Local access indication system

A system for detecting unauthorized access to an area, comprising:

• a sensor configured to be coupled to a body to detect access to an area inside the body by an unauthorized personnel member in response to sensing a magnetic field, a pressure, a chemical signature, a biological signature, a nuclear signature, or a combination thereof, wherein the body is inside an aircraft, wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a first signal in response to detecting access to the area, and wherein the area comprises an inventory comprising a first-aid kit;
• a controller spaced apart from the sensor and configured to receive the first signal and to transmit a second signal in response to receiving the first signal, wherein the controller comprises a first display configured to allow an authorized personnel member to interface with the system;
• an alert feature spaced apart from the sensor and configured to receive the second signal and to generate an alert in response to receiving the second signal, wherein the alert feature comprises a second display configured to allow the authorized personnel member to interface with the system, wherein the alert signals the authorized personnel member to determine whether the unauthorized personnel member has accessed the inventory inside the area and to determine whether the inventory inside the area needs to be replenished, and wherein no alert signals the authorized personnel member that the inventory inside the area is unchanged;
• and
• a local interface unit configured to begin harvesting power from an alternating current source, and upon detecting access to the area, to provide the power to the alert feature.

A method for detecting unauthorized access to an area, comprising:

• coupling a sensor to a body, wherein the body is inside a vehicle, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a change of state in response to access to an area inside the body by an unauthorized personnel member by sensing a magnetic field, a pressure, a chemical signature, a biological signature, a nuclear signature, or a combination thereof, and wherein the sensor is configured to transmit a signal in response to the change of state;
• positioning an alert feature within a first predetermined distance of the sensor, wherein the alert feature is configured to receive the signal, to determine when access to the area inside the body has occurred in response to the signal, and to generate an alert in response to determining that the area inside the body has been accessed;
• and
• positioning a local interface unit within a second predetermined distance of the sensor, the alert feature, or both, wherein the local interface unit is configured to begin harvesting power from an alternating current source, and upon detecting access to the area, to provide the power to the alert feature.