HK1171489A - Mlock device and associated methods - Google Patents

Description

m-lock apparatus and associated methods

Technical Field

Background

In modern global commerce, it is becoming more important than ever to have the ability to track and monitor assets as they travel around the world, and their security. In addition, governments and/or commercial organizations may be interested in knowing the current location of particular assets, the safety status of particular assets, and an accurate and reliable history of trips with particular assets and corresponding safety status during those trips. A marine transport vessel represents one of many examples of an asset that will be tracked and monitored as it travels around the world. Information about a particular asset, such as its current location, where it has traveled, how long it was spent at a particular location along its route, and what conditions it is confronted with along its route, may be important information to business and government entities. To this end, there is a need for a device for tracking and monitoring an asset anywhere in the world, collecting and transmitting information related to the asset's experience during its journey, and remotely monitoring and controlling the security of the asset.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a locking device is disclosed. The locking device includes a processor defined to control operation of the locking device. The locking device also includes a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor. The locking device also includes a position determining device defined in electrical communication with the processor. The combination of the processor, the radio, and the position determining device form a wireless tracking and communication system. The locking device also includes a shackle (shackles) and a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism is defined in electrical communication with the processor. The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.

In another embodiment, a locking device is disclosed. The locking device includes a housing and a shackle disposed within a passage in the housing. The shackle is defined to be inserted into an opening in the housing to close the shackle. The shackle is defined to be released from an opening in the housing to open the shackle. The locking device also includes: a latch plate disposed within the housing and defined to engage the latch to lock the shackle when the shackle is inserted into the housing to close the shackle. The locking device also comprises a push plate (push plate) arranged within the housing. The push plate is defined to move within the housing by an applied external force. The locking device also includes a motor mechanically secured to the push plate. The locking device also includes: a cam mechanically connected to be moved by the motor to engage the latch plate. The applied external force moves the push plate to operate the motor to engage the cam with the latch plate such that the latch plate moves to disengage the shackle, thereby releasing the shackle for release from the housing to open the shackle ring. The locking device further comprises: a processor defined to monitor a status of the locking device and to autonomously (autonomously) control the motor to move the cam based on the monitored status of the locking device.

In another embodiment, a method for autonomously operating a locking device based on a state of the locking device is disclosed. The method includes operations for operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine a real-time status of the locking device. The method also includes operating the computing system to automatically control a locking mechanism of the locking device to lock or unlock the locking device based on the automatically determined real-time status of the locking device.

In another embodiment, a method for operating a locking device is disclosed. In the method, the locking device is maintained in a minimum power consumption state while waiting for a wake-up signal to be issued by a processor of the locking device. An event is detected that requires the locking device to operate at a normal power level. In response, the processor is operated to issue a wake-up signal for transitioning the locking device from the minimum power consumption state to a normal power level. The command is received by the wireless communication system of the locking device. The processor is then operated to execute the received command. After executing the received command, the locking device is transitioned from the normal power level to a minimum power consumption state.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the invention.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an m-lock (mLOCK) device architecture according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of the m-lock of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow chart of a method for operating a radio frequency tracking and communication device (i.e., an m-lock) according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A illustrates the physical components of an m-lock according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a closer expanded view of the front housing, rear housing, interlock plate and push plate according to one embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 4C shows an expanded view of a shackle and locking mechanism components according to one embodiment of the present invention; and is

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be clear to the skilled person that: the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process operations have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a device architecture of an m-lock 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The m-lock 100 includes a Radio Frequency (RF) tracking and communication system and a security lock mechanism. The m-lock 100 includes a processor 103 defined on a chip 101. The m-lock 100 also includes a radio 105 defined on the chip 101. Radio 105 operates at international frequencies and is defined to efficiently manage power consumption. In one embodiment, radio 105 is defined as an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.15.4 compliant radio 105. A radio 105 is connected in electrical communication with the processor 103. It should be understood that: implementation of IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio 105 provides international operation and secure communications as well as efficient power management.

The m-lock 100 also includes a position determining device (LDD) 111 defined in electrical communication with the processor 103 of the chip 101. In one embodiment, the LDD 111 is defined as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver device. Further, the m-lock 100 includes a power supply 143 defined to supply electrical power to the processor 103, radio 105, LDD 111, and other powered m-lock 100 components as described below with respect to fig. 2. In various embodiments, power source 143 is rechargeable and may be supported by solar energy in a trickle-charging (trickle-charging) manner. The m-lock 100 implementation is defined as a power management system that enables long-term m-lock 100 deployment with minimal maintenance.

The m-lock 100 is an electronic lock that protects assets (such as cargo within a shipping container) by controlling the ability to operate the locking mechanism of the m-lock 100 based on proximity to a secure network, geographic location, or via user commands over a radio link. The locking mechanism of the m-lock 100 is protected by a mechanical mechanism that inhibits such operation of the m-lock 100 unless the electromechanical lock actuator 146 enables opening of the shackle of the m-lock 100.

The lock actuator 146 utilizes a motor controlled by power amplified electronics via the processor 103. The lock actuator 146 operates to provide power and signal conversion based on a low power signal generated by the processor 103 such that sufficient power is generated to properly control the operation of the lock motor. The lock motor is defined to provide mechanical locking and unlocking of the m-lock 100 shackle. In one embodiment, the lock motor is a DC motor. In one embodiment, the spring is also arranged to link the output shaft of the lock motor to a cam mechanism that enables/disables operation of the m-lock 100, i.e., enables/disables operation of the shackle of the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the lock actuator 126 is defined as an H-bridge amplifier designed for a low voltage DC motor.

The m-lock 100 also includes one or more lock sensors 148 for determining the status of the lock actuator 146 (locked or unlocked) and the shackle status of the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the lock sensor 148 is a limit switch that transmits data indicating a discrete state of the lock actuator 146, i.e., "locked" or "unlocked". The processor 103 is defined to use the signal data of the lock sensor 148 to determine when the lock actuator 146 is in the correct state during lock actuation, thereby providing feedback to the processor 103 to enable stop/start control of the lock motor by the lock actuator 146. If the lock sensor 148 indicates that the lock mechanism is in the correct command state, then no control action will be taken by the processor 103. The lock sensor 148 may include a shackle sensor (or a cable sensor). The shackle sensor indicates whether the shackle is actually open or closed. Thus, the shackle sensor is an indicator that indicates whether the locking mechanism of the m-lock 100 has actually been opened or closed, thereby indicating the security status of the asset to which the m-lock 100 is attached.

The m-lock 100 also includes a user interface display 144 through which the user of the m-lock 100 may be communicated visual information to enable an understanding of the current state of the m-lock 100 by the user interface display 144. In one embodiment, the user interface display 144 is defined as a two-line eight character liquid crystal display. It should be understood, however: in other embodiments, the user interface display 144 may be defined as a visual display of virtually any type and size suitable for use in electronic components for visually displaying textual information, so long as the user interface display 144 fits within the form factor of the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the m-lock 100 includes at least one user-activatable button connected to enable selection of a different screen to be presented on the user interface display 144. It should be understood that: the user interface display 144 provides a user interface to the processor 103. In one embodiment, the different screens available for presentation in the user interface display 144 convey information including, but not limited to:

a) m the identification number of the lock 100,

b) the state of the m-lock 100 (locked or unlocked),

c) the location and time of the m-lock 100 (GPS location),

d) modem status, if included in m-lock 100, and

e) network status if the m-lock 100 is currently in a trusted network zone.

In one embodiment, the m-lock 100 is defined as a self-contained battery operated device that can be attached to an asset (such as a shipping container) to provide secure tracking and communication associated with the movement and status of the asset, and to provide access security for the asset. In some embodiments, the m-lock 100 may also be configured to provide/execute security applications associated with the asset. Through communication with local and global communication networks, the m-lock 100 is able to communicate data associated with its assigned asset and its security status while the asset is in transit, on a transportation device (e.g., ship, truck, train), and in a terminal.

As will be understood from the description below, the m-lock 100 provides a complete autonomous position determination and entry of asset positions (latitude and longitude) anywhere in the world. The electronics of the m-lock 100 provide the ability to store data associated with location waypoints, security events and status in non-volatile memory onboard the m-lock 100. The m-lock 100 is also defined to support segregation and prioritization of data storage in non-volatile memory. Communication of business and/or security content associated with operation of the m-lock 100, including data generated by external devices interfacing with the m-lock 100, may be virtually and/or physically separated in non-volatile memory.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the wireless communication system of the m-lock 100 is defined to detect distant network gateways and negotiate network access with them. The processor 103 of the m-lock 100 is defined to perform all necessary functions to securely authenticate the serial number of the m-lock 100, provide encrypted bi-directional communication between the m-lock 100 and reader devices within the wireless network, and maintain network connectivity while in range of the network gateway.

In one embodiment, the various components of the m-lock 100 are arranged on a printed circuit board, with the required electrical connections between the various components being made through conductive traces (traces) defined within the printed circuit board. In one exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board of the m-lock 100 is a low cost rigid four layer 0.062 "FR-4 dielectric fiber glass substrate. It should be understood, however: in other embodiments, other types of printed circuit boards or assemblies of similar functionality may be utilized as platforms for supporting and interconnecting the various components of the m-lock 100. In one particular embodiment, the chip 101 is defined as a model CC2430-64 manufactured by Texas Instruments, while the LDD 111 is implemented as a single chip ASIC manufactured by SiRF, model GSC3 f/LP.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of the m-lock 100 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention. In various exemplary embodiments, chip 101, including both processor 103 and radio 105, may be implemented as, among other things:

model CC2430 chip made by Texas Instruments,

model CC2431 manufactured by Texas Instruments,

model CC2420 manufactured by Texas Instruments,

a chip manufactured by Freescale under model MC13211,

a chip manufactured by Freescale, model MC13212, or

Model No. MC13213 chip manufactured by Freescale.

In each of the embodiments of chip 101 described above, radio 105 is defined as an IEEE 802.15.4 compliant radio operating at a frequency of 2.4GHz (gigahertz). It should be understood that: the type of chip 101 may vary in other embodiments as long as the radio 105 is defined to operate at international frequencies and provide power management capabilities sufficient to meet the operating and deployment requirements of the m-lock 100. Furthermore, the type of chip 101 may vary in other embodiments as long as the processor 103 is able to service the requirements of the m-lock 100 and enable communication via the radio 105 implemented onboard the chip 101, if necessary. Chip 101 also includes a memory 104, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), that processor 103 may access to read and write for storing data associated with the operation of m-lock 100.

m-lock 100 also includes a power amplifier 107 and a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 137 for improving the communication range of radio 105. Radio 105 is connected to receive and transmit RF signals as indicated by arrow 171 through a receive/transmit (RX/TX) switch 139. The transmit path for radio 105 extends from radio 105 to switch 139 as shown by arrow 171, then from switch 139 to power amplifier 107 as shown by arrow 179, then from power amplifier 107 to another RX/TX switch 141 as shown by arrow 183, then from RX/TX switch 141 to radio antenna 109 as shown by arrow 185.

The receive path for radio 105 extends from radio antenna 109 to RX/TX switch 141 as indicated by arrow 185, then from RX/TX switch 141 to LAN 137 as indicated by arrow 181, then from LAN 137 to RX/TX switch 139 as indicated by arrow 177, then from RX/TX switch 139 to radio 105 as indicated by arrow 171. RX/TX switches 139 and 141 are defined to operate in concert such that the transmit and receive paths for radio 105 are isolated from each other when performing transmit and receive operations, respectively. In other words, the RX/TX switches 139 and 141 may be operated to route RF signals through the power amplifier 107 during transmission and around the power amplifier 107 during reception. Thus, the output of RF power amplifier 107 may be isolated from the RF input of radio 105.

In one embodiment, each RX/TX switch 139 and 141 is defined as a switch manufactured by Hittite, model HMC174MS 8. It should be understood, however: in other embodiments, each RX/TX switch 139 and 141 may be defined as another type of RF switch, as long as it is capable of transitioning between transmit and receive channels in accordance with a control signal. In one embodiment, the power amplifier 107 is further defined as a 2.4GHz power amplifier model HMC414MS8 manufactured by Hittite. It should be understood, however: in other embodiments, the power amplifier 107 may be defined as another type of amplifier as long as it can process an RF signal for long-distance communication and its power can be managed according to a control signal. In one embodiment, the power amplifier 107 and RX/TX switches 139 and 141 may be combined into a single device, such as a model CC2591 device manufactured by Texas Instruments (for example).

The m-lock 100 is also provided with an RX/TX control circuit 189 defined to direct the cooperative operation of the RX/TX switches 139 and 141 and to direct the power control of the power amplifier 107 and the LNA 137. RX/TX control circuitry 189 receives RX/TX control signals from chip 101 as indicated by arrow 191. In response to the RX/TX control signals, RX/TX control circuitry 189 transmits corresponding control signals to RX/TX switches 139 and 141 as indicated by arrows 193 and 195, respectively, such that continuity is established along the transmit or receive path as directed by the RX/TX control signals received from chip 101. Also in response to the RX/TX control signal, RX/TX control circuitry 189 transmits a power control signal to power amplifier 107 as indicated by arrow 201. The power control signal directs the power amplifier 107 to power up when the RF transmission path is to be used and to power down when the RF transmission path is to be idle.

In one embodiment, the LDD 111 includes a processor 113 and a memory 115 (such as RAM), wherein the processor 113 has access to read and write memory 115 for storing data associated with the operation of the LDD 111. In one embodiment, the LDD 111 and chip 101 are docked together as indicated by arrow 161 so that the processor 103 of chip 101 may communicate with the processor 113 of LDD 111 to enable programming of LDD 111. In various embodiments, the interface between the LDD 111 and the chip 101 may be implemented using a serial port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB), conductive traces on a printed circuit board of the m-lock 100, or virtually any other type of interface suitable for communicating digital signals. It should furthermore be noted that: in some embodiments, the processor 113 of the LDD 111 may be defined to operate in conjunction with or as a replacement for the processor 103 of the chip 101 serving the requirements of the m-lock 100 when necessary.

Also, in one embodiment, the pins of the LDD 111 are also defined to be used as external interrupt pins to enable waking up the LDD 111 from a low power mode of operation (i.e., sleep mode). For example, the chip 101 may be connected to an external interrupt pin of the LDD 111 to enable communication of a wake-up signal from the chip 101 to the LDD 111 as indicated by arrow 165. The LDD 111 is also connected to the chip 101 to enable communication of data from the LDD 111 to the chip 101 as indicated by arrow 163.

The LDD 111 is also defined to receive RF signals as indicated by arrow 157. The RF signal received by LDD 111 is transmitted from LDD antenna 121 to Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) 117 as indicated by arrow 159. The RF signal is then transmitted from the LNA 117 to the signal filter 119 as indicated by arrow 155. Then, as indicated by arrow 157, an RF signal is transmitted from the filter 119 to the LDD 111.

Further, in one embodiment, the LDD 111 is defined as a single chip ASIC that includes the on-board flash memory 116 and the ARM processor core 113. For example, in various embodiments, the LDD 111 may be implemented as, among other things, the following types of GPS receivers:

the GPS receiver manufactured by SiRF is model GSC3f/LP,

the GPS receiver model GSC2f/LP manufactured by SiRF,

the GPS receiver manufactured by SiRF is model GSC3e/LP,

a GPS receiver manufactured by Nemerix, model No. NX3, or.

Nemerix manufactures a GPS receiver model NJ 030A.

An LNA 117 and signal filter 119 are provided to amplify and clean the RF signal received from the LDD antenna 121. In one embodiment, LNA 117 may be implemented as an L-band device (such as an 18dBi low noise amplifier). For example, in this embodiment, the LNA 117 may be implemented as an amplifier model UPC8211TK manufactured by NEC. In another embodiment, LNA 117 may be implemented as a model BGA615L7 amplifier manufactured by Infineon. The LNA 117 is also defined to have a control input for receiving control signals from the LDD 111 as indicated by arrow 153. Correspondingly, the LNA 117 is defined to be understood and operated according to the control signal received from the LDD 111. In embodiments where the LDD 111 is implemented as a SiRF GPS receiver model GSC3f/LP, the GPIO4 pin on the GSC3f/LP chip may be used to control the power of the LNA 117, thereby enabling the LNA 117 to be powered down and up according to a control algorithm.

In one embodiment, the signal filter 119 is defined as an L-band device, such as a Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) filter. For example, in one embodiment, the signal filter 119 is implemented as a model B39162B3520U410 SAW filter manufactured by EPCOS inc. As previously noted, the output of the signal filter 119 is connected to the RF input of the LDD 111 as indicated by arrow 157. In one embodiment, a 50 ohm microstrip trace on the printed circuit board of the m-lock 100 is used to connect the output of the signal filter 119 to the RF input of the LDD 111. In one embodiment, the signal filter 119 is also tuned to pass the 1575 MHz RF signal to the RF input of the LDD 111.

The m-lock 100 also includes a data interface 123 defined to enable electrical connection of various external devices to the LDD 111 and chip 101 of the m-lock 100. For example, in one embodiment, chip 101 includes a plurality of reconfigurable universal interfaces that are electrically connected to respective pins of data interface 123. Thus, in this embodiment, an external device (such as a sensor for commercial and/or security applications) may be electrically connected to communicate with chip 101 through data interface 123 as indicated by arrow 169. The LDD 111 is also connected to a data interface 123 to enable electrical communication between an external entity and the LDD 111 as indicated by arrow 167. For example, an external entity may be connected to the LDD 111 through the data interface 123 to program the LDD 111. It should be understood that the data interface 123 may be defined in different ways in various embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the data interface 123 is defined as a serial interface that includes a plurality of pins to which external devices can be connected. In other examples, the data interface may be defined as a USB interface, among others.

The m-lock 100 also includes expansion memory 135, the expansion memory 135 being coupled to the processor 103 of the chip 101 as indicated by arrow 175. Expansion memory 135 is defined as a non-volatile memory that may be accessed by processor 103 for data storage and retrieval. In one embodiment, expansion memory 135 is defined as a solid-state non-volatile memory (such as flash memory). Expansion memory 135 may be defined to provide segmented non-volatile storage and may be controlled by software executing on processor 103. In one embodiment, a separate memory block within expansion memory 135 may be allocated for exclusive use by security applications or business applications. In one embodiment, expansion memory 135 is a model M25P10-A flash memory manufactured by ST Microelectronics. In another embodiment, expansion memory 135 is model M25PE20 flash memory manufactured by Numonyx. It should be understood that: in other embodiments, many other different types of expansion memory 135 may be utilized, so long as expansion memory 135 can operably interface with processor 103.

The m-lock 100 also includes a motion sensor 133 in electrical communication with the chip 101 (i.e., the processor 103) as indicated by arrow 173. The motion sensor 133 is defined to detect physical movement of the m-lock 100, and thus the asset to which the m-lock 100 is secured. The processor 103 is defined to receive the motion detection signal from the motion sensor 133 and determine an appropriate operating mode for the m-lock 100 based on the received motion detection signal. Many different types of motion sensors 133 may be utilized in various embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the motion sensor 133 may be defined as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a mercury switch, a micro-pendulum, among others. In one embodiment, the m-lock 100 may also be equipped with a plurality of motion sensors 133 in electrical communication with the chip 101. The use of multiple motion sensors 133 may be implemented to provide redundancy and/or diversity in sensing techniques/stimuli. For example, in one embodiment, motion sensor 133 is a model ADXL 330 motion sensor manufactured by Analog Devices. In another embodiment, motion sensor 133 is an accelerometer manufactured by Analog Devices, model number ADXL 311. In yet another embodiment, motion sensor 133 is a gyroscope manufactured by Analog Devices, model number ADXRS 50.

The m-lock 100 also includes a voltage regulator 187 connected to the power source 143. The voltage regulator 187 is defined to provide a minimum power drop out (dropout) when the power source 143 is implemented as a battery. Voltage regulator 187 is also defined to provide optimized voltage control and regulation to powered components of m-lock 100. In one embodiment, a capacitive filter is connected at the output of the voltage regulator 187 to work in conjunction with a tuned bypass circuit between the power plane of the m-lock 100 and ground potential to minimize noise and RF coupling to the LNAs 117 and 137 of the LDD 111 and the radio 105, respectively.

In one embodiment, the radio 105 and LDD 111 are also connected to receive a common reset and power-off (brown out) protection signal from the voltage regulator 187 to synchronize the activation of the m-lock 100 and prevent execution of the corrupted memory (115/104) during slow ramp power-up or during power source 143 (e.g., battery) power-off. In one exemplary embodiment, voltage regulator 187 is a model number TPS77930, manufactured by Texas Instruments. In another exemplary embodiment, voltage regulator 187 is a model number TPS77901 manufactured by Texas Instruments. It should be understood that: different types of voltage regulators 187 may be utilized in other embodiments, so long as the voltage regulators are defined to provide optimized voltage control and regulation to the powered components of the m-lock 100.

To enable long-term m-lock 100 deployment with minimal maintenance, the processor 103 of the chip 101 is operated to execute a power management program for the m-lock 100. The power management program controls the supply of power to the various components within the m-lock 100, particularly to the LDD 111 and the radio 105. The m-lock 100 has four main power states:

1) the LDD 111 is turned off and the radio 105 is turned off,

2) the LDD 111 is off and the radio 105 is on,

3) the LDD 111 is turned on and the radio 105 is turned off, an

4) The LDD 111 is on and the radio 105 is on.

The power management procedure is defined such that the normal operating state of the m-lock 100 is a sleep mode in which both the LDD 111 and the radio 105 are powered off. The power management program is defined to turn on the LDD 111 and/or the radio 105 in response to events such as monitored conditions, external stimuli, and preprogrammed settings. For example, a movement event or movement time record as detected by the motion sensor 13 and communicated to the processor 103 may be used as an event for powering up one or both of the LDD 111 and the radio 105 from a sleep mode. In another example, a pre-programmed schedule may be used to trigger powering up of one or both of the LDD 111 and radio 105 from a sleep mode. Further, other events such as receiving a communication request, external sensor data, geographic location (geolocation), or a combination thereof may charge triggers for powering up one or both of the LDD 111 and the radio 105 from sleep mode.

The power management program is also defined to power down the components of the m-lock 100 as soon as possible after any request or required operation is completed. Depending on the operation performed, the power manager may direct either the LDD 111 or the radio 105 to power down while the other continues to operate. Or the operating conditions may allow the power management program to power down both the LDD 111 and the radio 105 simultaneously.

To support the power management procedure, the m-lock 100 utilizes four separate crystal oscillators. Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, chip 101 utilizes a 32 MHz (megahertz) oscillator 125 to provide the basic operating clock for chip 101 as indicated by arrow 149. Chip 101 also utilizes a 32 kHz oscillator 127 to provide a real time clock for waking chip 101 from a sleep mode of operation as indicated by arrow 151. The LDD 111 utilizes a 24 MHz oscillator 129 to provide the basic operating clock for the LDD 111 as indicated by arrow 147. Also, the LDD 111 utilizes the 32 kHz oscillator 131 to provide a real time clock for waking up the LDD 11 from the sleep mode of operation as indicated by arrow 145. It should be understood, however: in other embodiments, other oscillator arrangements may be used to provide the necessary clocking for the chip 101 and the LDD 111. For example, crystal oscillators of different frequencies may be used depending on the LDD 111 and the operating requirements of the chip 101.

The lock actuator 146 is defined to receive a control signal from the processor 103 as indicated by arrow 176. In response to the control signal received from the processor 103, the lock actuator 146 is defined to generate two discrete amplified signals to provide power for controlling the lock motor mechanism. The two discrete amplified signals provided by the lock actuator 146 provide power and the correct current polarity for driving the lock motor in each of the two possible directions, respectively.

The lock sensor 148 is defined to transmit a data signal to the processor 103 as indicated by arrow 178. The data signals transmitted by the clock sensor 148 include a first data signal that provides the shackle position status (open/closed) of the m-lock 100 and a second data signal that provides the lock motor position status (locked/unlocked) of the m-lock 100. The processor 103 monitors the data signals transmitted by the lock sensor 148 to effect control and monitor the state of the m-lock 100.

The user interface display 144 and associated user input button(s) are defined for bi-directional communication with the processor 103. The processor 103 manages the user interface display 144. In one embodiment, data transmitted from the processor 103 to the user interface display 144 is presented in the user interface display 144 in textual form (i.e., in alphanumeric form). Further, the processor 103 monitors the status of one or more user input buttons to allow a user to control/select information presented in the user interface display 144 and/or to trigger certain conditions in the m-lock 100.

Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a flow chart of a method for operating a radio frequency tracking and communication device (i.e., the m-lock 100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. The method of fig. 3 represents an example of how a power management procedure may be implemented within the m-lock 100. The method includes an operation 301 for maintaining a minimum power consumption state of the m-lock 100 until the processor 103 issues a wake-up signal. As mentioned above, the minimum power consumption state of the m-lock 100 exists when the LDD 111 and radio 105 are powered down.

The method also includes an operation 303 for operating the motion sensor 133 during a minimum power consumption state. The method also includes an operation 305 for identifying that the motion sensor 133 detected a threshold level of movement. It should be understood that: since the motion sensor 133 is disposed on the m-lock 100, a threshold level of movement detected by the motion sensor 133 corresponds to movement of the m-lock 100 and the asset to which the m-lock 100 is secured.

In one embodiment, the threshold level of movement is defined as a single motion detection signal of at least a specified magnitude. In this embodiment, the processor 103 is defined to receive the motion detection signal from the motion sensor 103 and determine whether the received motion detection signal exceeds a specified magnitude as stored in the memory 104. In another embodiment, the threshold level of movement is defined as the integral of the motion detection signal having reached at least a specified magnitude. In this embodiment, the processor 103 receives and stores the motion detection signal over a period of time. The processor 103 determines whether the integral (i.e., sum) of the received motion detection signals during this time has reached or exceeded a specified magnitude as stored in the memory 104. The two embodiments of movement with respect to the threshold level as disclosed above may furthermore be implemented in a combined manner.

In response to the movement identifying whether the threshold level has been reached or exceeded, the method includes an operation 307 for issuing a wake-up signal for transitioning the m-lock 100 from the minimum power consumption state to the normal operating power consumption state. When the processor 103 identifies movement that has reached or exceeded a threshold level, the processor 103 generates a wake-up signal. The processor 103 may be operable to transmit a wake-up signal to one or both of the LDD 111 and the radio 105 according to a sequence of operations to be performed upon movement reaching a threshold level.

Referring back to operation 301, the method may continue to operation 311 in which RF communication signals are received during a minimum power consumption state. In response to receiving the RF communication signal, the method continues with operation 307 for issuing a wake-up signal for transitioning the m-lock 100 from the minimum power consumption state to the normal operating power consumption state. Also, the wake-up signal is generated by the processor 103 and may direct the radio 105, the LDD 111, or both to power up depending on the content of the received RF communication signal.

Referring back also to operation 301, the method may continue with operation 313 for monitoring the real time clock relative to the wakeup schedule. In one embodiment, the processor 103 performs monitoring of the real-time clock relative to the wakeup schedule while the m-lock 100 is in the minimum power consumption state. Upon reaching the specified wake time in the wake schedule, the method continues with an operation 307 for issuing a transition for the m-lock 100 from the minimum power consumption state to the normal operating power consumption state.

Referring back to operation 301, the method may continue with operation 315 for receiving signals over the data interface 123 during a minimum power consumption state. In one embodiment, the signal received through the data interface 123 may be a data signal generated by an external device connected to the data interface 123. For example, the sensor may be connected to the data interface 123 and may transmit a data signal indicative of an alarm or condition monitored that triggers the processor 103 to generate a wake-up signal for powering up one or both of the LDD 111 and the radio 105. For example, the data signal may be a button signal, an intrusion alert signal, a chemical/biological agent detection signal, a temperature signal, a humidity signal, or virtually any other type of signal that the sensing device may generate.

Further, a user may connect a computing device (such as a handheld computing device or laptop) to the data interface 123 to communicate with the LDD 111 or the processor 103. In one embodiment, connecting the computing device to the data interface 123 will cause the processor 103 to generate a wake-up signal for powering up one or both of the LDD 111 and the radio 105. In response to receiving the signal over the data interface 123 in operation 315, the method continues with operation 307 for issuing a wake-up signal for transitioning the m-lock 100 from the minimum power consumption state to the normal operating power consumption state. Also in operation 307, a wake-up signal is generated by the processor 103 and may direct the radio 105, the LDD 111, or both to power up according to the type of signal received over the data interface 123.

Upon transitioning to a normal operating power consumption state, the m-lock 100 may perform operation 317 for decoding the received command. It should be understood that: the m-lock 100 may be "woken up" by a number of different means, including but not limited to a key fob controller, a remote control, a radio network, or by geographic proximity to a waypoint. If the received command is a command of the lock actuator 146, then operation 319 is performed in which the lock actuator 146 executes the lock/unlock mechanism command. If the received command is a mode control command, an operation 321 is performed in which the processor 103 sets corresponding mode configuration parameters in the software/hardware of the m-lock 100. Example mode control commands may include, among other things, display and/or input waypoint settings, security settings of the m-lock 100, identity settings of the m-lock 100, radio channel settings, scheduling, secure network encryption keys, or any combination thereof. The method also includes an operation 309 in which the m-lock 100 is transitioned from the normal operating power consumption state back to the minimum power consumption state upon completion of a specified operation or specified idle period of the m-lock 100.

Inductive loops are integrated into the m-lock 100 to provide RF impedance matching between the various RF components of the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the inductive loop is tuned to provide a 0.5nH (nanohertz) reactive load through the wavelength trace. In one embodiment, the impedance match between the RF output from radio 105 and RX/TX switch 139 is 50 ohms. The RF power amplifier 107 is also capacitively coupled to the RX/TX switch 141. Further, in one embodiment, to provide decoupling of power source 143 from radio 105, eight high frequency ceramic capacitors are coupled between the power pins of chip 101 and the ground potential of m-lock 100.

In one embodiment, the power plane of the chip 101 is defined as a split independent internal power plane that is DC coupled to the power plane of the LDD 111 through an RF choke (choke) and capacitive filter. In this embodiment, noise from the phase locked loop circuitry within radio 105 will not couple to the power plane of LDD 111 via the internal power plane of chip 101. In this way, significant coupling of radio harmonics associated with the operation of the radio 105 to the LDD 111 is prevented during simultaneous operation of both the radio 105 and the LDD 111, thereby maintaining the sensitivity of the LDD 111.

An impedance matching circuit is also provided to ensure that the LDD 111 can receive the RF signal without significant signal loss. Specifically, the RF input to the LDD 111 utilizes an impedance matching circuit tuned to the dielectric properties of the circuit board of the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the connection from the LDD antenna 121 to the LNA 117 uses a 10pf (picofarad) capacitor to DC isolate the RF input at the LNA 117 and match the 50 ohm impedance. In one embodiment, the output of the LNA 117 is also impedance matched to 50 ohms.

FIG. 4A illustrates the physical components of an m-lock 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The electronic device 409 as described above with respect to fig. 2 is defined on a printed circuit board. In addition to the components described with respect to fig. 2, the electronics 409 also include a user interface display 144. The battery 407 provides electrical power for the m-lock 100. In one embodiment, the m-lock 100 also includes a solar film 405 defined to provide trickle charge to the battery 407 to extend the life of the battery 407. The shackle and locking mechanism components as shown in reference 411 are also shown. Fig. 4C shows a more detailed view of the shackle and locking mechanism components of reference 411. The electronics 409, battery 407, solar film 405, shackle and locking mechanism components 411 are secured within the body (i.e., housing) of the m-lock 100. Figure 4B shows a closer expanded view of the front housing 413, the rear housing 415, the interlock plate 421, and the push plate 419, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The body of the m-lock 100 is defined by a front shell 413 and a rear shell 415 that fit together in a sandwich fashion to surround the components of the m-lock 100. The m-lock 100 also includes a push plate 419 and an interlock plate 421. The push plate is movable within the housing of the m-lock 100. The interlock plate 421 is connected to the rear housing 415 by means of fasteners 417. When an external force is applied to move the push plate 419, the push plate 419 moves within the m-lock 100 to disengage the locking mechanism of the shackle. This is described in more detail with reference to fig. 4C. The m-lock 100 also includes a button overlay 403A and a display overlay 403B. Also, in one embodiment, to enhance durability, the m-lock 100 may include a rubber shackle mold (mold) 401A and a rubber body mold 401B.

It should be understood that: the m-lock 100 does not include any external component features that may be accessed to disassemble the m-lock 100 once the m-lock 100 has been locked. The m-lock 100 can only be removed via a set screw (set screw) 468 inside the m-lock 100. The set screw 468 is only accessible when the shackle of the m-lock 100 has been unlocked and opened.

Fig. 4C shows an expanded view of the shackle and locking mechanism components of reference 411, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The shackle 450 is defined to be disposed within a passage in the rear housing 415 of the m-lock 100. The shackle 450 is defined to be movable along the length of the passage and to be rotatable within the passage. A retainer (retainer) 460 is attached to the shackle 450 to prevent the shackle 450 from being fully withdrawn from the passage and to control the amount of rotation of the shackle 450 within the passage. The shackle 450 is defined to be inserted into an opening 470 in the housing to close the shackle ring 472. The shackle 450 is also defined to be released from the opening 470 in the housing to open the shackle ring 472.

The latch plate is disposed within the housing and is defined to engage the shackle 450 to lock the shackle 450 when the shackle 450 is inserted into the opening 470 in the housing to close the shackle 472. More specifically, the latch plate is defined to move in a direction 474 to engage with a locking slot 452 formed in the shackle 450 and in a direction 476 to disengage from the locking slot 452 formed in the shackle 450. As previously mentioned, the push plate 419 is disposed within the housing and is defined to move in directions 474 and 476. Specifically, push plate 419 is defined to move in direction 476 upon application of an external force to push plate 419 as indicated by arrow 478 in 4B.

The motor 458 is mechanically fixed to the push plate 419 such that when the push plate 419 moves in the directions 474 and 476, the motor 458 moves with the push plate 419 in the same direction. The cam 456 is mechanically coupled to be moved in a direction 480 by the motor 458 to engage the latch plate 454. The cam 456 is rigidly connected to the motor 458 such that movement of the motor 458 by movement of the push plate 419 causes corresponding movement of the cam 456. Thus, the applied external force 478 moves the push plate 419 in the direction 476 to operate 458 the motor to engage the cam 456 with the latch plate 454 such that the latch plate 454 moves in the direction 476 to disengage from the shackle 450, thereby releasing the shackle 450 for release from the housing to open the shackle 472.

A first spring 464 is defined to disengage the cam 456 from the latch plate 454 when the motor 458 is not energized to move the cam 456 into engagement with the latch plate 454. In one embodiment, the first spring 464 is a torsion spring (tormental spring). The second spring 466 is defined to engage the latch plate 454 with the shackle 450 (i.e., with the locking slot 452 of the shackle 450) when there is no external force 478 applied to move the push plate 419 when moving the cam 456 to engage the latch plate 454. The third spring 462 is defined to resist an external force 478 applied to move the push plate 419 such that the push plate 419 returns to its home position in the absence of the applied external force 478.

The interlock plate 421 is disposed within the body of the m-lock 100 and secured to the housing 415 to cover the push plate 419, motor 458, cam 456, latch plate 454, and shackle 450 such that the locking mechanism of the m-lock 100 is inaccessible without removal of the interlock plate 421. The interlock plate 421 is also secured to the housing 415 by a fastener (i.e., set screw 468) that is accessible only through the opening 470 in the housing 415 when the shackle 450 is released from the opening 470 in the housing 415 to open the shackle 472.

It should be understood that: the pusher plate 419 and latch plate 454 physically interface with each other such that forces applied to the latch plate 450 are transmitted through the latch 450 to the latch plate 454, to the pusher plate 419, and to the housing 415. Thus, the motor 458 and cam 456 are isolated from any forces applied to the shackle 450. Further, a processor onboard the m-lock 100 is defined to monitor the status of the m-lock 100 and autonomously control the motor 458 to move the cam 456 based on the monitored status of the m-lock 100.

In one embodiment, a locking device, an m-lock 100, is disclosed. The locking device includes a processor defined to control operation of the locking device. The locking device also includes a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor and a position-determining device defined in electrical communication with the processor. The combination of the processor, radio, and position determining device forms a wireless tracking and communication system onboard the locking device. The locking device also includes a shackle defined in electrical communication with the processor and a locking mechanism. The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.

The processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism based on one or more of proximity of the locking device to the secure wireless communication network, a ground location of the locking device, and one or more commands received through the wireless and communication system. The locking device also includes a memory arranged in communication with the processor for recording data. The recorded data may include, among other data, program instructions for operating the wireless tracking and communication system, settings associated with the operation of the locking device, and a time-dependent state of the locking device. The locking device also includes a user interface display disposed in electrical communication with the processor and defined to visually present data recorded in the memory. The locking device further includes a user interface control device arranged in electrical communication with the processor and defined to control which data is presented in the user interface display. In one embodiment, the user interface display is a liquid crystal display and the user interface control device is a mechanical button.

As discussed above, the locking mechanism also includes a latch plate defined to be movable to engage and lock the shackle and to disengage and unlock the shackle. The locking mechanism also includes a cam defined to be movable in a first direction to engage the latch plate such that movement of the cam in a second direction causes movement of the latch plate in the second direction. The locking mechanism also includes a motor mechanically coupled to control movement of the cam in the first direction to engage the latch plate. The motor is electrically connected to be controlled by the processor. The locking device also includes a lock sensor defined to determine a position of the cam relative to the latch plate and to electronically communicate the determined cam position to the processor. It should be understood that: the motor may be controlled only by operation of the processor to move the cam to engage the latch plate to unlock the shackle.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method includes an operation 501 for operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine a real-time status of the locking device. The method also includes an operation 503 for operating the computing system to automatically control a locking mechanism of the locking device to lock or unlock the locking device based on the automatically determined real-time status of the locking device.

In one embodiment, the real-time status of the locking device includes one or more of the presence of any pending commands to be executed by the computing system, the presence of user interaction with control of the locking device, the presence of scheduled tasks to be executed by the computing system, the current status of the power supply of the locking device, and the current environmental status of the locking device. In one embodiment, the current environmental state of the lock-in device includes one or more of a current motion state of the lock-in device, a current ground orientation of the lock-in device, a current proximity of the lock-in device to a wireless communication network with which the computing system may wirelessly communicate, a temperature in a vicinity of the lock-in device, a humidity in the vicinity of the lock-in device, a radioactivity level in the vicinity of the lock-in device, a presence of chemicals in the vicinity of the lock-in device, and an external movement in the vicinity of the lock-in device.

In one embodiment, operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time status of the locking device in operation 501 includes operating a wireless tracking system within the computing system onboard the locking device to determine a ground location of the locking device.

In one embodiment, operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time status of the locking device in operation 501 includes operating a wireless communication system within the computing system onboard the locking device to access a wireless network and receive commands from one or more sources over the wireless network. The received command updates a real-time status of the locking device to direct a computing system onboard the locking device to lock or unlock the locking device.

In one embodiment, operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time status of the locking device in operation 501 includes operating the computing system to acquire data from one or more sensors proximate to the locking device. In this embodiment, some of the one or more sensors proximate to the locking device may be physically attached to the locking device and communicate data with the computing system over a wired connection. Also, in this embodiment, some of the one or more sensors proximate to the locking device may not be physically attached to the locking device and may communicate data with the computing system via wireless means. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors may include one or more of a movement sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, a radioactivity detection sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a chemical detection sensor, among others.

In one embodiment, the method may also include an operation for operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically record data in a memory onboard the locking device. In this embodiment, the data includes, among other things, information about the determined real-time status of the locking device. For example, the data may include time-stamped information related to one or more of ground orientation of the locking device, security events associated with the locking device, a flail state of the locking device, network communications received or transmitted by a computing system onboard the locking device, physical movement of the locking device, and environmental conditions to which the locking device is exposed. Further, the method may include an operation in which a wireless communication system within a computing system onboard the locking device transmits data automatically recorded in a memory onboard the locking device to a receiver within a wireless network within range of the locking device.

As described herein, the m-lock 100 is an electronic lock that may automatically protect an asset by activating a locking mechanism therein when the m-lock 100 a) is out of range of a secure network, b) has departed from a predetermined latitude and longitude (GPS) based waypoint, c) has an expired schedule, or d) has detected motion. The m-lock 100 may also be configured to unlock automatically when the m-lock 100 negotiates with a secure network or reaches a user-defined waypoint. Remote (and security) commands may modify the behavior of the m-lock 100, thereby allowing the behavior of the m-lock 100 to be configured for specific uses at specific times, for example, on a shipping container segment-by-segment trip basis.

The expansion of global commerce drives the shipping industry. Ships, trains, and trucks move cargo containers globally, relatively unattended and unattended. These are fragile areas where terrorists and thieves can coil. It should be understood that: the m-lock 100 is particularly well suited for application in shipping container security, container truck operations, and air cargo container security. In particular, the m-lock 100 provides protection against hazardous materials being placed in or valuable assets being removed from a cargo container using its features described herein, including: a) a door lock with a shackle open/close/cut alarm, b) embedded location and tracking information, and c) a worldwide multimodal communication link. To illustrate the particular utility of the m-lock 100 device, several example applications are described below (including over-the-air cargo security, bonded shipping, and theft deterrence). It should be understood, however: these are a few examples of how the m-lock 100 may be used and by no means represent an exhaustive set of m-lock 100 applications.

Air cargo security

The united states congress has instructed the united states Transportation Security Agency (TSA) to monitor air cargo that is destined to be placed within a passenger aircraft stowage compartment. The current method of security is to have a TSA special engineer drive behind a delivery truck from the point of adding cargo to the truck to the airport where the truck's contents are loaded onto the passenger aircraft.

The m-lock is part of a system that will automatically track, monitor and safeguard the truck from the point of stowing to the point of unpacking. This scenario may involve the following steps:

(a) the forwarder builds an inventory of m-locks 100.

(b) The m-lock 100 is selected from the list for delegation.

(c) The forwarder logs into the secure web site to transmit the destination and vehicle license plate information to the m-lock 100 via a wireless or wired connection.

(d) The m-lock 100 is loaded and the license plate of the vehicle is compared to the license plate information displayed on the user interface display 144 of the m-lock 100.

(e) The m-lock 100 is opened and placed on the door of the truck so that the door is ensured to be closed.

(f) The driver of the truck is provided with a key fob (keyfob) that can unlock or lock the m-lock 100.

(g) If the driver forgets to lock the m-lock 100, the firmware of the m-lock 100 automatically locks the m-lock 100 after traveling outside of the trusted zone (wireless beacon miss or geo-fencing) zone) programmed during the commission.

(h) If the driver unlocks and opens the m-lock 100 in the route to the airport and outside the trusted zone, the m-lock 100 generates an alert and immediately transmits the alert to the tsa web site via the embedded wide area network module (e.g., cellular or satellite) of the m-lock 100.

(i) Upon arrival at the airport, the TSA specialer views the user interface display 144 of the m-lock 100 to see if an alert is generated in the route. If so, the m-lock 100 is removed and the truck is inspected. If not, the m-lock 100 is removed and returned to the forwarder for use in future shipping.

Shipping without tax completion

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency charges shippers of their goods through the united states and to foreign countries. This is called non-tax shipping. For example, Canadian corporation sells radio parts to distributors in Mexico. When a truck from canada arrives at a border crossing in the united states, a manifest (manifest) shows an estimated date of crossing the border into mexico. CBP currently has no means for verifying when and if the truck leaves the country, so the charge is based on manifest estimation. This presents a security risk and potential revenue loss to the CBP.

The m-lock may be used for non-tax shipping as follows:

(a) the border crossing maintains an inventory of m-locks 100.

(b) The CBP specializer delegates the license plate identifier, destination, and estimated departure date to the m-lock 100 using a secure CBP web site that transmits data to the m-lock 100 using a wired or wireless connection.

(c) The CBP specialist confirms the license ID of the truck with the license information displayed on the user interface display 144 of the m-lock 100 and attaches the m-lock 100 to the door of the truck.

(d) When the truck leaves the trusted zone of the CBP check center, the m-lock 100 automatically locks due to loss of wireless signals or movement beyond the geo-fencing zone.

(e) While passing through the united states, the m-lock 100 enters location information.

(f) If the shackle of the m-lock 100 is cut or otherwise opened, the m-lock 100 will log the event as an alert and transmit the alert and truck location to the CBP via the embedded wide area network module of the m-lock 100.

(g) If the truck does not cross an exit geo-fencing point within a specified event, the m-lock 100 logs in and transmits an alert and truck location to the CBP via the wide area network module of the m-lock 100.

(h) When the truck reaches the departure point, the CBP specialist will know about any route alerts and can verify the alert status via the user interface display 144 of the m-lock 100.

(i) The CBP specialer may unlock the m-lock 100 via a handheld reader that queries the m-lock 100 for additional information or via a trusted zone wireless signal that will automatically unlock the m-lock 100.

(j) The m-lock 100 is removed and used for the next non-tax shipping.

Anti-theft device

While government agencies are primarily concerned with what goes into trucks or containers, commercial shippers are more concerned with what goes out of trucks or containers. The m-lock 100 provides a means for inhibiting access to the truck or container through the main door. The m-lock 100 may be automatically unlocked and locked using a trusted zone (such as a stored waypoint on the m-lock 100 or an authorized radio signal transmitter). Also, additional sensors within a truck or container equipped with a compatible wireless device may transmit health status information to the wireless radio of the m-lock 100. The m-lock 100 may then upload location and sensor information while in the route via the embedded wide area network module of the m-lock 100 based on the commission threshold and schedule of the m-lock 100 if a local area network compatible with the RF signal of the m-lock 100 is unavailable.

It should be understood that: portions of the invention described herein may be embodied as computer readable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system. Portions of the present invention may also be defined as a machine that transforms data from one state to another. The data may represent an article that may be represented as electronic signals and that may electronically manipulate the data. The transformed data may in some cases be visually depicted and displayed, representing the physical objects obtained by the data transformation. The transformed data may be saved to storage, either generically or in specific formats that enable the construction or depiction of physical and tangible objects. In some embodiments, the manipulation may be performed by a processor. In such an example, the processor thus transforms data from one thing to another. In addition, the method may be processed by one or more machines or processors, which may be connected via a network. Each machine may transform data from one state or thing to another state or thing and may also process the data, save the data to storage, transmit the data over a network, display the results, or transmit the results to another machine.

While the invention has been described in terms of several embodiments, it will be understood that: those skilled in the art will recognize variations, additions, permutations and equivalents thereof when reading the foregoing description and studying the drawings. It is therefore intended that the present invention includes all such alterations, additions, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (31)

1. A locking device, comprising:

a processor defined to control operation of the locking device;

a radio defined in electrical communication with the processor;

a location determining device defined in electrical communication with the processor, wherein a combination of the processor, the radio, and the location determining device form a wireless tracking and communication system;

a shackle; and

a locking mechanism defined in electrical communication with the processor, wherein the processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism to control locking and unlocking of the shackle based on information obtained through the wireless tracking and communication system.

2. The locking device of claim 1, further comprising:

a power source defined to supply electrical power to the processor, the radio, the position determining device, and the locking mechanism.

3. The locking device of claim 2, further comprising:

a solar film electrically connected to the power source and defined to electrically recharge the power source.

4. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the radio is an international frequency radio, and wherein the position determining device is a global positioning system receiver device.

5. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the processor is defined to operate the locking mechanism based on one or more of proximity of the locking device to a secure wireless communication network, a ground location of the locking device, and one or more commands received through the wireless tracking and through a communication system.

6. The locking device of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: a latch plate defined to be movable to engage and lock the shackle and defined to be movable to disengage and unlock the shackle from the shackle,

wherein the locking mechanism also includes: a cam defined to be movable in a first direction to engage with the latch plate such that movement of the cam in a second direction causes movement of the latch plate in the second direction, an

Wherein the locking mechanism also includes: a motor mechanically connected to control movement of the cam in the first direction to engage with the latch plate, wherein the motor is electrically connected to be controlled by the processor.

7. The locking device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the motor is operable by the processor to be controlled to move the cam to engage the latch plate to unlock the shackle only.

8. The locking device of claim 6, further comprising:

a lock sensor defined to determine a position of the cam relative to the latch plate and to electrically communicate the determined position of the cam to the processor.

9. The locking device of claim 1, further comprising:

a memory arranged in electrical communication with the processor for recording data, the data including program instructions for operating the wireless tracking and communication system, the data also including settings associated with operation of the locking device, the data also including a record of a time-dependent state of the locking device;

a user interface display arranged in electrical communication with the processor and defined to visually render data recorded in the memory; and

a user interface control device arranged in electrical communication with the processor and defined to control which data is presented in the user interface display.

10. The locking device of claim 9, wherein the user interface display is a liquid crystal display, and wherein the user interface control device is a mechanical button.

11. A locking device, comprising:

a shell;

a shackle disposed within a passage within the housing, the shackle defined to be inserted into an opening in the housing to close the shackle, the shackle defined to be released from the opening in the housing to open the shackle;

a latch plate disposed within the housing and defined to engage the shackle to lock the shackle when inserted into the housing to close the shackle;

a push plate disposed within the housing, the push plate defined to move within the housing by an applied external force;

a motor mechanically secured to the push plate;

a cam mechanically connected to be moved by the motor to engage the latch plate, whereby the applied external force moves the push plate to operate the motor to engage the cam with the latch plate to move the latch plate to disengage from the shackle, thereby releasing the shackle to be released from the housing to open the shackle ring; and

a processor on-board the locking device defined to monitor a state of the locking device and autonomously control the motor to move the cam based on the monitored state of the locking device.

12. The locking apparatus of claim 11, wherein the cam is rigidly connected to the motor such that movement of the motor by movement of the push plate causes corresponding movement of the cam.

13. The locking device of claim 11, further comprising:

a first spring defined to disengage the cam from the latch plate when the motor is not powered to move the cam into engagement with the latch plate;

a second spring defined to engage the latch plate with the shackle when there is no external force applied to move the push plate when moving the cam to engage the latch plate; and

a third spring defined to resist the external force applied to move the push plate such that the push plate returns to its home position in the absence of the applied external force.

14. The locking device of claim 11, wherein the push plate and latch plate physically interface with each other such that a force applied to the shackle is transmitted through the shackle to the latch plate, to the push plate, to the housing.

15. The locking device of claim 11, wherein the motor is isolated from forces applied to the shackle.

16. The locking device of claim 11, further comprising:

an interlock plate disposed within the housing and secured to the housing to cover the push plate, the motor, the cam, the latch plate, and the shackle such that a locking mechanism of the locking device is inaccessible without removing the interlock plate, and wherein the interlock plate is secured to the housing by a fastener that is accessible through the opening in the housing when the shackle is released from the opening in the housing to open the shackle.

17. A method for autonomously operating a locking device based on a state of the locking device, comprising:

operating a computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine a real-time status of the locking device; and

operating the computing system to automatically control a locking mechanism of the locking device to lock or unlock the locking device based on the automatically determined real-time status of the locking device.

18. The method for autonomous operation of a locking device based on a state of the locking device as recited in claim 17, wherein the real-time state of the locking device includes one or more of the presence of any pending commands to be executed by the computing system, the presence of user interaction with control of the locking device, the presence of scheduled tasks to be executed by the computing system, a current state of a power source of the locking device, and a current environmental state of the locking device.

19. The method for autonomous operation of a lockout device based on a state of the lockout device of claim 18, wherein the current environmental state of the lockout device comprises one or more of a current motion state of the lockout device, a current ground orientation of the lockout device, a current proximity of the lockout device to a wireless communication network over which the computing system may wirelessly communicate, a temperature in a vicinity of the lockout device, a humidity in a vicinity of the lockout device, a radioactivity level in a vicinity of the lockout device, a presence of chemicals in a vicinity of the lockout device, and an external movement in a vicinity of the lockout device.

20. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device as recited in claim 17, wherein operating the computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time state of the locking device comprises operating a wireless tracking system within the computing system onboard the locking device to determine a ground location of the locking device.

21. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the status of the locking device as recited in claim 17, wherein operating the computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time status of the locking device comprises operating a wireless communication system within the computing system onboard the locking device to access a wireless network and receive commands from one or more sources over the wireless network.

22. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the status of the locking device of claim 21, wherein the received command comprises updating the real-time status of the locking device to direct the computing system onboard the locking device to lock or unlock the locking device.

23. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device as recited in claim 17, wherein operating the computing system onboard the locking device to automatically determine the real-time state of the locking device comprises operating the computing system to acquire data from one or more sensors in proximity to the locking device.

24. A method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the status of the locking device as recited in claim 23, wherein some of the one or more sensors in proximity to the locking device are physically attached to the locking device and communicate data with the computing system over a wired connection.

25. A method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the status of the locking device as recited in claim 23, wherein some of the one or more sensors in proximity to the locking device are not physically attached to the locking device and communicate data with the computing system by wireless means.

26. The method for autonomously operating a lockout device based on a state of the lockout device of claim 23, wherein the one or more sensors comprise one or more of a movement sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an infrared sensor, a radioactivity detecting sensor, an acoustic sensor, and a chemical detecting sensor.

27. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device of claim 17, further comprising:

operating the computing system onboard the locking device to automatically record data in a memory onboard the locking device, wherein the data includes information about the determined real-time status of the locking device.

28. A method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device as recited in claim 27, wherein the data comprises time-stamped information relating to one or more of a ground orientation of the locking device, a security event associated with the locking device, a flail state of the locking device, network communications received or transmitted by the computing system onboard the locking device, physical movement of the locking device, and environmental conditions to which the locking device is exposed.

29. The method for autonomously operating a locking device based on the state of the locking device as recited in claim 27, further comprising:

operating a wireless communication system within the computing system onboard the locking device to transmit data automatically recorded in the memory onboard the locking device to a receiver within a wireless network within range of the locking device.

30. A method for operating a locking device, comprising:

maintaining the locking device in a minimum power consumption state while waiting for a wake-up signal to be issued by a processor of the locking device;

detecting an event requiring the locking device to operate at a normal power level;

operating the processor to issue the wake-up signal to transition the locking device from the minimum power consumption state to the normal power level;

receiving a command through a wireless communication system of the locking device;

operating the processor to execute the received command; and

transitioning the locking device from the normal power level to the minimum power consumption state after executing the received command.

31. The method for operating a locking device of claim 30, wherein the received command directs the locking device to lock or unlock.