Container tamper-proof protection by use of printed fiber optics manufacturing and integrated sensors

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments provide a method for tamper-proof protection of containers used for shipment of goods. An optical fiber is embedded in an Optical Shield Wallpaper which lines all interior surfaces of any size of a shipping container, package, box, barrel or other shaped container. Wallpaper is manufactured using large scale rollers that press fibers with encapsulated adhesives onto an appropriate medium. Small medicine containers are protected with a fiber optic shield and sensors manufactured using ink jet printing techniques. Light is applied to the optical fiber and a measurement of optical fiber characteristics is performed. Digital signal processing is used to generate pedigree information, which may include items such as shipping location, serial numbers and lot numbers for the goods. The status of the autonomous anti-tampering system is monitored real-time for unauthorized intrusions. Intrusions detected are relayed to an authorized recipient via a variety of communication channels.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for detecting tampering, comprising:
 a sensor comprising an optical shield wallpaper, the sensor comprising a waveguide arranged upon an interior surface of a container;   an antenna disposed within the container proximate to a nonmetallic portion of the container; and   a detection device connected to two opposing ends of the waveguide, the detection device comprising:
 a transmitter configured to transmit a first signal through the sensor via a first opposing end of the waveguide; 
 a receiver configured to:
 receive a second signal from the sensor via a second opposing end of the waveguide; and 
 detect tampering with the container based at least in part on the second signal; and 
 
 a communications interface in communication with the antenna, the communications interface configured to cause the antenna to broadcast a radio frequency signal responsive to a detection of tampering at the receiver, 
   wherein the detection device is further configured to detect tampering with the nonmetallic portion of the container.   
     
     
         2 . A method of manufacturing a tempering detection system, comprising:
 embedding at least one waveguide on a substrate to form a sensor comprising an optical shield wallpaper;   coupling the at least one sensor to a detection device, the detection device configured to transmit a first signal through the sensor via a first opposing end of the waveguide, receive a second signal from the sensor via a second opposing end of the waveguide, and detect tampering with the container based at least in part on the second signal;   arranging the substrate including the waveguide upon an interior surface of a container; and   placing an antenna within the container proximate to a nonmetallic portion of the container, the antenna in communication with a communications interface of the detection device such that the communications interface can cause the antenna to broadcast a radio frequency signal responsive to a detection of tampering by the detection device,   wherein the detection device is further configured to detect tampering with the nonmetallic portion of the container.