EP2226767A1 - Method and system for monitoring a freight container - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves transmitting event data to a remote analysis center (14), particularly an analysis device (18) assigned to the analysis center. The event data is transmitted when an event of violating the freight container integrity is detected by a surveillance sensor (12). The event data represents the integrity violation. An independent claim is also included for a system for monitoring, particularly real-time monitoring of the integrity of a freight container, particularly a transport container.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for monitoring, in particular for real-time monitoring of the integrity of a freight container, preferably a transport container, wherein the freight container has a monitoring device associated therewith, which has at least one monitoring the integrity of the container monitoring sensor. The invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.

Nationally and internationally, the requirements for the safety of freight containers, in particular of transport containers, such as so-called sea or land containers, are increasing in the freight business. Particularly large is classified the risk that individual cargo containers after a loading process by authorized personnel on the way of terrorists open and provided with explosives or the like, which should detonate at the destination of the cargo container.

To reduce the risk of such scenarios, there are efforts to illuminate all cargo containers for illegal weapons or other illegal cargo, such as X-ray procedures. Such methods are extremely expensive, especially in view of the large number of freight containers shipped around the world.

Therefore, a variety of methods have been developed with which the integrity of freight containers can be traced as completely as possible, starting from the loading of the container via its transport route to the destination. A system of the type mentioned is for example from the US 4,750,197 known. Inside a transport container there is arranged a monitoring device with monitoring sensor. The monitoring device is activated by an authorized person by means of a suitable key. After activation, the container is monitored. Events that violate the integrity of the container are detected by the sensor and stored on a local data store. Furthermore, an alarm signal generator is coupled to the monitoring device. As soon as the monitoring detects unauthorized access to the container, the signal generator generates an alarm signal.

A very similar system is used in the DE 60 2004 008 248 T2 described. Also in this document, a transport container is associated with a monitoring device with monitoring sensor. Possible unauthorized or unauthorized accesses are also detected only after an activation of the monitoring device has taken place by means of an activation key. The monitoring device then monitors the container until it is deactivated by means of a suitable deactivation key, usually at the end of the transport path. Any access incidents during transport, such as an unauthorized intrusion into the container during transport, as in the solution of the US 4,750,197 detected and stored in a memory of the monitoring device. At the end of the transport path, the monitoring device can be deactivated by means of a suitable deactivation key, ie switched off. The monitoring of the container is thereby terminated. At the same time, any stored access incident data is transferred to the deactivation key.

The monitoring systems shown have several disadvantages. A particular problem is that after the authorized opening of the respective container no further monitoring of the same takes place more. This can be very dangerous. For containers are often loaded after the first loading at the start of the container before reaching the actual destination. The container is loaded with additional cargo that is stored at a location lying on the transport route. In order to accommodate this further cargo, the monitoring device in the prior art must first be disabled authorized, ie switched off. Only then is an authorized opening of the container and a (intermediate) loading of the Containers possible. After loading, the container is closed again and the monitoring device activated again authorized.

In the period between the deactivated and the activated state of the monitoring device, i. between switching off and restarting the same, there is accordingly no monitoring of the container. Thus, the container can remain in the open state for a long time and, for example unnoticed by the person who had opened the container authorized to be loaded by other people with illegal cargo. Incidentally, it would also be easily possible for the authorized person who carries out the (intermediate) loading process, after deactivating the monitoring device, to store dangerous goods in the container.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method and a system of the type mentioned, with the integrity of a cargo container can be monitored as completely as possible.

This object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and by a system having the features of claim 15.

Thereafter, upon detection of an event violating the cargo containment integrity, the monitoring sensor transmits event data representative of the integrity violation to an analysis center positioned remotely from the receptacle. At the analysis center, the transmitted event data is then evaluated on the basis of predetermined criteria with regard to either a justified or unjustified integrity violation of the freight container. Depending on the result of this evaluation, appropriate measures can then be taken, for example an alarm signal can be generated.

The aforementioned method according to the invention runs preferably automated or at least partially automated by using suitable system components, which are described in greater detail below.

In the context of the application, a breach of integrity generally means any justified or unauthorized manipulation inside or outside the freight container and / or any physical access to the freight container, in particular to the interior thereof.

Preferably, an integrity violation comprises opening and / or closing one or more closing devices, in particular doors, which in each case can close or release at least one access opening to the container.

Furthermore, "authorized breaches of integrity" generally mean legitimate integrity violations, while unauthorized violations are termed "unauthorized".

The method according to the invention makes it possible to continuously monitor the freight container or its status during the entire transport path.

Typically, event data representing an integrity violation is therefore automatically sent to the analysis center immediately after its detection by the sensor (s) for subsequent evaluation thereof. The transmission of the data is triggered by the detection of the integrity violation. In this sense, the analysis center can monitor the container in substantially real time.

Incidentally, unlike in the prior art, the monitoring also takes place when the freight container, before it has reached its destination, should be authorized opened and provided with additional cargo. Even after such an authorized intermediate opening with a subsequent renewed, authorized closing operation, the monitoring device or the monitoring sensor operatively connected to it remains active. On activation and deactivation of the monitoring device by activation or deactivation key is advantageously dispensed with. It therefore takes place in the time after an authorized (intermediate) opening of the container monitoring the same. In the prior art, however, the monitoring device must be disabled in the sense of a conventional alarm system, i. be switched off when the container is to be opened authorized.

The monitoring sensor detects possible integrity violations, regardless of whether the respective integrity violation is authorized or unauthorized. In the prior art, however, only unauthorized violations of integrity are ultimately detected. For authorized integrity violations, such as an authorized opening, can be done in the prior art only in conjunction with a shutdown of the monitoring device.

By contrast, according to the invention, the cargo container can continue to be monitored following authorized integrity violations, at least until it has reached its destination. If the monitoring takes place, for example, by means of movement sensors which detect movements within the freight container, evaluable monitoring or event data are generated even after an authorized (intermediate) opening of the container. Suspicious movements, caused for example by unauthorized loading activities, can therefore also be detected and recognized after the authorized opening of the container. Thus, the automated monitoring of the loading and / or unloading itself is possible. It can be monitored and controlled by means of suitable sensors, which goods are loaded and / or unloaded.

As cargo containers to be monitored are all mobile containers into consideration, in which cargo can be transported and / or stored. The freight containers surround or limit a freight and / or cargo space arranged in their interior.

Preferably, the freight containers each have at least one closing device, in particular a door, flap or the like, each of which can close and / or release at least one loading opening to the freight container. The cargo container can be loaded with cargo via the loading opening or cargo can be unloaded from the freight container.

In the preferred application of the invention, the freight containers are transport containers, in particular sea or land containers.

The cargo containers may also each be integral with or part of vehicles, such as trucks or the like.

In principle, it is also conceivable to monitor immobile freight and / or storage spaces with the method according to the invention.

The integrity violation representing event data sent to the remote analysis center for subsequent assessment of the detected violation as "Authorized / Unauthorized" is preferably data that immediately identifies the status or condition of the container as "violation of integrity yes / no" ,

In this embodiment of the invention, the monitoring device, in the run-up to the aforementioned evaluation, performs the analysis as to whether the measured values measured by the sensor indicate an integrity violation of the container or not.

This measurement evaluation is expediently carried out with regard to the observance or exceeding of predetermined measured value limit values. If the evaluation of the monitoring device indicates that there is an integrity violation, the monitoring device can send a message representing the presence of the integrity violation to the analysis center.

For example, when using a motion sensor monitoring the interior of the freight container, the monitoring device would then evaluate the measured values with regard to the achievement or exceeding of certain limit values. As a result, for example, uncritical (air) movements, which are caused by the transport of the freight container, to be able to distinguish from critical movements by loading activities. The evaluation of the monitoring device thus results in whether there is an integrity violation or not.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the unanalysed measured values or the data representing the unanalyzed measured values of the sensor can also be transmitted directly to the analysis center. As a result, the above-mentioned analysis with regard to the achievement or exceeding of limit values would only be carried out in the analysis center and thus with regard to the existence of an integrity violation.

Regardless of whether the evaluation of the sensor measured values with regard to the presence of an integrity violation already takes place by the monitoring device or only later in the analysis center, according to the invention the event data emanating from the freight container or from the monitoring device assigned to the freight container is analyzed later in the analysis center with respect thereto whether the detected integrity violation was either authorized or unauthorized.

In a simplest embodiment of the invention, a suitable analysis center for carrying out these tasks can have, for example, a suitable computer device for analyzing or evaluating the event data and at least one receiving device with which the event data emanating from the monitoring device can be received.

The event data are transmitted in a preferred embodiment of the invention by a transmitting device associated with the monitoring device by long-distance data transmission, in particular by satellite radio link, directly or indirectly (possibly by forwarding via other intermediate transmitting devices) to the analysis center or to its associated receiving device.

As far as the integrity violations are concerned, the monitoring device, as already indicated above, preferably detects at least one opening and / or closing of the freight container as integrity violations. For this purpose, the monitoring device may comprise a suitable sensor, for example a door sensor. Of course, various other sensors can be used which are suitable for detecting any integrity violations. For example, at least one motion sensor is preferably used which monitors movements within the freight container and / or movements of the freight container itself. It is also conceivable to use detectors which can detect explosive explosives and / or dangerous radiation, in particular radioactive radiation.

As regards the criteria according to which a detected breach of integrity is deemed to be authorized or unauthorized, such a violation is preferably evaluated as authorized if the analysis center has an authorization representing the authorization of the integrity violation for the event data representing the integrity violation. This authorization should expediently be present in particular at the time of arrival of the event data in the analysis center or in a particular predetermined period of time before or after the arrival thereof, for example within a few seconds before or after the arrival.

In the context of the present application, the term "authorization" encompasses any process by which an infringement of integrity can be proven to be justified. In particular, an authorization in this sense may include a process of verifying an alleged identity of the person or institution initiating the authorization.

According to the invention, all event data sent to the analysis center is checked to see whether there is an appropriate authorization for the respective event data, ie for the corresponding integrity violation incidents.

For example, if a consignor of a freight carrier wishes to open a previously authorized closed freight container without eventually triggering an alarm condition, he can do so by authorized opening thereof. The corresponding, physical opening process of the sender is first sent to the analysis center as an integrity violation event. If the analysis center then has a corresponding authorization for this transmitted violation process, the violation will be assessed as justified or made as authorized. Then usually no alarm signal is generated.

The transmitted integrity violation, in the above example, the opening of the container, however, is assessed as unauthorized if the analysis center, in particular in the aforementioned times or periods, no authorization representing the integrity violation is present authorization. In other words, if the sender opens the container without being authorized to do so, the evaluation of the event data representing the opening in the analysis center results in an assessment of the opening as unauthorized.

In order to be able to carry out authorizations of the individual integrity violations, electronic codes are preferably used. For the purpose of authorizing an integrity violation, preferably the person or entity wishing to authorize the integrity violation initiates the sending of an electronic authorization code representing the entitlement of the integrity violation to the analysis center. The authorizing person is usually the person who wants to open the cargo container (authorized) for loading with cargo or close it after loading.

The electronic authorization codes preferably comprise data for proving the identity of the persons or institutions respectively using the codes, in particular digital certificates or signatures.

The transmission of the code can be done in many ways. For example, one or more electronic codes suitable for the respective container and / or the monitoring device used can first be transmitted to a sender responsible for transporting the container. The codes can be transmitted, for example, to a preferably configured as a handset authorization device, such as a handheld or the like of a person instructed by the sender.

If the person instructed by the mailer subsequently wishes to open or authorize to close a container, he may then, using the authorization device, send one of the previously transmitted appropriate authorization codes to the analysis center at, or before or after closing or opening the container sent. This can be done by remote data transmission, for example by means of a satellite radio link or the like.

In a further expedient embodiment of the invention, the authorization device-such as a handheld device, a mobile telephone or the like-has a transmitting device with which the authorization codes can be transmitted, in particular by remote data transmission, preferably wirelessly, to the analysis center or to a receiving device assigned to it.

The transmission of the respective authorization code to the analysis center can also take place indirectly using the monitoring device or the abovementioned transmitting and / or receiving device assigned to it. The monitoring device is in the manner described above usually connected via satellite communication technology or other wireless Datenfemübertragungsmittel with the analysis center or connectable. The person instructed by the sender can therefore first transmit the respective authorization code to the monitoring device or to the transmission device associated therewith, for example with the autonizing device by means of wireless data short-distance communication. The transmitting device of the monitoring device then transmits the authorization code directly or indirectly to the analysis center.

It is also conceivable that the authorization device is an immediate component of the monitoring device. It can then have, for example, an input device directly connected to the monitoring device by means of suitable lines, such as a keyboard. In each case, the authorization device then uses the input device to enter the authorization codes which are subsequently transmitted to the monitoring device or indirectly to its transmitting device for forwarding to the analysis center. Advantageously, the authorization device and / or the monitoring device has a display on which, in particular during the input of the authorization codes, suitable data can be made visible. These are preferably data that serve to guide the person instructed by the sender during the authorization process.

The authorization codes are preferably generated beforehand in the analysis center, particularly in one or more of the associated computing devices, before being communicated to the person or institution wishing to authorize the intended integrity violations.

In a further expedient embodiment of the invention, the validity of the respective electronic authorization code is checked after use thereof. This check can take place, for example, using stored authorization parameters, which are preferably stored in a memory associated with the analysis center, in particular the computer device thereof, and / or a corresponding database.

In the simplest implementation of the verification method for checking the validity of the authorization codes, the codes previously generated in the analysis center can be copied and stored in the memory / the database. The authorization codes which are subsequently transmitted directly or indirectly by the authorization device to the analysis center are matched to the copies of the codes stored in the memory at or after their arrival in the analysis center.

Naturally, there are a variety of other ways to check the validity or authenticity of the authorization codes used for the respective authorization.

According to the invention, it may further be provided to generate one or more authorization codes, in each case a set of authorization codes, for each freight container to be monitored and / or for each monitoring device to be used. These authorization codes can then be transmitted to the responsible consignor after they have been generated, for example. For each freight container and / or for each monitoring device then own sets of authorization codes are available.

In another embodiment of the invention, provision is made for assigning authorization codes or sets of authorization codes to specific groups of freight containers and / or groups of monitoring devices.

With the authorization codes, individual freight containers from these groups or individual freight containers equipped with monitoring devices from these groups can then be authorized closed or opened.

All of the mentioned assignments are advantageously stored in a suitable memory, in particular in a suitable database.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the appended claims, the following description of a preferred Ausfühmngsbeispiels and the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1

ein schematisches Blockschaltbild eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems zum Überwachen der Integrität eines Frachtbehältnis, das gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren betrieben wird.

It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic block diagram of a system according to the invention for monitoring the integrity of a cargo container, which is operated according to the inventive method.

An important part of the inventive system for monitoring cargo containers according to Fig. 1 On the one hand, it is a monitoring device 10.

This monitoring device 10 has one or more sensors 12 with which a freight container, in the present example a sea, land and / or standard container, can be monitored.

The monitoring device 10 provides event data representing this violation in the event of a violation of the integrity of the container. In particular, an integrity violation includes the opening and / or closing of one or more loading or access doors to the container, regardless of whether this opening / closing is authorized or not authorized.

The sensor or sensors 12 are in operative communication with a control unit 11 of the monitoring device 10. The communication between the control unit 11 and sensor 12 can be wired, but also wirelessly by radio or the like.

The monitoring device 10 is preferably positioned together with the sensor 12 within the container to be monitored and fastened there by means of suitable measures.

With the system according to the invention not only a container is monitored in the rule, but a variety of containers. In each case, similar monitoring devices 10 are assigned to the respective containers of the system. The assignment of the respective monitoring devices 10 to the respective Transportcontainem usually takes place at the beginning of a transport.

Typically, transportation of a shipping container from a loading or launch location to a destination is organized by a logistics company. If necessary, this logistics company commissions an external consignor with the actual loading of the container and the actual transport of the same.

The shipper equips the transport container provided for a transport with the monitoring device 10. Subsequently, the monitoring device 10 is turned on by actuation of a corresponding on / off switch. In order to ensure all functions of the monitoring device 10, this has a suitable, self-sufficient power supply, such as appropriate batteries or accumulators.

From the switch-on process, the monitoring device 10 or the sensor or sensors 12 thereof begins to monitor the container.

As a rule, at least one of the sensors 12 is designed as a door sensor monitoring the status of the door of the transport container. One of the sensors 12 may further be a motion sensor that monitors movements within the container and / or movements of the container itself. It is also conceivable to use detectors that can detect explosive explosives or dangerous radiation, in particular radioactive radiation. The sensor or sensors 12 generate suitable data from the switch-on operation of the monitoring device 10.

Each monitoring device 10 of the system according to the invention is connected or connectable to an analysis center 14 by suitable wireless data transmission techniques, preferably communication techniques involving satellites (radio). For this purpose, the monitoring devices 10 and the analysis center 14 each have suitable communication modules 15, namely transmitting and / or receiving modules, in particular radio-based. For this purpose, suitable transmitting and / or receiving modules are known including the necessary antenna technology in the art and are not discussed here.

Preferably, following the previously described installation of a monitoring device 10 in the respective transport container this is loaded with the cargo to be transported. Basically, the loading can of course also take place before the installation of the monitoring device 10.

In order to be able to meet safety requirements, it is ensured according to the invention that the loading and closing of the container is verifiably carried out by a person authorized to do so:

For this purpose, the system provides for the use of electronic authorization codes. The authorization codes can be used to authorize violations of the integrity of the container. In particular, an opening and / or closing a container access door in this way can be marked as authorized.

In the present embodiment, the authorization codes comprise in particular digital certificates with which the identity of the authorized person conveying the respective authorization code can be checked. Furthermore, the authorization codes comprise data which uniquely identify the respective monitoring device 10 and / or the respective container for which authorization codes are respectively used.

The authorization codes have been previously generated by corresponding computer facilities in the analysis center 14 and transmitted to the authorized person from the analysis center 14. The transmission can take place, for example, via correspondingly secured, electronic data transport paths.

In a variant of the invention, the electronic authorization codes are transmitted by the analysis center 14 directly by remote data transmission of an authorization device 16 designed as a handheld device, for example as a handheld device. For example, it is conceivable that the authorized person downloads the authorization codes via a secure, wireless Internet connection from a corresponding server of the analysis center 14 to the authorization device 16. The authorization codes are then stored in the authorization device 16 or a memory assigned to the authorization device 16.

After loading the container, the authorized person closes the door of the same. This closure process leads to a signal of the door sensor 12 of the monitoring device 10. For in the installed and switched state of the monitoring device 10 performs any integrity Verietzetzung, so in this case each closing and each opening of the access door of the container, to such a door sensor signal. The generated signal or corresponding event data representing this signal are then transmitted automatically via the communication modules 15 via wireless remote data transmission to the analysis center 14. The transmission of the event data is thus triggered or triggered by the detection of the door opening by the door sensor 12

The authorized person may authorize the closing operation to prevent the closing signal in the analysis center 14 from triggering an alarm.

In an implementation of the invention, it is provided for this purpose that the authorized person, by means of the authorization device 16, initiates the transmission of one of the codes previously transmitted to the authorization device 16 for the authorization to the analysis center 14. For this purpose, the authorized person positions himself with the authorization device 16 in front of the container. By actuating suitable control elements of the authorization device 16, a transmission of one of the codes is initiated, namely by wireless short-distance data transmission, starting first from the authorization device 16 to the monitoring device 10. The authorization device 16 and the monitoring device 10 have communication modules suitable for short-distance data transmission for this purpose.

The transmission device 10 then forwards the code transmitted to it via the communication modules 15 to the analysis center 14. The transmitted authorization codes are subsequently stored in one of the memories assigned to the analysis center 14.

In an analysis device 18 assigned to the analysis center 14, the evaluation of the transmitted closing signal takes place with regard to whether the closing operation was authorized or unauthorized. The Anaiyseeinrichtung 18 may be for this purpose, for example, a suitably trained control device and / or trained with suitable software computer device. It checks whether in the memory assigned to the analysis center 14, in each case, at the same time as the arrival of the event data representing the closing of the door or in a fixed period of time before or after a suitable authorization code has arrived. For this purpose, the analysis device 18 accesses the analysis center 14 and thus also its associated memory.

The analysis device 18 further checks by means of suitable algorithms in particular the validity or authenticity of the respective transmitted authorization code. For this purpose, it compares the transmitted authorization code with authorization code parameters stored in one or the memory assigned to the analysis device 18 or the analysis center 14. In this case, these authorization code parameters must match or be in the proper relationship with the submitted authorization code for the latter to be considered valid. Preferably, the authorization code parameters are stored in a database installed in the memory.

Accordingly, if the person authorized to close is sending an appropriate authorization code to the analysis center 14 in the manner described above immediately and in fixed proximity to the closure of the container door, the closing of the door will be judged to be authorized by the analyzer.

As a result, no alarm message is generated accordingly in the analysis center.

Something else, however, applies if unauthorized persons should unjustifiably injure the integrity of the container during the transport route, for example by penetrating into the interior of the container via the door of the container.

In this case, the door sensor 12 first generates corresponding event data again, i. Data representing integrity breach - in this case door opening.

These event data are also automatically transmitted to the analysis center 14. In the present case of unauthorized opening of the container, however, the analysis center 14 will naturally not transmit an appropriate authorization code. Accordingly, no authorization code suitable for authorizing the opening process is stored in the memory assigned to the analysis center 14.

As a result, the subsequent evaluation of the event data representing the opening signal provides the result that the opening must have been unauthorized. The corresponding evaluation in turn performs the analysis device 18, which for this Purpose in the manner already described in turn reads out the memory assigned to the analysis center 14. It is determined that there is no suitable authorization code stored there.

Appropriate measures may be taken in response to the evaluation of the opening as unauthorized. For example, by means of a signal generator, an alarm signal representing a particular audible or visual alarm signal can be generated, which is fed to various private and regulatory authorities. For example, security authorities who examine the container in question can be notified. In the simplest case, the analysis unit 18 assigned to the analysis center 14 can initiate the sending of a corresponding e-mail or an SMS.

In particular insofar as the monitoring device 10 has a suitable locating module, for example a GPS module, the exact location of the container in question can also be easily located.

In another scenario covered by the invention, unlike in the case described above, the opening of the container is authorized. This may be useful, in particular, if the container is to be loaded on the transport route before reaching the actual final destination with further cargo.

According to the invention, a person entitled to the intermediate load can open the container without immediately triggering an alarm. Although the opening process of the container is in turn detected in the manner described above by the corresponding sensor 12 of the monitoring device 10 and corresponding event data representing this opening process are sent to the analysis center 14 in the sequence. If, however, the authorized person sends an appropriate authorization code within the defined time limits to the analysis center 14 in a manner analogous to that described above, the opening of the container in this case is assessed as being authorized.

The monitoring device 10 remains active during the intermediate loading of the container. The container will therefore continue to be monitored. The monitoring device 10 also sends event data to the analysis center 14. If, for example, one of the sensors 12 is designed as a motion sensor, it also sends after the authorized opening of the container continuously data on movements within the container to the analysis center 14.

Once loading is completed as part of this intermediate loading process, the authorized person can re-authorize the container by means of another authorization code.

Overall, the invention enables a complete monitoring of the container, starting from a first authorized closing over the entire transport path, including possible intermediate loadings until reaching the destination.

Naturally, as the person skilled in the art recognizes, there are various alternatives according to the invention to the exemplary embodiment described above. As the person skilled in the art in particular recognizes, various possibilities exist for designing the individual components of the system and / or interconnecting them with one another via suitable data interfaces in order to carry out the method according to the invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

monitoring device

11

control unit

12

sensor

14

analysis center

15

communication module

16

authorization unit

18

computer equipment

20

Database

Claims (18)

Method for monitoring, in particular for real-time monitoring, the integrity of a freight container, preferably a transport container, wherein the freight container has a monitoring device (10) associated therewith which has at least one monitoring sensor (12) monitoring the integrity of the freight container, characterized by the following measures: after the detection by the monitoring sensor (12) of an event which violates the cargo container integrity, data relating to the integrity violation are transmitted to a remote analysis center (14), in particular to an analysis device (18) associated with the analysis center (14), in the analysis center (14), in particular in the analysis device (18) associated therewith, the transmitted event data are evaluated on the basis of predetermined criteria with regard to either authorized - or unauthorized - unauthorized integrity violation of the freight container the integrity breach, in particular the opening or closing of a cargo container, is assessed as authorized if the analysis center (14) - in particular at the time of arrival of the event data in the analysis center (14) or in a particular predetermined time period before or after Arrival of the same - to the integrity violation representing event data there is an authorization code representing the authority of the integrity violation. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring device (10) by means of a suitable sensor (12) as integrity violations preferably detects at least one opening or closing of the cargo container. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the monitoring device (10) also monitors the cargo container during the period between authorized opening of the cargo container and subsequent authorized closing of the cargo container such that event data representing violation of the cargo containment integrity is sent to the analysis center (14). also be sent in this period. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the monitoring device (10) monitors the freight container until it is switched off without interruption. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integrity violation is assessed as unauthorized or unauthorized, if the analysis center (14) - in particular at the time of arrival of the event data in the analysis center (14) or in a particular predetermined period before or upon their arrival - there is no authorization representing the integrity violation permission. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that electronic codes are used for the authorization of integrity violations, preferably electronic codes which have been previously generated in the analysis center (14). Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that for the purpose of an authorization of an integrity violation the analysis center (14) at the time of arrival of the event data or in the period before or after the arrival, in particular wirelessly, representing the justification of the integrity violation , electronic authorization code is transmitted. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the validity of the electronic authorization code is checked, in particular on the basis of preferably stored in an analysis center (14) associated database authorization parameters. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitted authorization code is evaluated as valid insofar as the transmitted authorization code is identified as a previously generated authorization code and / or in that one or more of the stored authorization parameters match the authorization code. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more electronic, preferably previously generated in the analysis center (14), one or more individually to be monitored cargo containers and / or one or more groups of freight containers, in particular each unique one or more authorization codes assigned. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated authorization codes and / or parameters thereof are stored in a particular the analysis center (14) associated database. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the case of an assessment of an integrity violation as unauthorized, in particular by means of a suitable signal generator, a signal is generated, in particular a signal representing an alarm condition. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the authorization codes each comprise data enabling verification of an alleged identity of the person or institution initiating the authorization, in particular in each case at least one digital certificate or one digital signature. Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the event data representing the violation of the cargo container integrity immediately after the detection of this data by the monitoring sensor (12) are sent by remote data transmission automatically, in particular triggered or triggered by this detection, to the analysis center (14). System for monitoring, in particular for real-time monitoring, the integrity of a freight container, in particular a transport container, in particular for carrying out the method according to one or more of the preceding claims, with one or more freight containers, wherein each cargo container is assigned at least one monitoring device (10) at least one monitoring sensor (12) monitoring the integrity of the cargo compartment, and an analysis center (14) remote from the cargo compartment, to which event data representing the integrity violation is wirelessly communicated after detection of an event violating the cargo containment integrity by the monitoring sensor (12); wherein in the analysis center (14) the transmitted event data by means of a suitable analysis device (18) based on predetermined criteria with respect to either authorized - authoris ierte - or an unjustified - unauthorized - integrity violation of the freight container can be assessed. System according to claim 15, characterized in that the analysis device for evaluating the integrity violation is a suitably designed control and / or computer device (18). System according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the monitoring device (10) is associated with a suitable transmitting device (15), preferably a transmitting and receiving device, and the analysis center at least one suitable receiving device (15), preferably also a transmitting and receiving device via which the event data can be transmitted wirelessly. System according to one or more of claims 15-17, characterized by one or more features of claims 1-14.

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