GB2544925A

GB2544925A - Padlock

Info

Publication number: GB2544925A
Application number: GB1703141.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Egerton Brian; Pope Kevin; Pope Tracey
Original assignee: Protrack Solutions Ltd
Current assignee: Protrack Solutions Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-09
Filing date: 2015-01-09
Publication date: 2017-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2035-01-09
Also published as: GB2533964A; GB2544925B; GB201500360D0; GB201703141D0

Abstract

A padlock 110 comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the controller having an active state and a dormant state, entering the dormant state from the active state to conserve energy when the sensor unit has not detected tampering for a period of time, and entering the active state from the dormant state when the sensor unit detects tampering, with the shackle being remotely unlockable only when the controller is in the active state. The sensor unit may comprise an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, thermal sensor, microphone, camera. The padlock may have antennae located inside the body. Each antenna may include a SIM card. The padlock may also be unlocked via a keypad 12 or regular key. An alert may be sent when tampering is detected.

Description

PADLOCK

The present invention relates to a padlock, and more specifically to a padlock with sensors to detect tampering.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Padlocks have been used for many years to secure goods from unauthorised access or theft. For example, padlocks are commonly used to lock the doors of shipping containers, whilst in transit or store. Padlocks can also be used to secure bicycles, for example, to fixed objects such as lamp posts, reducing the likelihood of opportunistic theft.

Conventional padlocks typically have key locks, or combination-lock systems using numbered wheels or a series of buttons, requiring physical access to the padlock to unlock or lock it. Recently, more advanced padlocks have been created which can be tracked via GPS, or which have a mechanism to detect tampering or an attempt to break the padlock and subsequently activate an alert.

However, these systems only detect simple motion or vibration to identify tampering, often using one of the following: pendulums, piezo disks to generate voltage on movement, metal balls to initiate short-circuiting, or an accelerometer. All of these can be overly sensitive and prone to false activation. For example, the wind could trigger a false alarm. Investigating false alarms is costly, requiring unnecessary time and effort in making an on-site visit to check the real status of the padlock where the sensors are not trusted. Furthermore, even if the padlock is being tampered with, there is no way of identifying the nature of the tampering, and therefore the immediacy with which to respond to the attack. .Another problem associated with padlocks containing electronics is the limited power supply provided by a battery. This can be problematic for padlocks with GPS-tracking mechanisms, because this can be quite energy-intensive. This is particularly relevant where the padlock is being used in a remote location and coverage is reduced, minimising signal strength and requiring larger amounts of power to mitigate signal degradation. it is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of an embodiment related to the present invention, there is provided a padlock comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the sensor unit including an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer to detect movement of the padlock, and the controller being programmed to identify movement indicative of tampering based on feedback from the sensor unit and adapted to wirelessly send an alert signal when tampering is detected.

The sensor unit incorporated into the padlock advantageously combines an accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer to allow for a distinction to he made between genuine tampering attempt and innocent motion. The accelerometer detects local translational movement of the padlock through linear and gravitational acceleration, and the gyroscope detects angular rate of rotation to establish changes in the local orientation of the padlock. The magnetometer detects movement of the padlock over longer ranges based on changes to the value it measures for the Earth’s magnetic field strength, if the padlock is being used to lock transported goods rather than goods in a static location, for example.

The combination of measurements taken by these sensors distinguishes random motion (e.g. being moved by the wind, or vibrations from being driven in a vehicle) from deliberate tampering. Additionally, sending a wireless alert signal remotely informs the relevant security personnel that the padlock is being tampered with. This can be done without alerting the party doing the tampering, increasing the likelihood that they are caught in the act, or it may alert them as a further deterrent if preferable to continued tampering. The combination of measurements also allows different types of attacks to be differentiated from one another, so that a proportionate response can be co-ordinated by the security personnel.

The accelerometer may be a three-axis accelerometer. The gyroscope may be a three-axis gyroscope. The magnetometer may be a three-axis magnetometer.

This ensures that motion (both rotational and translational) in three dimensions is detectable by each sensor in the sensor unit, including motion caused by vibrations if a cutting tool is brought against the padlock.

The shackle may be remotely lockable and/or unlockable by means of a wireless signal, originating from a remote control, for example.

Advantageously, this allows the padlock to be unlocked remotely on command, where the wireless remote control is a phone or a computer, for example. This is useful, for example, if an owner cannot be present at the site of the padlock, but would like to grant access to the padlocked area/object to another person.

The controller may include one or more antennae for wirelessly transferring information to and from the padlock remotely. Preferably, the one or more antennae are located internally within the body of the padlock. More preferably, the one or more antennae include a SIM card to enable satellite communication.

The antennae enable remote wireless communication between the padlock and another device, such as a wireless remote control, facilitating remote unlocking and status checks on the padlock. If located internally, these are protected from weathering or deliberate damage, but may have attenuated reception, and so multiple antennae may be provided, possibly at different orientations, to boost signal. Providing a SIM card enables the padlock to communicate wirelessly beyond line-of-sight, extending its communication reach to be global.

The controller may have an active state and a dormant state, the active state enabling wireless information transfer, and the dormant state conserving energy from the battery by disabling wireless information transfer. Preferably, the shackle is prevented from being remotely unlocked by means of a wireless signal if the controller is in the dormant state.

Having a dormant state allows the controller to minimise power usage, extending battery life and therefore the period in which the padlock does not require maintenance The active state requires more power, but is used periodically to enable the wireless transfer of information when needed. Preventing the shackle from being remotely unlocked when dormant is a security measure to prevent accidental or unintentional unlocking, which would leave the protected area/goods vulnerable. Instead, having an authorised person present at the padlock to awaken it before unlocking ensures that the lock can also be locked again once finished, as opposed to requiring a dedicated trip merely to re-lock the padlock.

The controller may enter the active state from the dormant state when the sensor unit detects tampering.

In the active state, the controller can send an alert signal, and potentially further information about the tampering attempt, to security personnel, unlike in the dormant state where wireless communication is disabled.

The controller may enter the dormant state from the active state when the sensor unit has not detected tampering for a period of time. Preferably, the period of time is five minutes.

This reduces unnecessary energy usage, extending battery life so that the padlock can function for longer without requiring a new or replenished battery.

The controller may include a keypad to enable the padlock to be unlocked in person using a corresponding PIN code. There may be a keyhole to enable the locking mechanism to be unlocked in person using a corresponding key.

Using a keypad to unlock the padlock allows users to be differentiated if multiple different key codes are programmed for acceptance by the padlock. Using a keyhole and corresponding key to unlock the padlock limits the susceptibility of the lock to being electronically cracked, as a physical rather than numerical key is required.

The controller may include a motor unit to unlock the shackle from the body.

This facilitates electronic unlocking of the shackle from the locking mechanism and body, useful if unlocking the padlock remotely, or where a locking bolt, is not automatically retracted as part of the unlocking process (e.g. using a keypad system as opposed to a physical key to unlock the padlock).

The sensor unit may include a thermal sensor. The sensor unit may include a sound recording unit that is activated when tampering is detected. A thermal sensor is advantageous as it detects increases or decreases in the temperature of the padlock, if being attacked with a cutting torch for example, or frozen to increase its brittleness and susceptibility to failure if smashed. Smaller increases in temperature would also be detected, if held by hand and examined for example. A sound-recording unit allows audio recordings to be made and transferred to a remote data storage device, or remote control device, for real-time or later use as incriminating evidence.

The sensor unit may include camera. The camera may be a video camera. The camera may be housed within the body of the padlock and aligned with an aperture through which to capture images. Preferably, the camera captures or records one or more images when tampering is detected.

Incorporating a camera into the padlock allows images of the immediate area around the padlock to be taken and then transmitted to a remote data storage device, or remote control device such as a phone or computer. This can also be used as incriminating evidence, or serve to confirm a false alarm without needing to visit the site of the padlock in person. The camera can be located within the body of the padlock for protection, with a small aperture or transparent window in the body for a charge-coupled device (CCD) of the camera to receive light.

The battery may be rechargeable. There may be a backup battery to supply power when the battery is depleted.

Recharging the battery is simpler and more convenient than replacing it. Having a backup battery ensures that the padlock can continue to operate fully for an extended period of time, until the primary battery is replenished. This could involve transmission of an alert, signal due to tampering, or transmission of a low battery alert, or simply an alternate pow er source if the primary battery? fails.

The alert signal may be one or more of the following: an audible alarm, a text message, an e-mail.

An audible alarm reduces the likelihood of a would-be thief continuing to attack the padlock, as it would alert nearby security personnel to the attempted tampering Equally, an e-mail or text message would alert security? personnel further afield who are not within earshot of an audible alarm, if provided.

The controller may transmit a status report at regular intervals by transitioning between the dormant and active states. Preferably, the status report includes information concerning the padlock for one or more of the following: battery energy level, current lock state, changes to lock state and credentials used, co-ordinates for latitude and longitude, error log, any tampering attempts. More preferably, information pertaining to tampering attempts in the status report includes the mode of tampering employed in each attempt as identified by the controller. Yet more preferably, the regular interval is ten minutes or less.

Transmitting status reports regularly (every ten minutes, for example) ensures that changes to the status of the padlock and tampering attempts are quickly identified, as well as battery levels monitored for maintenance. Battery is conserved by entering the active state to transmit a status report and transitioning back into the dormant state once complete. The type of attack can also be identified by analysing the measurements from the sensor unit, supporting the preparation of a proportionate response. Additionally, the padlocked goods can be tracked and ‘geo-fenced’ (limited to a pre-set geographical area), alerting security personnel if the padlock leaves a pre-defined route (if mobile) or area, possibly indicating that the goods have been stolen.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a padlock comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the controller having an active state and a dormant state, entering the dormant state from the active state to conserve energy when the sensor unit has not detected tampering for a period of time, and entering the active state from the dormant state when the sensor unit detects tampering, with the shackle being remotely unlockable only when the controller is in the active state.

By providing distinct active and dormant states, the padlock is able to maximise its operating life with the available energy from the battery. The dormant state is a low-power state, but the sensor unit remains active to detect tampering. The active state can be used to send an alert signal, if tampering is detected, or a periodic tracking signal, for example. The shackle can only be remotely unlocked bv means of a wireless signal when the controller is in the active state, which is a security measure to prevent accidental or unintentional unlocking that would otherwise leave the protected area/goods vulnerable. Instead, having an authorised person present at the padlock to ‘shake’ arid awaken it before unlocking ensures that the lock can also be locked again once finished, as opposed to requiring a dedicated trip merely to re-lock the padlock.

Unless stated otherw ise, each element of the second aspect of the invention should be taken to confer the same advantages as explained for the corresponding element of the first aspect of the invention.

The controller may be programmed to identify movement indicative of tampering based on feedback from the sensor unit, and may be adapted to wdrelessly send an alert signal when tampering is detected.

The sensor unit may include one or more of the following to detect movement of the padlock: an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer. The accelerometer may be a three-axis accelerometer. The gyroscope may be a three-axis gyroscope. The magnetometer may be a three-axis magnetometer.

The shackle may be remotely lockable and/or unlockable by means of a wireless signal from a remote control.

The active state may enable wireless information transfer, and the dormant state may disable wireless information transfer.

The period of time before the controller enters the dormant state may be five minutes.

The controller may include a motor unit to unlock the shackle from the body.

The sensor unit may include a thermal sensor. The sensor unit may include a sound recording unit that is activated when tampering is detected.

The alert signal may be one or more of the following: an audible alarm, a text message, an e-mail

The controller may transmit a status report at regular intervals by transitioning between the dormant and active states. Preferably, the status report includes information concerning the padlock for one or more of the following: battery' energy level, current lock state, changes to lock state and credentials used, co-ordinates for latitude and longitude, error log, any tampering attempts. More preferably, information pertaining to tampering attempts in the status report includes the mode of tampering employed in each attempt as identified by the controller. Yet more preferably, the regular interval is ten minutes or less.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a padlock comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the sensor unit including a camera which is adapted to activate and capture one or more images of the area around the padlock, and the controller being adapted to wirelessly transmit one or more of the captured images for analysis.

The padlock, of the third aspect of the invention may include any feature of the first and/or second aspect of the invention. Preferably, the camera captures or records one or more images when tampering is detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a padlock;

Figure 2 show's a side view7 of the padlock of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view through the padlock of Figure 1 along the plane B-B; and

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the padlock of Figure 2 along the plane A-A.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a padlock is indicated generally at 110. The padlock 110 has a body, indicated generally at 112, and a shackle 24. The body 112 houses a locking mechanism which can be used to lock the shackle 24 to the body 112. The shackle is U-shaped, having first and second legs connected by a curved end portion. The first and second legs enter the body 112 at a first port and a second port respectively. The shackle 24 has a shackle boot 25 around each port where it meets and enters the body 112. As seen in Figure 4, the shackle 24 sits within a sleeve 21 at each of its ends. The shackle disconnects completely from the body 112 when unlocked, the legs being of the same length. In an alternate embodiment, the shackle 24 exits one sleeve completely when unlocked, being partially retained by and rotatable within the other sleeve. The shackle 24 and body 112 may be made from titanium. The shackle 24 may be a flexible multi-stranded hasp, where the strands may be a combination of metals protected by a sheath. Internal portions of the body 112 may be filled by a rubber core to cushion internal components, such as electronics, against forceful impacts.

Externally, the body 112 is composed of a series of plates 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 22, layered upon one another for reinforcement and to accommodate the internal components of the padlock 110. A keypad 12 is mounted to the front of the body 112 for unlocking the padlock 110 on correct key code entry. The keypad 12 has an LED aperture 26 through which a status LED may be seen when alight. The LED may, for example, turn green for a correct key code entry, or red for an incorrect code. The LED may also flash other colours to indicate other processing, such as an on-going GPS connection. The keypad 12 has the numerals 0-9 inclusive as well as a confirm button, to confirm entry of a code is complete, and a lock button (symbolised by a padlock) to re-lock the padlock 110 when needed.

Referring also to Figures 3 and 4, the internal components of the padlock 110 are displayed. A battery 4 is located vertically within the body 112, offset behind the locking mechanism. A printed circuit board (PCB) 5 is mounted vertically adjacent to the locking mechanism, behind the keypad 12. The PCB 5 houses a microprocessor (as a controller), a SIM card within a SIM holder, an LED, a sensor unit, a GPS module and a communication module. The control ier controls the behaviour of the padlock 110, unlocking and locking it as required, as well as co-ordinating the transmission of status reports every minute, for example, and when to enter its active or dormant state. The SIM card and communication module enable wireless satellite communication, allowing the padlock to send reports remotely without requiring line-of-sight transmission. Its wireless satellite communication can include GPRS communication. The GPS module allows the padlock 110 to be tracked by satellite as well. The LED is aligned with the LED aperture 26. The sensor unit includes a three-axis accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope and a three-axis magnetometer, capable of detecting local motion of the padlock 110 and its movement over larger distances respectively.

The locking mechanism has a nut 15 and a stop bar 16 extending from one side of the shackle 24 to the other, within the body 112. The stop bar 16 engages the shackle 24 when locked, preventing the shackle 24 from being retracted away from the body 112. The locking mechanism also has a pin 17 on either side of the stop bar 16. A motor assembly 11 lies beneath the nut 15 and stop bar 16, and can remotely unlock the padlock 110 when it receives a wireless signal from a remote control, such as a phone or a computer. The signal could be in the form of a text or an e-mail, for example, but radio, microwave or infra-red signals may also be used. This retracts the stop bar 16 from the path of the shackle 24, which can lift clear of its shackle boot 25. Entering an incorrect code into the keypad 12 is logged and transmitted in a status report. Entering three incorrect codes sequentially causes the padlock 110 to lockout further access for thirty minutes, and an immediate alert signal is triggered.

Antennae are housed internally within the assembly 1 at the base of the padlock 110. Above the lower plates 2, 3, 6, a window 8 is moulded into the body 112 to provide a radio frequency (RF) window through which the antennae can send and receive information wirelessly, as the metal body would otherwise significantly attenuate signals. The remaining plates 7 et ai. are above the window 8, with screws 27 connecting the remaining plates 7 et al. and components therein to the window 8 and lower plates 2, 3, 6.

Controlling the padlock 110 wirelessly via a remote device allows for different settings to be changed by authorised users. These include the recipient(s) of any text messages or e-mails sent from the padlock 110, and allow users and user-specific PINs to he added or removed at will. Each valid code for the padlock 110 is ten numbers in length, giving a high level of security' against the padlock 110 being cracked electronically. For example, if an employee with a valid access code deliberately stole a padlocked container, their access code could be revoked remotely to prevent easy access. Security personnel, such as the police, are provided with a login to the remote control device in addition to standard authorised users, allowing them to track the padlock 110 online, facilitating a quicker response if tampering is detected and a manned response is needed.

In use, the padlock 110 can be used to lock goods in a container, perhaps for transport, or to restrict access through a door, for example. Where transported, the padlock Π0 is attached to an item as a means of recording its location. Using an example of padlocked goods not scheduled for transport, the padlock 110 can be locked to a container and the controller initially enters its active state due to the sensor unit detecting motion when the padlock 110 is positioned and locked in place. After five minutes of inactivity, where the sensor unit does not receive any input, the controller enters its dormant state to conserve batten,' power, deactivating non-essential functions and processes, such as the keypad. If access is later required, shaking the padlock 110 triggers the controller to enter its active state again due to input from the sensor unit, and the padlock 110 becomes responsive to inbound wireless signals.

The padlock 110 autonomously wakes periodically, i.e. transitions from the dormant-state to the active state, in order to send a status report to one or more remote control devices. If there is no change in status, it re-enters its dormant state to further conserve battery power. Each status report for the padlock 110 contains information regarding its current battery energy level, its current lock state, any changes to the lock state and credentials used (essentially identifying the specific person whose code was used), co ordinates for latitude and longitude, error log, and details of any tampering attempts. Conserving battery in this manner is useful to extend the operational period in which the padlock 110 can send status reports and be remotely unlocked wirelessly, particularly where the padlock 110 is installed in a remote, inaccessible location, and recharging or changing the battery 4 will be inconvenient. Locking the padlock 110 remotely requires that the shackle does not fully disconnect from the body 112. Recharging the battery 4 is done via inductive charging, to prevent the need to disassemble the padlock 110. It also means that an induction plate can be provided in situ and activated as needed to periodically recharge the padlock 110.

Status reports are wirelessly transmitted to the one or more remote devices once every five minutes, where a wireless connection can be established; if no connection is possible, the controller stores the report and attempts to re-send it when a connection is next established. When the goods reach their destination, the padlock 110 can be remotely unlocked by a wireless signal, once the controller has entered its active state. If it has arrived at its destination but remains in its dormant state, it is not responsive to a wireless signal and will remain locked.

If the padlock 110 is tampered with, however, the sensor unit signals the controller, which in turn broadcasts an alert signal . The alert signal contains information from the latest status report as well as the nature of the tampering. The alert signal can be sent as both, an e-mail and a text to security personnel, who can then co-ordinate a response to the alert with knowledge of the type of attack being carried out. An audible alarm is remotely triggerable via a return e-mail or text if deemed appropriate to deter the party tampering with the padlock 110.

In another embodiment, a microphone or a sound recording unit is provided. The padlock can initiate an outgoing call, or allow' an incoming call, to ‘listen in’ on the attack in progress and potentially gather more information. A further embodiment of a padlock would include an image-capturing device, such as a camera or video camera. The padlock can capture and remotely transmit the captured images to a remote device. The image-capturing device activates when tampering is detected, automatically capturing at least one image facing outwardly from the padlock to identify if anyone was present and attempting to break the padlock. In addition, it acts as a means of verifying an authorised user is present, activating the device, and allowing a remote unlocking signal to be wirelessly received. The camera is housed internally for protection from vandalism and the weather. The image-capturing portion, such as a CCD, of the camera captures images through a hole or transparent portion of the body of the padlock. A series of images may be taken at fixed intervals after tampering is detected to track progress, for example.

The mode of tampering is identifiable by the controller by comparing the relative changes in measurements taken by the accelerometer and gyroscope, and a thermal sensor if present, to known ‘fingerprint’ readings. As such, a large range of types of tampering are identifiable at distance, from gentle examination of the lock for weakness to the use of bolt cutters or a saw, for example. These ‘fingerprint’ ranges, i.e. the combination of measurements from each sensor in the sensor unit, allow the controller to distinguish innocent motion of the padlock 110 from real tampering, so that a strong wind or vibrations from a vehicle during transport, for example, do not trigger false alerts.

Stealing a vehicle containing the padlocked goods would also trigger an alert as deviating from a predetermined route, or leaving a predetermined geographical area (known as ‘geo-fencing’) would be identified via the magnetometer and/or GPS components, and cause the controller to issue an alert signal. Equally, the padlock 110 could be set to automatically unlock after a certain period of time upon entering a given ‘geo-fenced’ area, on a permanent or temporary (e.g. time-dependent) basis. Periodically issuing a status report, more frequently than every' five minutes if commanded via a remote control device, would allow7 essentially real-time GPS tracking of the padlock 110 for retrieval of the protected goods. Activating once per minute for example, would enable tracking without requiring the padlock 110 to be permanently active, which would drain the battery quickly and may result in the goods being lost before tracked to a fixed destination. Incorporating a back-up battery into the padlock 110 would further extend the potential time available for tracking padlocked goods en route, or would offset the larger energy demands of more frequent updates for a given length of time spent in an active state.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims, For example, the elements and teachings of tire various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments, within the scope of the claims.

Further embodiments of the present invention are enumerated by the following numbered clauses:

CLAUSES 1. A padlock comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the sensor unit including an accelerometer, a gyroscope and a magnetometer to detect movement of the padlock, and the controller being programmed to identify movement indicative of tampering based on feedback from the sensor unit and adapted to wirelessly send an alert signal when tampering is detected. 2. A padlock as claimed in clause 1, in which the accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer. 3. A padlock as claimed in clause 1 or 2, in which the gyroscope is a three-axis gyroscope. 4. A padlock as claimed in any of clauses I to 3, in which the magnetometer is a three-axis magnetometer. 5. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the shackle is remotely lockable and/or unlockable by means of a wireless signal from a remote control. 6. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the controller includes one or more antennae for wirelessly transferring information to and from the padlock remotely. 7. A padlock as claimed in clause 6, in which the one or more antennae are located internally wi thin the body of the padlock. 8. A padlock as claimed in clause 6 or 7, in which the one or more antennae include a SIM card to enable satellite communication. 9. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in winch the controller has an active state and a dormant state, the active state enabling wireless information transfer, and the dormant state conserving energy from the battery by disabling wireless information transfer. 10. A padlock as claimed in clause 9, in which die shackle is prevented from being remotely unlocked by means of a wireless signal if die controller is in the dormant state. 11 A padlock as claimed in clause 9 or 10, in which the controller enters the active state from the dormant state when the sensor unit detects tampering. 12. A padlock as claimed in any of clauses 9 to 31, in which the controller enters the dormant state from the active state when the sensor unit has not detected tampering for a period of time. 13. A padlock as claimed in clause 12, in which the period of time is five minutes. 14. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the controller includes a keypad to enable the padlock to be unlocked m person using a corresponding PIN code. 15. A padlock as claimed in any of clauses 1 to 13, in which there is keyhole to enable the locking mechanism to be unlocked in person using a corresponding key. 16. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the controller includes a motor unit to unlock the shackle from the body. 17. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the sensor unit includes a thermal sensor. 18. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause in which the sensor unit includes a sound recording unit that is activated when tampering is detected. 19. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the sensor imit includes a camera. 20. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the battery is rechargeable. 21. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which there is a backup battery' to supply power when the battery is depleted. 22. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the alert signal is one or more of the following: an audible alarm, a text message, an e-mail. 23. A padlock as claimed in any preceding clause, in which the controller transmits a status report at regular intervals by transitioning between the dormant and active states. 24. A padlock as claimed in clause 23, in which the status report includes information concerning the padlock for one or more of the fol lowing: battery energy level, current lock state, changes to lock state and credentials used, coordinates for latitude and longitude, error log, any tampering attempts, 25. A padlock as claimed in clause 24, in which information pertaining to tampering attempts m the status report includes the mode of tampering employed in each attempt as identified by the controller. 26. A padlock as claimed in any of clauses 23 to 25, in which the regular interval is ten minutes or less.

Claims

1. A padlock comprising a body, a shackle and a locking mechanism within the body for locking the shackle to the body, the locking mechanism having a controller, a sensor unit, and a battery, the controller having an active state and a dormant state, entering the dormant state from the active state to conserve energy when the sensor unit has not detected tampering for a period of time, and entering the active state from the dormant state when the sensor unit detects tampering, with the shackle being remotely unlockable only when the controller is in the active state.

2. A padlock as claimed in claim 1, in which the controller is programmed to identify movement indicative of tampering based on feedback from the sensor unit, and adapted to wirelessly send an alert signal when tampering is detected.

3. A padlock as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the sensor unit, includes one or more of the following to detect movement of the padlock; an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.

4. A padlock as claimed in claim 3, in which the accelerometer is a three-axis accelerometer.

5. A padlock as claimed in claim 3 or 4, in which the gyroscope is a three-axis gyroscope.

6. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, in which the magnetometer is a three-axis magnetometer.

7. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, in which the shackle is remotely lockable and/or unlockable by means of a wireless signal from a remote control.

8. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, in which the controller includes one or more antennae for wirelessly transferring information to and from the padlock remotely.

9. A padlock as in any of claims 1 to 8, in which the one or more antennae are located internally within the body of the padlock.

10. A padlock as claimed in claim 8 or 9, in which the one or more antennae include a SIM card to enable satellite communication.

11. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, in which the active state enables wireless information transfer, and the dormant state disables wireless information transfer,

12. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, in which the period of time is five minutes.

13. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, in which the controller includes a keypad to enable the padlock to be unlocked in person using a corresponding FIN code.

14. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13, in which there is keyhole to enable the locking mechanism to be unlocked in person using a corresponding key.

15. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, in which the controller includes a motor unit to unlock the shackle from the body.

16. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 15, in which the sensor unit includes a thermal sensor.

17. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, in which the sensor unit includes a sound recording unit that is activated when tampering is detected.

18. A padlock as claimed in any of claims l to 17, in which the sensor unit includes a camera.

19. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18, in which the battery is rechargeable.

20. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 19, in which there is a backup batter}' to supply power when the battery is depleted.

21. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, in which the alert signal is one or more of the following: an audible alarm, a text message, an e-mail.

22. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, in which the controller transmits a status report at regular intervals by transitioning between the dormant and active states.

23. A padlock as claimed in claim 22, in which the status report includes information concerning the padlock for one or more of the following: battery energy level, current lock state, changes to lock state and credentials used, co-ordinates for latitude and longitude, error log, any tampering attempts.

24. A padlock as claimed in claim 23, in which information pertaining to tampering attempts in the status report includes the mode of tampering employed in each attempt as identified by the controller.

25. A padlock as claimed in any of claims 22 to 24, in which the regular interval is ten minutes or less.