Patent Abstract:
Techniques for determining movement of a device away from a preferred location which provide notification. An example method includes receiving a signal from a beacon, determining a measure of a characteristic of the signal, performing a comparison of the measure of the characteristic to a predetermined threshold which is based upon a distance from the preferred location, determining that the device has moved at least the distance from the preferred location based upon the comparison, and issuing an alert.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This present invention relates to peripheral security and more specifically to techniques for determining movement of a device away from a preferred location. 
         [0002]    Devices may move or be moved a distance away from a preferred location to some other location. Movement may be due to any of a variety of reasons, innocent or otherwise. For example, a device may be moved to another location to replace a device that has failed. As another example, a device may be carelessly relocated, then forgotten, lost or misplaced. As yet another example, a device may be stolen or temporarily removed by a fraudster. 
         [0003]    One example device is a peripheral, such as a payment peripheral. A typical payment terminal may include a magnetic stripe reader for reading credit and debit cards. The payment terminal may also include a keypad for entering personal identification numbers (PINs). 
         [0004]    Fraudsters often attempt to modify these devices in order to capture credit numbers and PINs. In some venues, the fraudsters remove the payment terminals, alter them to include card skimmers and key loggers, and then return or deploy them in venues where proprietors and customers are unaware that the payment terminals have been altered. 
         [0005]    Therefore, it would be desirable to provide techniques for determining movement of devices away from a preferred location, such as payment terminals. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, techniques for determining movement of a device away from a preferred location are provided. 
         [0007]    An example method includes receiving a signal from a beacon, determining a measure of a characteristic of the signal, performing a comparison of the measure of the characteristic to a predetermined threshold which is based upon a distance from the preferred location, determining that the device has moved at least the distance from the preferred location based upon the comparison, and issuing an alert. 
         [0008]    In one example embodiment, the beacon is located adjacent the preferred location. The beacon communicates with wireless communication circuitry within the device. The wireless communication circuitry is also configured to communicate with additional beacons arranged to form a boundary or wireless fence. The device determines when it moves in and/or out of range of the beacons. 
         [0009]    In another example embodiment, the beacon is located in the device. The beacon communicates with wireless communication circuitry adjacent the preferred location. Additional wireless communication circuitry is also configured to communicate with the beacon and form a boundary or wireless fence connected to one or more computers for detecting the beacon when it moves in and/or out of range. 
         [0010]    An example method includes receiving a plurality of signals from a beacon of the device by a computer, determining measures of a characteristic of the plurality of signals by the computer, determining distances based upon the measures by the computer, determining a new location of the device based upon the distances by the computer, determining that the device has moved at least a threshold distance from the preferred location based upon the new location by the computer, and issuing an alert by the computer. The method may further include determining a direction of travel of the device from the preferred location based upon the new location by the computer. 
         [0011]    Another example method includes receiving a first signal from a beacon of the device by first wireless communication circuitry coupled to a computer, determining a first measure of the first signal by the computer, determining a first distance from the first wireless communication circuitry based upon the first measure by the computer, determining that the device has moved away from the preferred location and at least within a first threshold distance of the first wireless communication circuitry based upon the first measure by the computer, and issuing a first alert by the computer. 
         [0012]    This example method may further include receiving a second signal from the beacon by second wireless communication circuitry coupled to a computer, determining a second measure of the second signal by the computer, determining a second distance from the second wireless communication circuitry based upon the second measure by the computer, determining that the device has moved away from the preferred location and at least within a second threshold distance of the second wireless communication circuitry based upon the second measure by the computer, and issuing a second alert by the computer. 
         [0013]    An example device may include a peripheral. An example peripheral may include a card reader for sending card data to a computer, a beacon for transmitting signals for locating the payment peripheral, and a processor for controlling the card reader and the beacon. The processor may activate the beacon when the card reader is disconnected from the computer. The peripheral may further include a battery for powering the beacon. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The present invention may take form in various components and arrangement of components and in various methods. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating example embodiments and alternatives and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an example system. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example method. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of another example system. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates another example method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0019]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , an example system  10  includes a peripheral  20  with a beacon  22  and a computer  30 . Other example devices besides peripherals are also envisioned. 
         [0020]    An example peripheral  20  may include a payment peripheral, such as a card reader, a personal identification number (PIN) keypad or PIN pad, a combination card reader and PIN pad, or other peripheral that is used to capture information that consumers wish to keep private or otherwise protect from fraudsters. In an example configuration, peripheral  20  includes a beacon  22 , a card reader  24  for reading credit and debit cards, and a PIN pad  26 . Other example peripherals besides payment peripherals are also envisioned. 
         [0021]    Beacon  22  may include a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard beacon. Beacon  22  transmits a wireless signal, which may include a 2.4 GHz signal. Other types of wireless beacons are also envisioned. The signal may include information, such as an identifier associated with peripheral  20 . No payment data is transferred by beacon  22 . 
         [0022]    Peripheral  20  may receive power from various sources. For example, peripheral  20  may receive power from a standard electrical outlet when in operational service to process payments with computer  30 . Peripheral  20  also includes a battery power source for powering beacon  22  when peripheral  20  is unplugged from a standard electrical outlet and removed from operational service and away from computer  30 . 
         [0023]    Peripheral  20  may communicate with computer  30  in various ways during operational service to process payments. For example, peripheral  20  may include serial communication circuitry, such as universal serial bus (USB) circuitry for connecting to computer  30  via a USB cable. As another example, peripheral  20  may include network circuitry for connecting to computer  30  via a network. 
         [0024]    Peripheral  20  also includes one or more processors, memory, and program and data storage. In the example configuration, peripheral  20  may include a memory for storing an encryption key. The processor executes software which is stored in a computer readable medium, such as a memory. The software encrypts captured payment information from card reader  24  and PIN pad  26  using the encryption key and sends the encrypted information to computer  30  to complete payment. 
         [0025]    Computer  30  includes peripheral connection circuitry such as network, USB, serial RS-232, serial RS-485, or other circuitry. 
         [0026]    Computer  30  further includes one or more processors, memory, and program and data storage. The processor executes an operating system such as a Microsoft, Linux, Apple, or other operating system. The processor may execute other computer software which stored in a computer readable medium, such as a memory. 
         [0027]    In an example embodiment, computer  30  additionally includes wireless circuitry  34  and executes location software  36 . 
         [0028]    Wireless circuitry  34  receives signals from beacon  22  when peripheral  20  is within communication range of wireless circuitry  34 . 
         [0029]    Location software  36  determines whether peripheral  20  crosses or is within a predetermined range of computer  30  and issues an alert message when peripheral  20  crosses or is outside the predetermined range. 
         [0030]    For example, location software  36  may obtain signal strength measurements from wireless circuitry  34 . If the signal strengths of messages from beacon  22  cross or decrease below a predetermined threshold, location software  36  sends and/or displays an alert message. 
         [0031]    In one example embodiment, the predetermined threshold is the last measured signal strength. In another example embodiment, the predetermined threshold is determined based upon distance from a preferred location of peripheral  20 . 
         [0032]    Location software  36  may also be configured to detect when peripheral  20  is returned to its preferred location or when another peripheral  20  is nearby. If the signal strengths of messages from beacon  22  cross or increase above the predetermined threshold, location software  36  sends and/or displays another alert message. 
         [0033]    In an example configuration, computer  30  may be connected to multiple receiving stations  38  equipped with wireless circuitry  34  and be capable of monitoring signal strengths from each of the receiving stations, so as to create a security fence or boundary. For this purpose, location software  36  associated may determine whether peripheral  20  comes within a predetermined range of any of the receiving stations and issue alert messages when peripheral  20  comes within the predetermined range, and if they leave, when they go outside the predetermined range. 
         [0034]    In another example configuration, other computers  30 , may each be equipped with wireless circuitry  34  and location software  36  and be capable of monitoring signal strengths from beacon  22 , as well as other beacons  22  of other devices, so as to create a security fence or boundary. For this purpose, location software  36  associated with other computers  30  may determine whether peripheral  20 , as well as other devices or peripherals  20 , come within a predetermined range and issue alert messages when peripheral  20  or the other devices or peripherals  20  come within the predetermined range, and if they leave, when they go outside the predetermined range. 
         [0035]    Any or all of the multiple computers  30  may gather the beacon identifiers and signal strength measurements from other computers  30  and determine an approximate location, direction of movement, times at which signals were received from beacon  22 , and times at which signal strength crossed or fell below or above the predetermined threshold. For example, location software  36  may use triangulation or other techniques to determine location. Multiple devices or peripherals  20  associated with different computers  30  and having beacons  22  may be tracked by any of computers  30 . 
         [0036]    In one example configuration, computer  30  is a retail point-of-sale (POS) computer which executes POS software for displaying transaction screens that guide an operator through a transaction involving the sale of products. Computer  30  may be coupled through a network to a host computer  40  that provides product price and other data to computer  30  during a transaction. Other types of computers  30  are also envisioned. 
         [0037]    Host computer  40  may maintain a database or table containing records of each identifier associated with each peripheral  20  and an assigned operational location for each peripheral  20 . 
         [0038]    In addition to peripheral  20 , computer  30  may be connected to other peripherals in various configurations. For example, in an assisted-service configuration operated by a store employee, computer  30  may also be connected to a touch screen, barcode reader, cash drawer, and printer. 
         [0039]    As another example, in a self-service configuration, computer  30  may also be connected to a touch screen, barcode reader, coin and/or currency note acceptor, coin and/or bank note dispenser, one or more security devices, and a printer. 
         [0040]    When peripheral  20  is removed from operational service and positioned away from computer  30 , computer  30  may display the alert message for an operator to see, send the alert message to host computer  40  for store management to see, and/or send the alert message via email, text, or other type of message to management and/or security personnel. When peripheral  20  or another peripheral  20  is positioned near computer  30 , computer  30  may display another alert message for an operator to see, send the other alert message to host computer  40  for store management to see, and/or send the other alert message via email, text, or other type of message to management and/or security personnel. The alert messages may include an identifier associated with peripherals  20  to facilitate quick identification of a particular peripheral  20  in a configuration with more than one peripheral  20  and to determine its assigned location from the database of host computer  40 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an example method is illustrated beginning with step  50 , in which location software  36  receives signal strength information from wireless circuitry  34  in computer  30 . Wireless circuitry  34  measures the signal strength of signals from beacon  22 . Wireless circuitry  34  may also receive an identifier associated with peripheral  20  in the signals from beacon  22 . 
         [0042]    In one example method, location software  36  may continuously process signal strength information from wireless circuitry  34 . 
         [0043]    In another example method, location software  36  may periodically process signal strength information from wireless circuitry  34 . 
         [0044]    In yet another example method, location software  36  may start processing signal strength information after it determines that peripheral  20  is no longer communicating with computer  30 , for example, due to a cable connecting peripheral  20  to computer  30  being disconnected. For this purpose, location software  36  may periodically or continuously check the connection status of peripheral  20 . Location software  36  may additionally send and/or display an alert message when it determines that peripheral  20  has been disconnected from computer  30 . Computer  30  may also stop all payment processing following a determination that peripheral  20  is disconnected. 
         [0045]    In step  52 , location software  36  compares the signal strength information to a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be determined by positioning peripheral  20  a predetermined distance from its primary operational position. For example, if the primary operational position is a particular mounting or resting point on a checkout counter, then the predetermined threshold may be determined by repositioning peripheral to a distance several feet away from the mounting point and verifying that wireless circuitry  34  senses a drop in signal strength. If wireless circuitry  34  and beacon  22  are BLE standard devices, the signal strength can be very granular and result in accurate distance measurements. 
         [0046]    If the signal strength information is less than (or has not crossed) the predetermined threshold, operation returns to step  50 . Location software  36  may log the beacon identifier, the time and the signal strength information in a log file. Otherwise, operation continues to step  54 . 
         [0047]    In step  54 , location software  36  causes an alert message to be sent and/or displayed, audible or visual alarm to be activated, security cameras to be activated, and/or may log the beacon identifier, the time, and the signal strength information in a log file. Location software  36  may also determine the assigned location of peripheral  20  from host computer  40  and add the assigned location to the log. Computer  30  may stop all payment processing following receipt of the alert. 
         [0048]    Location software  36  may optionally wait a predetermined time period for peripheral  20  to return to its assigned location before taking alert actions. 
         [0049]    In an example configuration containing more than one peripheral  20  monitored by computer  30 , operation may return to step  50  to continue monitoring the status of the other peripherals  20 . For example, if the signal strengths of messages from beacons  22  cross or increase or decrease relative to the predetermined threshold, location software  36  sends and/or displays additional alert messages. In this way, computer  30  tracks movement towards, away from and/or past computer  30 . 
         [0050]    In an example configuration including multiple computers  30  with wireless circuitry  34  and location software  36 , each computer  30  may perform the method each time it receives a signal from beacon  22 . 
         [0051]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , another example system  100  includes a peripheral  200 , a computer  300 , and a beacon  400 . Other example devices besides peripherals are also envisioned. 
         [0052]    In this example, peripheral  200  determines its location relative to beacon  400 . In one example configuration, beacon  400  is located in close proximity to computer  300 . Another example configuration includes more than one beacon  400 , so as to create a security fence. In another example configuration, each beacon  400  has a collocated computer  300 . 
         [0053]    Beacon  400  may include a BLE standard low energy beacon. Beacon  400  transmits a wireless signal, which may include a 2.4 GHz signal. Other types of wireless beacons are also envisioned. The signal may include information, such as an identifier associated with beacon  400 . 
         [0054]    Peripheral  200  may include a payment peripheral, such as a card reader, a personal identification number (PIN) keypad or PIN pad, a combination card reader and PIN pad, or other peripheral that is used to capture information that consumers wish to keep private or otherwise protect from fraudsters. In an example configuration, peripheral  200  includes card reader  240  for reading credit and debit cards and PIN pad  250 . Other example peripherals besides payment peripherals are also envisioned. 
         [0055]    Peripheral  200  may communicate with computer  300  in various ways during operational service to process payments. For example, peripheral  200  may include serial communication circuitry, such as universal serial bus (USB) circuitry for connecting to computer  300  via a USB cable. As another example, peripheral  200  may include network circuitry for connecting to computer  300  via a network. 
         [0056]    Peripheral  200  also includes one or more processors, memory, and program and data storage. In the example configuration, peripheral  200  may include a memory for storing an encryption key. The processor executes software which is stored in a computer readable medium, such as a memory. The software encrypts captured payment information from card reader  240  and PIN pad  250  using the encryption key and sends the encrypted information to computer  300  to complete payment. 
         [0057]    In an example embodiment, peripheral  200  additionally includes wireless circuitry  260  and executes location software  270 . Wireless circuitry  260  receives signals from beacon  400  when peripheral  200  is within communication range of beacon  400 . 
         [0058]    Location software  270  determines whether peripheral  200  crosses or is within a predetermined range of beacon  400  and issues an alert message when peripheral  200  crosses or is outside the predetermined range. 
         [0059]    For example, location software  270  may obtain signal strength measurements from wireless circuitry  260 . If the signal strengths of messages from beacon  400  cross or decrease below a predetermined threshold, location software  270  sends an alert message, for example, through wireless circuitry  260 . No payment data is sent by peripheral  200 . 
         [0060]    In an example configuration including more than one beacon  400 , wireless circuitry  260  and location software  270  are capable of monitoring signal strengths from such beacons  400  and determining an approximate location and direction of movement of peripheral  200 . As part of the alert messages, peripheral  200  may send the beacon identifier, the times at which signals were received, and times at which signal strengths crossed or fell below the predetermined threshold. For example, location software  270  may use triangulation or other techniques to determine location. 
         [0061]    Peripheral  200  may receive power from various sources. For example, peripheral  200  may receive power from a standard electrical outlet when in operational service to process payments with computer  300 . Peripheral  200  also includes a battery power source for powering peripheral  200  when peripheral  200  is unplugged from a standard electrical outlet and removed from operational service and away from computer  300 , so that peripheral  200  can process signal strengths and send alert messages to computer  300 . 
         [0062]    Computer  300  includes one or more processors, memory, and program and data storage. The processor executes an operating system such as a Microsoft, Linux, Apple, or other operating system. The processor may execute other computer software which stored in a computer readable medium, such as a memory. Computer  300  further includes peripheral connection circuitry such network, USB, serial RS-232, serial RS-485, or other circuitry for connecting peripherals, including peripheral  200 . In one example configuration, computer  300  is a retail point-of-sale (POS) computer terminal which executes POS software for displaying transaction screens that guide an operator through a transaction. Computer  300  may be coupled through a network to a host computer  500  that provides product price and other data to computer  300  during a transaction. 
         [0063]    Host computer  500  may additionally maintain a database or table containing records of each identifier associated with each peripheral  20  and an assigned operational location for each peripheral  20 . 
         [0064]    In order to receive alert messages from peripheral  200 , computer  300  includes wireless circuitry  310 . In one example configuration, wireless circuitry  310  receives the alert messages from wireless circuitry  260  in peripheral  200 . Wireless circuitry  310  may include BLE circuitry. 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an example method is illustrated beginning with step  600 , in which location software  260  receives signal strength information from wireless circuitry  260  in peripheral  200 . Wireless circuitry  260  measures the signal strength of signals from beacon  400 . Wireless circuitry  260  may also receive an identifier in the signals from beacon  400 . If wireless circuitry  260  and beacon  400  are BLE standard devices, the signal strength can be very granular and result in accurate distance measurements. 
         [0066]    In one example method, location software  270  may continuously process signal strength information from wireless circuitry  260 . 
         [0067]    In another example method, location software  270  may periodically process signal strength information from wireless circuitry  260 . 
         [0068]    In yet another example method, location software  270  may start processing signal strength information after it determines that peripheral  200  is no longer communicating with computer  300 , for example, due to a cable connecting peripheral  200  to computer  300  being disconnected. For this purpose, location software  270  may periodically or continuously check the connection status of peripheral  200 . Location software  270  may additionally send and/or display an alert message when it determines that peripheral  200  has been disconnected from computer  300 . Location software  270  may also disable payment functions, e.g., without receipt of proper authorization code, following disconnect. 
         [0069]    In step  620 , location software  270  compares the signal strength information to a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be determined by positioning peripheral  200  a predetermined distance from its primary operational position. 
         [0070]    If the signal strength information crosses or is less than the predetermined threshold, operation returns to step  600 . Location software  270  may send the beacon identifier, the time, and the signal strength information to computer  300 . Otherwise, operation continues to step  640 . 
         [0071]    If the signal strengths of messages from any of beacons  400  cross or increase the predetermined threshold, location software  270  sends and/or displays additional alert messages. In this way, location software  270  tracks movement towards, away from and/or any of beacons  400 . 
         [0072]    In step  640 , location software  270  causes an alert message to be sent to computer  300 . Location software  270  may also activate an audible alarm within peripheral  200 . Location software  270  may send the beacon identifier, the time, and the signal strength information to computer  300  with the alert message. Location software  270  may disable payment functions, e.g., without receipt of proper authorization code, when it sends an alert message. 
         [0073]    In response to the alert message, computer  300  may activate an, audible or visual alarm, activate security cameras, and/or log the beacon identifier, the time, and the signal strength information in a log file. 
         [0074]    Location software  270  may optionally wait a predetermined time period for peripheral  200  to return to its assigned location before sending the alert message. 
         [0075]    In an example configuration including multiple beacons  400 , location software  270  may perform the method each time it receives a signal from beacon  400 . 
         [0076]    In response to an alert message, any of computer  300  or host computer  500  may store the beacon identifier, the time, and the signal strength information in a log file. Any of computer  300  or host computer  500  may also determine the assigned location of peripheral  200  from host computer  500  and add the assigned location to the log. 
         [0077]    The techniques disclosed herein offer built in theft security for peripherals without constraining the peripherals to be mechanically constrained by cables and locks. Unlike physical security techniques, the techniques herein provide notification of theft. 
         [0078]    Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6