GB2397613A - Lock system with electronic key unit - Google Patents
Lock system with electronic key unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2397613A GB2397613A GB0229104A GB0229104A GB2397613A GB 2397613 A GB2397613 A GB 2397613A GB 0229104 A GB0229104 A GB 0229104A GB 0229104 A GB0229104 A GB 0229104A GB 2397613 A GB2397613 A GB 2397613A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- lock
- key
- lock unit
- key unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
- G07C1/32—Time-recording locks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00182—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
- G07C9/22—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check of the pass holder
- G07C9/23—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check of the pass holder by means of a password
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
- G07C9/00174—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys
- G07C9/00896—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses
- G07C2009/0092—Electronically operated locks; Circuits therefor; Nonmechanical keys therefor, e.g. passive or active electrical keys or other data carriers without mechanical keys specially adapted for particular uses for cargo, freight or shipping containers and applications therefore in general
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Lock And Its Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
A system includes a lock unit 10 having a hasp 14 and an electronic key unit 30 having input means such as a key pad 32 and a card reader 34. The lock unit 10 contains no source of electric power, but is powered from a battery 44 in the key unit. The lock unit, in spite of being unpowered, contains a memory 16 to store an audit trail of occasions that the lock has been opened. The lock unit 10 and key unit 30 cooperate to open and close the hasp 14 when user input, such as an identification card 50 read by the card reader and a corresponding personal identification number input on the key pad are validated. A plug 36 on the key unit engages socket 22 on the lock unit. The lock unit can also be used to validate the user and can store a list of users to record usage.
Description
1 2397613
LOCK SYSTEM
The invention relates to a lock system and in particular to a lock system having a lock unit and a key unit.
Locks and seals are widely used in the transport industry. In particular, when carrying cargo tamper evident seals are widely used on cargo containers to verify that the cargo container has not been tampered with en route.
Such tamper evident seals are generally of low cost. However, this advantage is offset by a number of disadvantages. Not being locks, they cannot prevent opening of the cargo container by unauthorized persons. Worse, if the seal has been broken it is not possible to determine when the seal was broken, or who broke the seal.
There is thus a need for a replacement for such seals that addresses these issues.
According to the invention there is provided a seal system, comprising: a memory; a processor; a closure means movable between an open position and a closed position; an electrical power source for storing energy and supplying electrical energy to power the memory and the processor; and at least one input device for accepting an input from a user; a key unit including at least the input device and the electrical power source and a key interface component; and a lock unit including at least the closure means and a lock interface component for interfacing with the key interface component to form an interface, the lock unit not including an electrical power source for storing energy but arranged to receive electrical energy to operate through the interface from the electrical power source in the key unit; wherein the seal system is arranged to accept user input on the at least one input device on the key unit, to validate the user input and to open or close the closure means according to the user input if the user input is correct.
The electrical power source may be an electrical battery or cell, and may in particular be a rechargeable battery or cell.
By virtue of the fact that the lock unit is a passive device without an electrical power source there is no need to provide batteries or another local power source in the lock unit. Thus, there is no difficulty in opening the closure means after a long voyage which might be caused if internal batteries in the lock unit were to deplete. Moreover, batteries can be expensive and the omission of batteries from the seal reduces the cost significantly. Since every container requires a lock unit but only a small number of key units are needed, the number of lock units is much greater than the number of key units. Reducing the cost of the lock unit is therefore highly beneficial.
A further advantage is provided by the memory. The memory may be arranged to store a data item in the memory every time the seal is opened or closed, and to read out the data items to a reader. In this way, the system is able to provide an audit trail. Preferably, the data item includes the date and time the seal was opened and the user who opened the seal.
The lock unit preferably includes a memory for recording a lock audit trail.
The key unit may also include a memory for storing an audit trail for the key unit.
The key unit preferably includes both an identification device reader and a keypad. A different identification device is provided to each user, and to open the lock the user presents his personal identification device to the identification device reader, and then types in a pin-code on the keypad. Conveniently the identification device may be a identification card, for example a smart card.
The lock unit and the key unit may cooperate to identify the user, compare the pin-code with the personal pin-code of the user, and open the closure means if the pin-code matches.
The lock unit may include in its memory a list of the authorised users and/or key units that may be used to open the lock unit, so that the lock unit may only be opened by approved personnel.
The data item stored when the lock is opened or closed may also include the location of the lock and key units at that time. The key unit may further comprise a GPS receiver, for identifying the location of the lock unit and key unit.
In another aspect, the invention relates to the lock unit alone. In a still further aspect, the invention relates to a key unit alone.
For a better understanding of the invention, an exemplary embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a lock unit for use in a system according to a embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a key unit for the use in the first embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a schematic drawing of the complete system; and Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of the systems.
Referring to Figure 1, a lock unit 10 includes a housing 12 and a padlock style hasp 14 acting as a closure means moveable between an open (unlocked) position and a closed (locked) position. The lock unit includes a memory 16 and a processor 18. However, the lock unit 10 does not include any source of electrical power to operate the memory 16 and processor 18. Instead, both the memory 16 and processor 18 are connected to electrical power rails 20 which lead in turn to lock unit interface 22. In the embodiments described, this interface 22 is a socket for a multi pin plug. Signal lead 21 connects processor 18 to the interface.
Referring to Figure 2, a key unit 30 has a key pad 32, a card reader 34 and an electrical plug 36 arranged to be able to plug into the socket 22 on the lock unit. Internally, within housing 38, the key unit includes a memory 40 a processor 42 and a rechargeable battery 44. The rechargeable battery 44 is connected along electrical power rails 46 both to the memory 40 and processor 42 and to the plug 36 for powering the lock unit 10. The memory 16, 40 in both the lock unit and the key unit 30 is non-volatile memory that retains stored values even when electrical power is removed. Signal lead 47 connects processor 42 to the plug 36.
Referring to Figure 3, a complete system also includes a number of smart cards 50 which are issued to authorised users of the system. Each user receives an individual smart card to identify the user to the system. Each user also has an individual personal identification number (PIN) for security.
A base unit 52 is also provided for programming, updating and interrogating the key unit through an interface 54.
Code 56 is provided in the memory 16 in the lock unit and code 58 is provided in memory 40 in the key unit for causing the respective processors 18, 42 to operate the steps of the method that will now be described.
In use, the lock unit is used to secure a container 8. The lock unit 10 is S completely passive and unpowered. To operate the lock unit 10, plug 36 of the key unit needs to be inserted into socket 22 to provide power to memory 16. An authorised user inserts his or her smart card 50 into the smart card reader 34 and the card is read (step 60). The user types his or her PIN onto the keypad 32, and this too is read (step 62). Processor 42 then compares this information with data l0 contained both in memory 40 of the key unit 30 to validate (step 64) the PIN and smart card.
The information of to the user attempting to open the lock is stored (step 66) in the memory 40 in the key unit to act as an audit trail database 59 in the key unit.
IS If the user is authorised to open the lock unit and the PIN is correct, the key unit sends (step 68) an open signal to the lock unit to open hasp 14 along signal leads 47, 21 through plug 36 and socket 22. The open signal includes the date, the time, and the identity of the user.
On receipt of an open signal (step 6a), the lock unit runs code stored in the memory 16 of the lock unit in the processor 18 of the lock unit to check (step 70) the user against a list of users authorised to open the lock, also stored in memory 16, and if the user appears in the list, the lock unit opens (step 72) the hasp 14.
In alternative embodiments, this second check is omitted and all the processing is carried out in the key unit using data stored in the key unit.
The lock unit records (step 74) in an audit trail database 57 each time the lock unit is opened in memory 16 and so can provide an audit trail of the individuals that have opened the lock.
It will be noted that the embodiment described includes a processor in both the lock unit and the key unit. In alterative embodiments, only the key unit has a processor and this accesses the memory 16 in the lock unit as well as the memory 40 in the key unit.
In the embodiment described, access to the audit trail stored in the lock unit is provided through the key unit. Thus, when an authorised user, validated s by key card and pin, instructs a download of the audit trail from the lock unit by a suitable input on the key unit, the key unit 30 downloads into memory 40 from the lock unit 10 the information contained in lock unit memory 16. Conveniently, each individual lock unit 10 has an individual identifier stored in memory 16 to identify the data of that lock unit, and this individual identifier is likewise downloaded. In an alternative embodiment, the audit trail is downloaded every time a key unit accesses the lock unit.
To check, interrogate, and validate this data, the base station 52 is subsequently connected to the key unit 30 and the information downloaded into the base station 52. Base station 52 may then process received data in any convenient fashion, as will be well known to those skilled in the art.
The audit trail is complete and provides time and date information of opening and closing the lock as well as personnel and key-holder information.
The system according to the invention is particularly useful in container transport, particularly high-value container transport delivered to a limited number of locations. Such a scenario is particularly common in the air freight industry, but the invention is of course also useful in shipping and ground-based systems.
It is especially useful in closed loop system where containers shuttle backwards and forwards or are passed around a closed loop, since in these systems the lock units may be recycled. However, if the lock unit can be made cheaply enough, or the cargo is valuable enough, the system may also be used in one-way applications.
The key unit optionally contains a GPS receiver 48 as indicated in Figure 2. The GPS receiver may be used to operate a system as set out in POT patent application No. WO 01/98120. The GPS may be used simply to record in memories 16, 40 the location when the lock units are opened or closed, or alternatively may be used as set out in WO 01/98120 to only allow opening of the lock unit in approved locations.
From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the design, manufacture and use of lock systems and which may be used in addition to or instead of features described herein. Although claims have been formulated in this application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of disclosure also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. The applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to any such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further applications derived therefrom.
For example, although a plug and socket interface has been described, any number of approaches may be used. Any suitable interface technology capable of transporting power from the key unit to the lock unit may be used, including conventional plugs and sockets, physical wiping precious metal contacts such as commonly used with mobile phone batteries, an infra-red link, or random frequency identification (RFID). Power may be delivered using a system of the type used in electric toothbrushes in which power is transported by radio frequency energy (inductive charging). All of these techniques are well known to the skilled person and so will not be described further.
The skilled person will also realise that for some applications the memory in the lock unit and the processor in the lock unit may be omitted.
Claims (10)
1. A seal system, comprising: a memory; a processor; a closure means movable between an open position and a closed position; an electrical power source for storing energy and supplying electrical energy to power the memory and the processor; and at least one input device for accepting an input from a user; a key unit including at least the input device and the electrical power source and a key interface component; and a lock unit including at least the closure means and a lock interface component for interfacing with the key interface component to form an interface, the lock unit not including an electrical power source for storing energy but arranged to receive electrical energy to operate through the interface from the electrical power source in the key unit; wherein the seal system is arranged to accept user input on the at least one input device on the key unit, to validate the user input and to open or close the closure means according to the user input if the user input is correct.
2. A seal system according to any claim 1 arranged to store in the memory a data item when opening or closing the closure means, the data item indicating the time the closure means is opened or closed.
3. A seal system according to claim 2 wherein the data item further includes a user identifier identifying the user that opens or closes the lock.
4. A seal system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one input device includes a card reader.
5. A seal system according to any preceding claim wherein the at least one input device includes a key pad.
6. A seal system according to any preceding claim further comprising a plurality of individual key cards for identifying individual users.
7. A lock unit for cooperation with a key unit in a seal system, the lock unit comprising: a memory; a closure means movable between an open position and a closed position; and a lock interface component arranged to cooperate with the key unit; wherein the lock unit is a passive unit that does not contain an electrical energy store, the lock unit being arranged to receive electrical power for operation from a key unit through the lock interface component; and the lock unit is arranged to receive a signal from the key unit through the lock interface component to open or close the lock unit, and to open or close the closure means only in response to such a signal.
8. A lock unit according to claim 7 wherein the lock unit validates the signal received from the key unit, and only opens or closes the closure means when the signal meets predetermined conditions.
9. A lock unit according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the lock unit is arranged to store in the memory details of the date and time of each opening of the lock unit.
10. A key unit for cooperation with a lock unit in a seal system, the key unit comprising: an electrical power source for storing energy and supplying electrical energy; at least one input device for accepting user input from a user, a key interface component arranged to cooperate with the lock unit; the key unit being arranged to supply electrical power from the electrical power source through the key interface component for powering a lock unit connected to the interface; and the key unit is arranged to accept a user input on the at least one input device, to validate the user input and to send a signal to the lock unit if the user input is correct. !
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0229104A GB2397613A (en) | 2002-12-13 | 2002-12-13 | Lock system with electronic key unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0229104A GB2397613A (en) | 2002-12-13 | 2002-12-13 | Lock system with electronic key unit |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0229104D0 GB0229104D0 (en) | 2003-01-15 |
| GB2397613A true GB2397613A (en) | 2004-07-28 |
Family
ID=9949642
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0229104A Withdrawn GB2397613A (en) | 2002-12-13 | 2002-12-13 | Lock system with electronic key unit |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2397613A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006026953A1 (en) * | 2004-09-09 | 2006-03-16 | Clausthaler Umwelttechnik-Institut Gmbh (Cutec-Institut) | Device for monitoring a plurality of mobile objects |
| EP2157552A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-24 | iLoq Oy | Electromechanical lock |
| WO2011156689A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | D&R Technology, Llc | An electronic locking system with lock mechanism, key handle, and identification element |
| US11846121B2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2023-12-19 | Lock Ii, Llc | Device and methods for providing a lock for preventing unwanted access to a locked enclosure |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4594637A (en) * | 1985-02-21 | 1986-06-10 | Sidney Falk | Digital electronic lock system |
| US5280518A (en) * | 1985-10-16 | 1994-01-18 | Supra Products, Inc. | Electronic security system |
| EP0635091A1 (en) * | 1992-02-17 | 1995-01-25 | Securitas Ab | A method for transporting valuables |
| EP0873460A1 (en) * | 1996-01-12 | 1998-10-28 | SLC Technologies, Inc. | Access control devices and systems including same |
| BE1012799A6 (en) * | 1999-07-27 | 2001-03-06 | Manshoven Hugo | Process and design for the securing of a goods transport |
-
2002
- 2002-12-13 GB GB0229104A patent/GB2397613A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4594637A (en) * | 1985-02-21 | 1986-06-10 | Sidney Falk | Digital electronic lock system |
| US5280518A (en) * | 1985-10-16 | 1994-01-18 | Supra Products, Inc. | Electronic security system |
| EP0635091A1 (en) * | 1992-02-17 | 1995-01-25 | Securitas Ab | A method for transporting valuables |
| EP0873460A1 (en) * | 1996-01-12 | 1998-10-28 | SLC Technologies, Inc. | Access control devices and systems including same |
| BE1012799A6 (en) * | 1999-07-27 | 2001-03-06 | Manshoven Hugo | Process and design for the securing of a goods transport |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006026953A1 (en) * | 2004-09-09 | 2006-03-16 | Clausthaler Umwelttechnik-Institut Gmbh (Cutec-Institut) | Device for monitoring a plurality of mobile objects |
| EP2157552A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-24 | iLoq Oy | Electromechanical lock |
| WO2011156689A1 (en) * | 2010-06-11 | 2011-12-15 | D&R Technology, Llc | An electronic locking system with lock mechanism, key handle, and identification element |
| US11846121B2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2023-12-19 | Lock Ii, Llc | Device and methods for providing a lock for preventing unwanted access to a locked enclosure |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0229104D0 (en) | 2003-01-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOA | Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application |
Owner name: ITW LIMITED Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): ENVOPAK GROUP LIMITED |
|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |
