Project Description

# 2722

Signal

While many types of property theft have declined in recent years, according to FBI statistics bicycle theft remains on the rise. The increasing popularity of bicycling for recreation and a means of transportation have made bicycles an easy target for thieves. It is estimated that domestically a bicycle is stolen every 21 seconds, and last year over 1.5 million bicycles were reported stolen in the US alone. At an average cost of $250 per bicycle, that is a $3.75 billion a year problem. Locks and other deterrents have not demonstrated to be a good solution either. However, thanks to Signal help is on the way…

Signal is a fully integrated bicycle recovery system that allows police to track your bike if it's stolen. It is developed in collaboration with a major bicycle manufacturer, long known for their innovation in the bicycle industry and a RF tracking security company to create the first ever bicycle recovery system.

The Signal unit includes a small radio frequency transceiver incorporated into the frame of the bicycle and has been engineered for added strength and rigidity. The transceiver is seamlessly welded to the inside of the top tube and can only be destroyed by cutting through the frame itself, thus dramatically lowering the resale or street-value of the bike.

Signal is powered by a lithium ion battery, that is continuously charged by a self-sustaining pedal-powered generator (similar to many bike lights). This small-charge generator is integrated into the lower portion of the frame, specifically in the seat tube. In addition, a small LCD screen is located on either side of the top tube. This replaceable screen will deter potential thieves and is also an excellent branding opportunity. Although a thief could destroy the LCD screen located in the top half of the Signal unit, the bottom half of the case containing the transmitter and battery cannot be destroyed because they are fully encased within the bike frame.

Also available are two lower cost Signal units that can be inserted into any bike frame. The lowest cost version requires a NiCad battery which is replaced four times a year or you can choose to have a self sustaining pedal-powered generator installed in the frame at your local bike store.

HOW IT WORKS
1. Installation
The Signal unit is seamlessly integrated into the bicycle frame by the manufacturer. Upon purchase, a unique PIN code is assigned to the unit and is entered in the National Bike Registry database.
2. Notification
The customer reports the theft to the police to activate the Signal unit.
3. Activation
Police computers automatically send radio signals from a series of local tower to the Signal unit that emits a uniquely coded inaudible signal directly back to the police.
4. Location
Police equipped with Signal tracking units locate the bicycle.
5. Recovery
The thief is apprehended and the bicycle is returned to the owner.