DESC:FIELD
The present disclosure generally relates to the field of security systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tamper detection seal assembly.
DEFINITION
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
FLAG POST: The term ‘”flag post” used in the context of this disclosure refers to a “T” shaped structure which resemble to a flagpole. It has a long pole and above which a flat board is integrated.
These definitions are in addition to those expressed in the art.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Presently, passive and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Near Field Communication (NFC) based security seals with tamper flags are not able to detect a tamper event in real time unless they are polled by an RFID/NFC reader. Without an RFID or NFC reader, an expert counterfeiter can modify such a seal and reassemble it without leaving any traces, i.e., without altering the status of the tamper flag.
Furthermore, these typical security systems are unable to identify illicit access to containers that are done by disassembling the seals. Hence, under such a condition, when the tamper flag is read by an RFID reader, it will show a non-tampered status even though the seal has been tampered with, which is not desired.
There is, therefore, felt a need to develop a seal assembly that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks that alleviates the aforementioned disadvantages.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative;
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal assembly.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal assembly, which detects a tamper event of disassembling of the seal in real time.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal assembly, which detects a tamper event even if the assembly is not damaged/broken during tampering.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal assembly, which incorporates an NFC/RFID or NFC+RFID based tag.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal assembly, which provides economical and energy efficient.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a seal assembly. The seal assembly comprises a flag post defined by a body having first operative end and second operative end; a tamper detection circuit, configured to be integrally mounted on the first operative end; and a pedestal defining a recess body and is configured to lockingly receive the second operative end of the flag post to form the seal assembly.
In an embodiment, an operative portion of the second end is configured with at least one groove, and the hollow body of the pedestal is configured with at least one circumferential ring. The circumferential ring of the pedestal is configured to snap-lock within the groove of the second end of the flag post during locking of the flag post within the pedestal.
Further, the tamper detection circuit is configured with at least one transducer, at least a pair of conducting elements, at least one logical gate, a processing unit, a tamper tag, an electrical storage unit, and a capacitor, and is further configured to be operatively connected with each other.
In an embodiment, the pedestal is configured with a switch, the terminals of the pair of conducting elements are configured to electrically connect with the switch upon locking of the flag post within the pedestal.
Further, the at least one transducer and the switch are configured to generate at least one trigger signal corresponding to the disconnection of the flag post from the pedestal in an operative configuration of the seal assembly.
In an embodiment, the at least one transducer is selected from a group of transducer consisting of a pressure transducer and a photo electric transducer or any combination thereof. The pressure transducer is configured to sense change in pressure caused due to disconnection of the flag post from the pedestal and is further configured to generate the corresponding trigger signal, and the photo electric transducer is configured to sense exposure to light due to disconnection of the flag post from the pedestal and is further configured to generate the corresponding trigger signal.
Further, the tamper tag is configured to be in communication with the logical gate and is further configured to store tamper flag value(s). The logic gate is configured to operate in an open state or a closed state wherein the value of the tamper flag is a function of the state of the logical gate.
In an embodiment, the logic gate is configured to close due to change in pressure sensed by the pressure transducer and closure of the switch.
In an embodiment, the tamper tag is configured with an electronic memory and is further configured to irreversibly update information stored within the electronic memory when the tamper flag value(s) indicates unlock, the tamper tag is selected from a group consisting of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, and a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the tamper tag is configured at least one antenna and is further configured to transmit information stored within the electronic memory over cloud or a user.
Further, the processing unit is configured to be in communication with the at least one transducer, the switch and the logic gate, and is further configured to generate a tamper detection signal due to change in the state of the logical gate upon receiving the trigger signal from the transducer(s).
In an embodiment, the change in the state of the logical gate is configured to cause change in the tamper flag value which thereby indicates a tamper status of the seal assembly.
In an embodiment, the processing unit is configured to generate the tamper detection signal when:
• the pressure sensed by the pressure transducer exceeds a pre-defined threshold value;
• the flag post is exposed to light is sensed by the photoelectric transducer;
• the switch is opened and/or closed; and
• the cut-off of power supply from the electrical storage unit is detected.
In an embodiment, the electrical storage unit is configured to be in communication with the processing unit to generate the tamper detection signal, and the capacitor is configured to be in communication with the processing unit to facilitate generation of the tamper detection signal in absence of the supply power from the electrical storage unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A seal assembly of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a seal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 2 illustrates a tamper detection circuit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING:
100 Assembly
10 Flag post
10a First end
10b Second end
15 Tamper detection circuit
15a Pressure transducer
15b Photoelectric transducer
15c Conducting elements
15d Terminals
15e Logical gate
15f Processing unit
15g Tamper tag
15h Electrical energy storage device
15i Capacitor
15k Antenna
20 Pedestal
20a Switch
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The present invention envisages a seal assembly 100 for a container is now described with reference to Figure 1 and Figure 2.
The seal assembly 100 comprises a flag post 10, a tamper detection circuit 15 and a pedestal 20. The flag post 10 is defined by a body having a first operative end 10a and a second operative end 10b. The tamper detection circuit 15 is configured to be integrated with the first end 10a of the flag post 10. The pedestal 20 is defining a recess body and is configured to lockingly receive the second operative end of the flag post 10 to form the seal assembly 100.
In an embodiment, the body of the flag post 10 is an electrical conducting body.
The tamper detection circuit 15 comprise at least one transducer 15a, 15b, a pair of conducting elements 15c, a logical gate 15e, a processing unit 15f, an electrical energy storage device 15h, a capacitor 15i and a tamper tag 15g.
The pedestal 20 be configured with a switch 20a. The pedestal 20 is configured to lockingly receive the second end 10b of the flag post 10 to form the seal assembly 100.
The pair of conducting elements 15c have terminals 15d. The pair of conducting elements 15c extends through the body portion of the flag post 10 and expose the terminals 15d protrudes proximity to the operative portion of the second end 10b of the flag post 10. The terminals 15d is configured to connect with the switch 20a upon locking of the flag post 10 into the pedestal 20.
The at least one transducer (15a, 15b) and the switch 20a is configured to generate a trigger signal upon detection of a tamper event corresponding to disconnection of the flag post 10 from the pedestal 20 in an operative configuration of the seal assembly 100.
In an embodiment, the at least one transducer (15a, 15b) is selected from a group consisting of a pressure transducer 15a and a photoelectric transducer 15b. The pressure transducer 15a is configured to sense change in pressure caused due to disconnection of the flag post 10 from the pedestal 20 and generates the corresponding trigger signal. The photoelectric transducer 15b is configured to sense exposure to light thereinto the flag post 10 due to disconnection of the flag post 10 from the pedestal 20 and generates the corresponding trigger signal.
The logical gate 15e is configured to operate in an open state or a closed state. In an embodiment, the logical gate 15e is implemented using at least one of the Bipolar Junction Diodes and/or Field Effect Transistors. In a preferred embodiment, the logical gate 15e is implemented using Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor(s) (MOSFET(s)).
The processing unit 15f is configured to be in communication with the transducer(s) (15a, 15b), the switch 20, and the logical gate 15e to generate a tamper detection signal for changing the state of the logical gate 15e upon receiving the trigger signal from the transducer(s) (15a, 15b) and/or receiving the trigger signal from the switch 20a. The tamper tag 15g is connected to the logical gate. As the tamper tag is connected to the logical gate 15e, the value of the tamper flag is dependent or function of the state of the logical gate 15e. The tamper tag 15g is configured to store the tamper flag value, wherein a change in the state of the logical gate 15e causes the tamper flag value to change. The tamper flag value indicates a tamper status of the assembly 100.
One pair of output terminals of the processing unit 15f is connected to the pressure transducer 15a in series with the switch 20a and another pair of output terminals of the processing unit 15f is connected to the photoelectric transducer 15b.
The electrical storage device 15h is configured to power the tamper detection circuit 15. The capacitor 15i is configured to supply power to the processing unit 15f to facilitate generation of the tamper detection signal in absence of the supply power from the electrical storage device 15h.
The processing unit 15f is configured to generate the tamper detection signal when:
• the pressure sensed by the pressure transducer 15a exceeds a pre-defined threshold value;
• the flag post exposed to light is sensed by the photoelectric transducer 15b;
• the switch 20a is opened and/or closed; and
• the cut-off of power supply from the electrical storage device 15h is detected.
Further, the tamper tag 15g comprise an electronic memory. The tamper tag 15g is configured to irreversibly update information stored within the electronic memory when flag value indicates unlock. The tamper tag 15g is selected from a group consisting of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, and a combination thereof. The tamper tag comprises at least one antenna 15k which is configured to transmit information stored within the electronic memory on being energized electromagnetically by an electromagnetic reader. In an embodiment, the tamper tag (15g) is configured with at least one antenna (15k) which transmit information stored within the electronic memory over cloud or to an user. Advantageously, the transmitted can be accessed remotely by the registered user for security check.
In an embodiment, the tamper flag 15g is implemented using wireless communication technologies such as a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile communication and the like.
In an embodiment, the pressure transducer 15a is selected from a group consisting of a force sensing resistor (FSR), piezoelectric sensor, a tactile switch, a strain gauge and/or a combination thereof. The photoelectric transducer 15b is selected from a group consisting of a proximity sensor, a light dependent resistor (LDR), a photo diode, a photo transistor and/or a combination thereof.
In an embodiment, the switch 20a is a mechanical switch or a conductive sticker. The conductive sticker is configured to stick with the terminals 15d of the conducting elements 15c on locking of the flag post 10 into the pedestal 20, thereby forming a switch. The conductive sticker is configured to get damaged when the seal assembly is tampered by disconnecting the flag post 10 from the pedestal 20, causing the switch 20a to open.
In an embodiment, the flag post 10 and the pedestal 20 have a snap-locking arrangement defined between them. In an embodiment, the second end 10b of the flag post 10 has a groove and the pedestal 20 encloses a locking circumferential ring configured to snap-lockingly engage with the groove during locking of the flag post 10 within the pedestal 20.
In an embodiment, the change in the state of the logical gate 15e causes the tamper flag value to change. The tamper flag value indicates the tamper status of the assembly. In one embodiment, the tamper flag value oscillates between ‘0’ and ‘1’ based on the state of the logical gate. The tamper flag value corresponding to the open state of the logical gate 15e may be ‘1’ and the reader can be configured to read the tamper flag value of ‘1’ as “tampered”. In an alternate embodiment, the tamper flag value corresponding to the closed state of the logical gate 15e may be ‘0’ and the reader can be configured to read the tamper flag value of ‘0’ as “not tampered”.
In an exemplary embodiment, one pair of output terminals of the processing unit 15f is connected to the pressure transducer 15a in series connection with the switch 20a and another pair of output terminals of the processing unit 15f is connected to the photoelectric transducer 15b. In an event of disconnection of the flag post 10 from the pedestal 20, the switch 20a remains in an open state, the pressure transducer 15a senses the change in pressure and/or the photoelectric transducer 15b senses the light. In response, the switch 20a, the pressure transducer 15a and/or the photoelectric transducer 15b generates a trigger signal indicating the tamper event. The processing unit 15f receives the triggering signal to generate a tamper detection signal for changing the state of the logical gate 15e from state ‘0’ to state ‘1’. The change in state of logical gate 15e causes corresponding change in the value of tamper flag, which is then read by the reader to detect tampering.
In a working environment, the seal assembly 100 is used to lock the door of a container to be sealed say for example a cargo container. The container is locked or sealed by inserting the second end 10b of the flag post 10 through a latch of the container and further locking the second end 10b of the flag post 10 with pedestal 20. Under default conditions before sealing the container, the logical gate 15e of the tamper detection circuit 15 is open. At this stage, the logical gate closes due to the pressure change experienced by the pressure transducer 15a and closure of the switch 20a. The closed state of the logical gate corresponds to a “not-tampered” or “locked” tamper status. The container may be transported to an end user in this condition. Thus, if the end user reads the tamper flag of the tag using the reader, it will show a “not-tampered” or “locked” status. However, if the container is tampered with or opened during transport, without damaging or disconnecting the flag post 10 and pedestal 20 assembly, the tamper flag value will change, either due to
(i) a change in pressure on the pressure transducer 15a; or
(ii) detection of light by the photoelectric transducer 15b; or
(iii) open status of the switch 20a; or
(iv) any attempt to remove the electrical energy storage device 15h from the assembly.
This change in the tamper flag value is reflected as “tampered” or “unlocked” on the reader, when the tamper tag 15g is scanned by the end user. The assembly 100 is thus able to detect a tamper event in real time. Once the tamper event is detected, it cannot be undone.
In an embodiment, the processing unit 15f include a counter and is configured to count frequency of change in tamper flag value, indicating tamper event count. For every instance, if a counterfeiter disconnects the flag post 10 and pedestal 20, the counter increments its count value by one. The end user upon reading the counter value via the reader can determine the total number of tamper event.
In an embodiment, the processing unit 15f is configured to store time stamp for every tamper event. This facilitates the end user to track the day and time of the tamper event. The end user based on the time stamp also identify the tamper event location, for his/her information or for taking necessary action.
Advantageously, the seal assembly 100 provide additional layer of security by providing switch 20a and transducers (15a, 15b) for sensing the tamper event. If any of the switch 20a or the transducers (15a, 15b) sense the tamper event, the status of the tamper flag indicate as “tampered” or “unlocked” seal assembly, thus increasing the chances of detection of tamper event.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a seal assembly, which:
• detects a tamper event of disassembling of the seal in real time;
• detects a tamper event even if the assembly is not damaged/broken during tampering;
• incorporates an NFC/RFID or NFC+RFID based tag; and
• is economical and energy efficient.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. The seal assembly (100), comprising:
• a flag post (10) defined by a body having first operative end (10a) and second operative end (10b);
• a tamper detection circuit (15) configured to be integrally mounted on said first operative end (10a); and
• a pedestal (20) defining a recess body and configured to lockingly receive said second operative end (10b) of said flag post (10) to form said seal assembly (100).
2. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an operative portion of said second end (10b) is configured with at least one groove, and the hollow body of said pedestal (20) is configured with at least one circumferential ring.
3. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said circumferential ring of said pedestal is configured to snap-lock within said groove of said second end (10b) of said flag post (10) during locking of said flag post (10) within said pedestal (20).
4. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said tamper detection circuit (15) is configured with at least one transducer (15a,15b), at least a pair of conducting elements (15c), at least one logical gate (15e), a processing unit (15f), a tamper tag (15g), an electrical storage unit (15h), and a capacitor (15i), and is further configured to be operatively connected with each other.
5. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said pair of conducting elements (15c, 15d) extends through the body of said flag post (10) and operative terminals (15d) of said pair of conducting elements (15c) protrudes proximity to the operative portion of said second end (10b).
6. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pedestal (20) is configured with a switch (20a), the terminals of said pair of conducting elements (15c) is configured to electrically connect with said switch upon locking of said flag post (10) within said pedestal (20).
7. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said at least one transducer (15a,15b) and said switch (20a) are configured to generate at least one trigger signal corresponding to the disconnection of said flag post (10) from said pedestal (20) in an operative configuration of said seal assembly (100).
8. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one transducer (15a,15b) is selected from a group of transducer consisting of a pressure transducer (15a) and a photo electric transducer (15b) or any combination thereof.
9. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said pressure transducer (15a) is configured to sense change in pressure caused due to disconnection of said flag post (10) from said pedestal (20) and is further configured to generate said corresponding trigger signal, and said photo electric transducer (15b) is configured to sense exposure to light due to disconnection of said flag post (10) from said pedestal (20) and is further configured to generate said corresponding trigger signal.
10. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said tamper tag (15g) is configured to be in communication with said logical gate (15e) and is further configured to store tamper flag value(s), said logic gate (15e) is configured to operate in an open state or a closed state wherein the value of the tamper flag is a function of the state of said logical gate (15e).
11. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said logic gate (15e) is configured to close due to change in pressure sensed by said pressure transducer (15a) and closure of said switch (20a).
12. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said tamper tag (15g) is configured with an electronic memory and is further configured to irreversibly update information stored within the electronic memory when the tamper flag value(s) indicates unlock, said tamper tag (15g) is selected from a group consisting of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, a Near Field Communication (NFC) tag, and a combination thereof.
13. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said tamper tag (15g) is configured at least one antenna (15k) and is further configured to transmit information stored within the electronic memory over cloud or a user.
14. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a first pair of output terminals of said processing unit (15f) is configured to connect to said pressure transducer (15a) in series with said switch (20a), and a second pair of output terminals of the processing unit (15f) is configured to connect to said photoelectric transducer (15b).
15. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein said processing unit (15f) is configured to be in communication with said at least one transducer (15a,15b), said switch (20a) and said logic gate (15e), and is further configured to generate a tamper detection signal due to change in the state of said logical gate (15e) upon receiving said trigger signal from said transducer(s) (15a, 15b).
16. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the change in the state of said logical gate (15e) is configured to cause change in the tamper flag value which thereby indicates a tamper status of said seal assembly (100).
17. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said processing unit (15f) is configured to generate said tamper detection signal when:
• the pressure sensed by said pressure transducer (15a) exceeds a pre-defined threshold value;
• the flag post is exposed to light is sensed by said photoelectric transducer (15b);
• said switch (20a) is opened and/or closed; and
• the cut-off of power supply from said electrical storage unit (15h) is detected.
18. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein said electrical storage unit (15h) is configured to be in communication with said processing unit (15f) to generate said tamper detection signal, and said capacitor (15i) is configured to be in communication with said processing unit (15f) to facilitate generation of said tamper detection signal in absence of the supply power from said electrical storage unit (15h).
19. The seal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal assembly (100) is a container door lock seal.

Dated this 4th day of January, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
of R.K.DEWAN & CO.
Authorized Agent of Applicant

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI