WO1994027230A1

WO1994027230A1 - System for tracking and coordinating the return of lost or stolen property

Info

Publication number: WO1994027230A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/005482
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert A. Vito
Original assignee: Steal Guard Corporation
Priority date: 1993-05-17
Filing date: 1994-05-17
Publication date: 1994-11-24
Also published as: AU6914694A

Abstract

A method for tracking and coordinating the return of a lost or stolen article comprising the following steps: tagging an article to be protected with a card (30) having an identity number (34) printed thereon, said number being prerecorded in a computer memory (20) such that if said article is lost or stolen, the owner (21) of said article may be identified; utilizing a prestored computer program to facilitate the transfer of said lost or stolen article to a central station by a finder (23) who finds the lost or stolen article; utilizing a prestored computer program for directing and transferring said article from said central station to the owner of said article; and automatically dispatching a payment to the finder who found the lost or stolen article (figure 3C).

Description

SYSTEM FOR TRACKING AND COORDINATING THE RETURN OF LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to systems and devices for tracking and coordinating the return of lost or stolen property.

Background of the Invention Each year, tens of billions of dollars worth of personal property is lost or stolen. One out of every two persons will suffer the loss of personal valuables in his or her lifetime. Over ten thousand credit cards alone are lost or stolen daily in the United States. Unfortunately, fewer than ten percent of these lost valuables are ever actually recovered and returned to their rightful owners. A large percentage of this property theft or loss occurs when individuals are away from home or are in transit, such as in the nation's airports. The loss of personal property such as briefcases, suitcases, wallets and the like can be extremely stressful and costly. In addition to the loss of cash and other valuables, these articles may contain or hold irreplaceable business and personal documents. Further, wallets or handbags, for example, typically include credit cards, driver's licenses, social security cards and other documents which take time, effort and money to replace, and which may be used by thieves for improper purposes. To date, there have been a number of systems and devices directed toward facilitating the return of lost or stolen property. None of these systems provide a fully automated system for returning and tracking lost or stolen property, for providing periodic updates regarding the status of the lost or stolen property, and for automatically paying cash rewards and bonuses.

U.S. Patent No. 5,180,192 discloses a method and apparatus by which registered personal accessory items such as key rings and keys can be returned, by the U.S. mail, to their owners. The system incorporates an identification tag having a unique bar code indicia or similar identifier, a registration card with identical bar code and owner-written address information which requires no transcription. A central registry enters, stores, and retrieves the identity of the owner from a computer database.

A number of prior art systems have been directed to communication devices for the return of lost or stolen vehicles. These systems typically include radio transmitters and receivers for tracking a lost or stolen vehicle. U.S. Patent No. 5,003,317, for example, discloses a stolen vehicle recovery system in which a vehicle transceiver is disposed on each vehicle so as to reciprocally transmit a pulsed signal which is then modulated by a data stream. The data stream comprises a verification code, a unique identity code, and a code which corresponds to whether the detected vehicle is moving or stationery.

» U.S. Patent No. 4,596,988 similarly discloses a

5 tracking system which, when interrogated, automatically reports data corresponding to the location of the missing object so as to facilitate the location and return of the object.

Other prior art tracking systems have been specifically designed for the jewelry industry. U.S. Patent No.

10 5,124,935 discloses a system for recording and recovering lost or stolen gem stones. The system utilizes apparatus for recording the optical response of gem stones, with the optical responses being forwarded to a central data base for classification to provide for rapid searching.

15 Concurrent with the need for improved lost property tracking systems, has been a rapid increase in the use of automated telephone systems including the use of voice mail systems (VMS) . The public have become accustomed to interacting with voice mail systems in order to obtain information such as

20 railway schedules, performing arts schedules, ticket information, sports event scores and schedules, and weather information. Many businesses and governmental agencies have installed voice mail systems to handle incoming calls, the routing of calls to appropriate extensions, the permitting of

-25 callers to leave recorded messages, and for interoffice messaging

Voice mail systems are commonly integrated with private telephone switching systems (PBX) in order to provide an integrated solution to telephone communication problems. By providing interaction between the voice mail system and the switch, the voice mail system can take advantage of the automatic call forwarding, and other advanced PBX functions. So-called "Voice Conversion Systems" (VCS) have also gained widespread usage. A voice conversion (VCS) system is a database access system which permits a caller to access digital database information over the telephone by converting data (i.e., text) , pre-stored by a computer, into voice. Thus, a VCS links the digital world of computers and associated peripheral devices with the analog (digitized analog) world of telephone voice communications. Through the use of VCS technology, local telephone companies can use voice conversion to provide electronic yellow page services over the telephone; better business bureaus may use voice conversion systems to provide automatic 24-hour-a-day information to callers about local businesses; stockbrokers can use VCS to provide stock quotes over the telephone, etc. Voice conversion systems may also be integrated with a PBX in order to take advantage of the call transfer features the PBX provides.

Finally, there has been an increase in the use of Automated Teller Machines ("ATM"). Automated Teller Machines have now been programmed to perform all banking functions.

There has been a long felt need for a fully integrated system which can incorporate telephone answering and processing systems to track and coordinate the recovery of lost or stolen property. None of the systems disclosed in the prior art show a comprehensive system for tracking and coordinating the return of lost and stolen merchandise. It would be desirable to produce a system for completely automating the return of lost or stolen property. Such a system could return of lost and stolen

' property with minimal human involvement, and with maximum speed 5 and efficiency. Such a system could also be used to provide updates regarding the status of lost or stolen property and the payment of rewards and bonuses to individuals who find lost or stolen property. Such a system could also be accessed from an Automatic Teller Machine. These desires and objectives are met

10 by the present invention which is more particularly defined and described in the detailed description and claims which follow.

Summary of the Invention In accordance with the present invention, a method for tracking and coordinating the return of a lost or stolen article

15 is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: tagging an article to be protected with a card having an identity number printed thereon, said number being prerecorded in a computer memory such that if said article is lost or stolen, the owner of said article may be identified; utilizing a prestored computer

20 program to facilitate the transfer of said lost or stolen article to a central station by a finder who finds the lost or stolen article; utilizing a prestored computer program for tracking said article from said central station to the owner of said article; and automatically a dispatching a payment to the "25 finder who found the lost or stolen article.

The present invention is also directed to an apparatus for facilitating the return of a lost or stolen item comprising: a card attached to an article which may be lost or stolen, said card having a magnetic strip containing coded information pertaining to the owner of said card thereon, said card further having written instructions thereon for informing a finder of the article, if lost or stolen, to insert the card into automatic teller means; card reader means associated with said automatic teller means for reading said coded information on said card; modem means for transmitting said coded information to a central computer system; central processor means associated with said central computer system for matching said information appearing on said card to prestored information and for issuing instructions to said finder regarding the return of said article; and means for automatically processing a check to be paid to said finder who finds said card and article after said article is returned to its owner. In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed an apparatus for facilitating the return of a lost or stolen item comprising a card attached to an article which may be lost or stolen, said card having information pertaining to the owner of said card thereon, said card further having written instructions thereon for informing a finder of the article, if lost or stolen, to call a central station; telephone switch means at said central station for receiving a call from a finder of a lost or stolen article; voice mail means coupled to said telephone switch means for automatically answering said call from said finder, said voice mail means providing audio prompts to said finder and receiving touch tone responses from said finder relating to said lost or stolen article in response to said prompts; central processor means for identifying the owner of said lost or stolen article from a computer memory and for issuing instructions via said voice mail means to said finder regarding the return of said article; and means for automatically processing a check to be paid to said finder after said article is returned to said owner.

Brief Description of the Fi ureB Figure 1 is a block diagram of an initial embodiment of the system for tracking and coordinating the return of lost or stolen property. Figure 2 is a block diagram of a more preferred embodiment of the system for tracking and coordinating the return of lost or stolen property.

Figures 3-3B are algorithmic flow charts of a control program for reporting that an article has been found in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4A-4C are algorithmic flow charts of a control program for reporting the loss or theft of an article in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 5 is an algorithmic flow chart of a control program for accessing emergency money.

Figures 6A and 6B are representations of a subscriber access card for use with the system of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Present Invention

The present invention is described with reference to the enclosed Figures wherein the same numbers are used where applicable. Referring to Figures 1, 6A and 6B, in a broad embodiment, the present invention utilizes an article tagging system, in coordination with a centralized voice answering and routing system, to track and facilitate the return of stolen or lost property.

In a preferred embodiment, the tagging device comprises an identity card 30 which includes an identification number and a telephone number which will access a central recovery center. When an article to be protected and its associated card are lost or stolen, the owner of the card (hereinafter "the subscriber") will call a toll free number and be guided through an automated telephone communications system which reports and catalog the loss of the item. An individual who finds the article (hereinafter "finder") will access the system and be guided through the automated telephone communications system in order to facilitate the rapid return of the item to the owner and the payment of a reward to the finder. Referring to Figure 1, a schematic block diagram of a preferred exemplary embodiment of a central recovery system 10 of the system for tracking lost or stolen property is shown. The system 10 includes a centralized computer controlled communications system 11 interfaced with digital telephone switch PBX 12, a voice mail system (VMS) 14 and a digital voice conversion system (VCS) 16. In the preferred embodiment, each of components 12, 14 and 16 comprise conventional equipment custom-programmed for use in the system 10. The system further includes a telephone switch board 17 which will be manned by human operators. The system can be accessed by subscribers 21 and finders 23.

The VMS 14 and VCS 16 may provide certain limited PBX 12 functions. The PBX is accessible to a plurality of phone lines which may be accessed by both subscribers of the system and individuals who find or report lost or stolen articles. The system further includes a centralized computer system (CPU) 18 and large capacity memory 20. Finally, the unit includes a printer 27 which may print out money checks.

Figure 2 illustrates an enhanced system in accordance with the present invention. The enhanced system 10 includes a centralized computer controlled communications system 10 interfaced with digital telephone switch PBX 12, a voice mail system (VMS) 14 and a digital voice conversion system (VCS) 16. In the preferred embodiment, each of these components 12, 14 and 16 comprise conventional equipment custom-programmed for use in the system 10.

The PBX 12 performs call routing functions in the preferred embodiment of system 10. In particular the PBX 12 is responsible for routing incoming calls to the VMS 14 and/or to the VCS 16. In a preferred embodiment, the PBX 12 is a digital telephone switch such as the SLl Meridian I manufactured by Northern Telecom. The PBX 12 will preferably have digital signal handling capabilities which can connect directly to incoming and outgoing trunk lines, Tl multiplex telephone lines, and tie lines to other PBX 12. The PBX 12 has sufficient call handling capability to handle a large number of incoming calls at once and is preferably capable of handling voice and data communications simultaneously.

PBX 12 is connected to several different telephone paths in order to receive incoming calls and to generate outgoing calls on a wide variety of different types of telephone networks. In particular, the PBX 12 is connected to an 800 international and WATS network 19. Telephone numbers will typically be assigned mnemonically associated with the objectives of the present system of tracking and returning lost or stolen property. Examples of such numbers are 1 800 73- FOUND; 1 800 NOW-LOST; and 1 800 NOW-FOUND.

The VMS 14 provides voice mail-type functions (e.g., automatic call answering, generation of audible prompts, requesting response from callers, mailbox and other message storage and handling functions, and the like) . The VMS 14 in the preferred embodiment comprises a voice mail handling system such as the Voice Mail System Version 5.0 and the VoiceMemo II manufactured by Centigram of San Jose, CA. The VMS 14 will include a digital processor and mass storage means. The VoiceMemo II uses a modular expandable 80286-microprocessor base voice mail system which includes mass storage capabilities. The depression of the TOUCH TONE keys of a telephone keypad by a user control message delivery and retrieval, and voice prompts guide a caller through the various available functions. A Receptionist II option provides call screening, direct extension access and message taking functions - and allows incoming calls to be rerouted at the caller's selection (e.g., to a personal attendant, the call recipient's mailbox, or to a redial menu) . In the preferred embodiment, VMS 14 will provide 32 ports of simultaneous voice mail handling capabilities.

The VMS 14 is preprogrammed to provide different voice mail functions depending upon the input port to which the call is routed. Further, the VMS 14 may provide different prompts through the same input port depending upon digits (or other tone or digital coded information) which is passed through it by the PBX 12. An optional digital link or communications block 29 may be provided so as to provide a digital communications path between the PBX 12 and VMS 14.

The VCS 16 in the preferred embodiment may comprise a CallText Voice Gateway System manufactured by Speech Plus, Inc. A principal function of a VCS 16 in the preferred embodiment is to convert textual database information stored in digital form (e.g., by a computer system such that the computer transforms the digital data into voice signals for application to a voice line) . The VCS 16 may be connected to the PBX 12 via a conventional local circuit four-wire channel link or other suitable connection. The VCS 16 is programmed to provide synthesized voice prompts upon the receipt of information. These voice prompts solicit information from the caller such as the identity of the lost item. Audio selection menus may be presented to callers depending upon which incoming line the caller came in on or other factors. An optional pulse-to-tone convertor 25 may be provided as part of a system to convert rotary telephone set pulse-type dialing sequences into TOUCH TONE-type DTMF tones for appropriate interfaces with the VMS 14 and VCS 16.

The central computer system 22 at the central station may include a multi-tasking personal computer preferably having substantial amounts of local mass storage 24. Local display stations or terminals 26 may also be used by human operators to view -database information during "attended call handling" via telephone sets 28. These telephone sets 28 are connected to the PBX 12 and provide a means by which without callers requiring special assistance may reach a human operator.

Referring to Figures 6A and 6B, the subscriber will be issued one or more return or recovery cards 30. The return or recovery cards 30 are intended to be attached to an article to be protected such as a wallet, handbag, briefcase or suitcase. The return card will include the name of the subscriber 31 and an account number 34. The card will also have the word "REWARD" 35 prominently displayed. In addition, the card 30 may include a magnetic or barcoded strip 36 for storing personal data regarding the individual encoded thereon. The use of the magnetic strip is applicable in an automatic teller machine

(ATM) embodiment discussed below. Finally, the card will include a toll free number 32.

In use, the card 30 is placed in or on the valuable to be protected. In the event that the article holding the card is located, the finder who retrieves the article will call a toll- free telephone number 32 which appears on the card such as 1- 800-NOW-FOUND or 1-800-I-HAVE-IT. This number will connect the finder with the PBX 12 and the central station 10.

The operation of the system is now described with reference to the Figures and is set forth in the context of a subscriber service in which individuals would subscribe, for a fee, to a service in which they are issued cards 30 to be placed on articles and which will, if lost, be returned through the automated tracking and return system of the present invention. Initially, when the subscriber signs up for the system, the central computer system 22 and memory 24 will create a data file to store data and information pertinent to the subscriber of the system. This information will include the user's name, address, telephone number, credit card numbers, driver's license number, bank account numbers and next of kin. This information will typically be provided by the subscriber on an application when the user subscribes to the system.

Referring to the flow diagrams of Figures 3A to 3C, if the tagged item or article is lost and then found, the finder who retrieves the article and the return card 30 will be directed automatically via the communication system through a series of steps. First, the prominently displayed return card 30 will instruct the finder to call a toll free number such as 1 800 NOW-FOUND 32. Upon calling this number, the finder will reach the PBX 12 and VMS 14. He will be automatically prompted by VMS 14 to key in, via his TOUCH TONE phone, the account number appearing on the card. The finder will then be queried by the VMS 14 as to the nature of the call. The finder will be given several options including to report a lost article and to check the status of a previously

If the finder is reporting a lost article, the finder will be routed to the VCS 16. Next, the finder will be prompted by the VCS to select from a menu of lost article code numbers which will be presented by the VCS 16, and to key in the appropriate choice via the touchtone key pad of the phone. As shown in Figure 3A, number 1 designates a wallet; 2 designates a handbag; 3 represent a suitcase; 4 a handbag. In the example set forth in the Figures, the finder selects 1. The VCS 16 prompt will next require the finder to key in, the zip code in which the finder is presently located.

After the zip code is keyed in by the finder, the following information is transmitted by the central processing center. First, using a search program which uses the finder's present location, the central computer 22, through the VCS 16, will provide the finder with the location of the nearest participating overnight express carrier such as Federal Express, DHL Worldwide Express, or UPS. The VCS 16 will then provide the finder with a Reward Reference Number. This number may comprise a four digit number such as 1015, and may be utilized by the finder to periodically track the status of the reward by dialing 1 800 NOW-FOUND.

The finder will then be instructed by the VCS 16 to take the lost article and card to the nearest participating overnight carrier service. The service will have a predetermined account number with each carrier. The overnight carrier service will fill out an address form which will forward the article to the computer center. The name of the subscriber and the account number as it appears on the card front, is written into the billing reference area. The name and address of the finder is then placed on the form in the location provided for the sender of the package. The package, then sealed, is forwarded to the central distribution center. At the central distribution center, a new address slip will be placed directly on the package and forwarded to the subscriber. At each stage, the entry will be made in the file by the central computer system 22. As shown in Figure 3C, the finder can periodically call the toll free number such as 1 800 NOW-FOUND and key in the Reward Reference Number 1015 in order to determine the status of his reward. The operation of the system when the subscriber realizes that a protected article has been lost or stolen is now described with reference to Figures 4 to 4B. The subscriber initially calls the central recovery center via a second toll free number such as 1 800 NOW-LOST. Upon reaching the PBX 12, the subscriber will be prompted by the VMS 14 to place his other account number and password into the system.

Upon keying in his or her account number and password, the subscriber will then be queried by the VMS 14 as to the purpose of the call. The prompts will include the choices of reporting a lost or stolen item, updating the status of a lost or stolen item; to transferring the call to an operator. Next, the subscriber will be given a prompt by the VCS 16 to identify the lost or stolen item. The subscriber will be given the same choices provided to the finder: i.e. number 1 designates a wallet; 2 designates a handbag; 3 designates a suitcase; 4 designates a handbag; 5 is miscellaneous.

A reward check will then be automatically issued to the finder by the central computer 22 via printer 39. As shown in Figure 4B, after the card holder receives the returned article or property by overnight courier, within 24 hours, the card holder may call the center 10 and authorize the payment of a discretionary bonus by keying in an amount using the touch tone phone. Figure 5 illustrates an optional feature of the present invention by which the card holder can access emergency money. In this particular example, the subscriber would dial a toll free number such as 1800 EZ-MONEY. The VMS would then ask the subscriber to dial in his password. The VMS would then require the amount of cash needed in response to prompts. In the example shown, $50 could correspond to a dial 1; $100, dial 2; $250, dial 3; and $500, dial 4. The VMS would then route the call to the VCS. The VCS would request that the subscriber key in the current zip code of his location. The system through the computer would find the closest participating financial institution and then inform the subscriber through the VCS of the closest participating financial institution. The computer 22 would effectuate a wire transfer to that institution. In an expanded embodiment, the present invention may form part of an automatic teller system ATM 38. In such a configuration, the recovery card 30 shown in Figure 3 would include a magnetic strip 36 which will be readable and writable. The magnetic strip 36 stores the account number as well as the identification of the article to which the card is associated. When the card is then fed into Automatic Teller Machine 38 forming part of a network of financial institutions which link with the central computer system.

The ATM will access the recovery network via a modem 41. Because the ATM has a finite location, it is not required for the finder to key in the zip code of his location. The ATM will provide the finder with the Reward Reference Number via the video screen. The finder will then be provided, via the ATM video screen, the address of the nearest participating overnight carrier and the finder will be instructed to proceed to the nearest office.

The overnight carrier will fill out the address slip such that the lost or missing item is sent to the central control center. As in the initial embodiment, the name, address and telephone number of the finding party is written into the document.

When the lost or stolen item is returned to the subscriber, a check is automatically written and issued to the finding party by the central computer system. Alternatively, rather than paying a check, an amount of money can be authorized to be credited to an account such that it may be debited by use of an ATM card held by the finder. After the payment is made, the card can be withheld by the machine.

The present invention has been described with reference to the foregoing figures and detailed description. It is to be appreciated that other embodiments may fulfill the spirit and scope of the present invention and that the true nature and scope of the present invention is to be determined with reference to the figures appended hereto.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for tracking and coordinating the return of a lost or stolen article comprising the following steps: tagging an article to be protected with a card having an identity number printed thereon, said number being prerecorded in a central computer and memory such that if said article is lost or stolen, the owner of said article may be identified; utilizing a prestored computer program to facilitate the transfer of said lost or stolen article to a central station by a finder who finds the lost or stolen article; utilizing a prestored computer program for directing and transferring said article from said central station to the owner of said article; and automatically dispatching a payment to the finder who found the lost or stolen article.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the additional step of automatically dispatching a bonus payment to the finder of said article.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of providing an update regarding the status of said article as it is returned.

4. An apparatus for facilitating the return of a lost or stolen item comprising: a card attached to an article which may be lost or stolen, said card having a magnetic strip containing coded information pertaining to the owner of said card, said card further having written instructions thereon for informing a finder of the article, if lost or stolen, to insert the card into an automatic teller means; card reader means associated with said automatic teller means for reading said coded information on said card; modem means for transmitting said coded information to a central computer system; central processor means associated with said central computer system for matching said information appearing on said card to prestored information, relevant to the owner of said card and for issuing instructions to said finder via said modem means regarding the return of said article; and means for automatically processing a check to be paid to said finder who finds said card and article after said article is returned to its owner.

5. An apparatus for facilitating the return of a lost or stolen item comprising: a card attached to an article which may be lost or stolen, said card having information pertaining to the owner of said card thereon, said card further having written instructions thereon for informing a finder of the article, if lost or stolen, to call a central station; telephone switch means at said central station for receiving a call from a finder of a lost or stolen article; voice mail means coupled to said telephone switch means for automatically answering said call from said finder, said voice mail means providing audio prompts to said finder and receiving touch tone responses from said finder relating to said lost or stolen article in response to said prompts; central processor means for identifying the owner of said lost or stolen article from a computer memory and for issuing instructions via said voice mail means to said finder regarding the return of said article; and means for automatically processing a check to be paid to said finder after said article is returned to said owner.