Anti-theft method for detecting the unauthorized opening of containers and baggage

Abstract

A simple trip-wire or magnetic circuit associated with a shipping container provides continuity, which is detected electrically. Simply, if continuity is disabled by a forced entry of the container, electrical detection means, such as a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) tag, will alert the owner or monitoring station. The trip-wire concept would require the replacing of a broken trip wire (resulting from forced entry), while the magnetic circuit concept can be reused repetitively. In a second embodiment a magnetic circuit and the detection device (RFID tag) are embedded into the shipping article during manufacturing. The preferred detection device, an RFID tag, could also be a battery backed transceiver type on which a replaceable or rechargeable battery could be mounted on the inside of the shipping container during manufacturing. The RFID tag would communicate with an interrogator unit, which could be connected to a host computer. The interrogator and/or the host computer and/or other alarm devices would then monitor the shipping container's status (opened or closed).

1. For an apparatus having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving first and second closure members together and apart, respectively, an improved security device for signalling whether the aperture is opened, comprising:
 (a) an elongated electrical conductor having first and second ends, the conductor extending between the two closure members and being attached to both the first closure member and the second closure member so that the two closure members cannot be moved apart more than a predetermined amount to open the aperture without breaking the conductor; and   (b) an RFID transceiver, connected to the two ends of the conductor, including an electrical circuit for detecting when electrical continuity between the two ends of the conductor is broken and subsequently transmitting a radio frequency alarm signal.   
     
     
       2. A security device according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is a container and the first and second closure members are external walls of the container. 
     
     
       3. A security device according to  claim 2 , wherein the RFID transceiver is embedded within a wall of the container. 
     
     
       4. A security device according to  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is a suitcase and the first and second closure members are external walls of the suitcase. 
     
     
       5. For an apparatus having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving first and second closure members together and apart, respectively, an improved security device for signalling whether the aperture is opened, comprising:
 (a) an electrical device, mounted on the apparatus adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is open or closed; and   (b) an RFID transceiver which transmits a radio frequency alarm signal after said device detects the aperture has been opened.   
     
     
       6. A security device according to  claim 5 , wherein the electrical device includes a magnet. 
     
     
       7. A security device according to  claim 5 , wherein the electrical device includes an elongated electrical conductor having first and second ends, the conductor extending between the two closure members and being attached to both the first closure member and the second closure member so that the two closure members cannot be moved apart a substantial amount to open the aperture without breaking the conductor. 
     
     
       8. A security device according to  claim 5 , wherein said apparatus is a container and the first and second closure members are external walls of the container. 
     
     
       9. A security device according to  claim 8 , wherein the RFID transceiver is embedded within a wall of the container. 
     
     
       10. A security device according to  claim 5 , wherein said apparatus is a suitcase and the first and second closure members are external walls of the suitcase. 
     
     
       11. For an apparatus having an aperture which is selectably closed and opened by moving first and second closure members together and apart, respectively, an improved security device for signalling whether the aperture is opened, comprising:
 (a) an electrical device, mounted on the apparatus adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is open or closed, wherein the electrical device includes:
 (i) first and second electrical contacts mounted on the first closure member, and 
 (ii) a third electrical contact mounted on the second closure member at a position such that, when the two closure members are moved together so as to close the aperture, the third electrical contact mates with both the first and the second contacts so as to complete an electrical continuity between the first and second contacts; and 
   (b) an RFID transceiver which transmits a radio frequency alarm signal in response to said electrical continuity being broken.   
     
     
       12. A secure apparatus for signalling whether an aperture of the apparatus is opened, comprising:
 an apparatus having first and second closure members and having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving the two closure members together and apart, respectively;   an electrical device, mounted on the apparatus adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is opened; and   an RFID transceiver which transmits an alarm signal after said device detects the aperture has been opened.   
     
     
       13. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the electrical device includes an elongated electrical conductor having first and second ends, the conductor extending between the two closure members and being attached to both the first closure member and the second closure member so that the two closure members cannot be moved apart more than a predetermined amount to open the aperture without breaking the conductor. 
     
     
       14. Apparatus according to  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a hinge mounted on a first end of each closure member;   wherein the conductor extends between the two closure members at a second end of each closure member opposite the hinge.   
     
     
       15. Apparatus according to  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a handle mounted on the second end of one of the closure members; and   a strap encircling the handle;   wherein the RFID transceiver is mounted on the strap.   
     
     
       16. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 the electrical device includes
 first and second electrical contacts mounted on the first closure member, and 
 a third electrical contact mounted on the second closure member at a position such that, when the two closure members are moved together so as to close the aperture, the third contact mates with both the first and second contacts so as to complete an electrical continuity between the first and second contacts; and 
   the RFID transceiver transmits said radio frequency alarm signal in response to said electrical continuity being broken.   
     
     
       17. Apparatus according to  claim 16 , wherein the first, second and third electrical contacts respectively comprise first, second and third magnetic contacts. 
     
     
       18. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein the electrical device includes a magnetic device. 
     
     
       19. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein said apparatus is a container and the first and second closure members are external walls of the container. 
     
     
       20. Apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein the RFID transceiver is embedded within a wall of the container. 
     
     
       21. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 said apparatus is a suitcase; and   the first and second closure members are external walls of the suitcase.   
     
     
       22. Apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein:
 said apparatus is a doorway;   the first closure member is a door frame; and   the second closure member is a door.   
     
     
       23. A method for signalling whether an aperture is opened, comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus having first and second closure members and having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively;   detecting whether the aperture is opened; and   in response to detecting that the aperture is opened, transmitting a radio frequency alarm signal.   
     
     
       24. A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the detecting step comprises:
 mounting adjacent the aperture an electrical detecting device having an electrical condition responsive to whether the aperture is opened; and   detecting whether the aperture is opened by detecting the electrical condition of the detecting device.   
     
     
       25. A method according to  claim 24 , wherein:
 the step of mounting an electrical detecting device comprises extending between the two closure members an elongated electrical conductor having first and second ends, and attaching the conductor to both the first closure member and the second closure member so that the two closure members cannot be moved apart more than a predetermined amount to open the aperture without breaking the conductor; and   the step of detecting whether the aperture is opened comprises detecting whether electrical continuity between the two ends of the conductor is broken.   
     
     
       26. A method according to  claim 24 , wherein the step of mounting an electrical detecting device comprises mounting a magnet adjacent the aperture. 
     
     
       27. A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the providing step comprises:
 providing a container having first and second external walls, wherein said apparatus is the container and said first and second closure members are the first and second external walls of the container, respectively.   
     
     
       28. A method according to  claim 27 , further comprising the step of:
 embedding an RFID transceiver within a wall of the container;   wherein the transmitting step comprises the RFID transceiver transmitting the radio frequency alarm signal.   
     
     
       29. A method according to  claim 28 , further comprising the steps of:
 mounting a replaceable battery within the container so as to be accessible only from the interior of the container; and   connecting the battery to the RFID transceiver.   
     
     
       30. A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the step of providing a container comprises:
 providing a suitcase as said container.   
     
     
       31. A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the transmitting step further comprises:
 receiving radio frequency interrogation signals; and   transmitting said radio frequency alarm signal only after receiving a radio frequency interrogation signal subsequent to said detecting that the aperture is opened.   
     
     
       32. A method for signalling whether an aperture is opened, comprising the steps of:
 providing a shipping container having at least one hinge, first and second closure members, and an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the at least one hinge, the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively;   providing an unauthorized opening detection unit attached to the shipping container adjacent the aperture, the detection unit comprising an RFID device storing data concerning the shipping container and a detection circuit;   detecting whether the aperture is opened using the detection circuit;   generating a detection signal if the aperture is opened, wherein, in response to the detection signal, alarm data is stored in the detection unit to indicate that the aperture is opened; and   in response to detecting that the aperture is opened, transmitting a radio frequency alarm signal from the RFID device if the aperture is detected to be opened.    
     
     
       33. A method according to claim 32, wherein the radio frequency alarm signal is transmitted to an interrogator in response to the interrogator interrogating the RFID device.  
     
     
       34. A method according to claim 33, further comprising communicating an alarm status to a host computer coupled to the interrogator if the interrogator receives the radio frequency alarm signal from the RFID device.  
     
     
       35. A method according to claim 33, wherein the radio frequency alarm signal is transmitted to the interrogator in response to the interrogator interrogating a plurality of RFID devices including the RFID device.  
     
     
       36. A method according to claim 35, wherein the interrogator continually interrogates the RFID device in accordance with software running on a host computer coupled to the interrogator.  
     
     
       37. A method according to claim 32, further comprising continually interrogating the RFID device using an interrogator to continually monitor for an alarm.  
     
     
       38. A method according to claim 32, wherein the alarm data is stored in the detection unit until reset.  
     
     
       39. A method according to claim 38, further comprising transmitting a reset command from an interrogator to the RFID device to reset the alarm data.  
     
     
       40. A method according to claim 39, further comprising providing a battery only accessible from inside the shipping container when the aperture is closed to power the detection unit.  
     
     
       41. A method according to claim 32, further comprising providing a replaceable battery hermetically sealed within a compartment containing the RFID device.  
     
     
       42. A method according to claim 32, wherein the detecting of whether the aperture is opened comprises electrically detecting continuity between two electrical contacts.  
     
     
       43. A method according to claim 32, wherein the detection unit spans the aperture.  
     
     
       44. A method according to claim 32, further comprising monitoring a status of the aperture of the shipping container as being either opened or closed via a host computer.  
     
     
       45. A method according to claim 32, further comprising transmitting an audible sound from the detection unit.  
     
     
       46. A method according to claim 45, wherein the transmitting of the audible sound is in response to detecting that the aperture is opened.  
     
     
       47. A method according to claim 32, further comprising transmitting a visible light signal from the detection unit.  
     
     
       48. A method according to claim 47, wherein the transmitting of the visible light signal is in response to detecting that the aperture is opened.  
     
     
       49. A method according to claim 32, wherein the first closure member is a door.  
     
     
       50. A method according to claim 49, wherein the second closure member is a door frame.  
     
     
       51. A method according to claim 32, wherein the RFID device is hermetically sealed within a compartment of the detection unit.  
     
     
       52. A method according to claim 32, wherein the detection circuit comprises a magnet.  
     
     
       53. A method according to claim 32, wherein the detection unit is coupled to a latching mechanism of the shipping container to hold the aperture closed.  
     
     
       54. For a shipping container having an aperture, an improved security device for signalling whether the aperture is opened, comprising:
 (a) an electrical detection device, mounted on the shipping container adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is open or closed, the shipping container having first and second closure members, the aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively, the detection device to generate a detection signal if the aperture is opened; and   (b) an RFID transceiver device which transmits a radio frequency alarm signal after the electrical device detects the aperture has been opened, the RFID transceiver device coupled to the detection device and storing data concerning the shipping container;   wherein, in response to the detection signal, alarm data is stored in the security device to indicate that the aperture has been opened.    
     
     
       55. A security device according to claim 54, wherein the RFID transceiver device comprises memory, transmitter, logic, and receiver stages, and an antenna coupled to the transmitter and receiver stages, the memory to store information identifying the shipping container and to store the alarm data in response to the detection signal.  
     
     
       56. A security device according to claim 55, wherein the memory, the transmitter, logic, and receiver stages are integrated on an integrated circuit chip.  
     
     
       57. A security device according to claim 55, wherein when the receiver stage of the RFID device receives an interrogation command from an interrogator through the antenna, the transmitter stage of the RFID device is to transmit the information identifying the shipping container and to transmit the radio frequency alarm signal according to the alarm data.  
     
     
       58. A security device according to claim 57, wherein when the receiver stage of the RFID device receives a reset command from an interrogator through the antenna, the RFID device is to reset the alarm data in the memory.  
     
     
       59. A security device according to claim 55, further comprises a battery to power the RFID device, wherein the RFID device and the battery are hermetically sealed within a compartment.  
     
     
       60. A security device according to claim 55, wherein the radio frequency alarm signal is transmitted in response to an interrogator interrogating plurality of RFID devices including the RFID device.  
     
     
       61. A security device according to claim 55, further comprising a device connected to indicate an alarm via at least audio or visual signals, in response to the detection signal.  
     
     
       62. A security device according to claim 55, further comprising a device connected to emit audible sound.  
     
     
       63. A security device according to claim 55, further comprising a device connected to emit visible light.  
     
     
       64. A security device according to claim 55, wherein the detection circuit comprises a magnet.  
     
     
       65. A security device according to claim 54, wherein the detection device is coupled to a latching mechanism of the shipping container for holding the aperture closed.  
     
     
       66. A security device according to claim 65, wherein at least a portion of the detection device is part of the latching mechanism of the shipping container.  
     
     
       67. A security device according to claim 65, wherein the shipping container has at least one hinge; and the aperture is capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the at least one hinge, the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively.  
     
     
       68. A security device according to claim 65, wherein the detection device is to generate a detection signal if the aperture is opened without authorization.  
     
     
       69. A secure apparatus for signalling whether an aperture of the apparatus is opened, comprising:
 a shipping container having first and second closure members, and an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively;   an electrical detection device, mounted on the shipping container adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is open or closed and for generating a detection signal if the aperture is opened; and   an RFID transceiver device which transmits a radio frequency alarm signal after the electrical device detects the aperture has been opened, the RFID transceiver device coupled to the electrical detection device and storing data concerning the shipping container;   wherein, in response to the detection signal, alarm data is stored in the RFID device to indicate that the aperture has been opened.    
     
     
       70. A secure apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the RFID device comprises memory, a transmitter, a logic stage, a receiver and an antenna coupled to the transmitter and the receiver, the memory to store the data concerning the apparatus and to store the alarm data in response to the detection signal.  
     
     
       71. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the memory, transmitter, logic stage and receiver are integrated on an integrated circuit chip.  
     
     
       72. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, further comprising a battery to power the RFID device; wherein the RFID transceiver tag, the battery and at least a portion of the detection device are sealed inside a package.  
     
     
       73. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, further comprising an interrogator wirelessly coupled to the RFID device via radio frequency signals, the RFID device to transmit the alarm signal to the RFID interrogator according to the alarm data in response to an interrogation command transmitted from the interrogator to the RFID device.  
     
     
       74. A secure apparatus according to claim 73, further comprising an alarm device coupled to the interrogator to indicate an alarm via at least sound or light, in response to the alarm signal.  
     
     
       75. A secure apparatus according to claim 73, wherein the alarm signal is transmitted to the interrogator in response to the interrogator interrogating a plurality of RFID devices including the RFID device.  
     
     
       76. A secure apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the interrogator continually interrogates the RFID device in accordance with software running on a host computer coupled to the interrogator.  
     
     
       77. A secure apparatus according to claim 75, wherein the interrogator continually interrogates the RFID device to continually monitor for an alarm.  
     
     
       78. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, further comprising an interrogator wirelessly coupled to the RFID device via radio frequency signals, the RFID device to reset the alarm data in response to a radio frequency reset command from the interrogator to the RFID device.  
     
     
       79. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the detection device spans the aperture.  
     
     
       80. A secure apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the first closure member is a door and the second closure member is a door frame.  
     
     
       81. A secure apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the detection device is coupled to a latching mechanism of the shipping container.  
     
     
       82. A secure apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the shipping container has at least one hinge; and the aperture is capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the at least one hinge, the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively.  
     
     
       83. A secure apparatus according to claim 69, further comprising a device connected to emit audible sound.  
     
     
       84. A secure apparatus according to claim 69, further comprising a device connected to emit visible light.  
     
     
       85. A method for signalling whether an aperture is opened, comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus having first and second closure members including a door, and having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the door, the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively;   providing an RFID device to wirelessly identify the apparatus to an interrogator;   after the door is closed, applying an unauthorized opening detection unit to form a continuity circuit, wherein a change in the continuity circuit indicates that the door is opened;   detecting whether the aperture is opened using the detection unit; and   in response to detecting that the aperture is opened, transmitting a radio frequency alarm signal from the RFID device to the interrogator if the aperture is detected to be opened.    
     
     
       86. A method according to claim 85, further comprising continually interrogating the RFID device via radio frequency signals using the interrogator to continually monitor for an alarm.  
     
     
       87. A method according to claim 85, wherein the applying of the detection unit comprises attaching a wire to form the continuity circuit.  
     
     
       88. A method according to claim 87, wherein the wire is attached across the closure members.  
     
     
       89. A method according to claim 85, wherein the detection unit is coupled to a latching mechanism for keeping the aperture closed.  
     
     
       90. For an apparatus having an aperture, an improved security device for signalling whether the aperture is opened, comprising:
 (a) an electrical device, mounted on the apparatus adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is open or closed, the apparatus having first and second closure members including a door, the aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the door, the first and second closure members together and apart, respectively, the electrical device comprising a conductor to form a continuity circuit which when disrupted generates a signal indicating that the aperture is opened; and   (b) a RFID transceiver tag coupled to the electrical device to monitor the continuity circuit, the RFID transceiver tag having memory to store identification information of the RFID transceiver tag and to store status information indicating whether the aperture has been opened, wherein the RFID transceiver tag transmits the identification information and transmits a radio frequency alarm signal according to the status information stored in the memory after the electrical device detects the aperture has been opened.    
     
     
       91. A security device according to claim 90, wherein the conductor extends between the closure members to form the continuity circuit.  
     
     
       92. A security device according to claim 90, wherein the RFID transceiver tag comprises transmitter, logic, and receiver stages integrated on an integrated circuit chip; the RFID transceiver tag further comprises an antenna coupled to the transmitter and receiver stages, the receiver stage of the RFID transceiver tag is configured to receive an interrogation command from an interrogator via radio frequency signals; and the transmitter stage is configured to transmit the identification information and the radio frequency alarm signal in response to the interrogation command.  
     
     
       93. A security device according to claim 90, wherein the RFID transceiver tag is to reset the status information in the memory when the receiver stage of the RFID transceiver tag receives a reset command over the antenna.  
     
     
       94. A security device according to claim 90, further comprising a replaceable battery to power the RFID tag, wherein the RFID tag is sealed inside a package.  
     
     
       95. A secure apparatus for signalling whether an aperture of the apparatus is opened, comprising:
 an apparatus having first and second closure members comprising a door and having an aperture capable of being closed and opened by moving, via the door, the two closure members together and apart, respectively;   an electrical device, mounted on the apparatus adjacent the aperture, for detecting whether the aperture is opened, the electrical device comprises a conductor, continuity of the conductor to be changed when the aperture is opened, when continuity of the conductor is changed the electrical device to generate an signal indicating that the aperture is opened;   an RFID transceiver tag coupled to the electrical device, the RFID transceiver tag having memory to store data concerning the apparatus and to store, in response to the signal generated by the electrical device, status information indicating whether the aperture has been opened; and   an interrogator wirelessly coupled to the RFID transceiver tag via radio frequency signals, wherein in response to an interrogation command received from the interrogator, the RFID tag transmits an alarm signal to the interrogator, according to the status information stored in the memory, after said device detects the aperture has been opened.    
     
     
       96. A secure apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the conductor spans across the aperture to form a continuity circuit.  
     
     
       97. A secure apparatus according to claim 95, further comprising a battery to power the RFID transceiver tag and the electrical device; wherein the RFID transceiver tag and the battery are sealed inside a package.  
     
     
       98. A secure apparatus according to claim 95, further comprising an alarm device coupled to the interrogator, the alarm device to be activated to indicate alarm via at least sound or light in response to the interrogator receiving the alarm signal.  
     
     
       99. A secure apparatus according to claim 95, wherein the electrical device is coupled to a latching mechanism of the apparatus for keeping the aperture closed.