Method and system for arming a multi-layered security system

• US 7,579,948 B2
• Filed: 08/24/2007
• Issued: 08/25/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 05/13/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: CommerceGuard AB (GE Aerospace)
• Original Assignee: CommerceGuard AB (GE Aerospace)
• Inventors: Dixon, Walter, Bohman, Karl
• Primary Examiner(s): Pham; Toan N
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hunnings; Travis R
• Application Number:
  US11/844,666
• Publication Number:
  US 20070285232A1
• Time in Patent Office: 732 Days
• Field of Search: 340/541, 340/542, 340/545.1, 340/545.2, 340/547, 340/545.6, 340/572.1, 340/572.8, 340/572.9, 340/10.1, 340/10.5, 340/693.9
• US Class Current: 340/545.6
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2211/00 Anti-theft means
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/00 Component parts, details or accessories for large containers B65D88/34 - B65D88/78 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/008 Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system

Abstract

A system and method for securing a container is disclosed. A sensor secures the container and may be configured to detect an opening of a door of the container. The sensor may be a container security device. An arming device may be coupled with the sensor to transmit a unique identifier to the sensor. The arming device may be a remote arming plug. The sensor may combine the unique identifier with a tag key to create an arming key. As part of the arming sequence, the sensor may enter a pre-armed state. After the door of the container is closed, the sensor may count down and change to an armed state when the countdown ends. The arming device may be removably coupled to the container security device. The arming device may also include a bolt. The arming device and/or the bolt may be coupled with a door securing device.

Claims

1. A container security system, the system comprising:

a sensor configured to be mounted on the container;

an arming device configured to couple with the sensor and to arm the sensor to detect an opening of a door of the container; and

a unique identifier stored in a computer-readable memory of the arming device, wherein the unique identifier is configured to initiate arming of the sensor,

wherein the sensor is configured to generate a unique encrypted arming key by combining the unique identifier with a tag key stored in a computer-readable memory of the sensor.

2. The container security system of claim 1, wherein the unique identifier is a serial number of the arming device.

3. The container security system of claim 1, wherein the arming device is configured to transmit the unique identifier to the sensor via a wireless connection.

4. The container security system of claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a connector configured attach the arming device to the sensor, wherein the arming device is configured to transmit the unique identifier to the sensor over the connector.

5. The container security system of claim 4, wherein the sensor is configured to enter a pre-armed state when the arming device is detached from the connector.

6. The container security system of claim 5, wherein the sensor is further configured to enter an armed state after a countdown that begins upon detecting that the door of the container is closed.

7. The container security system of claim 6, further comprising:

a magnetic flux sensor to detect that the door of the container is closed, wherein the magnetic flux sensor is configured initiate the countdown when a magnetic flux density is proportional to a gap between the door and a door frame of the container.

8. The container security system of claim 6, further comprising:

a pressure sensor to detect that the door of the container is closed, wherein the pressure sensor is configured to initiate the countdown when pressure applied to a door gasket by the closed door reaches a predetermined limit.

9. The container security system of claim 4, wherein the arming device is further configured to seal the door of the container when the door of the container is closed.

10. The container security system of claim 9, wherein the arming device comprises:

a housing;

a bolt; and

a receiving aperture formed in the housing and configured to receive an end of the bolt when the arming device seals the door of the container.

11. The container security system of claim 10, further comprising:

a bolt sleeve formed within the housing and configured to house the bolt when the arming device does not seal the door of the container.

12. The container security system of claim 1, wherein the arming device comprises a first connector, and wherein the container security system further comprises;

a token comprising a housing, a display formed in the housing, a user interface formed in the housing, and a second connector formed in the housing and configured to couple with the first connector.

13. The container security system of claim 12, wherein the token is required in combination with the arming device to arm the sensor.

14. The container security system of claim 12, wherein the token is configured to provide electrical power necessary to arm the sensor.

15. The container security system of claim 12, wherein the token is configured to activate only after receiving data input by a user.

16. The container security system of claim 15, wherein the data input by a user is a PIN code.

17. The container security system of claim 15, wherein the data input by a user is biometric.

18. An arming device, comprising:

a computer-readable memory; and

a unique identifier stored in the computer-readable memory, the unique identifier configured to arm a sensor mounted to a container to detect an opening of a door of the container,

wherein the unique identifier is further configured to be combined with a tail key stored in the sensor to create an arming key.

19. The arming device of claim 18, further comprising:

a housing;

a bolt; and

a receiving aperture formed in the housing and configured to receive an end of the bolt when the arming device seals the door of the container.

20. The arming device of claim 19, further comprising:

a bolt sleeve formed within the housing and configured to house the bolt when the arming device does not seal the door of the container.

21. The arming device of claim 18, further comprising:

a wireless transceiver.

22. The arming device of claim 18, further comprising:

a connector configured to removably attach to a corresponding connector of the sensor.

23. The arming device of claim 18, wherein the unique identifier is a serial number of the arming device.

24. A method for securing a container, the method comprising:

receiving, using a sensor mounted on the container, a unique identifier that is transmitted from an arming device coupled with the sensor;

calculating an arming key by combining the transmitted unique identifier with a tag key stored in the sensor;

detecting that a door of the container is closed; and

activating the arming key to configure the sensor to detect an opening of the door of the container.