Security device for monitoring a closure system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a security device (10) for monitoring a closure system, the device comprising: an electrical circuit (12) designed to follow a path, a standing wave generator (13) configured so as to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit, a standing wave sensor (14) designed to measure the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit, data processing means (15) configured so as to detect a modification of the electrical circuit based on the measurement.

Description

DOMAINE DE L'INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to the security of closure systems, for example the security of seals, for example container seals.

[0002] The invention relates to a security device, an assembly, and a seal. The invention also relates to a method of use. ETAT DE LA TECHNIQUE

[0003] Locking system monitoring devices are commonly used. Locking systems can be door locks, fixed or movable padlocks, or seals.

[0004] Such monitoring devices are used in many applications, including the transport of goods, for example in containers, but also in vehicles or crates whose doors can be closed with a cable.

[0005] Among the closure systems, seals are parts typically used to close the doors of cargo containers. For example, they are destroyed each time the containers are opened and provide tangible evidence that the containers have been opened during their journey. Seals can thus be used to provide tangible proof that a cargo container 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 record. Depending on 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.

[0006] Some seals, such as those following the ISO17712 standard, are mechanical objects. Such a seal installed at a container door is shown in the figure 1 . 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.

[0007] It has been found that such seals can be opened and then resealed without the operation being clearly detected. As a result, goods thefts occur without those responsible for the goods being able to determine where and when they occurred. The resulting lawsuits entail significant costs for the parties involved.

[0008] Cargo container surveillance equipment aims to address this problem by using an electromechanical seal that allows for surveillance instead of the standard mechanical seal according to ISO17712. However, such seals can 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 that can deceive the surveillance system while opening the cargo container. Document US6002501A is considered the closest prior art. EXPOSE DE L'INVENTION

[0009] An aim of the invention is to provide a device, assembly, seal, system or method which makes it possible to overcome these drawbacks. The invention thus aims in particular to provide a surveillance device ensuring higher security and which is difficult to deceive.

[0010] For this purpose, a safety device is proposed for monitoring a closing system, the device comprising: an electrical circuit adapted to follow a path, a standing wave generator configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit, a standing wave sensor adapted to perform a measurement of the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit, data processing means configured to detect a modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement.

[0011] Such a device makes it possible to monitor the integrity of the electrical circuit in a reliable and complex way to deceive.

[0012] The invention may comprise the following features, taken alone or in any of their technically possible combinations: the device comprises a housing, the electrical circuit comprising: -- an internal connection part arranged inside the housing, and -- a safety part, the safety part comprises: -- an external sub-part adapted to extend outside the housing, so as to follow the path, and -- an end sub-part adapted to extend at least partially inside the housing, the external sub-part connects the internal connection part and the end sub-part, the housing comprises means for locking the end sub-part, for example comprising one or more unidirectional toothed wheels, the internal connection part comprises a cable of a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m, the length of the external sub-part is less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m, the length of the safety part is less than 50 m, for example less than 30 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 interferences, 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 path being the path of the seal cable.

[0013] A set is also offered, including: - such a device, and - the container seal, the container seal comprising a seal cable, wherein the device comprises a monitoring cable separate from the seal cable, the external sub-portion extending within the monitoring cable.

[0014] A seal is also proposed, the seal comprising: - such a device, and - a seal cable, the seal cable comprising the external sub-part, the external sub-part being for example integrated into the seal cable.

[0015] There is also provided a method of using such an assembly, respectively such a seal, comprising: - a step of generation by the standing wave generator in the electrical circuit, and / or measurement by the sensor of the generated standing wave, and - step of detection by the processing means of the modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement. DESCRIPTION DES FIGURES

[0016] Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: There figure 1 schematically illustrates a seal installed at a container door. The figure 2a schematically illustrates a safety device according to one embodiment of the invention. The figure 2b schematically illustrates a security system comprising an assembly comprising the device of the figure 2a . There figure 2c schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the device of the figure 2a . There figure 3a schematically illustrates a safety device according to another embodiment of the invention. The figure 3b schematically illustrates a security system comprising an assembly comprising the device of the figure 3a . There figure 3c schematically illustrates the electrical circuit of the device of the figure 3a . There figure 4a schematically illustrates a cable of the device of the figure 3a . There figure 4b schematically illustrates the cable of the figure 3a according to a sectional view along plan XX. The figure 4c schematically illustrates the cable of the figure 3a and a case of the device of the figure 3a . There figure 5 is a flowchart of steps of a monitoring method using the device of the figure 2a Or 3a . There figure 6 schematically illustrates standing waves emitted by means of the device of the figure 2a Or 3a .

[0017] Throughout the figures, similar elements have identical references. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTION General description of the device

[0018] A safety device 10 is described for monitoring a closure system 30. Such a device is illustrated in figures 2a à 4c .

[0019] The device 10 comprises an electrical circuit 12 adapted to follow a route 20.

[0020] The device 10 comprises a standing wave generator 13 configured to generate an electrical standing wave in the electrical circuit 12.

[0021] By standing wave, we mean for example the simultaneous propagation in opposite directions of several waves of the same frequency and the same amplitude, in the same physical medium, which forms a figure of which certain elements are fixed in time and space, so that instead of having a wave which propagates, we observe a stationary vibration causing at defined and fixed locations a mutual neutralization, for the places called nodes, or their addition for the places called antinodes. The generator 13 can be configured to emit one or more electric wave(s), the emitted electric wave propagating in the electric circuit 12, the standing wave resulting from the interference between the emitted electric wave and the electric wave after propagation in the electric circuit 12.

[0022] The device comprises a standing wave sensor 14 adapted to perform a measurement of the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit.

[0023] The device comprises data processing means 15. The processing means 15 are configured to detect a modification of the electrical circuit from the measurement. The sensor 14 and the processing means 15 are for example configured to measure one or more properties 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 standing wave measured as a function of the frequency and / or a power of the emitted 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.

[0024] Such a device is reliable and difficult to deceive. Indeed, the use of standing 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 cargo container. However, within the framework 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 allow to precisely measure the characteristics and to distinguish the changes in properties of the cable such as its length. A criminal would need much more sophisticated equipment to deceive the sensor introduced within the framework of the device, equipment which will also be difficult to exploit in the field, for example in a ship or a container storage area.

[0025] The measurement and / or detection may be performed periodically and / or at random time intervals. The periodic measurement and / or detection may, for example, be performed 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.

[0026] 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 as a function of the frequency, can be carried out for a plurality of frequencies, for example according to a frequency cycle, for example in an increasing and / or random order of frequency. The generation and / or measurement and / or detection can be carried out according to the frequency cycle, for frequencies between 1 and 100 MHz, for example with a difference between the maximum frequency and the minimum frequency 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 the steps of the measuring range have been measured at the end of the measurement and / or detection cycle.Such randomness prevents a potential attacker implementing a decoy from predicting the order of measurements and thus deceiving the system.

[0027] The closure system 30 may 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 movable padlock. The seal is for example a container seal.

[0028] The path may be the path followed by a portion of the closure system. The device 10 may 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.

[0029] 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 uses 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 10 comprises energy supply means, for example an energy supply unit, for example for energy storage or production, for example a battery, so as not to require an energy supply to operate, as long as the energy supply means are capable of supplying energy, so as to allow automatic monitoring, and / or on remote control.

[0030] 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 to the electrical circuit 12, for example during a journey. The active device 10 can thus make it possible to detect the modification attempt from the moment it is carried out and before it is completed.

[0031] The attempt to modify the electrical circuit may be or include, for example, an attempt to tamper with or an attempt to cut the electrical circuit.

[0032] The standing wave sensor 14 may 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 may be configured to analyze said interference, for example so as to obtain the distance between the nodes and the antinodes of the measured standing wave, for example so as to obtain the number of nodes and antinodes of the measured standing wave, for example so as to obtain the maximum power of each node, for example to obtain the power of each antinode. The standing wave being established in the electrical 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 cut, the length of the circuit will be reduced, modifying the wave which will be reflected upstream of the end because it will not have been able to propagate to the end.

[0033] 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 fusion, for example with a blowtorch and / or by cold, for example with nitrogen, and / or by means of a tool for mechanically cutting and / or destroying a part of the safety device, for example a mass and / or a grinder and / or a saw and / or pliers. The device 10 can make it possible to determine one or more properties of the electrical circuit and / or the evolution of the property(ies), for example a length and / or a propagation speed in the electrical circuit 12, for example in a conductive material of the electrical circuit 12, for example of a metal of the electrical circuit 12, and / or a number of elements in the electrical circuit 12 or in the external part 122, and / or the length of each element.The elements may 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 may be the number of connectors or splices or segments or cables or portions of the electrical circuit 12.

[0034] The sensor 14 and / or the processing means 15 may be configured to detect, from the measurement, one or more wave reflections, 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 may be configured to detect the number of elements, for example the number of connectors, the number of cables and their respective lengths.

[0035] 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 in the electrical circuit 12 will be changed.

[0036] Such a device 10 can further detect possible manufacturing defects 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 at the time of closing of the closing system, for example before the departure of the goods, and to install a functional safety device. Electrical circuit

[0037] The device 10 may comprise a housing 16, for example as described below.

[0038] The electrical circuit 12 may comprise an internal connection part 121, for example arranged inside the housing 16. The internal connection part may be connected to the generator 13 and / or to the sensor 14 and / or to the processing means 15.

[0039] The device may comprise a connecting cable, the connecting cable comprising for example all or part of the internal connecting part 121. The connecting cable may comprise or be a coaxial cable, the internal connecting part 121 forming for example a signal wire of the coaxial cable. The connecting 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.

[0040] The device 10 may comprise a connection printed circuit, the connection portion being at least partially part of the printed circuit, for example in the form of an electrical track, for example an electrical track with controlled impedance.

[0041] The electrical circuit 12 may comprise a security portion 122. The security portion 122 may comprise an external sub-portion 1221 adapted to extend outside the housing, so as to follow the path, for example the path of the seal cable. The security portion 122 may comprise an end sub-portion 1222 adapted to extend at least partially inside the housing 16, the end sub-portion 1222 comprising for example a connector and / or an internal coaxial cable. The external sub-portion 1221 may be arranged, for example to electrically connect the internal connection portion 121 and the end sub-portion 1222.The housing 16 may comprise a connector 162, the end sub-portion 1222 being for example adapted to be connected to the housing 16 via the connector 162 so as to allow the circuit 12 to extend at least partially inside the housing 16, for example by means of another cable, for example the connection cable.

[0042] It is thus possible for the electrical circuit to follow a path to be monitored, for example the path followed by the closing system, so that to allow an opening requiring the alteration of the closing system, it is also necessary to alter the opening system.

[0043] Thus, even if the external sub-part is altered, for example interrupted, for example cut, at the boundary 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 alteration.

[0044] The safety portion 122, or the external sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222 is or are for example flexible. The device 10 may comprise a safety cable, for example a sheathed cable, for example a coaxial cable, the safety portion 122, or the external sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222 forming for example a signal wire of the coaxial cable. The safety cable may comprise the safety portion 122 or the external sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222.

[0045] The length of the external sub-part 1221 may be less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m. The length of the external sub-part 1221 may be less than 25 cm, for example less than or equal to 10 cm, for example less than or equal to 5 cm.

[0046] The sum of the length of the outer sub-part 1221 and the length of the end sub-part 1222 may be less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m. The sum of the length of the outer sub-part 1221 and the length of the end sub-part 1222 may be less than 25 cm, for example less than or equal to 10 cm, for example less than or equal to 5 cm.

[0047] The length of the safety portion 122 may be less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m. The length of the safety portion 122 may be less than 25 cm, for example less than or equal to 10 cm, for example less than or equal to 5 cm.

[0048] The safety cable may be a separate cable from the connecting cable. Alternatively, the safety cable and connecting cable may form a single cable.

[0049] 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 connection printed circuit, 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 a frequency of the emitted wave and of the standing wave 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 security device whose length is significantly shorter which would require the use of a frequency 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 by means of battery which consume less energy and are less expensive than versions adapted to higher frequencies.

[0050] The internal connection part 121 may 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 10 m. The internal connection part 121 may comprise an internal connection printed circuit, comprising the 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 10 m. Furthermore, having a significant circuit length internally makes it possible to avoid having too great a length of cable extending outside the housing and thus to limit the size associated with the device, for example to allow it to faithfully follow, and in a manner that is easy to install, the route to be followed.In addition, such a length arranged at the internal connection part makes the device simpler to manufacture and use. Indeed, the long part can be configured to remain inside the housing, and thus be miniaturized, and unlike the case where it would be arranged at the end sub-part, it is not necessary to handle it and place it inside the housing, simplifying the handling of the device.

[0051] The internal connection printed circuit may comprise an electrical track, for example a controlled impedance electrical track. The internal connection printed circuit may be a multi-layer 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 may 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 allows the extension sub-part to be free from any electromagnetic interference.

[0052] The connection circuit board 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.

[0053] The device 10, for example the housing 16, may comprise locking means 161, for example for blocking, for example unidirectional blocking, and / or for clamping, the end sub-part 1222, for example adapted to prevent the end sub-part 1222 from being removed from the housing 16 after insertion into the orifice of the housing 16. The locking means 161 comprise for example a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism comprises for example one or more toothed wheels, for example unidirectional, for example comprising a unidirectional blade, for example adapted to block the cable and / or prevent the cable from being removed after insertion.

[0054] The electrical circuit 12 may comprise an electrical loop detector 123 comprising connection means adapted to detect the state of an electrical loop following the route, the electrical loop comprising a part following at least partially 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 housing.

[0055] It is thus possible to measure in another way a possible alteration in the form of an electrical outage. To do this, the loop detector 123 is for example configured to measure the state of closure of the electrical loop, for example detecting the state of closure of the electrical loop, for example configured to establish whether the electrical loop is closed or open. The combination of these connection means with the detection of standing wave modifications, for example detecting a variation in cable length, makes the device extremely difficult to deceive.

[0056] The loop detector 123 comprises for example 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 permanently connected to the electrical loop portion at least partially following the internal connection portion 121. The loop detector 123 comprises for example a connector adapted to create an electrical connection with the electrical loop portion at least partially following the end sub-portion 1222 when the end sub-portion 1222 is inserted into the housing 16.The locking means 161, for example the toothed wheel(s), adapted, are for example adapted to cut the loop part following at least partially 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 loop part following at least partially the end sub-part 1222. The locking means 161 are for example adapted to ensure an electrical connection between the connection means 123 and the loop part following at least partially the end sub-part, for example after cutting the end sub-part 1222, for example the cable of the end sub-part 1222.

[0057] The internal connection cable, for example coaxial, may 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 may comprise a ground wire of which at least one section forms the part following the external sub-part and the part following at least partially the end sub-part. The same coaxial cable may thus participate in forming the electrical circuit 12 and the electrical loop.

[0058] The loop detector 123 may be adapted to emit an electrical voltage within the electrical loop. The emitted electrical voltage may be reduced to zero when the loop is closed. If the loop detector 123 detects a voltage, a loop open alert is triggered.

[0059] The internal connection part 121 may comprise a connection sub-part 1213 of the generator, electrically connected to the generator 13. The internal connection part 121 may comprise a connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor, electrically connected to the sensor 14. The internal connection part 121 may comprise a connection sub-part of the processing means, electrically connected to the processing means 15. The connection sub-part 1214 of the sensor may comprise or form a connection sub-part of the processing means. 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 may be connected to each other at 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 may be connected to the extension sub-part 1211, for example by means of the connection point. The internal connection part 121 may 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 may also be electrically connected to the loop detector 123.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The housing 16 may comprise an enclosure, for example made of 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 may be arranged within the housing 16. Generator

[0062] The standing wave generator 13 is adapted to automatically and / or periodically generate 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 waves, for example sinusoidal signals and / or square signals reflected within the electrical circuit 12, interference occurring between the emitted and reflected signals so as to thus form a standing wave.

[0063] 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 may, for example, comprise a programmable frequency synthesizer.

[0064] 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 above, for example so as to allow the sensor 14 to carry out a measurement for each frequency, for example a measurement of electrical power.

[0065] Generator 13 can be a DDS type generator (Direct digital synthesis).

[0066] The generator 13 may be configured to emit a wave and / or to generate a standing wave having a 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. Sensor

[0067] The standing wave sensor 14 may be adapted to automatically and periodically measure integrity of the device and / or the seal cable.

[0068] The sensor 14 is or comprises, for example, a sensor for the power of the standing wave and / or a sensor for the power of the emitted waves and the reflected waves and / or a sensor for measuring the phase difference between the emitted wave and the reflected wave.

[0069] The sensor 14 may comprise an analog / digital conversion chain allowing the processing means 15 to obtain digital information.

[0070] The sensor 14 may comprise or be an electronic component configured to measure the signal power, for example a logarithmic amplifier.

[0071] 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 processing

[0072] The processing means 15 may form analysis and / or calculation means. The processing means 15 may be or comprise a data processing unit. The processing means 15 may comprise one or more processor(s) and / or one or more memory(ies).

[0073] The processing means 15 can be configured to calculate 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 12, from the measurement carried out by the sensor 14.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The processing means can for example apply to the measurement carried out by the sensor 14 a mathematical algorithm, for example so as to calculate a length of the electrical circuit and / or a speed of propagation of the standing wave, and / or a number of elements, for example segments, of the electrical circuit 12.

[0077] The processing means 15 are for example configured to perform a voltage standing wave ratio between the emitted wave and the reflected wave measured at different frequencies, for example capable of highlighting the interference patterns specific to the electrical circuit 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 electrical circuit, for example of the corresponding cable(s). Indeed, if the cable(s) are replaced or modified, the nodes and antinodes move.

[0078] The processing means 15 can be configured to measure the phase difference between the emitted 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.

[0079] 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 a modification greater than or equal to a threshold compared 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 may for example be calculated from the measured property(ies).The at least one characteristic quantity may comprise the distance between the nodes and the antinodes of the measured standing wave, for example the number of nodes and antinodes of the measured standing wave, for example the maximum power of each node, for example the power of each antinode, for example a number of reflections in the electrical circuit, for example the number of elements, for example the number of connectors, the number of cables and their respective lengths.

[0080] The processing means 15 may be means for controlling the device 10. The processing means 15 may be configured to, when a modification of the electrical circuit 12 is detected, control the generation and / or transmission of an alert message as described below. Means of geolocation

[0081] The device 10 may comprise geolocation means 17, for example a geolocation unit, for example adapted to generate geolocation data. The geolocation means 17 may 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

[0082] The device 10 may comprise communication means 18, for example a communication unit. The communication means 18 comprise for example one or more transmitter(s).

[0083] The communication means 18 comprise, for example, means of communication to a local network, for example wireless, for example Bluetooth type communication means, for example a Bluetooth type transmitter.

[0084] The communication means 18 comprise, for example, means of communication to a remote network, for example wireless, for example GSM type communication means (“global system for mobile communications” in English terminology).

[0085] The communication means can be connected to the processing means 15.

[0086] The device 10, for example the communication means 18 and / or the processing means 15, may comprise a clock, the clock being for example adapted to provide timestamp data, for example comprising a date and / or a time.

[0087] 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 an alert message. The device 10, for example the processing means 15 and / or the communication means 18, may be configured to generate the alert message. The alert message may comprise alert data and / or the time stamp data and / or the geolocation data, for example corresponding to the detection and / or the creation of the alert message.

[0088] If the remote network is available, the alert message can be transmitted via the communication means 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 devices connected to the local network, for example another such security device 10, the connected device(s) storing, for example, the alert message, for example, and transmitting it when the remote network is available again. Thus, in the event of an attack on the device 10, the information propagated to the other devices will force the attackers to also attack the containers located nearby.

[0089] The device 10 is for example configured to store the generated alert message. The memory of the processing means, and / or a memory of the communication means 18, and / or a dedicated memory, may be adapted to store the generated alert message.

[0090] The device 10 may comprise encryption means 15, for example one or more encryptors, for example one or more software encryptors and / or one or more hardware encryptors.

[0091] The encryption means may be connected to the processing means 15 and / or the processing means 15 may comprise the encryption means, and / or the communication means 18 may comprise the encryption means.

[0092] The encryption means 15 may 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 may be configured to implement an encryption algorithm, for example of the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and / or CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) type. Thus, in the event of listening to the alert messages transmitted by the device 10, an attacker would not be able to interpret the alert messages.

[0093] The device 10 may 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).

[0094] The signature means may be connected to the processing means 15 and / or the processing means 15 may comprise the signature means, and / or the communication means 18 may comprise the signature means.

[0095] The signature means 15 may 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 may be configured to implement a signature algorithm, for example of the HMAC type (keyed-hash message authentication code). Thus, in the event of an attempt to alter the alert messages transmitted by the device 10, an attacker could not replace the device 10 and transmit falsified messages. Other sensors

[0096] The device 10 may comprise one or more other sensors 19, for example connected to the processing means 15.

[0097] 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, for example so as to detect blowtorch and nitrogen attacks.

[0098] The device may comprise 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.

[0099] The device may comprise a light sensor 19, for example a photosensitive cell, for example so as to detect an opening of the housing 16.

[0100] The device may comprise a sensor 19 for the integrity of the housing and the electronics, the integrity sensor 19 comprising for example a secure envelope, for example so as to detect a drilling and / or a cutting of the housing 16. Together

[0101] A set 40 is described. The set 40 is for example illustrated figure 2b .

[0102] The assembly includes the safety device 10, for example illustrated figures 2a And 2c .

[0103] 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 may be a seal according to the ISO17712-2013 standard.

[0104] The device 10 may comprise a monitoring cable 124 separate from the seal cable 31. The monitoring cable 124 may comprise the security portion 122, or the outer sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222. The outer sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222 may extend within the monitoring cable 124.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The device 10, for example the housing 16, may comprise a passage, for example extending between an inlet and an outlet, adapted so that the seal cable can pass through the passage. Sealed

[0107] Seal 10 is described. Seal 10 is illustrated figure 3b .

[0108] The seal 10 comprises the device 10, for example the device 10 forms the seal 10, for example illustrated figures 3a And 3c . Seal 10 may be a seal according to ISO17712-2013.

[0109] The seal 10 includes the seal cable 101. The seal cable is for example illustrated figures 4a, 4b And 4c The seal cable 101 may comprise the security portion 122, or the outer sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222. The outer sub-portion 1221 and / or the end sub-portion 1222 may extend within the seal cable 101, for example be integrated into the seal cable.

[0110] It is possible to create a high security seal incorporating a security device, allowing operators to handle only one cable.

[0111] The seal cable 101 is for example a coaxial cable, the external 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.

[0112] The seal cable 101 may comprise a metal sheath, for example made of steel, for example electrically insulated from the core, for example by means of a dielectric. The metal sheath has for example a thickness of between 1 and 8 mm, for example between 4 and 8 mm, for example between 4 and 7 mm, for example between 4 and 6 mm, for example 5 mm, or between 5 and 7 mm, for example 6 mm. The coaxial cable may for example comprise a stop 1011, a cable portion 1012 and an end 1013, the cable portion 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 portion comprises an internal connection section 10121 extending within the housing 16, an external section 10122, for example comprising the external sub-portion 1221, an end section 10123 comprising the end sub-portion 1222 and extending at least partially within the housing 16, for example comprising a portion extending within the housing 16, and a portion extending outside the housing, the portion extending outside the housing connecting the end 1013 to the portion extending within the housing 16.

[0113] The connecting sub-portion 1212 may comprise the internal connecting section 10121 and a connecting section 12121, the connecting section 12121 connecting the extension sub-portion 1211 and the internal connecting section 10121.

[0114] The stop 1011 may comprise a metal base 10111, the metal base forming a stop against the housing 16. For this purpose, the metal base 10111 may comprise a portion of the dimensions larger than those of an entrance of the housing 16 at which the cable enters the housing 16. The stop 1011 may comprise a contact ring 10112, the contact ring being adapted to be in electrically conductive contact with a core contact of the housing 16, so as to electrically connect the internal connection section 10121 and the connection section 12121.

[0115] The stop 1011 may comprise a crimping ring 10113, for example such that the contact ring 1012 is disposed between the metal base 10111 and the crimping ring 10113.

[0116] The electrical loop can be implemented by means of cable contacts of the housing 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

[0117] A security system is described. Such a system is illustrated 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.

[0118] 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 comprises a hinge forming a ring 55 extending between two open ends.

[0119] The seal cable 31 and the monitoring cable 124 of the assembly 40 may go around the closure bars 54 and / or through the ring 55, or the seal cable 101 of the seal may go around the closure bars 54 and / or through the ring 55. Method of use

[0120] A method of using the assembly 40 and / or the seal is described. Such a method is illustrated figure 5 .

[0121] The method may comprise a first step 501 of closing the element, comprising for example closing the doors of the container.

[0122] The method may comprise 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.

[0123] When the method of use concerns the assembly 40, the method may comprise, for example after the first step 501 and before the third step 503, a second step 502 of passing the seal cable 31 through the housing 16 and / or / then passing the seal cable around the bars of the container and / or / then through the ring 55.

[0124] When the method of use relates to the assembly 40, the method may comprise, after the second step 502, for example after the third step 503, a fourth step 504 of locking the seal cable 31 at a housing of the seal 31. After the third step 503, for example after the fourth step 504, the method may comprise a fifth step 505 of locking the monitoring cable 124 or the seal cable 101, for example at the housing 16, for example so as to establish the electrical loop.

[0125] Subsequent to the fifth step 505, and where appropriate to the fourth step 504, the method may comprise a sixth step 506 of generation by the generator 13 of a standing wave in the electrical 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 electrical circuit from the measurement. Subsequent to the seventh step 507, the method may comprise an eighth step 508 of transmission via the communication means 18 of an alert message.

[0126] After the eighth step 508, and where appropriate after the fourth step 504, the method may comprise a ninth step 509 of recovering at least the housing 16. Examples

[0127] There figure 6represents an example of a change in the measured standing wave when the electrical circuit is modified. If the integrity of the electrical circuit is altered, the wave is reflected differently and the system is able to distinguish this difference thanks to variations in the standing wave interference patterns. The graph represents, after analysis by the processing means, the power of the signal measured by the standing wave sensor as a function of 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, which shows the most oscillations, corresponds to the 5 m cable, and differs greatly from curve 702, which corresponds to a 2 m cable.

Claims

1. 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 electrical circuit, - a standing wave sensor (14) adapted to measure the standing wave generated in the electrical circuit, - data processing means (15) configured to detect a change in the electrical circuit based on the measurement.

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises a housing (16), the electrical circuit comprising: - an internal connection part (121) located inside the housing, and - a safety part (122), the safety part comprising: - an external sub-part (1221) adapted to extend outside the housing so as to follow the path, and - an end sub-part (1222) adapted to extend at least partially inside the housing, the external sub-part connecting the internal connection part and the end sub-part.

3. Device according to claim 2, wherein the housing comprises means (161) for locking the end sub-part, for example comprising one or more unidirectional toothed wheels.

4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the internal connection part (121) comprises a cable with a length greater than or equal to 1 m, preferably greater than or equal to 2 m.

5. Device according to any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the length of the external sub-part (1221) is less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the length of the safety part (122) is less than 50 m, for example less than 30 m.

7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the data processing means (15) 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.

8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the standing wave sensor (14) is adapted to measure interference patterns between the emitted wave and the reflected wave, and the processing means (15) are configured to analyze said interference.

9. Device according to any of the preceding claims, 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 seal cable.

10. An assembly (40) comprising: - a device (10) according to claim 9, and - the container seal (30), the container seal comprising a seal cable, wherein the device comprises a monitoring cable (124) separate from the seal cable, the external sub-part extending within the monitoring cable.

11. A seal (10), the seal comprising: - a device according to claim 9, and - a seal cable (101), the seal cable comprising the outer subpart, the outer subpart being, for example, integrated into the seal cable.

12. Method of using an assembly according to claim 10, or a seal according to claim 11, comprising: - a step (506) of generating a standing wave in the electrical circuit by the generator (13), and / or measuring the generated standing wave by the sensor (14), and - step (507) of detecting by the processing means (15) the modification of the electrical circuit based on the measurement.

Images