Cargo anti-theft protection systems, apparatus, and methods

An anti-theft protection system comprising:

• a controller further comprising:
• a cargo switch input configured to sense a ground of a cargo vehicle through a cargo switch, the cargo switch in electrical communication with the cargo switch input;
• a geo-zone input;
• an output configured to be in communication with an electronically operated lock;
• and
• a circuit in communication with the cargo switch input, the geo-zone input, and the output, the circuit being configured to:
• detect an opening of the cargo switch via a pre-selected voltage at the cargo switch input and, responsive thereto, to activate the lock to lock via the output;
• output a signal via the output to unlock the lock only in pre-selected geozones;
• and
• detect a PIN (personal identification number) by sensing a sequence of openings and closings of the cargo switch and interpret the sequence of openings and closings of the cargo switch as the PIN;
• the electronically operated lock in communication with the output;
• and
• a mechanical coupling wherein the cargo switch is mechanically coupled to a cargo access point on the cargo vehicle in such a manner that the cargo access point cannot be opened without first opening the cargo switch;
• wherein detection of the PIN indicates an authorized entry to the cargo access point.

A method of protecting cargo comprising:

• sensing a ground of a cargo vehicle through a cargo switch;
• using a circuit in communication with the cargo switch to detect an opening of the cargo switch via a pre-selected voltage;
• responsive to detecting the opening of the cargo switch, using the circuit to activate a lock positioned at a cargo access point on the cargo vehicle to lock;
• wherein the cargo switch is mechanically coupled to the cargo access point in such a manner that the cargo access point cannot be opened without first opening the cargo switch;
• outputting a signal indicative of the opening of the cargo switch to a geo-positioning circuit in communication with the circuit;
• sensing a geo-zone input with the circuit and outputting a signal to unlock the lock only in pre-selected geozones;
• detecting a PIN (personal identification number) with the circuit by sensing a sequence of openings and closings of the cargo switch and interpreting the sequence of openings and closings of the cargo switch as the PIN, wherein detection of the PIN indicates an authorized entry to the cargo access point.