Method and securing unit for securing an object

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and to a securing unit (10) for securing an object (20), wherein the securing unit (10), in response to the reception of radio signals emitted by stationary beacons, adjusts a locking element to a locked position or to an unlocked position.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method and security unit for securing an object

[0003] The invention relates to a method for securing an object using a security unit, as well as to such a security unit. The security unit is used, in particular, for securing goods to be transported.

[0004] Especially in the transport sector, the integrity and security of the goods being transported is very important. A well-known security unit for securing goods being transported is a physical seal. Such seals usually consist of small lead discs with holes through which a sealing wire is threaded. The seal is then compressed with sealing pliers. The sealing wire is clamped immovably, while the pliers simultaneously imprint a stamp on both sides of the seal. The use of seals serves to prevent or detect tampering, theft, or sabotage. By attaching a seal to the closure of a container or transport vehicle, it can be determined later, for example during unloading, whether the container or transport vehicle has been opened.

[0005] Despite their effectiveness, such seals also have some disadvantages. They can be relatively easily counterfeited, for example, if unauthorized persons gain access to the sealing pliers. Furthermore, most seals are typically designed to be removed only by destruction and can therefore only be used once.

[0006] WO 2010 / 019 040 describes a locking bar for attachment to a transport container for air cargo, wherein the locking bar comprises a locking means for locking the container, as well as a transceiver, a control means, a memory unit, and a battery. The transceiver is designed to transmit an identification code that uniquely identifies the locking bar after receiving an activation signal.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a method and a security unit for securing an object, in particular for securing goods, which do not have the disadvantages mentioned and which in particular offer a higher degree of security.

[0008] The invention solves this problem by a method and a security unit according to the appended independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0009] A method according to the invention for securing an object by means of a security unit comprising a locking element that is adjustable between a locking position and an unlocking position comprises: receiving a first radio signal from a first stationary radio beacon at a first location, adjusting the locking element to the locking position in response to the reception of the first radio signal, receiving a second radio signal from a second stationary radio beacon at a second location, adjusting the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the reception of the second radio signal.

[0010] A security unit according to the invention for securing an object comprises a locking element which is adjustable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to adjust the locking element into the locking position in response to the reception of a first radio signal transmitted by a stationary first radio beacon at a first location and to adjust the locking element into the unlocking position in response to the reception of a second radio signal transmitted by a stationary second radio beacon at a second location.

[0011] The control unit of the security unit according to the invention is designed to implement the method according to the invention. The method can therefore be implemented using the security unit. The security unit and the associated method are explained together below. Explanations regarding the method apply accordingly to the security unit or its control unit, and vice versa.

[0012] The method according to the invention and the security unit according to the invention enable the securing and corresponding unlocking of an object, such as a container or transport vehicle, depending on the location at which the object is located. The first radio beacon is located at the first location and transmits the first radio signal that effects locking. The object is thus locked and thus secured at the first location, which can be a starting location, for example, using the locking element. The security unit secures the object by locking an access element of the object, such as a transporter door of a transport vehicle. The object can then reach the second location safely without unauthorized persons gaining access to the object or its contents. The second radio beacon is located at the second location and transmits the second radio signal that effects unlocking.The object is unlocked and thus de-secured at the second location using the locking element, allowing access to the object or its contents. Unlocking and thus release of the object or its contents only occurs upon receipt of the second radio signal and thus only at the second location, which can be a destination of the object. The security unit according to the invention is thus an electronic security unit that enables reliable and tamper-proof security of the object. Furthermore, the security unit according to the invention can be reused as often as desired and, through appropriate arrangement of first and second radio beacons, can be deployed on any route. Compared to the physical seals explained above, this results in increased security during transport of the object.

[0013] The radio beacons are stationary and transmit predefined radio signals, which lead to the locking or unlocking of the locking element of the security unit. The radio beacons can also be referred to as beacons. The radio beacons transmit the respective radio signals, for example, at regular intervals or upon request, for example, at the request of a control center. The first and second radio signals are preferably received by the security unit itself, whereby the security unit can have a receiving unit for this purpose. According to a related embodiment, the security unit has a receiving unit connected to the control unit for receiving the radio signals from the radio beacons, whereby the control unit is designed to lock and / or unlock the locking element in response to the received radio signals.According to an alternative embodiment, a mobile terminal, which the driver of the transport vehicle carries with them, for example, receives the first and second radio signals and then sends a control signal to the security unit for unlocking or locking the locking element, as will be explained below. The locking element can be or comprise a lock, for example. The object is preferably a transport unit, such as the aforementioned container or the aforementioned transport vehicle. The object could also be, for example, a bicycle, an animal, in particular a dog or a horse, which are connected to a holder, for example, a bicycle stand, via the security unit according to the invention. This creates a holding mechanism for the animal or the like. The security unit can also be used to uncouple, separate, or connect objects / goods only at a specific location.Multiple security units or a multi-stage security unit can be provided, which are unlocked sequentially. Multiple transport units can be provided, which are released at different locations. For example, at the loading location, such as a parcel center, upon receipt of the first radio signal, all transport units can be locked using one or more security units according to the invention. Upon receipt of the second radio signal from the second radio beacon at the second location, a first transport unit can be released, and upon receipt of the radio signal from a third radio beacon at a third location, a further transport unit can be released, and so on. The radio signals from the radio beacons are preferably encrypted, in particular encrypted differently. The radio beacons cause the locking or unlocking of the security unit through their respective radio signals, as explained.The radio beacons can be reprogrammable, so that one radio beacon initially serves to unlock and, after reprogramming, to lock, or vice versa. The radio beacons can also be configured to emit multiple radio signals, for example, one radio signal to lock and one radio signal to unlock the security unit. The first and second radio beacons can also represent a defined pair of radio beacons, so that only the radio signal from the second radio beacon can override a locking action performed by the radio signal from the first radio beacon.

[0014] In one embodiment, the security unit is separate from the object or is integrated into the object. For example, the security unit comprises a lock separate from the object as a locking element, in particular a padlock. The security unit can, for example, be an electronic lock with a control unit and, for example, have an electronically adjustable bolt for locking and unlocking. Alternatively, the security unit is integrated into the object and, for example, comprises a lock integrated into the object as a locking element, in particular an internal locking mechanism. Such an integrated security unit can, for example, be an internal locking mechanism in the object, for example in a container or a transport vehicle, with a control unit and, for example, have an electronically adjustable bolt for locking and unlocking.A security unit separate from the object is advantageous because, like a conventional padlock or a seal explained above, it can be used for a variety of different objects independently of the object. A security unit integrated into the object is advantageous because it can be integrated at the factory, for example, into a transport vehicle, and because it is more secure due to the more difficult accessibility of the locking elements. Preferably, the integrated locking element is also part of a load securing device. Thus, the locking element can lock the security unit and simultaneously secure the object / load in the sense of immobilization. Of course, several objects can each be secured with a security unit according to the invention. The security units can unlock in response to radio signals from different radio beacons at different locations.The objects can thus be released at different locations. A group of objects can also be secured using a security unit according to the invention. The locking mechanism can be, for example, an electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic locking mechanism.

[0015] In one embodiment, the object is a transport unit, for example a (mobile) transport box, in particular a container or a box, or a transport vehicle, such as a trailer. As already explained, the security unit according to the invention is particularly suitable and intended for securing a container, which can be a transport box, or a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle is, for example, a delivery van or a tradesman's van. In this case, goods or tools can be secured at the first location via the inventive reception of the first radio signal and goods or tools can be released at the second location, i.e. only at the destination, via the reception of the second radio signal. For example, the delivery van or the tradesman's van can have a security unit according to the invention that is integrated into its rear doors that close off the loading space.The tradesman's cart can also have one or more security units according to the invention, which are arranged within the cargo space and secure one or more tools there. Thus, the tools transported in the tradesman's cart could only be released to the tradesman at the destination by the second radio beacon. In this configuration, the security unit according to the invention enables the safe transport of goods or tools from a starting point to a destination.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first location is a loading location and the second location is an unloading location. The object is preferably a transport vehicle, as explained. In this embodiment, the first radio signal from the first radio beacon is received at the loading location, and then the locking element is moved into the locking position in response to the reception of the first radio signal. A company can now hand over goods to the transporter at the loading location, which are secured by means of the security unit according to the invention via the loading location, i.e. because the vehicle and goods are located at the first location. During transport, the object, i.e. in particular the transport box, or the transport vehicle, cannot be opened. Only at the unloading location does the security unit according to the invention unlock the transport box or the transport vehicle so that the goods can be removed.For this purpose, the second radio signal from the second radio beacon is received at the unloading location, and the locking element is moved into the unlocked position in response to the receipt of the second radio signal. This design thus enables particularly safe transport of goods from a loading location to an unloading location.

[0017] In one embodiment of the method, a mobile terminal receives the first radio signal at the first location and sends a first control signal to the security unit based on the first radio signal, wherein the security unit adjusts the locking element to the locking position in response to the receipt of the first control signal, and / or the mobile terminal receives the second radio signal at the second location and sends a second control signal to the security unit based on the second radio signal, wherein the security unit adjusts the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second control signal.The invention also relates to a security system comprising a security unit according to the invention and comprising a terminal, wherein the terminal is designed to receive the first radio signal at the first location and to send a first control signal to the security unit based on the first radio signal, wherein the security unit adjusts the locking element into the locking position in response to the receipt of the first control signal and / or wherein the mobile terminal is designed to receive the second radio signal at the second location and to send a second control signal to the security unit based on the second radio signal, wherein the security unit adjusts the locking element into the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second control signal.According to this embodiment, the security unit does not directly receive the radio signals from the radio beacons, but instead receives a corresponding control signal from the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal, which can be a wearable device or a smartphone, can be carried by the haulier driving the transport vehicle, for example. This can be advantageous because the control unit of the security unit needs to be less complex. Multi-factor authentication can also be carried out via the mobile terminal. For example, multi-factor authentication of the haulier can be carried out. Multi-factor authentication preferably takes place during unlocking if a personal handover is necessary. Multi-factor authentication can be carried out via an external trigger signal.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises: receiving a third radio signal from a third radio beacon at a third location located on a route between the first location and the second location, and adjusting the locking element to the unlocked position in response to receiving the second and third radio signals. According to a corresponding embodiment of the security unit, the control unit is configured to adjust the locking element to the unlocked position in response to receiving the second radio signal and a third radio signal, wherein the third radio signal is emitted by a third radio beacon at a third location located on a route between the first location and the second location. According to this embodiment, a radio signal is received not only at the first location and the second location, but also at a third location located on a route between the first location and the second location.Unlocking, i.e. moving the locking element into the unlocking position, only occurs at the destination, i.e., the second location, if both the second and third radio signals have been received. For example, if the loaded transport vehicle secured with the security unit according to the invention travels from the loading location as the first location to the unloading location as the second location, unlocking of the transport vehicle and thus release of the goods at the second location (upon receipt of the second radio signal) only occurs if the third radio signal has already been received, i.e., if the transport vehicle has passed the third location. In other words, unlocking at the destination only occurs if the third radio signal has been received along the route.Of course, additional radio signals from other radio beacons located between the first and second locations can be received accordingly, with unlocking at the destination only occurring when all radio signals along the route have been received. The reception of the third or any additional radio signals along the route can be logged in a memory unit of the security unit and / or the vehicle. This advantageously provides security for a route to be followed by the object / transport vehicle, ensuring that the object / transport vehicle has followed a predefined route with predefined locations in a predefined sequence. Unlocking at the destination, and thus the release of the object, only occurs when all specified radio signals have been received.Partial unlocking can occur at any location along the route, i.e., upon reception of the respective radio signal, and full unlocking can occur at the destination. Reaching / passing the third location can be signaled to the owner of the goods, for example. In particular, one or more radio beacons can send a signal to a control center and / or the owner of the goods as the transport vehicle passes them. The route can be adapted. If, for example, a traffic jam occurs, a new route can be selected and, if necessary, the sequence of radio beacons to be reached can be adaptively adjusted, for example, via a control center (or cloud or central intelligence). The vehicle, the security system, or the security unit can receive a notification from a control center about a new route and / or a changed sequence of radio beacons to be reached.Furthermore, the security unit can be configured to add a time stamp to the logged radio signals. This allows it to record when and which location was passed. This can be particularly important for dangerous goods, for example, to ensure compliance with a specified time frame.

[0019] According to the invention, the method further comprises: determining a position of the object, determining that the object enters a first geofence located at the first location, and adjusting the locking element to the locking position in response to the receipt of the first radio signal and in response to the object entering the first geofence. In addition, the method comprises: determining that the object enters a second geofence located at the second location, adjusting the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second radio signal and in response to the object entering the second geofence. The security unit or its control unit is designed to carry out the aforementioned steps. A geofence is known to be a geolocated boundary on the earth's surface or in the air.According to this embodiment, a second security level is introduced in that locking / unlocking is only carried out when the first or second radio signal is received, and it is also determined that the object is within the first or second geofences. For this purpose, the position of the object, in particular of the transport vehicle, is determined continuously or at regular intervals. An IMU (Inert Measurement Unit) of the vehicle, GPS and / or map data can be used to determine the location. The localization can be carried out by the object, in particular by the transport vehicle, an intelligent container, the goods, and so on. For example, the vehicle's environmental perception, in particular by environmental sensors, can be used to determine the location, for example by detecting landmarks in the sense of special environments, such as a company premises.This preferably eliminates the need for GPS. In particular, a mobile terminal can also be provided in this configuration, with the mobile terminal being able to determine the position and whether the specific position lies within the respective geofence. This second security level increases the security of the object's transport, as the object is only released after a two-stage verification step: First, the radio signal from the second radio beacon must be received, and second, the object must be located within the second geofence.

[0020] For example, locations along the route may have beacons instead of the additional radio beacons explained above. Some locations along the route may have beacons, while others along the route may have radio beacons. For example, the first location may have both a radio beacon and a beacon, the route may only have beacons, and the destination may have a radio beacon and a beacon. Entry into the respective geofence can also be logged, i.e. stored in a memory unit. The radio signals are preferably encrypted, as already mentioned. Encryption with different crypto depths can be used for the individual radio signals. The crypto depth can also depend on the type and value of the goods / object. Multiple encryptions can also be used at one location, particularly at the first location / loading point.

[0021] The various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another, unless otherwise stated in the individual case.

[0022] The invention is explained below in exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0023] Figure 1 shows the security unit according to the invention in use with a

[0024] Transport vehicle at a loading point,

[0025] Figure 2 shows the securing unit according to the invention from Figure 1 at a discharge location,

[0026] Figure 3 shows a route travelled by the transport vehicle from Figure 1, and

[0027] Figure 4 is a schematic flow diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0028] Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals refer to the same objects below. Figure 1 schematically shows a security unit 10 according to the invention in use with a transport vehicle 20. The security unit 10 includes a padlock as the locking element, as illustrated, a control unit (not shown), and a receiving unit (not shown) for receiving radio signals. Loading doors at the rear of the transport vehicle 20 can be locked by means of the security unit 10.

[0029] In Figure 1, the transport vehicle 20 is located at a first location A, which in this case is a loading location where the transport vehicle 20 is loaded with goods. After loading, the loading doors at the rear of the transport vehicle 20 are locked by means of the security unit 10. In detail, the security unit 10 receives a first radio signal from a stationary first radio beacon 30 via its receiving unit and then adjusts the locking element to its locking position, as illustrated. The first radio beacon 30 can, for example, be positioned such that the security unit 10 receives the first radio signal upon exiting the loading area. The transmission of the first radio signal can also be initiated at the request of a user via a mobile terminal 80 or a control center.In particular, it can be provided that the mobile terminal 80 receives the first radio signal and, in response, sends a control signal to the security unit 10 to lock it. In this case, the security unit 10 does not necessarily communicate directly with the radio beacon 30.

[0030] The transport vehicle 20 then travels to its destination, i.e., an unloading location to which the loaded goods are to be delivered. At this second location B, i.e., the unloading location, the loading doors at the rear of the transport vehicle 20 are unlocked by the security unit 10, as shown in Figure 2. In detail, the security unit 10 receives a second radio signal from a stationary second radio beacon 40 via its receiving unit and then adjusts the locking element to its unlocked position, as illustrated. The second radio beacon 40 can, for example, be positioned such that the security unit 10 receives the second radio signal upon entering the unloading area. The transmission of the second radio signal can also be initiated at the request of a user via a mobile terminal or a control center.Here, too, it can be provided that the mobile terminal 80 receives the second radio signal and, in response, sends a control signal to the security unit 10 to unlock it. In this case, the security unit 10 does not necessarily communicate directly with the radio beacon 40. By means of the security unit 10 according to the invention, goods loaded into the transport vehicle 20 can thus be safely transported to their destination without the possibility of unauthorized access en route.

[0031] In addition, according to one embodiment, security can be further increased by a two-stage system. For example, a first geofence 90 can be provided at the first location A, wherein the security unit 10 only locks when the transport vehicle 20 is located within the first geofence 90. Accordingly, a second geofence 95 can be provided at the second location B, wherein the security unit 10 only unlocks when the transport vehicle 20 is located within the second geofence 95. For this purpose, a position of the transport vehicle 20 can be determined. This provides double security: Firstly, the transport vehicle and thus the security unit 10 must be located within the respective geofence, and secondly, the security unit 10 must receive the respective radio signal.

[0032] In addition, it can also be verified that the transport vehicle 20 has traveled a predetermined route, as shown in Figure 3. Here, a route 100 is shown, along which the transport vehicle 20 travels from the loading location A to the unloading location B. The transport vehicle 20 passes a third radio beacon 50 located at a third location along the route, at which the transport vehicle 20 receives a third radio signal from the third radio beacon 50, and a fourth radio beacon 60 located at a fourth location along the route, at which the transport vehicle 20 receives a fourth radio signal from the fourth radio beacon 60. According to this embodiment, the locking element of the security unit 10 is unlocked at the destination B only if the third and fourth radio signals were also received previously on the route.

[0033] The method according to the invention is also schematically illustrated in Figure 4 and comprises the steps of receiving, S210, a first radio signal from a first stationary radio beacon at a first location, adjusting, S220, the locking element to the locking position in response to the reception of the first radio signal, receiving, S230, a second radio signal from a second stationary radio beacon at a second location, and adjusting, S240, the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the reception of the second radio signal.

[0034] 10 fuse unit

[0035] 20 Object / T ransport vehicle

[0036] 30 first radio beacon

[0037] 40 second radio beacon

[0038] 50 third radio beacon

[0039] 60 fourth radio beacon

[0040] 80 mobile terminal

[0041] 90 first geofence

[0042] 95 second geofence

[0043] 100 Route

[0044] A Loading location

[0045] B Unloading location

[0046] S210 Process step - Receiving first radio signal

[0047] S220 Process step - Adjustment to locking position

[0048] S230 Process step - Receiving second radio signal

[0049] S240 Process step - Adjustment to unlocking position

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for securing an object (20) by means of a securing unit (10) comprising a locking element that is adjustable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the method comprising: - receiving (S210) a first radio signal of a first fixed radio beacon (30) at a first location (A), - Determining a position of the object (20), - Determining that the object (20) enters a first geofence (90) located at the first location (A), - Adjusting (S220) the locking element into the locking position in response to the reception of the first radio signal and in response to the entry of the object (20) into the first geofence (90), - receiving (S230) a second radio signal from a second fixed radio beacon (40) at a second location (B), - Determining a position of the object (20), - Determining that the object (20) enters a second geofence (95) located at the second location (B), - Adjusting (S240) the locking element into the unlocking position in response to the reception of the second radio signal and in response to the object (20) entering the second geofence (95).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the security unit (10) is separate from the object (20) or is integrated into the object (20).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the object is a transport unit.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first location (A) is a loading location and the second location (B) is an unloading location.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a mobile terminal (80) receives the first radio signal at the first location (A) and, based on the first radio signal, sends a first control signal to the security unit (10), wherein the security unit (10) in response to the receipt of the first control signal, Locking element is adjusted to the locking position and / or wherein the mobile terminal (80) receives the second radio signal at the second location (B) and sends a second control signal to the security unit (10) based on the second radio signal, wherein the security unit (10) adjusts the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second control signal.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - receiving a third radio signal from a third radio beacon (50) at a third location located on a route (100) between the first location (A) and the second location (B), - Moving the locking element to the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second and third radio signals.

7. A security unit (10) for securing an object (20), the security unit (10) comprising a locking element that is adjustable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 6 8. A security system comprising a security unit (10) according to claim 7 and comprising a mobile terminal (80), wherein the mobile terminal (80) is configured to receive the first radio signal at the first location (A) and to send a first control signal to the security unit (10) based on the first radio signal, wherein the security unit (10) adjusts the locking element to the locking position in response to the receipt of the first control signal and in response to the entry of the object (20) into the first geofence (90) and / or wherein the mobile terminal (80) is configured to receive the second radio signal at the second location (B) and to send a second control signal to the security unit (10) based on the second radio signal,wherein the security unit (10) moves the locking element into the unlocking position in response to the receipt of the second control signal and in response to the entry of the object (20) into the second geofence (95).

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