may be electrically coupled to the at least one first sensor  204  or the at least one second sensor  205 ; in other words, the control circuit  206  may be incorporated in an electronic circuit that includes the at least one first sensor  204 , the at least one second sensor  205 , or both. The control circuit  206  may be coupled to either the at least one first sensor  204  or the at least one second sensor  205  by a transmitter  212  and receiver  213  pair. Each transmitter  212  may be an electronic device that emits a signal using electromagnetic radiation; the radiation used may have any frequency used for communication between devices. The signal may be a radio frequency signal such as those used for radio frequency communication. The signal may be a microwave signal. The signal may be an infrared signal. The signal may use visible light. The signal may be analog; for instance, the signal may be frequency modulated or amplitude modulated. The signal may be digital. In some embodiments, the signal is constantly emitted. In other embodiments, the signal is intermittently or periodically emitted. The transmitter  212  may include an antenna (not shown). 
     In some embodiments, each transmitter  212  is configured to transmit a simple signal without any modification; for instance, the transmitter  212  may consist of hardwired circuitry that sends out a particular radio frequency signal without variation. In some embodiments, the transmitter  212  may be incorporated in a “system on a chip,” combining several elements together in a small number of integrated circuits; for instance, the at least one transmitter  212  may have a single integrated circuit including a processor, transceiver, and memory. The processor may be a computing device  100  as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-1B ; for instance, the at least one transmitter  212  may include a mobile device such as a smartphone or a special-purpose computing device created for use in the disclosed system and method. The at least one transmitter  212  may include a near-field communication device, such as those using the BLUETOOTH protocol promulgated by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. of Kirkland, Wash. 
     In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  includes a receiver  213 . The receiver  213  may be a device that senses electromagnetic radiation emitted by a transmitter  212  and converts the received radiation into an electronic signal in the control circuit  206 . In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  includes a transceiver; that is, the transmitter  212  and receiver  213  of the control circuit  206  may be combined in a single device. The at least one first sensor  204  or at least one second sensor  205  may also include transceivers or receivers. In some embodiments, the transceiver coupled to the control device  206  is configured to convey the alert to a computing device. The computing device may be used by the user; for instance, the computing device may be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet on the user&#39;s person. In other embodiments, the control circuit  206  is a mobile device programmed to communicate with the at least one first sensor  204  and at least one second sensor  205 , for instance using transmitter-receiver pairs. 
     The system  200  may include at least one signaling device  214  coupled to the control circuit  206 . The at least one signaling device  214  may be any device by means of which the control circuit  206  can alert a user as set forth in further detail below in reference to  FIG. 5 . The at least one signaling device  214  may include an audio signaling device, such as a speaker, which emits an audible noise when activated. The at least one signaling device  214  may include a light-emitting device, such as a light, or a display  110  as described above in connection with  FIGS. 1A-B . The at least one signaling device  214  may include a haptic device, such as a vibrator. The at least one signaling device  214  may combine a plurality of different signaling devices; for instance, the at least one signaling device  214  may include both an audio signaling device and a light-emitting device. Where the control circuit  206  is or communicates with a mobile device, the at least one signaling device  214  may include one or more of the signaling devices incorporated in the mobile device  214 , such as built-in speakers, vibrators, and the display. In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  is configured to set off the alert after a certain delay if the at least one first sensor  204  and at least one second sensor  206  have maintained the states corresponding to an alert condition; for instance, if the portable container begins to be carried while open, the control circuit  206  may send the alert after 5 seconds if the container remains open and continues to be carried. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates some embodiments of a method  500  for reminding a user to close a bag. The method  500  includes detecting, by a first sensor incorporated in a portable container having an opening, the opening mutable between an open state and a closed state, that the opening is in the open state ( 501 ). The method  500  includes detecting, by a second sensor incorporated in the portable container, that the portable container is being carried ( 502 ). The method  500  includes alerting a user, by a control circuit coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor ( 503 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 5  in greater detail, and by reference to  FIGS. 2A-4 , the first sensor  204  detects that the opening is in the open state ( 501 ). The first sensor  204  may detect a change in light levels, where the first sensor  204  includes a light sensor; for instance the first sensor  204  may detect that the opening  203  is in the open state by sensing an increase in light from the opening, as described above in reference to  FIGS. 1A-4 . Where the first sensor  204  includes a proximity sensor, the first sensor  204  may detect that the opening  203  is open by detecting that two opposite edges of the opening have become more distant from each other. 
     The second sensor  205  detects that the portable container  201  is being carried ( 502 ). The second sensor  205  may detect a change in light levels; for instance, the second sensor  205  may detect a reduction in light because the user is wearing the portable device  201 , for example because the second sensor  205  includes a light sensor on an exterior surface typically covered when the portable container  201  is being carried. In other embodiments, where the second sensor  205  includes a motion sensor, the second sensor  205  detects one or more movements consistent with the portable container  201  being carried, such as a vertical acceleration followed by steady movement in a horizontal direction. 
     The control circuit  206  alerts a user ( 503 ). In some embodiments, the control circuit switches on a signaling device when the control circuit  206  receives signals from the first and second sensors. In some embodiments, the control circuit is programmed to compare the signal or signals from the first sensor  204  and second sensor  205  to a pattern consistent with the portable container  201  being carried while open. For instance, the control circuit  206  may compare a signal from a light sensor  204  within the compartment  202  to a threshold level corresponding to a level of light intensity within the compartment  202  that is consistent with the opening  203  being open. Likewise, the control circuit  206  may compare a signal corresponding to a light level from a light sensor  205  on the exterior of the portable container  201  to another threshold consistent with the light sensor  205  being blocked because the user is carrying the portable container  201 . The control circuit  206  may receive from a proximity sensor  401  a signal indicating a certain degree of distance between one edge and another edge of the opening  203 ; the control circuit  206  may compare that signal to another threshold number. The control circuit  206  may compare one or more movements detected by at least one movement sensor to a pattern of movements that indicate the portable container  201  is being carried, and determine that the patterns match. In some embodiments, the control circuit  206  combines determination concerning the input from the first sensor  204  and the input from the second sensor  205  to determine that the portable container  201  is being carried and the first opening  203  is open. 
     The control circuit  206  may alert the user by means of a signaling device  214 . For instance, the control circuit  206  may cause a light to shine or flash intermittently. The control circuit  206  may cause a display to display a message or symbol. The control circuit  206  may cause an audio signaling device to emit an audio signal. The audio signal may include, without limitation, a buzz or chime, a ringtone, any recorded or sampled sound, or a verbal message. The control circuit  206  may cause the signaling device  214  to emit a haptic signal such as vibration. The control signal  206  may transmit, to a mobile device used by the user, a message; the message may be textual, an image, or an audio message to be emitted by the mobile device. The control circuit  206  may perform any combination of the above-described alerts; for instance, the control circuit  206  may cause a light to flash or an audio signal device to emit a buzzing noise, or the control circuit  206  may transmit a message to the mobile device that emits an audio alarm while displaying a text message. 
     Although the foregoing systems and methods have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.