Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A tamper indicating device (300) comprising:
a. a strap (100) defined by:
i. a flag portion (102) embedded with a unique strap code, and
ii. a tail portion (104) extending from said flag portion (102), said tail portion (104) having a conductive path (106) configured thereon.
b. a locking (200) means having:
i. a first lock (202A) configured to provide a first non-reversible passage to said tail portion (104) of said strap (100) therethrough;
ii. a second lock (202B) configured to provide a second non-reversible passage to said tail portion (104) subsequent to the passage of said tail portion (104) from said first non-reversible passage; and
iii. a tag portion (207) having an electronic unit (210) embedded therein, wherein said electronic unit (210) is configured to detect the status of said strap (100) passing through said locking means (200) to determine tampering of said strap (100).

2. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic unit (210) includes:
a. an electronic circuit (210A) configured to establish a closed connection upon passage of said strap (100) from said first lock (202A) and said second lock (202B) respectively;
b. a detector configured to detect the passage of said tail portion (104) of said strap (100) from said first lock (202A) and said second lock (202B), and further configured to generate a strap placement signal;
c. a reader configured to cooperate with said detector to receive said strap placement signal, and further configured to scan said flag portion (102) of said strap (100) to extract said unique strap code;
d. a repository configured to store a set of pre-determined rules, and a unique device code, said repository further configured to receive and store said extracted unique strap code from said reader;
e. a sensing means (204) configured to sense the breakage of said closed loop connection, and further configured to generate a tamper detection signal upon breakage of said closed loop connection;
f. a framing unit configured to cooperate with said repository and said sensing means, and further configured to generate a frame containing unique strap code and said unique device code upon receiving said tamper detection signal; and
g. a communication module (208) configured to cooperate with said framing unit, and is further configured to receive and transmit said frame containing unique strap code and said unique device code to a pre-authenticated user device.
3. The device (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said unique strap code is in the form of a barcode, a QR code, a alphanumeric code, an RFID code, and the like.
4. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic unit (210) includes:
a. a switch configured to facilitate breakage of said close loop connection;
b. a sensor unit having at least one sensor (203) selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a gyroscopic sensor,
wherein:
i. at least one temperature sensor coupled with said switch, said temperature sensor configured to sense temperature of said strap (100) to generate a sensed temperature signal, said temperature sensor is further configured to trigger said switch to break said close loop connection based on said sensed temperature signal;
ii. at least one photoelectric sensor coupled with said switch, said photoelectric sensor configured to emit light beam on said strap (100) and sense reflected light beam to generate a sensed photoelectric signal, said photoelectric sensor further configured to trigger said switch to break said close loop connection based on said sensed photoelectric signal; and
iii. at least one gyroscopic sensor coupled with said switch, said gyroscopic sensor configured to sense orientation of said strap (100) to generate a sensed orientation signal, said gyroscopic sensor further configured to trigger said switch to break continuity of said close loop connection based on said sensed orientation signal.
5. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said electronic unit (210) includes a battery (204) configured to supply power to different units of said electronic unit (210).
6. The device (300) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said battery (204) is a solar powered battery.
7. The device (300) as claimed in claims 2 and 5, wherein said power is supplied from an RF field generated by said reader to said different units of said electronic unit (210) in absence of said battery (206).
8. The device (300) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said communication module (208) is configured to facilitate a short range communication or a medium range communication.
9. The device (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the material used for manufacturing said strap (100) is either nylon or Polypropylene Co-Polymer (PPCP).
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of security seals.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, for securing products, wire seals are used. The purpose of using wire seals is twofold, namely, to prevent, or at least render difficult, breaking into products. A conventional wire seal includes housing, a locking element, and a wire. A first end of the wire is initially passed through the housing and/or the locking element. The first end is then passed through a provision configured on the product to be sealed. The first end is then again passed through the housing, and the locking element is inserted in the housing to secure the portion of the wire in the housing. Once the locking element is inserted, the wire cannot be removed from the housing. However, conventional seals are subjected to wear and tear. Further, the wire may be pulled out and pushed back in without leaving evidence of tampering, as such attempts go undetected.
To overcome the above mentioned drawbacks, electronic seals are used. The electronic seals use a metal strap to detect continuity of the electronic circuit. However, it is still feasible that after tampering the seal, a thief could carefully provide another strap to maintain the electrical continuity of the circuit. Also, once the wire is cut the entire circuit needs to be replaced, and this is not desired.
There is therefore felt a need of a tamper indicating device that alleviates the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tamper indicating device.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that is anti-tamper.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that is economical.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that allows reusability of locking means.
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 tamper indicating device. The tamper indicating device comprises a strap and a locking means. The strap is defined by a flag portion, and a tail portion. The flag portion is embedded with a unique strap code. The tail portion extends from the flag portion. The tail portion is having a conductive path configured thereon. The locking means is having a first lock, a second lock, and a tag portion. The first lock is configured to provide a first non-reversible passage to the tail portion of the strap therethrough. The second lock configured to provide a second non-reversible passage to the tail portion subsequent to the passage of the tail portion from the first non-reversible passage. The tag portion having an electronic unit embedded therein. The electronic unit is configured to detect the status of the strap passing through the locking means to determine tampering of the strap.

In an embodiment, the electronic unit includes an electronic circuit, a detector, a reader, a repository, a sensing means, a framing unit, and a communication module. The electronic circuit is configured to establish a closed loop connection upon passage of the strap from the first lock and the second lock respectively.
In an embodiment, the detector is configured to detect the passage of the tail portion of the strap from the first lock and the second lock. The detector is further configured to generate a strap placement signal.
In an embodiment, the reader is configured to cooperate with the detector to receive the strap placement signal. The detector is further configured to scan the flag portion of the strap to extract the unique strap code.
In an embodiment, the repository configured to store a set of pre-determined rules, and a unique device code. The repository is further configured to receive and store the extracted unique strap code from the reader.
In an embodiment, the sensing means is configured to sense the breakage of the closed loop connection. The sensing means is further configured to generate a tamper detection signal upon breakage of the closed loop connection.
In an embodiment, the framing unit is configured to cooperate with the repository and the sensing means. The framing unit is further configured to generate a frame containing unique strap code and the unique device code upon receiving the tamper detection signal.
In an embodiment, the communication module is configured to cooperate with the framing unit. The communication module is further configured to receive and transmit the frame containing unique strap code and the unique device code to a pre-authenticated user device.
In an embodiment, the unique strap code is in the form of a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, an RFID code, and the like.
In another embodiment, the electronic unit includes a switch, a sensor unit having at least one sensor selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a gyroscopic sensor.
In an embodiment, the switch is configured to facilitate breakage of the close loop connection.
In another embodiment, at least one pressure sensor is configured to sense applied pressure on the strap to generate a sensed pressure signal. The pressure sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed pressure signal.
In another embodiment, at least one temperature sensor is coupled with the switch. The temperature sensor is configured to sense temperature of the strap to generate a sensed temperature signal. The temperature sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed temperature signal.
In another embodiment, at least one photoelectric sensor is coupled with the switch. The photoelectric sensor is configured to emit light beam on the strap and sense reflected light beam to generate a sensed photoelectric signal. The photoelectric sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed photoelectric signal.
In another embodiment, at least one gyroscopic sensor is coupled with the switch. The gyroscopic sensor is configured to sense orientation of the strap to generate a sensed orientation signal, said gyroscopic sensor further configured to trigger the switch to break continuity of the close loop connection based on the sensed orientation signal.
In an embodiment, the electronic unit includes a configured to supply power to different units of the electronic unit. In an embodiment, the battery is a solar powered battery.
In an embodiment, the power is supplied from an RF field generated by the reader to the different units of the electronic unit in absence of the battery.
In an embodiment, the communication module is configured to facilitate a short range communication or a medium range communication.
In an embodiment, the material used for manufacturing the strap is either nylon or Polypropylene Co-Polymer (PPCP).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The tamper indicating device of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1A illustrates a rear view of a strap, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1B illustrates a front view of the strap of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1C illustrates a side view of the strap of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 1D illustrates an isometric view of the strap of Figure 1A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates a top view of a locking means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2B illustrates a rear view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2C illustrates a left hand side view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2D illustrates a front view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2E illustrates a right hand side view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2F illustrates an isometric view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of a lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3B illustrates a top view of the lock of Figure 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3C illustrates a front view of the lock of Figure 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3D illustrates a bottom view of the lock of Figure 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3E illustrates a right hand side view of the lock of Figure 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3F illustrates a rear view of the lock of Figure 3A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the strap of Figure 1A with a conductive path, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the locking means of Figure 2A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6A illustrates a top view of the strap of Figure 4 passed through the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6B illustrates an isometric view of the strap of Figure 4 passed through the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6C illustrates a right hand side view of the strap of Figure 4 passed through the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6D illustrates a top view of the strap of Figure 4 passed through the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7A illustrates a top view of the strap of Figure 4 locked in the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7B illustrates an isometric view of the strap of Figure 4 locked in the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7C illustrates a left hand side view of the strap of Figure 4 locked in the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7D illustrates a front view of the strap of Figure 4 locked in the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7E illustrates a right hand side view of the strap of Figure 4 locked in the locking means of Figure 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of a tamper indicating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 – Strap
102 – Flag Portion
104 – Tail Portion
106 – Conductive Path
200 – Locking Means
202 – Lock
202A – First Lock
202B – Second Lock
203 – Sensor
204 – Sensing Means
206 – Battery
207 – Tag Portion
208 – Communication Module
210 – Electronic Unit
210A – Electronic Circuit
300 – Device
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 processes, 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, modules, units 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. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
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 terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc.,when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner,” “outer,” "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a tamper indicating device. The tamper indicating device (herein after referred as “device 300”) will now be described with reference to Figure 1A to Figure 8.
The device 300 comprises a strap 100, and a locking means 200. The strap 100 is defined by a flag portion 102 and a tail portion 104. The flag portion 102 is embedded with a unique strap code. The tail portion 104 is extending from the flag portion 102. The tail portion 104 having a conductive path 106 configured thereon. In an embodiment, the material used for manufacturing the strap 100 is nylon. In another embodiment, the material used for manufacturing the strap 100 is Polypropylene Co-Polymer (PPCP).
The locking means 200 has a lock 202 and a tag portion 207. The lock 202 is defined by a first lock 202A and a second lock 202B. The first lock 202A is configured to provide a first non-reversible passage to the tail portion 104 of the strap 100 therethrough. The second lock 202B is configured to provide a second non-reversible passage to the tail portion 104 subsequent to the passage of the tail portion 104 from the first non-reversible passage. In an embodiment, the first lock 202A and the second lock 202B are used interchangeably.
In an embodiment, the tag portion 207 is having an electronic unit 210 embedded therein, such that the electronic unit 210 is configured to detect the status of the strap 100 passing through the locking means 200 to determine tampering of the strap 100.
In an embodiment, the electronic unit 210 includes an electronic circuit 210A, a detector (not shown in the figures), a reader (not shown in the figures), a repository (not shown in figures), a sensing means 204, a framing unit (not shown in figures), a communication module 208, and a battery 206.
In an embodiment, the battery 206 is configured to supply power to the units of the electronic unit 210. In an embodiment, the battery 206 is rechargeable battery. The battery 206 is configured to provide supply to the electronic unit 210. In an embodiment, the battery 206 is a solar powered battery.
The electronic circuit 210A is configured to establish a closed loop connection upon passage of the strap 100 from the first lock 202A and the second lock 202B respectively.
In an embodiment, the detector (not shown in the figures) is configured to detect the passage of the tail portion 104 of the strap 100 from the first lock 202A and the second lock 202B. The detector is further configured to generate a strap placement signal.
The reader (not shown in the figures) is configured to cooperate with the detector to receive the strap placement signal, and is further configured to scan the flag portion 102 of the strap 100 to extract the unique strap code. In an embodiment, the power is supplied from an RF field generated by the reader to the different units of electronic unit 210 in absence of the battery 206.
The repository (not shown in the figures) is configured to store a set of pre-determined rules, and a unique device code. The repository is further configured to receive and store the extracted unique strap code from the reader.
In an embodiment, the sensing means 204 is configured to electronically break the closed loop connection if certain set conditions are sensed (for example if set threshold temperature is exceeded or if set light or sound levels are exceeded), and is further configured to generate a tamper detection signal upon breakage of the closed loop connection.
The framing unit (not shown in the figures) is configured to cooperate with the repository and the sensing means. The repository is further configured to generate a frame containing unique strap code and the unique device code upon receiving the tamper detection signal.
The communication module 208 is configured to cooperate with the framing unit, and is further configured to receive and transmit the frame containing unique strap code and the unique device code to a pre-authenticated user device. In an embodiment, the communication module 208 is configured to facilitate a short range communication or a medium range communication.
In an embodiment, the pre-authenticated user device is selected from the group of mobile computers, mobile internet devices, tablets/smartphones, laptops, wearable computers, and the like.
In an embodiment, the unique strap code is in the form of a barcode, a QR code, an alphanumeric code, an RFID code, and the like.
In another embodiment, the electronic unit 210 includes a switch (not shown in the figures), at least one sensor 203 selected from the group consisting of a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photoelectric sensor, and a gyroscopic sensor.
The switch is configured to facilitate breakage of the close loop connection.
The pressure sensor is coupled to the switch and is configured to sense applied pressure on the strap 100 to generate a sensed pressure signal. The pressure sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed pressure signal.
The temperature sensor is coupled with the switch and is configured to sense temperature of the strap 100 to generate a sensed temperature signal. The temperature sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed temperature signal.
The photoelectric sensor is coupled with the switch and is configured to emit light beam on the strap 100 and senses reflected light beam to generate a sensed photoelectric signal. The photoelectric sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break the close loop connection based on the sensed photoelectric signal.
The gyroscopic sensor is coupled with the switch and is configured to sense orientation of the strap 100 to generate a sensed orientation signal. The gyroscopic sensor is further configured to trigger the switch to break continuity of the close loop connection based on the sensed orientation signal.
In an operative configuration, when the strap 100 having the conductive path 106 configured on its tail portion 104 is passed through the first non-reversible passage of the first lock 202A and the second non-reversible passage of the second lock 202B. The electronic unit 210 which is embedded within the tag portion 207 of the locking means 200 forms a closed loop with the strap 100 when passed through the first lock 202A and the second lock 202B. In an event if the strap 100 is tampered or broken, the detector detects the absence of the open circuit event in the closed loop connection and generates a strap absence signal. The reader (not shown in the figures) receives the strap absence signal after it scans the flag portion 102 of the strap 100 and extracts the unique strap code. The pre-determined rules and a unique device code are stored in the repository. Also, the repository cooperates with the reader to receive the extracted unique strap code. Further, the sensing means 204 placed in the electronic circuit 210A senses the breakage of the closed loop connection to generate the tamper detection signal. The framing unit (not shown in the figures) receives the extracted unique strap code and the unique device code to generate frame containing the unique strap code and the unique device code along with the tamper detection signal status. Once the frame containing the unique strap code and the unique device code is received along with the tamper loop status, the frame is transmitted to the pre-authentic user device which indicates the strap 100 with unique strap code is tampered.
The tamper indicating device 300 has advantage that unique barcode of the strap 100 is concatenated with the unique device code. This combination allows the locking means 200 to be reused with straps 100 having unique strap code as compared with the conventional electronic seals. Since, the locking means 200 is reusable, and the cost required for replacement of the strap 100 is very less, thereby making the device 300 is economical.
The added benefit provided by the device 300 is that it can be tracked.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a tamper indicating device that:
• is economical;
• is anti-tamper; and
• allows reusability of locking means.
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