Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to security and monitoring systems for transport vehicles, and more particularly to a system and method employing an integrated sensor assembly with tamper detection for preventing cargo diversion and monitoring access points in transport vehicles.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The transportation and logistics industry is a cornerstone of global commerce, enabling the efficient movement of goods across vast distances. However, this sector faces significant challenges related to the security of cargo during transit. Theft, pilferage, and unauthorized access at access points on transport vehicles, such as doors, lids, and valves, result in substantial financial losses, compromised supply chain integrity, and reduced trust among stakeholders. According to industry reports, cargo theft remains a pervasive issue, with incidents often going undetected or reported only after significant damage has occurred.
[0003] Traditional security measures, such as mechanical seals and basic electronic locks, have proven inadequate in addressing modern threats. These systems are vulnerable to tampering, duplication, and bypassing, and they lack real-time monitoring, adaptive response mechanisms, and comprehensive audit trails. Although advancements have been made in electronic security systems, such as RFID seals, Bluetooth-enabled locks, and GSM-based tracking, these solutions often operate in isolation and fail to provide a holistic, multi-layered approach to security.
[0004] For instance, US20140266668A1 discloses a shipping container security system with adaptive tamper detection based on container conditions such as movement, location, and time of day. While it adjusts sensitivity thresholds to reduce false alarms, it does not incorporate concealed locking mechanisms, multi-sensor fusion, or artificial intelligence (AI)-based image verification for tamper detection.
[0005] US20040041706A1 describes a smart container equipped with detectors for volumetric changes, breaches, and weapons of mass destruction, along with communication links for threat reporting. However, this system focuses primarily on port and ship-based security. It does not provide a concealed, geofence-enabled electronic lock operable in multiple modes (online, offline, emergency) with real-time user authentication and AI-driven image analysis.
[0006] A prior art document “system and method for theft and pilferage prevention and monitoring during transportation” discloses an electronic door-locking device coupled to a vehicle, with a tracking device and a single sensor for monitoring access. The system manages geofences and access requests via a central server and allows user interaction through a mobile device over wireless and Bluetooth® connections. However, it lacks an integrated multi-sensor assembly and secondary mechanical lock for enhanced theft and tamper prevention.
[0007] Therefore, there remains a critical need for a comprehensive, robust, and intelligent security system that can prevent and monitor theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles. Such a system should integrate advanced sensors, such as multi-axis accelerometers, acoustic sensors, and passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors with real-time communication, geofencing, multi-mode operability, and AI-powered image verification. It should also include a mechanical override mechanism to ensure functionality during electronic failures and provide an immutable audit trail for legal and operational accountability.
[0008] The present invention addresses these gaps by providing a concealed electronic door-locking system with enhanced sensor integration, tamper detection, multi-mode operation, and AI-based image analysis, thereby offering a holistic solution for securing transport vehicles and preventing unauthorized access.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure which provides a comprehensive and innovative solution for securing transport vehicles through a concealed electronic locking device integrated with multi-sensor fusion, real-time monitoring, and artificial intelligence-based image verification.
[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a secure electronic door-locking device integrated with multiple sensors, including light, hall effect, limit switch, 3-axis accelerometer, acoustic, and PIR motion sensors, to detect unauthorized access attempts.
[0011] An additional object of the invention is to provide a tamper-resistant and concealed installation of the electronic door-locking device to reduce the risk of circumvention.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a comprehensive monitoring system that enhances transport vehicle security while enabling real-time surveillance and management of access points.

SUMMARY
[0013] The present disclosure is directed towards a system and method for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles with enhanced sensors and tamper detection. The system comprising an electronic door-locking device coupled to a vehicle in a concealed manner; a plurality of sensors integrated within the electronic door-locking device including a light sensor, a hall effect sensor, a limit switch sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a PIR motion sensor; a physical key-based lock integrated with the electronic door-locking device to provide a secondary mechanical locking mechanism; a central server configured to validate access requests, manage geofences, receive and process sensor data, and generate alerts; and a mobile device configured to facilitate user authentication and communication with the central server and the electronic door-locking device via a wireless network and Bluetooth® Low Energy connection, respectively.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of sensors is configured to detect anomalies indicative of security breaches, including vibration, door opening, movement of the device, mass redistribution within the vehicle, high-g shock events, tilting, sound pressure levels exceeding thresholds, specific acoustic signatures, and unauthorized human presence.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the central server is configured to generate alerts and maintain an audit trail in response to sensor data, and wherein the alerts are generated based on predefined threshold conditions and corroborating data from multiple sensors.
[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the mobile device comprises an application provisioned to capture one or more images of the lock or lid before opening and before closing, wherein said images are transmitted to the central server for comparison with reference images to detect tampering.
[0017] The present disclosure is also directed towards a method for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles. The method comprising authenticating a user via a mobile application; transmitting a lock or unlock command to an electronic door-locking device via Bluetooth® Low Energy; validating the command and geofence compliance by a central server or locally by the device; executing the command upon successful validation; and logging all operational events for audit trail purposes.
[0018] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method operates in a plurality of modes including Online Mode, Offline Mode, and Emergency Mode, ensuring functionality with or without real-time network connectivity.
[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes capturing and comparing images of the lock or lid before and after access operations to detect tampering, and generating alerts upon identifying variations.
[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the method further includes utilizing a physical key-based lock as a mechanical override during electronic system failure or power loss.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles with enhanced sensors and tamper detection in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates a flowchart explaining the method for capturing and processing images in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles with enhanced sensors and tamper detection.
[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0026] The present disclosure is directed towards a system (100) and method for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles. The system (100) comprises an electronic door-locking device (101) coupled to a vehicle (118) in a concealed manner; a plurality of sensors integrated within the device (101) including a light sensor (102), a hall effect sensor (103), a limit switch sensor (104), a 3-axis accelerometer sensor (105), an acoustic sensor (106), and a PIR motion sensor (107); a physical key-based lock (122) integrated with the electronic door-locking device (101) to provide a secondary mechanical locking mechanism; a central server (114) configured to validate access requests from a user (112), manage geofences, and process sensor data; a mobile device (115) of the user (112) configured to facilitate authentication and command transmission; and a plurality of control devices (120a, 120b, 120c) in a control room (113) for remote monitoring. The electronic door-locking device (101) is configured to wirelessly communicate with the central server (114) via wireless networks including GPRS, SMS, and the internet, and with the mobile device (115) via a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) connection.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electronic door-locking device (101) comprises an outer cover (117) configured to render its internal components invisible and inaccessible when the device is locked. A rod (116) functions as an actuator, engaging with or disengaging from a latching mechanism (121) to physically secure or release the outer cover (117). A tracking device (111), equipped with GPS and GSM modules, captures geographical location data. A memory (109) stores operational instructions, location data, event logs, and emergency one-time passwords. A battery (110) ensures continuous operation.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage is disclosed. The method comprising of authenticating a user (112) for access using a One-Time Password (OTP) on an application installed on a mobile device (115); receiving a lock or unlock command from the user (112); transmitting the command to the electronic door-locking device (101) via BLE; validating the command by the central server (114) or locally by the device (101) based on operational mode; and executing the command by actuating the rod (116).
[0029] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method operates in a plurality of modes:
1. Online Mode: Characterised by real-time bidirectional communication with the central server (114) for command verification and geofence validation.
2. Offline Mode: Ensures operability without a real-time network connection by relying on pre-cached authorisation tokens or cryptographic keys for local command validation.
3. Emergency Mode: Provides fail-safe operation during a total loss of network connectivity using a unique Emergency OTP generated by the central server (114).
4. Geofence Mode: Establishes a conditional access protocol based on geographic location, where command execution is contingent upon the device (101) being within a predefined virtual boundary.
[0030] SENSOR-BASED MONITORING AND ALERT GENERATION-
1. 3-Axis Accelerometer Sensor (105):
• Continuously monitors static and dynamic acceleration.
• Triggers alerts for: vibration or door/lid movement; change in device orientation; mass redistribution within the vehicle (118); high-g shock events; tilting beyond a predefined threshold.
2. Acoustic Sensor (106):
• Transduces sound waves into electrical signals and conditions them.
• Triggers alerts for: sound pressure level (dB) exceeding a threshold; defined energy concentration within a specific frequency band; defined temporal pattern; defined amplitude gradient (dB/s).
3. PIR Motion Sensor (107):
• Detects infrared radiation to sense unauthorized human presence.
• Triggers alerts upon detecting movement near the stationary vehicle, optionally informed by data from other sensors.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method further includes a process for image capturing and processing (300) for tamper detection. Figure 3 discloses a flowchart of this embodiment. The method comprising of prompting the user (112) to capture one or more images of the lock or lid before an unlock command (301, 302, 303) and before a subsequent lock command (310, 311, 312); transmitting the captured images to the central server (114) (304, 313); comparing the captured images with one or more reference images stored during installation (305, 314); and generating an alert if a variation is identified (306, 307, 315, 316). The comparison is performed via an automated process utilizing artificial intelligence or via a manual process.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the physical key-based lock (122) is configured to operate as a mechanical override, providing a secondary, mechanical locking mechanism independent of the electronic components to secure the vehicle (118) during a failure of the electronic door-locking device (101) or a loss of power.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a system (100) for preventing and monitoring theft and pilferage at access points on transport vehicles is provided. The system (100) includes an electronic door-locking device (101) fitted on vehicle doors or lids, the device comprising a secure enclosure physically integrated into the door structure such that the internal locking mechanism is resistant to tampering and inaccessible from the vehicle exterior.
[0034] A central control server (102) automatically assigns vehicles to logistics plants based on predefined rules configured within an enterprise resource planning (ERP) or supply automation (SAP) system. The assignment of vehicles is dynamically managed according to digital work schedules and reporting hierarchies of managers/users registered within the ERP system.
[0035] An authorized manager (103) authenticates their identity on a dedicated mobile application via a One-Time Password (OTP). Upon authentication, temporary credentials are granted to communicate with the central server, and a specific electronic door-locking device (101) is associated with that manager. The system records and reports any false authentication attempts to the control server, including mobile device identifiers, geolocation, user ID, and timestamp. Alerts are automatically generated to designated stakeholders via SMS, email, WhatsApp, or similar communication channels.
[0036] The manager/user transmits a lock/unlock command to the electronic door-locking device via the mobile application using wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM, or GPRS. The locking device is equipped with integrated sensors for detecting improper locking, whether intentional or unintentional, and further for monitoring the state of the vehicle door (open/closed). The device operates in multiple configurable modes, including Online Mode, Offline Mode, and Emergency Mode.
[0037] In Online Mode, the system validates each command in real-time with the central server. In Offline Mode, the electronic door-locking device relies on pre-cached authorization tokens or cryptographic keys downloaded during its last online session for validation. In Emergency Mode, a unique OTP is generated by the central server and securely transmitted to authorized personnel, who then provide it to the field user for authentication. The device validates the OTP against the most recently stored value, and upon regaining connectivity, synchronizes logs and fetches a fresh OTP.
[0038] Where geofencing is enabled, the electronic door-locking device cross-checks whether the vehicle is within a designated geofence region. If the vehicle is outside the geofence, the lock remains engaged until proper authorization is received. The device also supports periodic OTP refresh cycles (e.g., every 24 hours). In addition, a manual mechanical override (e.g., a hidden key-based system) is integrated for use in case of system failure. Any such override action breaks a tamper seal and triggers an immediate security alert to the control server.
[0039] All unauthorized activities, such as forced geofence override, invalid OTP input, or improper manual override, are logged and reported with complete metadata including location, time, and user/device identifiers. Notifications are sent to stakeholders in real time. The electronic door-locking device maintains a log of every transaction, including lock/unlock commands, OTP validation events, and emergency overrides, and synchronizes these logs with the central server.
[0040] In addition, the system may optionally include a keypad, biometric scanner, IRIS scanner, or camera device to further enhance security. The mechanical design ensures that all electronic components remain inaccessible when the device is in a locked condition, providing robust tamper resistance and comprehensive monitoring in transport vehicles.
[0041] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:We Claim:
1. A system (100) for cargo diversion prevention at access points on transport vehicles with enhanced sensors and tamper detection, said system (100) comprising:
an electronic door-locking device (101) coupled to a vehicle (118) in a concealed condition and not within the reach of a user without authorization, wherein the electronic door-locking device (101) comprises a rod (116), a tracking device (111), a plurality of sensors, a memory (109) and a battery (110);
wherein said plurality of sensors comprises a light sensor (102), a hall effect sensor (103), a limit switch sensor (104), a 3-axis accelerometer sensor (105), an acoustic sensor (106), and a PIR motion sensor (107);
further comprising a physical key-based lock (122) integrated with the electronic door-locking device (101) to provide a secondary, mechanical locking mechanism;
a central server (114) configured to validate an access request from a user (112), and wherein the access request comprises locking or unlocking a valve of the vehicle (118) attached with the electronic door-locking device (101), and wherein the central server enables a geofence for the operation of the electronic door-locking device (101) through a plurality of modes;
wherein the central server is further configured to:
receive sensor data from the light sensor (102), hall effect sensor (103), limit switch sensor (104), 3-axis accelerometer sensor (105), acoustic sensor (106), and PIR motion sensor (107);
generate an alert and store a corresponding log in response to:
a change in acceleration indicative of vibration or the opening of a lid or door,
a change in the axis of direction of gravity indicative of movement of the device from its designated location, or
a detection of sound above a predetermined threshold while the vehicle is stationary;
generate an alert based on input from the PIR motion sensor (107) detecting movement near the stationary vehicle, wherein said alert generation can be further informed by data from the 3-axis accelerometer sensor (105) and acoustic sensor (106);
a mobile device (115) of the user (112), configured to facilitate the user (112) to mandate access request to the electronic door-locking device (101) coupled to the vehicle (118) by entering a user credential information, wherein the mobile device (115) establishes a communication with the central server (114) through a wireless network and the tracking device (111) of the electronic door-locking device (101) through Bluetooth® Low Eneergy (BLE) connection, and wherein the geofence is a virtual geographic boundary, defined by GPS technology, and wherein the geofence enables the central server to trigger a response when the mobile device (115) enters or leaves a particular area, and wherein the wireless network through which the mobile device establishes connection with central server (114) comprises secure internet, and GPRS/SMS communications;
wherein the mobile device (115) comprises an application provisioned to capture one or more images of the lock or lid before opening and before closing the lock;
wherein said captured images are transmitted to the central server (114) for comparison with reference images taken during installation of the electronic door-locking device;
wherein the central server (114) is further configured to generate an alert informing stakeholders of any variation identified from said comparison, said variation signifying tampering with the mechanical arrangement or the lock itself;
a plurality of control devices (120a, 120b, 120c) placed in a control room (113) to remotely map the electronic door-locking device (101) with the users (112), and wherein the plurality of control devices comprises computing devices, mobile devices, laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones;
said system (100) characterized in that:
the outer cover (117) of the electronic door-locking device (101) is configured to protect the electronic door-locking device (101) by being not visible and accessible to an outsider in a locked condition, and wherein the rod (116) of the electronic door-locking device (101) is placed inside the electronic door-locking device (101) to engage with a locking rod/plate or panel or a latching mechanism (121) to facilitate the outer cover (117) of the electronic door-locking device (101) to open when the lock is disabled, and wherein the rod (116) of the electronic door-locking device (101) gets inserted into the locking rod/plate or panel or the latching mechanism (121) to facilitate the outer cover of the electronic door-locking device (101) to close when the lock is enabled, and wherein the tracking device (111) of the electronic door-locking device (101) is configured to capture location data of the electronic door-locking device (101) and transmit captured location data to the central server (114) for enroute theft and pilferage prevention and monitoring;
wherein the mechanical design of the electronic door-locking device (101) is configured such that its electronic hardware is not accessible when in the locked condition;
and wherein the addition of a keypad, biometric scanner, IRIS scanner, or camera device to the system is to be considered as part of this innovation.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the 3-axis accelerometer sensor (105) is configured to:
detect an anomalous change in a static acceleration component indicative of a change in orientation relative to gravity; and
transmit data corresponding to said anomalous change to the central server (114);
wherein the central server (114) is further configured to generate an alert in response to receiving said data, said alert indicating a potential pilferage event due to a mass redistribution within the vehicle (118).
3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the acoustic sensor (106) is configured to:
transduce incident acoustic pressure waves into a corresponding electrical output signal;
condition said electrical output signal, via internal circuitry, by performing at least one of amplification, filtering to isolate relevant frequency bands, or impedance matching; and
wherein the central server (114) is further configured to:
compare characteristics of the conditioned electrical output signal against at least one dynamically adjustable threshold limit stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, said threshold limit defined to discriminate between normal ambient noise and a potential security breach; and
generate an alert upon determining that the characteristics of the output signal satisfy the predetermined threshold conditions for a specified duration, wherein said threshold conditions include at least one of:
a predetermined sound pressure level (dB),
a defined energy concentration within a specific frequency band,
a defined temporal pattern, or
a defined amplitude gradient (dB/s).
4. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the PIR motion sensor (107) is configured to:
detect infrared radiation in the wavelength spectrum of 8 to 14 micrometres;
focus incident radiation onto a plurality of pyroelectric elements via an optical assembly that segments a field of view into multiple discrete detection zones;
generate a differential electrical signal in response to a sequential imbalance of infrared illumination caused by a heat-emitting body moving across said detection zones; and
output a detection signal to the central server (114) only upon determining that the generated signal meets predetermined amplitude and temporal thresholds indicative of valid human movement.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of:
capturing, via the application on the mobile device (115), one or more images of a lock or a lid of the vehicle (118) prior to an unlocking operation and prior to a subsequent locking operation;
transmitting the captured one or more images to the central server (114);
comparing, at the central server (114), the captured one or more images with one or more reference images stored in a memory, wherein the comparison is performed via artificial intelligence or manual review by control officers;
identifying a variation between the captured one or more images and the one or more reference images, said variation signifying a tampering event with a mechanical arrangement or the lock; and
generating and transmitting an alert to one or more stakeholders upon identification of said variation.
6. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein the physical key-based lock (122) is configured to operate as a mechanical override, providing a secondary, mechanical locking mechanism independent of the electronic door-locking devices (101) electronic components to secure the vehicle (118) during a failure of the electronic door-locking device (101) or a loss of power.
7. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one authentication device selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a biometric scanner, an IRIS scanner, and a camera device, wherein said at least one authentication device is integrated into or communicatively coupled with the electronic door-locking device (101) to provide an additional layer of user authentication, and wherein the inclusion of said authentication device is considered part of the system (100) and not a separate innovation.
8. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein any modification to the mechanical design of the electronic door-locking device (101) that allows the lock to be operated in a manner such that its electronic hardware is not accessible in the locked condition is considered to be within the scope of the invention.