FR3110761A1 - Safety device for monitoring a locking system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a safety device (10) for monitoring a locking system, the device comprising: an electrical circuit (12) adapted to follow a path, a standing wave generator (13) configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electric circuit, a standing wave sensor (14) adapted to perform a measurement of the standing wave generated in the electric circuit, data processing means (15) configured to detect a modification of the electric circuit from the measure. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2a

Description

Safety device for monitoring a locking system

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the security of closing systems, for example the security of seals, for example container seals.

The invention relates to a security device, an assembly, and a seal. The invention also relates to a method of use.

STATE OF THE ART

Lock system monitors are commonly used. Closing systems can be door locks, fixed or mobile padlocks, seals.

Such monitoring devices are found in the context of numerous applications, in particular for the transport of goods, for example by means of containers, but also for vehicles or boxes whose doors can be closed by means of a cable .

Among the closing systems, seals are parts typically used to close the doors of cargo containers. They are, for example, destroyed each time the containers are opened and make it possible to see in a tangible way that the containers have been opened during their journey. Seals can thus be used to provide tangible proof that a container of goods has been opened during its journey. A seal can typically be affixed at the start of a journey and its unique number can be referenced in the container's transport file. According to one use, each time the container is opened, the seal is broken and a new seal is affixed until the goods arrive at their destination.

Some seals, such as those according to the ISO17712 standard, are mechanical objects. Such a seal installed at the level of a container door is represented on the . The seal 2 comprises a seal cable 3 which surrounds two closing bars 4 of the door, the bars being held by handles 5. The cable also passes through a locking ring 6 formed by one of the hinges of the handles 5.

It has been found that it is possible to open such seals and then close them again without the operation being evidently detected. Thefts of goods thus occur without those responsible for the goods being able to find out where and when they occurred. The ensuing lawsuits involve significant costs for the parties involved.

Goods container monitoring equipment aims to deal with this problem by using, instead of the standard mechanical seal according to the ISO17712 standard, an electromechanical seal allowing monitoring. Such seals can nevertheless be deceived. For example, some seals rely on the existence of an electrical or optical loop, and detect if the loop is interrupted. However, in the event of an attack, it is possible to create a bypass to deceive the surveillance system while opening the container of goods.

An object of the invention is to provide a device, assembly, seal, system or process which makes it possible to overcome these drawbacks. The invention thus aims in particular to provide a surveillance device ensuring greater security and which is difficult to deceive.

To this end, a safety device is proposed for monitoring a closing system, the device comprising:

- an electrical circuit adapted to follow a course,

- a standing wave generator configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit,

- a standing wave sensor suitable for measuring the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit,

- data processing means configured to detect a modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement.

Such a device makes it possible to monitor the integrity of the electrical circuit in a reliable and complex way to deceive.

The invention may include the following features, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations:

- the device comprises a box, the electrical circuit comprising:

-- an internal connection part arranged inside the box, and

-- a safety part,

- the safety part includes:

-- an external sub-part adapted to extend outside the case, so as to follow the course, and

-- a sub-end part adapted to extend at least partially inside the box,

- the external sub-part connects the internal connection part and the end sub-part,

- the box comprises means for locking the sub-end part, for example comprising one or more unidirectional toothed wheels,

- the internal connection part comprises a cable with a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m,

- the data processing means are configured to measure a length of the electrical circuit and/or a propagation speed of the standing wave, and/or a number of elements of the electrical circuit,

- the standing wave sensor is adapted to measure interference patterns between the emitted wave and the reflected wave, and the processing means are configured to analyze said interference,

- the closure system comprises or is a seal, the security device being configured to monitor the integrity of the seal, the seal comprising a seal cable, and the route being the route of the seal cable.

A set is also offered, including:

- such a device, and

- the container seal, the container seal including a seal cable,

wherein the device comprises a monitoring cable separate from the seal cable, the outer sub-portion extending within the monitoring cable.

A seal is also proposed, the seal comprising:

- such a device, and

- A seal cable, the seal cable comprising the outer sub-part, the outer sub-part being for example integrated into the seal cable.

A method for using such an assembly, respectively such a seal, is also proposed, comprising:

- a step of generation by the standing wave generator in the electrical circuit, and/or of measurement by the sensor of the standing wave generated, and

- stage of detection by the processing means of the modification of the electric circuit from the measurement.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which:

There schematically illustrates a seal installed at a container door.

There schematically illustrates a security device according to one embodiment of the invention.

There schematically illustrates a security system comprising an assembly comprising the device of the .

There schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the device of the .

There schematically illustrates a security device according to another embodiment of the invention.

There schematically illustrates a security system comprising an assembly comprising the device of the .

There schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the device of the .

There schematically illustrates a cable of the device of the .

There schematically illustrates the cable of the according to a sectional view according to the plan XX.

There schematically illustrates the cable of the and a housing of the device of the .

There is a flowchart of the steps of a monitoring method using the device of the or 3a.

There schematically illustrates standing waves emitted by means of the device of the or 3a.

In all the figures, similar elements bear identical references.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

General description of the device

A safety device 10 is described for monitoring a locking system 30. Such a device is illustrated in FIGS. 2a to 4c.

The device 10 comprises an electrical circuit 12 adapted to follow a path 20.

The device 10 comprises a standing wave generator 13 configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit 12.

By standing wave is meant, for example, the simultaneous propagation in opposite directions of several waves of the same frequency and of the same amplitude, in the same physical medium, which forms a figure of which certain elements are fixed in time and space, of so that instead of having a wave which propagates, one notes a stationary vibration provoking at defined and fixed locations a mutual neutralization, for the places called nodes, or their addition for the places called bellies. The generator 13 can be configured to emit one or more electric wave(s), the electric wave emitted propagating in the electric circuit 12, the stationary wave resulting from the interference between the electric wave emitted and the electric wave after propagation in the electric circuit 12.

The device comprises a standing wave sensor 14 adapted to perform a measurement of the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit.

The device comprises data processing means 15 . The processing means 15 are configured to detect a modification of the electric circuit from the measurement. The sensor 14 and the processing means 15 are for example configured to measure one or more property(ies) of the standing wave resulting from the interference between an emitted electrical wave and the reflected electrical wave after propagation in the electrical circuit. The property(ies) may be or comprise the power of the measured standing wave as a function of frequency and/or a power of the transmitted wave composing the measured standing wave and/or a power of the reflected wave composing the measured standing wave and/or a phase shift between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

Such a device is reliable and difficult to deceive. Indeed, the use of stationary waves makes the task of criminals difficult. In the event of an attack on a product based on a simple electrical or optical loop, it remains feasible to create a bypass to deceive the surveillance system while opening the goods container. However, in the context of the device, the standing waves being propagated in the heart of the electrical circuit, for example of a cable, the sensor and the processing means make it possible to measure their characteristics precisely and make it possible to distinguish the changes in properties of the cable such as its length. A criminal would need much more sophisticated equipment to lure the sensor introduced as part of the device, equipment which will also be difficult to use in the field, for example in a boat or a container storage area.

The measurement and/or the detection can be carried out periodically and/or at random time intervals. The periodic measurement and/or detection can for example be carried out at a period of between a few seconds and a few minutes, for example between 5 and 30 seconds, for example 5 and 15 seconds or between 10 and 30 seconds, or for example between a few hours and a few days.

The device 10, for example the generator 13 and/or the sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15 can be configured in such a way that the generation and/or the measurement and/or the detection, carried out according to the frequency, can be carried out for a plurality of frequencies, for example according to a cycle of frequencies, for example in an increasing and/or random order of frequency. The generation and/or the measurement and/or the detection can be carried out according to the frequency cycle, for frequencies between 1 and 100MHz, for example with a difference between the maximum frequency and the frequency minimum between 50 and 100 MHz, for example in increasing steps between 0.1 and 1 MHz, for example in increasing or random steps of 0.5 MHz, for example 0.1 MHz, for example such that all steps of the measurement range have been measured at the end of the measurement and/or detection cycle. Such a hazard prevents a possible attacker implementing a decoy from predicting the order of the measurements and thus from deceiving the system.

The closure system 30 can comprise or be a seal, the seal comprising for example a seal cable, and/or a lock, for example a door lock, and/or a padlock, for example a fixed padlock or a mobile padlock. . The seal is for example a container seal.

The path may be the path followed by a part of the closure system. The device 10 can thus for example be configured to monitor the integrity of the seal, the seal comprising the seal cable, and the path being the path of the seal cable.

The device 10 can for example detect a modification in progress and/or a modification that has already taken place. The device is for example an active device. As opposed to a passive device, which exploits a technology requiring the supply of energy to operate, for example an RFID type device, for example a device according to the ISO 18185 standard, the active device comprises means for supplying energy, for example an energy supply unit, for example energy storage or production, for example a battery, so as not to require an energy supply to operate, as long as the means for supplying energy are capable of supplying energy, so as to allow automatic monitoring, and/or on remote control.

The active device 10 can thus be configured to carry out automatic and/or periodic measurements of the integrity of the electrical circuit 12. The active device 10 can thus be configured to carry out active monitoring, so as to make it possible to detect modifications of the circuit electric 12, for example during a trip. The active device 10 can thus make it possible to detect the modification attempt from the moment it is made and before it is completed.

The attempt to modify the electrical circuit may be or include, for example, an attempt to tamper with or an attempt to break the electrical circuit.

The standing wave sensor 14 can be adapted to measure interference, for example interference patterns, between the emitted wave and the reflected wave, the electrical circuit 12 being for example an open circuit, and the processing means 15 can be configured to analyze said interference, for example so as to obtain therefrom the distance between the nodes and the antinodes of the stationary wave measured, for example so as to obtain therefrom the number of nodes and antinodes of the standing wave measured, for example so as to obtain the maximum power of each node, for example to obtain the power of each belly. The standing wave being established in the electric circuit, if a part of the circuit is altered, this alteration will modify the reflected wave accordingly. For example, if one end of the electrical circuit is severed, the length of the circuit will be reduced, thereby modifying the wave which will be reflected upstream of the end because it will not have been able to propagate to the end. 'end.

By means of the analysis of the standing wave by the processing means 15, the device 10 can make it possible to detect attacks directly affecting the device 10, for example thermal attacks, for example by melting, for example with a torch and/or or by cold, for example with nitrogen, and/or by means of a tool to cut and/or mechanically destroy part of the safety device, for example a hammer and/or a grinder and/or a saw and /or pliers.

The device 10 can make it possible to determine one or more property(ies) of the electric circuit and/or the evolution of the property(ies), for example a length and/or a speed of propagation in the electric circuit 12, by example in a conductive material of the electric circuit 12, for example of a metal of the electric circuit 12, and/or a number of elements in the electric circuit 12 or in the external part 122, and/or the length of each element. The elements can comprise or be connectors and/or splices and/or segments and/or cables and/or portions of the electrical circuit 12. The number of elements can be the number of connectors or splices or segments or cables or portions of the electrical circuit 12.

The sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15 can be configured to detect, from the measurement, one or more reflection(s) of wave(s), for example so as to determine a number of reflections in the electrical circuit. Indeed, the electrical circuit 12 here forms a waveguide, each discontinuity of the waveguide causing a reflection of the emitted wave propagating in the electrical circuit. For example, the sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15 can be configured to detect the number of elements, for example the number of connectors, the number of cables and their respective lengths.

In the event of a system attack, a splice or electrical connection will generate reflections that can be detected and counted. Thus if the cable is modified the number of elements of the electrical circuit 12 will be changed.

Such a device 10 can also detect any manufacturing faults within the electrical circuit, for example at the heart of a cable of the electrical circuit, for example at the time of installation of the device, which makes it possible to provide an alert. when closing the locking system, for example before the departure of the goods, and to install a functional safety device.

Electrical circuit

The device 10 can comprise a box 16, for example as described below.

The electrical circuit 12 may include an internal connection part 121, for example placed inside the box 16. The internal connection part can be connected to the generator 13 and/or to the sensor 14 and/or to the processing means 15.

The device can comprise a connection cable, the connection cable comprising for example all or part of the internal connection part 121. The connection cable can comprise or be a coaxial cable, the internal connection part 121 forming for example a wire coaxial cable signal. The connection cable is for example provided with one or more connector(s) to allow connection to the other elements of the device 10, for example the generator 13 and/or the sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15, and/ or to the security part as described below.

The device 10 may comprise a connection printed circuit, the connection part at least partially forming part of the printed circuit, for example in the form of an electrical track, for example an electrical track with controlled impedance.

The electric circuit 12 can comprise a safety part 122. The safety part 122 can comprise an external sub-part 1221 adapted to extend outside the case, so as to follow the route, for example the route of the cable of seal. The security part 122 may comprise an end sub-part 1222 adapted to extend at least partially inside the box 16, the end sub-part 1222 comprising for example a connector and/or a coaxial cable internal. The external sub-part 1221 can be arranged, for example to electrically connect the internal connection part 121 and the end sub-part 1222. The box 16 can comprise a connector 162, the end sub-part 1222 being by example adapted to be connected to the box 16 via the connector 162 so as to allow the circuit 12 to extend at least partially inside the box 16, for example by means of another cable, for example the connection cable .

It is thus possible for the electrical circuit to follow a route to be monitored, for example the route followed by the closing system, so that to allow opening requiring the alteration of the closing system, it is also necessary to alter the opening system.

Thus, even if the external sub-part is altered, for example interrupted, for example severed, at the limit of the case, the circuit extending beyond, this will involve changes in the property of the electrical circuit, for example a change in length , causing a change in the standing wave, thus allowing detection of the tampering.

The safety part 122, or the outer sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222 is or are for example flexible. The device 10 can comprise a safety cable, for example a sheathed cable, for example a coaxial cable, the safety part 122, or the outer sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222 forming for example a coaxial cable signal wire. The safety cable can comprise the safety part 122 or the external sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222.

The security cable may be a separate cable from the connection cable. Alternatively, the safety cable and the connection cable can form the same cable.

The electrical circuit 10 may comprise an extension sub-part 1211, for example one or more track(s) of an extension printed circuit, for example with controlled impedance, the extension printed circuit being or forming part for example of the circuit printed connection, of a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m, for example greater than or equal to 5 or 10 m. Such a length makes it possible to use an emitted wave and standing wave frequency in the HF band, for example of the order of MHz, for example between 0.5 and 800 MHz, for example between 1 and 100 MHz, for example for a length of the order of 2 m, significantly lower than for a safety device whose length is significantly shorter which would require the use of frequencies in the UHF band, for example between 1 and 3 GHz, for example of the order of magnitude of the length of a seal cable, for example of the order of a few tens of cm, for example of the order of 20 to 60 cm, for example 30 cm. It is thus possible to use electronic components dedicated to portable systems operating on batteries which consume less energy and are less expensive than versions adapted to higher frequencies.

The internal connection part 121 can comprise the extension sub-part 1211, for example the extension cable, of a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m, for example greater than or equal to 5 or 10m. The internal connection part 121 can comprise an internal connection printed circuit, comprising extension sub-part 1211 of a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m, for example greater than or equal to 5 or 10m. In addition, the fact of having a long circuit length internally makes it possible to avoid having too long a cable extending outside the case and thus to limit the size associated with the device, for example for allow him to follow faithfully, and in an easy way to install, the course to follow. Moreover, such a length arranged at the level of the internal connection part makes the device simpler to manufacture and to use. Indeed, the long part can be configured to remain inside the box, and thus be miniaturized, and contrary to the case where it would be arranged at the level of the end sub-part, it is not necessary to handle and place it inside the case, thereby simplifying the handling of the device.

The internal connection printed circuit may comprise an electrical track, for example an electrical track with controlled impedance. The internal connection printed circuit can be a multilayer printed circuit, for example comprising one or more components, for example comprising the generator 13 and/or the sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15. The internal connection printed circuit can comprise a plurality of layers, for example a ground layer, and/or a signal layer forming the extension sub-part, and/or a ground layer. The use of several layers ensures that the extension sub-part is not subjected to any electromagnetic interference.

The connection printed circuit may comprise a connector, for example a radio connector, the internal connection cable of the internal connection part being for example connected to the connector.

The device 10, for example the box 16, can comprise locking means 161, for example for blocking, for example unidirectional blocking, and/or clamping, of the end sub-part 1222, for example adapted to avoid that the end sub-part 1222 is removed from the casing 16 after insertion into the orifice of the casing 16. The locking means 161 comprise for example a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises for example one or more notched wheel(s), for example unidirectional(s), for example comprising a unidirectional blade, for example suitable(s) for blocking the cable and/or preventing the removal of the cable after insertion.

The electrical circuit 12 may comprise an electrical loop detector 123 comprising connection means suitable for detecting the state of an electrical loop along the path, the electrical loop comprising a part at least partially following the internal connection part 121, a part following the external sub-part 1221 and a part following at least partially the end sub-part 1222 when the end sub-part 1222 extends at least partially inside the housing 16, for example electrically connecting a loop part following the end sub-part 1222 and extending inside the casing.

It is thus possible to measure in another way a possible alteration in the form of a power outage. To do this, the loop detector 123 is for example configured to measure the closing state of the electrical loop, for example detecting the closing state of the electrical loop, for example configured to establish whether the electrical loop is closed or opened. The combination of these connection means with the detection of standing wave changes, detecting for example a variation in the length of the cable, makes the device extremely difficult to deceive.

The loop detector 123 for example comprises an electrical connection, for example an electrical connection circuit, comprising for example one or more cables, extending within the housing 16. The loop detector 123 is for example connected permanently the part of the electric loop following at least partially the internal connection part 121. The loop detector 123 comprises for example a connector adapted to create an electric connection with part of the electric loop following at least partially the end sub-part 1222 when the end sub-part 1222 is inserted into the housing 16. The locking means 161, for example the toothed wheel(s), adapted, are for example adapted to cut out the part loop at least partially following the end sub-part 1222, for example the cable of the end sub-part 1222, for example so as to strip it and/or expose the following loop part to the the end sub-part 1222 at least partially. The locking means 161 are, for example, adapted to ensure an electrical connection between the connection means 123 and the loop part at least partially following the end sub-part, for example after cutting the end sub-part 1222, for example the cable of the end sub-part 1222.

The internal connection cable, for example coaxial, can comprise a ground wire of which at least one section forms the part following at least partially the internal connection part 121. The safety cable can comprise a ground wire of which at least one section forms the part following the outer sub-part and the part following at least partially the end sub-part. The same coaxial cable can thus participate in forming the electric circuit 12 and the electric loop.

The loop detector 123 can be adapted to emit an electric voltage within the electric loop. The electrical voltage emitted can be reduced to zero when the loop is closed. If the loop detector 123 detects a voltage, a loop open alert is triggered.

The internal connection part 121 can comprise a connection sub-part 1213 of the generator, electrically connected to the generator 13. The internal connection part 121 can comprise a connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor, electrically connected to the sensor 14. internal connection 121 may comprise a processing means connection sub-part, electrically connected to the processing means 15. The connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor may comprise or form a processing means connection sub-part. The connection sub-part 1213 of the generator and the connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor, and/or the connection sub-part of the processing means can be connected together at the level of a first connection point. The connection sub-part 1213 of the generator and the connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor, and/or the connection sub-part of the processing means can be connected to the extension sub-part 1211, for example by means of the connection point. The internal connection part 121 can further comprise a connection sub-part 1212 to the safety part 122, for example electrically connecting the extension sub-part 1211 and the safety part 122. The connection sub-part 1212 to the safety part 122 can also be electrically connected to the loop detector 123.

The electrical circuit may be an open circuit, the electrical waveguide formed by the electrical circuit being neither connected nor terminated at one end. Such an open circuit makes the sensor 14 less sensitive to electromagnetic disturbances than a closed circuit.

The box 16 can comprise an enclosure, for example in a material compatible with radio transmitters, for example a plastic. The generator 13 and/or the sensor 14 and/or the processing means 15 and/or the internal connection part 121 and/or the end sub-part 1222 and/or the locking means 161 can be arranged within of the box 16.

Generator

The standing wave generator 13 is suitable for automatically and/or periodically generating the standing wave propagating in the electrical circuit. The device 10 is for example configured so that the generator 13 emits signals corresponding to one or more wave(s), for example sinusoidal signals and/or square signals being reflected within the electrical circuit 12, interference occurring between the emitted and reflected signals so as to thus form a standing wave.

The generator 13 is for example an alternating voltage generator. The generator 13 is for example a sinusoidal or square signal generator. The generator 13 can for example comprise a programmable frequency synthesizer.

The generator 13 can be configured to emit sinusoidal signals of one or more frequencies from among several possible frequencies, for example of a plurality of frequencies between 1 and 100 MHz, for example successively, for example according to the frequency cycle defined more high, for example so as to allow the sensor 14 to perform a measurement for each frequency, for example a measurement of electrical power.

The generator 13 can be a DDS (direct digital synthesis) type generator.

The generator 13 can be configured to emit a wave and/or to generate a stationary wave having a wave frequency in the HF band, for example of the order of MHz, for example between 0.5 and 800 MHz, by example between 1 and 100 MHz.

Sensor

The standing wave sensor 14 can be adapted to automatically and periodically measure the integrity of the device and/or the seal cable.

The sensor 14 is or comprises for example a sensor of the power of the standing wave and/or a sensor of the power of the transmitted waves and of the reflected waves and/or a sensor for measuring the phase difference between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave.

The sensor 14 may include an analog/digital conversion chain enabling the processing means 15 to obtain digital information.

Sensor 14 may include or be an electronic component configured to measure signal strength, such as a logarithmic amplifier.

The device 10 may comprise a closure system integrity detector which comprises the generator 13, the sensor 14 and the processing means 15.

Means of treatment

The processing means 15 can form analysis and/or calculation means. The processing means 15 can be or comprise a data processing unit. The processing means 15 may comprise one or more processor(s) and/or one or more memory(s).

The processing means 15 can be configured to calculate a length of the electric circuit and/or a propagation speed of the standing wave, and/or a number of elements of the electric circuit 12, from the measurement made by the sensor 14.

The processing means 15 are electrically connected to the generator 13 and/or to the sensor 14 via the analog/digital conversion chain, comprising for example an analog/digital converter.

The processing means 15 are for example configured to exploit a power measurement for each wave frequency emitted, for example successively, by the generator 13.

The processing means can for example apply to the measurement made by the sensor 14 a mathematical algorithm, for example so as to calculate a length of the electrical circuit and/or a propagation speed of the standing wave, and/or a number of elements, for example segments, of the electrical circuit 12.

The processing means 15 are for example configured to produce a voltage standing wave ratio between the emitted wave and the reflected wave measured at different frequencies, for example able to highlight the interference patterns specific to the circuit. electrical 12.

The processing means 15 can be configured to, for example by scanning several frequencies, define the distance between the nodes and the antinodes, it is possible to calculate the length of the electric circuit, for example of the corresponding cable(s). Indeed, if the cable(s) are replaced or modified, the nodes and bellies move.

The processing means 15 can be configured to measure the phase difference between the transmitted signal and the reflected signal for one or more frequencies, and so as to determine one or more physical parameter(s) such as the number of sub-parts of the circuit 122, for example via calculations in the Fourier domain.

The detection of the modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement may comprise the detection of the modification of at least one characteristic quantity, for example several characteristic quantities, calculated from the measurement, for example of a modification greater than or equal to a threshold with respect to a reference value, the reference value being for example a value stored initially, and/or obtained during a calibration of the device 10 and/or corresponding to one or more value(s) of the characteristic quantity calculated and/or stored from one or more previous measurement(s). The at least one characteristic quantity can for example be calculated from the property or properties measured. The at least one characteristic quantity may comprise the distance between the nodes and the antinodes of the standing wave measured, for example the number of nodes and antinodes of the standing wave measured, for example the maximum power of each node, by for example the power of each antinode, for example a number of reflections in the electric circuit, for example the number of elements, for example the number of connectors, the number of cables and their respective lengths.

The processing means 15 can be device 10 control means. alert as described below.

Geolocation means

The device 10 can comprise geolocation means 17, for example a geolocation unit, for example adapted to generate geolocation data. The geolocation means 17 can comprise a receiver of the satellite positioning system type (“global navigation satellite system” in English terminology), for example of the GPS type (“global positioning system” in English terminology).

Means of communication

The device 10 can comprise communication means 18, for example a communication unit. The means of communication 18 comprise for example one or more transmitter(s).

The means of communication 18 comprise for example means of communication to a local area network, for example wireless, for example means of communication of the Bluetooth type, for example a transmitter of the Bluetooth type.

The means of communication 18 comprise for example means of communication with a remote network, for example wireless, for example means of communication of the GSM type (“global system for mobile communications” in English terminology).

The communication means can be connected to the processing means 15.

The device 10, for example the communication means 18 and/or the processing means 15, can comprise a clock, the clock being for example adapted to supply timestamp data, for example comprising a date and/or a time .

The device 10, for example the communication means 18 and/or the processing means 15, is or are for example configured, when an attempt to modify the electrical circuit 12 is detected, to transmit via the communication means 18 a warning message. The device 10, for example the processing means 15 and/or the communication means 18, can be configured to generate the alert message. The alert message may include alert data and/or timestamp data and/or geolocation data, for example corresponding to the detection and/or creation of the alert message.

If the remote network is available, the alert message can be transmitted via the means of communication to the remote network. When the remote network is not available, the alert message can be transmitted via the local network, for example to transmit it to one or more device(s) connected to the local network, for example another such device 10 security, the device (s) connected (s) storing for example the alert message, for example and transmit it when the remote network is available again. Thus, in the event of an attack on device 10, the information propagated to the other devices will force the attackers to also attack the containers located nearby.

The device 10 is for example configured to store the alert message generated. The memory of the processing means, and/or a memory of the communication means 18, and/or a dedicated memory, can be adapted to store the alert message generated.

The device 10 can comprise encryption means 15, for example one or more encryptor(s), for example one or more software encryptor(s) and/or one or more hardware encryptor(s).

The encryption means can be connected to the processing means 15 and/or the processing means 15 can comprise the encryption means, and/or the communication means 18 can comprise the encryption means.

The encryption means 15 can be configured to encrypt the alert message(s) stored and/or transmitted and/or prior to transmission by the communication means 18. The encryption means 15 can be configured to implement an encryption algorithm, for example of the AES type (advanced encryption standard, “Advanced Encryption Standard” in English terminology) and/or CBC (block chaining, “Cipher Block Chaining” in English terminology ). Thus, in the event of listening to the alert messages transmitted by the device 10, an attacker cannot interpret the alert messages.

The device 10 can comprise electronic signature means 18, for example one or more signer(s), for example one or more software signer(s) and/or one or more hardware signer(s).

The signature means can be connected to the processing means 15 and/or the processing means 15 can comprise the signature means, and/or the communication means 18 can comprise the signature means.

The signature means 15 can be configured to sign the alert messages stored and/or transmitted and/or prior to transmission by the communication means 18. The signature means 15 can be configured to implement a signature, for example of the HMAC type (authentication code of a cryptographic imprint of a message with key, “keyed-hash message authentication code” in English terminology). Thus, in the event of an attempt to alter the alert messages transmitted by the device 10, an attacker cannot replace the device 10 and transmit falsified messages.

Other sensors

The device 10 can comprise one or more other sensor(s) 19, for example connected to the processing means 15.

The device may comprise a temperature sensor 19 for measuring an ambient temperature, for example so as to detect a thermal attack on the device 10 or on the closure system or on the element closed by the closure system, for example a container, by example so as to detect torch and nitrogen attacks.

The device may include a shock sensor 19, for example so as to detect an attack on the ground of the device 10 or of the closure system or of the element closed by the closure system, for example a container.

The device may comprise a light sensor 19, for example a photosensitive cell, for example so as to detect an opening of the case 16.

The device may comprise a sensor 19 for the integrity of the case and the electronics, the integrity sensor 19 comprising for example a secure envelope, for example so as to detect a drilling and/or a cut of the case 16.

Together

An assembly 40 is described. The assembly 40 is for example illustrated .

The assembly includes the safety device 10, for example illustrated in Figures 2a and 2c.

The assembly comprises the seal 30, the seal 30 being for example a container seal, the container seal 30 comprising for example the seal cable 31. The seal cable 31 may comprise a metal sheath, for example made of steel. The seal 30 can be a seal according to the ISO17712-2013 standard.

The device 10 can comprise a monitoring cable 124 separate from the sealing cable 31. The monitoring cable 124 can comprise the security part 122, or the external sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222. The outer sub-part 1221 and/or end sub-part 1222 may extend within monitoring cable 124.

It is thus possible to implement the device 10 using an existing seal, the monitoring cable 124 following the route of the seal cable 31.

The device 10, for example the box 16, may comprise a passage, for example extending between an input and an output, adapted so that the sealing cable can pass through the passage.

Sealed

The seal 10 is described. The seal 10 is illustrated .

The seal 10 comprises the device 10, for example the device 10 forms the seal 10, for example illustrated in FIGS. 3a and 3c. The seal 10 can be a seal according to the ISO17712-2013 standard.

The seal 10 includes the seal cable 101. The seal cable is for example illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c. The seal cable 101 can comprise the security part 122, or the external sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222. The external sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222 can extend within the sealed cable 101, for example be integrated into the sealed cable.

It is possible to create a high security seal incorporating a security device, thus allowing operators to handle only one cable.

The seal cable 101 is for example a coaxial cable, the outer sub-part 1221 and/or the end sub-part 1222 extending for example within the coaxial cable, for example forming a core of the coaxial cable.

The seal cable 101 may comprise a metal sheath, for example steel, for example electrically insulated from the core, for example by means of a dielectric. The metal sheath has for example a thickness comprised between 4 and 8 mm, for example between 5 and 7 mm, for example 6 mm.

The coaxial cable can for example comprise a stop 1011, a cable part 1012 and an end 1013, the cable part 1012 extending for example between the stop 1011 and the end 1013. The seal 10 and the seal cable 101 are configured such that the seal cable is for example positioned such that the cable part comprises an internal connection section 10121 extending within the box 16, an external section 10122, for example comprising the under -external part 1221, an end section 10123 comprising the end sub-part 1222 and extending at least partially within the casing 16, for example comprising a part extending within the casing 16, and a part extending outside the box, part extending outside the box connecting the end 1013 to the part extending within the box 16.

The connection sub-part 1212 may comprise the internal connection section 10121 and a connection section 12121, the connection section 12121 connecting the extension sub-part 1211 and the internal connection section 10121.

The stopper 10111 may comprise a metal base 10111, the metal base forming an abutment against the casing 16. enters box 16.

The abutment 1011 may include contact ring 10112, the contact ring being adapted to be in electrically conductive contact with a housing core contact 16, so as to electrically connect the internal connection section 10121 and the connection section 12121 .

The stopper 1011 may comprise a crimping ring 10113, for example so that the contact ring 1012 is arranged between the metal base 10111 and the crimping ring 10113.

The electric loop can be made by means of cable contacts of the box 16, the detector 123 comprising for example the cable contacts. The cable contacts can be respectively configured to be connected to the ground line of the internal connection cable, respectively to the ground line of the safety cable.

Security system

A security system is described. Such a system is illustrated in Figures 2b and 3b. The security system may comprise the assembly 40 and/or the seal 10, and the closed element 50, the assembly 40 and/or the seal 10 sealing the closed element 50.

The element 50 is for example a container comprising a container door and/or the container door. The container door may comprise one or two closing bars 54 of the door, the bars being held by handles 56 of the container door. At least one of the handles 56 includes a hinge forming a ring 55 extending between two open ends.

The seal cable 31 and the surveillance cable 124 of the assembly 40 can go around the closure bars 54 and/or through the ring 55, or the seal cable 101 of the seal can go around the closure bars 54 and/or cross ring 55.

Method of use

A method of using the assembly 40 and/or the seal is described. Such a process is illustrated .

The method may include a first step 501 of closing the element, comprising for example closing the doors of the container.

The method may include a third step 503 of passing the monitoring cable 124 or the sealing cable 101 around the bars of the container and/or/then through the ring 55, for example after the first step 501.

When the method of use concerns the assembly 40, the method may include, for example after the first step 501 and prior to the third step 503, a second step 502 of passing the seal cable 31 through the box 16 and /or/then passage of the sealing cable around the bars of the container and/or/then through the ring 55.

When the method of use concerns the assembly 40, the method may include, after the second step 502, for example after the third step 503, a fourth step 504 of locking the seal cable 31 at the level of a box of seal 31.

After the third step 503, for example after the fourth step 504, the method can comprise a fifth step 505, of locking the monitoring cable 124 or the seal cable 101, for example at the level of the box 16, for example of so as to establish the electrical loop.

After the fifth step 505, and if necessary the fourth step 504, the method can comprise a sixth step 506 of generation by the generator 13 of a standing wave in the electric circuit, and/or of measurement by the sensor 14 of the generated standing wave.

Subsequent to the sixth step 506, the method may comprise a seventh step 507 of detection by the processing means 15 of the modification of the electric circuit from the measurement.

After the seventh step 507, the method may include an eighth step 508 of transmission via the communication means 18 of an alert message.

After the eighth step 508, and if necessary the fourth step 504, the method can include a ninth step 509 for recovering at least the box 16.

Examples

There shows an example of the change in the standing wave measured in the event of a change in the electrical circuit. If the integrity of the electrical circuit is altered, the wave reflects differently and the system is able to distinguish this difference through variations in the interference patterns of the standing wave. The graph represents, after analysis by the processing means, the power of the signal measured by the standing wave sensor as a function of the frequency (in MHz) for a 5 m cable (curve 701) and a 2 m cable ( curve 702), typically after cutting the 5 m cable. Curve 701 with the most oscillations corresponds to the 5 m cable, and differs greatly from curve 702 which corresponds to a 2 m cable.

Claims (10)

A safety device (10) for monitoring a locking system, the device comprising:
- an electrical circuit (12) adapted to follow a course,
- a standing wave generator (13) configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit,
- a standing wave sensor (14) adapted to perform a measurement of the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit,
- data processing means (15) configured to detect a modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement. Device according to claim 1, in which the device comprises a housing (16), the electrical circuit comprising:
- an internal connection part (121) arranged inside the box, and
- a safety part (122),
the security part comprising:
- an external sub-part (1221) adapted to extend outside the case, so as to follow the course, and
- a sub-end part (1222) adapted to extend at least partially inside the case,
the external sub-part connecting the internal connection part and the end sub-part. Device according to claim 2, in which the box comprises locking means (161) of the sub-end part, for example comprising one or more unidirectional toothed wheels. Device according to Claim 2 or 3, in which the internal connection part (121) comprises a cable of a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the data processing means (15) is configured to measure a length of the electrical circuit and/or a propagation speed of the standing wave, and/or a number of electrical circuit elements. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the standing wave sensor (14) is adapted to measure interference patterns between the transmitted wave and the reflected wave, and the processing means (15) are configured to analyze said interference. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the closure system comprises or is a seal (10, 30), the security device being configured to monitor the integrity of the seal, the seal comprising a seal cable (31 , 101), and the path being the path of the sealing cable. Set (40) comprising:
- a device (10) according to claim 7, and
- the container seal (30), the container seal comprising a seal cable,
wherein the device includes a monitoring cable (124) separate from the seal cable, the outer sub-portion extending within the monitoring cable. Seal (10), the seal comprising:
- a device according to claim 7, and
- a seal cable (101), the seal cable comprising the outer sub-part, the outer sub-part being for example integrated into the seal cable. Method of using an assembly according to claim 8, respectively a seal according to claim 9, comprising:
- a step (506) of generation by the generator (13) of a standing wave in the electric circuit, and/or of measurement by the sensor (14) of the standing wave generated, and
- step (507) of detection by the processing means (15) of the modification of the electric circuit from the measurement.