WO2020100014A1

WO2020100014A1 - A system for a portable electronic locking device and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2020100014A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/059684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Prajwal PALASAMUDRAM AJAYAKUMAR; Gautham RANGANATHAN
Original assignee: Gordian Technologies Private Limited
Priority date: 2018-11-13
Filing date: 2019-11-12
Publication date: 2020-05-22

Abstract

The invention relates to system (100) for a portable electronic locking device (101) and a method (200) for generating a One Time Password using the portable electronic locking device (101). The system (100) comprises a modular enclosure (102) for disposing the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101) which is continuously tracked and monitored through a tracking module (103) and a safety module (105) there by notifying the designated central authority in case of any security breach. An authentication module (104) authenticates customer(s) through OTP and allows customer(s) to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101). Further, the system (100) comprises at least one microcontroller for monitoring and controlling a plurality of high-power and low-power consuming components provided in the portable electronic locking device (101).

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

A system for a portable electronic locking device and method thereof

PRIORITY CLAIM:

[001] This application claims priority from the provisional application numbered 201841042710 filed with Indian Patent Office, Chennai on 13^th November 2018 titled“A Portable Electronic Locking Device”, the entirety of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Technical field of the invention

[002] The present invention relates to a system for a portable electronic locking device employed for providing a safe and secure medium for transporting one or more content(s) enclosed in the portable electronic locking device. Further, the present invention relates to a method for generating a One Time Password (OTP) using the portable electronic locking device.

Background of the invention

[003] The advancement of technology and busy lifestyle of people has led to an increasing demand for logistics. The growth of the cyberspace over the years has further accelerated this trend towards home delivery. The method involves delivery service where the request to deliver the item is sent to a delivery personnel and the delivery personnel collects the item(s) and delivers it to the location of the customer. The item shipped from a source to a destination is deposited in a secure container or a box. The container or the box is sealed and secure with a lock in order to ensure there is no tampering of the items kept inside the box during the transportation of the box to the destination. [004] Further, the box provided to enclose the content(s) is in various shapes and sizes which are made from materials such as wood, metal, paperboard and non durable materials based on the requirement of use. The box employed for transportation of one or more content(s) may not be suitable in all weather conditions and the content(s) deposited in the box is always susceptible to physical damages due to paucity of protection around the enclosed content(s).

[005] The transportation or shipment of the item from one place to another involves manual intervention which increases the dependency on trustworthy labor associated with delivery of the item. Further, such manual intervention leads to the mismanagement in the delivery of the item. Further, the shipment of the item from the source to destination is carried in a container or box comprising simple locking mechanism such as lever tumbler lock, pad lock and cable lock. However, such locking mechanism associated with the container or box may be susceptible to breaches and may be tampered, thereby contaminating the content(s) locked inside the container or box.

[006] The mediocre locking mechanism and inaccessibility to monitor the status of the box during the transportation has prevented the transportation/shipment of confidential document/item(s) such as defense equipment, currency, jewelry and personal document(s). Consequently, many attempts have been made to create a container or box with improvised locking mechanism to ensure safe transportation of one or more content(s).

[007] The Chinese Patent Application No. CN104850980A titled“ Delivery method based on Bluetooth and substitutive parcel taking method and system’' relates to a delivery method based on Bluetooth, a substitutive parcel taking method and a substitutive parcel taking system. The delivery method comprises the following steps that an express cabinet terminal sends a connection request to delivery UE through Bluetooth; the delivery UE and the express cabinet terminal complete Bluetooth pairing and send a delivery processing request to a server; the server sends a verification request to receiver UE; the receiver UE receives the verification request and returns a first verification message to the server; the server receives the first verification message and sends a second verification message to the delivery UE; the delivery UE receives the second verification message and sends a third verification message to the express cabinet terminal; the express cabinet terminal receives and verifies a third confirm message through Bluetooth and sends an instruction to a sub-cabinet to be processed when the verification is successful. According to the delivery method based on Bluetooth, parcel taking and storage through the express cabinet terminal without depending on an ISP network can be realized based on Bluetooth communication.

[008] Another US Patent Application No. US20040113783A1 titled“ Container integrity management system” discloses a transportation security system for monitoring at least one freight shipping container being transported by at least one cargo transport vehicle. The system includes a container locking seal configured to be removably coupled to the at least one freight shipping container to thereby seal the at least one freight shipping container when in a coupled position. The container locking seal includes at least one anti-tamper sensor and a seal communications device. A state recorder is disposed in the at least one cargo transport vehicle. The state recorder includes a recorder communications system being configured to communicate with the seal communications device. The state recorder also includes a data storage module configured to store sensor data.

[009] Another US Patent Application No. US9842449B1 titled “ Secure transport container’’ discloses a transport container for secure transport of packages. In one embodiment, the transport container includes a body, a cover, a cover lock, a locking bar, and an electronic controller. The cover is coupled to the body. The cover is movable from a closed state covering the opening to an open state. The cover lock is configured to engage the cover and keep the cover in the closed state. The locking bar is coupled to the base. The locking bar is configured for attachment to anchor points. The electronic controller is electrically coupled to the cover lock and to the locking bar. The electronic controller is configured to adjust the cover lock between a locked state and an unlocked state. The electronic controller is also configured to adjust the locking bar between the locked state and the unlocked state. [0010] Another WO Patent Application No. W02015100390A1 titled“ Smart locker system and method of parcel delivery” discloses an exemplary electronic smart locker compartments used for the case, convenience, and security of delivering and retrieving parcels. Each locker station may include a set of individual lockers of various sizes, each with an electronic controlled release operated door latch. Each locker station has an input/output device(s) that is electronically connected to an internal computer. The input/output device(s) permits control of the smart locker system to deliver and retrieve parcels. The computer and software are used to store, retrieve and manipulate delivery courier and parcel recipient pertinent information and parcel delivery tracking information.

[0011] Hence, there is a need for an advanced locking system which is portable and trackable for providing a secure medium for transportation of one or more contents.

Summary of the invention

[0012] The invention relates to a system for a portable electronic locking device and method thereof. The system comprises a modular enclosure, tracking module, authentication module, safety module, primary circuit, secondary circuit, primary battery, secondary battery and a display module. A prompt message is sent to the portable electronic locking device to initiate a transaction thereby obtaining the contact information of one or more customers from a designated central authority. The portable electronic locking device generates One Time Password (OTP) for the contact information received from the designated central authority and transmits the generated OTP to the respective customer(s). Further, the portable electronic locking device is unlocked by mapping the OTP received by the customer with the OTP generated by the portable electronic locking device to deposit/unload the contents in the portable electronic locking device. [0013] The contents disposed in the portable electronic locking device are enclosed in a modular enclosure which is internally cushioned for protecting the enclosed content(s) from potential damages. Further, the portable electronic locking device is tracked by a tracking module through a GPS tracker and a wireless network which provides the location of the portable electronic locking device and ensures that the portable electronic locking device is always in the vicinity of the delivery executive. The system comprises a safety module for detecting and notifying the designated central authority in case of a security breach in the portable electronic locking device. The safety module comprises a plurality of active and passive sensors for sensing multiple process parameters generated by all the components in the portable electronic locking device. A series of conducting wires are connected in a closed circuit to detect the latching status of the door in the portable electronic locking device. A mechanical lock is provided to access the internal circuitry of the portable electronic locking device in case of a failure of external circuitry.

[0014] The authentication module authenticates one or more customers through the OTP generated by the portable electronic locking device and allows one or more customers to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device by unlocking the portable electronic locking device. The door of the portable electronic device is electronically maintained open for a pre-defined period of time to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device and the door of the portable electronic locking device is automatically latched after the pre-defined period of time.

[0015] Further, the system comprises a primary circuit and a secondary circuit for ensuring optimum functionality of the portable electronic locking device by providing at least one microcontroller for monitoring and controlling multiple components in the portable electronic locking device. The system comprises a primary battery and a secondary battery to supply power to the primary circuit and the secondary circuit in the portable electronic locking device. The status of the various process parameters and action being performed on the portable electronic locking device are displayed on a display module in the portable electronic locking device.

[0016] Since, the portable electronic locking device is uninterruptedly tracked by the GPS tracker and constantly monitored by multiple sensors which notifies the designated central authority in case of any glitch, the portable electronic locking device may be employed for the transportation and storage of the confidential contents such as Voter- Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) system which enables electronic voting machines to record each vote cast by generating the EVM slip during the election phase. The tight surveillance and advanced locking mechanism of the portable electronic locking device makes it highly favorable for the purpose of transportation of confidential documents such as examination papers, documents pertaining to bank/financial details and official documents concerning national security. The modular enclosure in the portable electronic locking device may comprise a cold storage unit which is employed to transport farm products to ensure high quality of the products.

Brief description of drawings

[0017] FIG la illustrates a perspective view of a portable electronic locking device. [0018] FIG lb illustrates a system with a plurality of sensor(s) employed in the portable electronic locking device.

[0019] FIG 2 illustrates a method for the portable electronic locking device.

Detailed description of the invention

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are shown in figures. Each example is provided to explain the subject matter and not a limitation. Various changes and modifications obvious to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and contemplation of the invention. [0021] The invention relates to a system for a portable electronic locking device and a method for generating a One Time Password (OTP) using the portable electronic locking device. The system comprises a modular enclosure for disposing the contents in the portable electronic locking device which is continuously tracked and monitored through a tracking module and safety module which notifies the designated central authority in case of a security breach. The authentication module authenticates one or more customer(s) through a One Time Password (OTP) which allows one or more customer(s) to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device. Further, the system comprises at least one microcontroller for monitoring and controlling a plurality of high- power and low-power consuming components provided in the portable electronic locking device.

[0022] Figure la and lb illustrates a system (100) for a portable electronic locking device (101). The system (100) comprises a modular enclosure (102) for enclosing one or more content(s) placed in the portable electronic locking device (101) wherein the modular enclosure (102) may be a box which is internally cushioned for protecting the enclosed content(s) from potential damages. The modular enclosure (102) is subdivided into a plurality of independent compartments for enclosing multiple contents in the portable electronic locking device (101). The system (100) comprises a tracking module (103) for tracking the location of the portable electronic locking device (101) throughout the course of transportation of one or more content(s) enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0023] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the tracking module (103) comprises a wireless network infrastructure which is configured to connect a user interface device to the portable electronic device (101) for example a Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC) provided in a delivery executive’s phone is connected to the portable electronic locking device (101). The user interface device such as a mobile device belonging to a delivery executive is mapped with the portable electronic locking device (101) to ensure that the portable electronic locking device (101) is always in the vicinity of the delivery executive. In another embodiment, the tracking module (103) comprises a GPS tracker for tracking the location of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the GPS tracker maps the location of the portable electronic locking device (101) with the location of the delivery executive and the location of an end-customer to ensure that the portable electronic locking device (101) is free from tampering.

[0024] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system (100) comprises an authentication module (104) for authenticating and allowing one or more customers to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101). The authentication module (104) authenticates one or more customers through a One Time Password (OTP) generated by the portable electronic locking device (101) when a transaction is initiated. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Bluetooth provided in the portable electronic locking device (101) connects to the customer(s) mobile device after receiving the approval from the customer(s) to extract contact information of the customer(s) for the purpose of authentication.

[0025] The authentication module (104) enables the generation of a master code by a server, wherein the master code is an encrypted code which is transmitted to a designated central authority for the purpose of authentication. The master code is employed to unlock the portable electronic device (101) at any point of time by a designated central authority in case of an emergency and/or after a pre-defined number of unsuccessful attempts at unlocking the door of the portable electronic locking device (101). The master code is reset by the designated central authority once the portable electronic locking device (101) is unlocked by using the master code. [0026] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the authentication module (104) authenticates one or more customer(s) through a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag communicated to one or more customers wherein the RFID tag of the respective customers is mapped by an RFID reader disposed on the portable electronic locking device (101) to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0027] Further, the authentication module (104) captures the identity of one or more authorized agent(s) through a biometric scanning device, for example a fingerprint scanner which maps the identity of one or more authorized agent(s) with the corresponding details of the authorized agent(s) which is stored in a pre- defined database to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101). In another embodiment of the present invention, the authentication module (104) authenticates one or more customers through a QR code generated by a server for respective customer(s). The generated QR code is mapped by a QR reader installed in the portable electronic locking device (101) wherein the QR reader maps the OTP extracted from QR code to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101). [0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the system (100) comprises a safety module (105) for detecting and notifying the designated central authority in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is being tampered with. The safety module (105) comprises multiple active and passive sensors for sensing a plurality of process parameters generated by the components provided in the portable electronic locking device (101). For example, a pressure sensor is employed to detect the force exerted on the portable electronic locking device (101), temperature sensor detects the temperature in the portable electronic locking device (101), Passive Infrared Radiation (PIR) motion sensors detects any change in infrared radiation experienced due to the presence of a human or other beings in its field of view thereby detecting any instance when the portable electronic locking device (101) is unlocked and accelerometer senses abrupt motion and high intensity vibration thereby notifying the portable electronic locking device (101) to transmit information to the designated central authority, in case the parameter exceeds a pre-defined threshold. A hall sensor may be used to transmit information to the designated central authority in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is tampered using a magnet. A plurality of microcontroller(s) is employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) to disregard the sensor signal(s) in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is conventionally unlocked using an OTP generated by the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0029] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the safety module (105) comprises multiple conducting wires connected in a closed circuit for detecting whether the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is latched or unlatched. In one embodiment, one end of the conducting wire(s) is wired externally around the surface of the portable electronic locking device (101) and the other end is wired along the internal periphery of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the external conducting wire is connected with internal conducting wire when the door of the portable electronic device (101) is latched. A plurality of microcontrollers receives input signals from the conducting wires and triggers a notification which is sent by the portable electronic locking device (101) to the designated central authority when the conducting wire is broken or being tampered with. [0030] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the safety module (105) comprises a mechanical lock for providing access to the internal circuitry of the portable electronic locking device (101). The mechanical lock provides access to a port disposed in the portable electronic locking device (101) which comprises a unique set of pre-defined pins to access the internal circuitry of the portable electronic locking device (101). In another embodiment, the port provided in the portable electronic locking device (101) is connected by using a standardized cable with an external circuit which is a duplication of an internal circuit provided for unlocking the portable electronic locking device (101) in case the internal circuit of the portable electronic locking device (101) fails. A pre defined set of pins provided on the port which is disposed in the portable electronic locking device (101) is activated by connecting a standardized cable from the alternate end of the port to at least one microcontroller(s) in the secondary circuit of the portable electronic locking device (101). The port is activated by using the encrypted codes which is authenticated by at least one microcontroller in the secondary circuit (107) thereby ensuring the portable electronic locking device (101) is accessed solely by a designated central authority to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101), since only the designated central authority is aware of the encrypted codes used. [0031] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the safety module (105) comprises a RFID tag disposed on the content enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101) and RFID reader secure with the portable electronic locking device (101). The RFID reader detects the presence of the RFID tag disposed on the enclosed content in the portable electronic locking device (101) and incase the RFID tag disposed on the content enclosed in portable electronic locking device (101) is accessed by means other than an authorized unlocking system, an information which may be in the form of a message is transmitted to the designated central authority. The portable electronic locking device (101) discards information received from the RFID tag after the contents enclosed in the portable electronic device (101) is delivered to the customer(s).

[0032] In another embodiment, the safety module (105) comprises a pre-defined matrix of invisible multiple Infrared (IR) blasters and receivers disposed on the portable electronic locking device (101) for detecting and capturing the touch of a user(s) for the purpose of authentication. The invisible IR blasters identify the location where a signal break occurs and detects the touch of the user(s) in the designated area. The location of the IR blasters and receivers are unique for each portable electronic locking device (101) to provide optimum security and may find utility in defense related applications.

[0033] The plurality of sensors employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) continuously monitor various process parameters of the portable electronic locking device (101) and transmits signals to the designated central authority in case of unforeseen variations in the process parameters. In case the portable electronic locking device (101) is conventionally unlocked using an OTP, multiple microcontrollers employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) disregards the sensor signals to avoid unnecessary interferences. The portable electronic locking device (101) comprises a Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) button which may be disposed on the portable electronic locking device (101) for manually activating GSM connectivity when the GSM connectivity is turned off. An Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) in the portable electronic locking device (101) is employed for temporarily storing all the information pertaining to the portable electronic locking device (101) thereby providing a backup which may be accessed in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is non-functional. Further, the portable electronic locking device (101) disables the unlocking mechanism in case of failed multiple attempts to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101) and a new transaction is initiated by the designated central authority as a precautionary measure to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0034] The system (100) comprises a primary circuit (106) and a secondary circuit (107) for ensuring optimum functionality of the portable electronic locking device (101). The primary circuit (106) comprises at least one microcontroller for monitoring and controlling a plurality of high-power and low-power consuming components provided in the portable electronic locking device (101). [0035] The secondary circuit (107) comprises at least one microcontroller for providing a fail-safe mechanism in case of failure of the primary circuit (106). In another embodiment, the microcontroller(s) in the secondary circuit (107) may be employed for unlocking the portable electronic locking device (101) at a pre- defined period of time through the secondary circuit (107). In another embodiment, the portable electronic locking device (101) may receive message(s) from the designated central authority for maintaining the portable electronic locking device (101) in the locked position even after a pre-defined period of time thereby preventing the secondary circuit (107) from executing the unlocking operation.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic locking device (101) notifies the designated central authority when the portable electronic locking device (101) is locked/unlocked and in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is unlocked, it receives instructions from the designated central authority to remotely lock the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0037] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the battery management system in the primary circuit (106) of the portable electronic locking device (101) remotely switches off various functionalities of the portable electronic locking device (101) based on the instruction received in a form of encrypted message(s) which may be transmitted through a low power consuming wireless network to ensure that the battery of the portable electronic locking device (101) lasts for a longer duration of time. The battery management system enables selective operation of one or more components of the portable electronic locking device (101) irrespective of whether the portable electronic locking device (101) is idle or a transaction is ongoing and prevents the initiation of a new transaction when the primary battery storage capacity of the portable electronic device (101) decreases below a pre-defined threshold to ensure that the contents in the portable electronic device (101) are not tampered. [0038] The system (100) comprises a primary battery (108) and a secondary battery (109), wherein the primary battery (108) supplies power to the primary circuit (106) and the secondary battery (109) supplies power to the secondary circuit (107). The system (100) comprises a display module (110) to display the status of various process parameters of the portable electronic locking device (101) for example the display module (110) displays the status of the battery, operations performed on the portable electronic locking device (101), status of the door in the portable electronic locking device (101) and displays an invalid message command in case of a wrong input. The portable electronic locking device (101) may receive an Over The Air (OTA) information from the designated central authority in case of any modification(s) to be executed in the firmware of the portable electronic locking device (101). The portable electronic locking device (101) is locked under all circumstances unless an unlocking action is initiated by the designated central authority to prevent the portable electronic locking device (101) from being tampered.

[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a method (200) for a portable electronic locking device (101). In one embodiment, a portable electronic locking device (101) generates an encrypted code which is transmitted to the designated central authority for verification shortly before a transaction is initiated to ensure that the integrity of the firmware in the portable electronic device (101) is maintained. The designated central authority decrypts the code transmitted from the portable electronic locking device (101) and authenticates the portable electronic locking device (101) thereby initiating a transaction. In step (201), the portable electronic locking device (101) receives the contact information of one or more customers from the designated central authority whose contents need to be transported in the portable electronic locking device (101).

[0040] In step (202), the OTP(s) is generated by the portable electronic locking device (101) and transmitted to the respective customer(s) whose contact information is transmitted by the designated central authority. The portable electronic locking device (101) is unlocked by mapping the OTP received by the customer with the OTP generated by the portable electronic locking device (101) in step (203). The door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is kept electronically open for a pre-defined period of time, in step (204).

[0041] For example, if customer 1 needs to deliver contents to customer 2 then a transaction is initiated and the portable electronic locking device (101) receives the contact information of customer 1 and customer 2 from the designated central authority. The portable electronic locking device (101) generates OTP for customer 1 and customer 2 in a consecutive order and transmits it to customer’s phone number. The designated central authority upon reaching the customer 1 unlocks the portable electronic locking device (101) by using OTP sent to customer 1 to deposit the contents in the portable locking device (101) by customer 1 and automatically lock the portable electronic locking device (101) after a pre-defined set of time. The designated central authority delivers the content deposited in the portable electronic locking device (101) to customer 2 wherein the portable electronic device (101) is unlocked by using the OTP sent to customer 2 upon reaching the customer 2. The portable electronic locking device (101) is unlocked using the master code in case of an emergency and/or after a pre-defined number of unsuccessful attempts at unlocking the door of the portable electronic locking device (101), once the transaction is initiated. [0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the OTP(s) is generated by the portable electronic locking device (101) for respective customer(s) thereby transmitting the OTP(s) to the server. The server converts the OTP(s) into QR code and transmits it to customer(s). The QR code reader in the portable electronic locking device (101) maps the OTP(s) read from QR code of customer(s) to unlock the portable electronic locking device (101). In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic locking device (101) may work on a time based parameter wherein the portable electronic device (101) is unlocked by the time based protocol.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is automatically latched after a pre defined period of time. In case the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is forcibly held open after a pre-defined period of time, the designated central authority is notified, and a buzzer may be triggered for alerting a possible fraud or theft. The designated central authority reinitiates the transaction with the same transaction ID in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is locked unintentionally. A physical button option is provided on the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) for the purpose of locking the portable electronic locking device (101) before the pre-defined threshold time.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the portable electronic locking device (101) may generate two codes in case of transportation of highly confidential content(s) for example in case of a transportation of defense equipment. The generated codes are transmitted to the respective customer to access the content(s) enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101) wherein one of the code transmitted to the customer provides access to a particular section of the modular enclosure (102) which comprises dummy documents/objects and an auxiliary code provides access to another section of the portable electronic locking device (101) comprising the original content(s) enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101). This feature of the present invention finds utility in applications comprising the transportation of confidential information such as defense equipment(s), documents related to national security and so on.

[0045] In step (205), the ongoing status of the portable electronic locking device (101) is displayed in the display module (110) and in step (206), upon the completion of the ongoing transaction, the data corresponding to preceding transactions is flushed by at least one microcontroller employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) which thwarts the portable electronic device (101) from sending messages to contact details of the customers received pertaining to preceding transactions which is caused by the glitches in the network.

[0046] Thus, the present invention relates to a system (100) for a portable electronic locking device (101) with an advanced locking mechanism employed for providing a safe and secure medium for transporting one or more content(s) enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101). Further, the portable electronic locking device (101) is a light weight, efficient, compact, waterproof and a dust proof device which has utility during all weather conditions.

[0047] The authentication module (104) and safety module (105) employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) provides a safe and secure medium for transporting highly confidential content(s) and finds utility in military applications, banks and ATM’s since the portable electronic locking device (101) is portable, highly secure and reliable.

[0048] Since, the portable electronic locking device (101) is uninterruptedly tracked by the GPS tracker and constantly monitored by multiple sensors which notifies the designated central authority in case of any glitch, the portable electronic locking device (101) may be employed for the transportation and storage of the confidential contents such as Voter- Verified Paper Audit Trial (VVPAT) system which enables electronic voting machines to record each vote cast by generating the EVM slip during the election phase. The tight surveillance and advanced locking mechanism of the portable electronic locking device (101) makes it highly favorable for the purpose of transportation of confidential documents such as examination papers, documents pertaining to bank/financial details and official documents concerning national security. The modular enclosure (102) in the portable electronic locking device (101) may comprise a cold storage unit which is employed to transport farm products to ensure high quality of the products. The present invention is not limited to the above mentioned applications and may exhibit utility in a plurality of application(s) as per requirement.

[0049] The features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Reference numbers:

Claims

Claims:

We claim:

1. A system (100) for a portable electronic locking device (101), the system (100) comprising:

a. a modular enclosure (102) for disposing one or more content(s) in the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the modular enclosure (102) is:

i. internally cushioned for protecting the enclosed content(s) from potential damages;

ii. sub-divided into a plurality of independent compartments for enclosing multiple contents in the portable electronic locking device (101);

b. a tracking module (103) for tracking the location of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the tracking module (103) comprises:

i. a wireless network configured to connect a user interface device to the portable electronic device (101), wherein the user interface device is mapped with the portable electronic locking device (101) to ensure that the portable electronic locking device (101) is always in the vicinity of the delivery executive;

ii. a GPS tracker for tracking the location of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the GPS tracker maps the location of the portable electronic locking device (101) with:

the location of a delivery executive; and

the location of an end-customer;

c. an authentication module (104) for authenticating and allowing one or more customers to access the contents enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the authentication module

(104): i. authenticates one or more customers through a One Time Password (OTP) generated by the portable electronic locking device (101);

ii. enables the generation of a master code by the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the master code is an encrypted code which is transmitted to a designated central authority for the purpose of authentication; d. a safety module (105) for detecting and notifying the designated central authority in case of a security breach in the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the safety module (105) comprises:

i. at least one active and passive sensor for sensing a plurality of process parameters generated by the components provided in the portable electronic locking device (101);

ii. at least one conducting wire (s) connected in a closed circuit for detecting whether the door is in latched or unlatched condition wherein the;

a. latched condition of the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is detected when one end of the conducting wire(s) which is wired externally around the surface of the portable electronic locking device (101) connects with the other end of the conducting wire(s) which is wired along the internal periphery of the portable electronic locking device (101);

b. microcontroller(s) receives input signal(s) from the conducting wire(s) and triggers a notification which is sent by the portable electronic locking device (101) to the designated central authority when the conducting wire is broken or being tampered with;

iii. a mechanical lock for providing access to the internal circuitry of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the internal circuitry is accessed by:

a. accessing a port that is disposed in the portable electronic locking device (101) which comprises a unique set of pins to access the internal circuitry of the portable electronic locking device (101);

b. connecting the port provided on the portable electronic locking device (101) using a standardized cable with an external circuit which is a duplication of an internal circuit provided for unlocking the portable electronic locking device (101) in case of failure of the internal circuit; and

c. activating a pre-defined set of pins provided on the port by connecting a standardized cable from the port to at least one microcontroller s) in the secondary circuit (107) of the portable electronic locking device (101) using encrypted codes which ensures the portable electronic locking device (101) is accessed solely by a designated central authority;

iv. an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) for temporarily storing all the information pertaining to the portable electronic locking device (101) thereby providing a backup which is accessed in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is idle or non-functional; e. a primary circuit (106) and a secondary circuit (107) for ensuring optimum functionality of the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the:

i. the primary circuit (106) comprises at least one microcontroller for monitoring and controlling a plurality of high-power and low-power consuming components provided in the portable electronic locking device (101); ii. the secondary circuit (107) comprises at least one microcontroller, wherein the secondary circuit (107) is coupled to the primary circuit (106) for:

a. providing a fail-safe mechanism in case of failure of the primary circuit (106);

b. unlocking the portable electronic locking device (101) at a pre-defined time through the secondary circuit (107); f. a primary battery (108) and a secondary battery (109), wherein the primary battery (108) supplies power to the primary circuit (106) and the secondary battery (109) supplies power to the secondary circuit (107);

g. a display module (110) to display the status of various process parameters of the portable electronic locking device (101).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety module (105) comprises:

a. a Radio frequency identification (RFID) tag disposed on the content enclosed in the portable electronic locking device (101); and

b. an RFID reader secure with the portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the RFID reader detects the presence of the RFID tag disposed on the enclosed content in the portable electronic locking device (101).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the authentication module (104) captures the identity of one or more authorized agent(s) through a biometric scanning device (101), wherein the identity of one or more authorized agent(s) is mapped with the corresponding details of the authorized agent(s) which is stored in a pre-defined database.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety module (105)ensures: a. the portable electronic locking device (101) is locked under all circumstances unless an unlocking action is initiated by the designated central authority to prevent the portable electronic locking device (101) from being tampered; and

b. the plurality of sensors employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) continuously monitor various process paraments of the portable electronic locking device (101) and transmits signal(s) to the designated central authority in case of unforeseen variations which is observed in the process parameters;

c. at least one microcontroller(s) employed in the portable electronic locking device (101) disregards the sensor signal(s) in case the portable electronic locking device (101) is conventionally unlocked using an OTP.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein the safety module (105) comprises a pre-defined matrix of invisible Infrared (IR) blasters and receivers disposed on the portable electronic locking device (101) for detecting and capturing the touch of a user(s) for the purpose of authentication. 6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the primary circuit (106) comprises a battery management system, wherein the battery management system: a. remotely switches off various functionalities of the portable electronic locking device (101) through message(s) which are transmitted through a low power consuming wireless network to ensure that the battery of the portable electronic locking device (101) lasts for a longer duration of time;

b. enables selective operability of one or more components of the portable electronic locking device (101) irrespective of the status of a transaction(s);

c. prevents the initiation of a transaction when the primary battery (108) storage capacity of the portable electronic device (101) decreases below a pre-defined threshold to ensure that the contents in the portable electronic device (101) are not tampered.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable electronic locking device (101) comprises a Global System for Mobile

Communication (GSM) button which is disposed on the portable electronic locking device (101) for manually activating GSM connectivity for the portable electronic locking device (101).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the master code is exercised by the designated central authority to unlock the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) in case of a pre-defined number of unsuccessful attempts at unlocking the door of the portable electronic locking device (101).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the server generates an encrypted code which is transmitted by the portable electronic locking device (101) to the designated central authority for verification shortly before a transaction is initiated.

10. A method (200) for a portable electronic locking device (101), wherein the method (200) comprising the steps of: a. obtaining the contact information of one or more customers from the designated central authority;

b. generating OTP(s) by the portable electronic locking device (101) and transmitting the generated OTP(s) to the respective customer(s) whose contact information is transmitted by the designated central authority as mentioned in step (a);

c. unlocking the portable electronic locking device (101) by mapping the OTP received by the customer with the OTP generated by the portable electronic locking device (101);

d. maintaining the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) electronically open for a pre-defined period of time, wherein: i. door is automatically latched after a pre-defined period of time;

ii. a buzzer is triggered, and the designated central authority is notified if the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) is forcibly held open after a pre-defined period of time;

iii. a physical button option is provided on the door of the portable electronic locking device (101) for the purpose of locking the portable electronic locking device (101) before the pre-defined threshold time;

e. displaying the ongoing status of the portable electronic locking device (101); f. flushing the data corresponding to multiple transactions upon completion of the ongoing transaction facilitated by at least one microcontroller employed in the portable electronic locking device

(101).