GB2447050A - Pressure activated security device for a cargo container - Google Patents
Pressure activated security device for a cargo container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2447050A GB2447050A GB0704008A GB0704008A GB2447050A GB 2447050 A GB2447050 A GB 2447050A GB 0704008 A GB0704008 A GB 0704008A GB 0704008 A GB0704008 A GB 0704008A GB 2447050 A GB2447050 A GB 2447050A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- air pressure
- cargo container
- security device
- processing means
- operable
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 31
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 12
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009118 appropriate response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009530 blood pressure measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013480 data collection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000572 poisoning Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000000607 poisoning effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012384 transportation and delivery Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003936 working memory Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/20—Actuation by change of fluid pressure
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
Abstract
A security device for a cargo container 12 comprises a processing means operable to control a ventilator 14 onboard said cargo container 12 so as to vary air pressure within the cargo container 12. The variation in air pressure within the cargo container 12 is measured 16 and may be compared to a reference value or values. An additional opening 18, such as an orifice made by an unauthorised person on any surface of the cargo container 12, is detected by determining a change in the measured variation in air pressure. In an alternative embodiment the air pressure within the cargo container 12 is kept constant and the difference between the pressure inside and outside the cargo container 12 is monitored 16. Unauthorised openings 18 made on the surfaces of the cargo container 12 are detected by determining a change in the measured pressure difference.
Description
A Security Device
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a security device, particularly but not exclusively a security device for a cargo container.
Background of the Invention
Cargo containers are commonly used for shipping large quantity of goods from one country to another. Cargo container based shipping is viewed as vulnerable to theft.
Theft and tampering with such shipping containers is a significant source of lost revenue to shippers and merchants. The International Cargo Security Council (ICSC) has estimated about $60 billion worth of cargo is stolen each year (www.cargosecurityintemational.com). Above this amount, there are also indirect costs of lost sales, expedited shipments of replacement goods, disrupted customer service and so on.
The transportation and shipping industries become viable targets not only for theft of cargo, but more than that, potential conveyors for illicit deliveries of explosive, dangerous chemicals and poisoning of food carried therein. Therefore, measures to improve security are needed.
US200523 1365 relates to a battery operated cable security seal for securing the door of a cargo container using a stranded metal cable which includes monitoring electronics for monitoring the locked and tampered states of the cable. The monitoring electronics in this case is an RF1D tag transmission device which transmits a fault condition (that is when an intruder tries to break the seal) to a host administrator. r
W02004083078 is directed to cargo transport system which prevents access to or operation of the container unless the container has been transported to a prescribed location. The cargo transport system contains both a lock and a sensor that respectively lock and sense the environment surrounding the contents and/or of the cargo transport container. The lock and sensor are in communication with a remote monitoring location where appropriate responses can be marshalled to breaches in cargo transport security or in the cargo environment.
W02004022434 discloses a detector disposed within a container, the detector being capable of detecting deviations that could be indicative of possible secunty threats. A communication device is also disposed within the container housing. The communication device is capable of transmitting possible threat information to a central cargo data collection location.
However, none of these prior art examples provides a method of directly detecting any security threats on a cargo container.
Summary of the Invention
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security device for a cargo container comprising a processing means operable to control a ventilator onboard said cargo container so as to vary air pressure within said cargo container, and means for measuring variation in air pressure within said cargo container in response to operation of said processing means controlling said ventilator, such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected by determining a change in said measured vanation in air pressure.
Preferably, said processing means is operable to control said ventilator by switching said ventilator between ON and OFF, so as to vary the air pressure within said cargo container.
Preferably, said means for measuring variation in air pressure is operable to measure a first air pressure within said cargo container when said ventilator is switched ON and to measure a second air pressure within said cargo container when said ventilator is switched OFF.
Preferably, said processing means includes an input terminal connected to said means for measuring air pressure, and said processing means is operable to receive said measured air pressure from said means for measuring air pressure.
Preferably, said processing means is further operable to determine the difference between said first measured air pressure and said second measured air pressure.
Preferably, said processing means is further operable to compare said determined difference in air pressure with a predetermined value.
The predetermined value may be any one of: a. a fixed predetermined value; b. a value based on an initial determined difference in air pressure; and c. a range of values having an upper limit and a lower limit.
Preferably, said processing means is further operable to trigger an alarm signal when said determined difference in air pressure is not equal to said predetermined value or when said determined difference in air pressure is not within the range of predetermined values.
In another embodiment of the above aspect, there is provided a security device for a cargo container comprising a processing means operable to control a ventilator onboard said cargo container so as to vary air pressure within said cargo container; and means for measuring air pressure, operable to measure interior and exterior air pressure of said cargo container in order to determine a difference between said measured interior air pressure and said exterior air pressure, such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected by determining a change in said difference.
Preferably, said processing means is operable to control said ventilator such that said ventilator is switched ON continuously.
Preferably, said processing means includes an input terminal connected to said means for measunng air pressure, said processing means being operable to receive said measured interior air pressure and exterior pressure from said means for measuring air pressure.
Preferably, said processing means is operable to compare said determined difference with a predetermined value.
The predetermined value may be any one of: a. a fixed predetermined value; b. a value based on an initial determined difference in air pressure; and c. a range of value having an upper limit and a lower limit.
Preferably, said processing means is further operable to trigger an alarm signal when said determined difference in air pressure is not equal to said predetermined value or when said determined difference in air pressure is not within the range of predetermined value.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cargo container comprising a ventilator for varying air pressure within said cargo container; means for measuring variation in air pressure within said cargo container, said means for measuring variation in air pressure is operable to determine a change in said measured variation in air pressure such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit comprising a ventilator suitable to be installed in a wall of a cargo container, to provide means for urging air into or out of the container, and a security device in accordance with any of claims I to 15.
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of retrofitting a cargo container with a security device comprising the steps of creating an outlet on a surface of said cargo container, mounting a fan on said surface or a further surface of said container, installing means for measuring variation in air pressure so as to measure interior andlor exterior air pressure of said cargo container, and configuring a processing means operable to determine change in measured air pressure such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can he detected
Brief description of the Drawin_g
In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a back view of a cargo container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a security device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 illustrates the steps of monitoring the change in air pressure within a cargo container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
A security device for detecting any security threats on a cargo container due to the presence of an additional hole on any surface of said container is described in the following paragraphs.
A general arrangement 10 comprising a cargo container 12 and a security device are illustrated in Figure 1.
The security device comprises a ventilation system 14, 20 and an air pressure monitoring device 16. Referring to Figure 1, a cargo container 12 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The cargo container 12 is installed with a ventilation system including ventilation holes 20 created on the sidewalls of the container 12 and a ventilation fan 14 mounted on one of the surface of the cargo container. The ventilation fan 14 is operable to circulate air within the container 12 as well as varying the air pressure within the container 12. Due to the restriction in airflow presented by the ventilation holes 20, it is inevitable that the action of the fan 14 in use will be to create a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the container 12. This will be particularly evident if the fan 14 is set to draw air into the container 12.
An air pressure monitonng device 16 is also installed inside the container 12 to monitor arty changes in the air pressure within the cargo container 12. In an event that an additional hole 18 is created on a surface of the cargo container, the air pressure monitoring device is operable to detect the change in air pressure and to send a signal to trigger an intruder alarm.
Referring to Figure 2, the air pressure monitoring device includes a barometer 161, a microprocessor 164 and an alarm 163.
A barometer 161 is provided at the input of the monitoring device 16 to measure the air pressure inside the container 12. The barometer 161 offers an electronic output pressure signal. The output of the barometer (that is the measured pressure) is connected to a signal processor 167 through an Input/Output (I/O) interface 165 of the microprocessor 164. The 1/0 interface 165 also includes an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) (not shown) which converts the analogue output signals from the barometer into digital input signals. By means of general purpose bus 162, external devices (such as the barometer 161, the ventilation fan 14 and the alarm 163) through the I/O interface 165 are in communication with the signal processor 167.
The signal processor 167 is operable to execute machine code instructions stored in a working memory 168 and/or retrievable from a mass storage device 166. The signal processor 167 controls the on/off operation of the ventilation fan 14 and at the same time receives air pressure measurements from the barometer. The signal processor 167 calculates the difference in air pressure between the air pressure when the ventilation fan 14 is on and the air pressure when the ventilation fan 14 is off.
In an alternative arrangement, the barometer is arranged to measure the interior and exterior air pressure of the container 12. In this arrangement, the ventilation fan 14 is switched on continuously while the measurements are being taken. The signal processor 167 then calculates the difference in air pressure between the interior and the exterior air pressure.
in any one of the above arrangements, the signal processor 167 then compares the calculated value with a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be (1) a fixed value or a range of values which is predetermined when the security device is manufactured, or (2) an initial value which is the first calculated difference when the cargo container 12 is securely sealed and when the monitoring device 16 is first switched on. if the calculated value is not equal to the predetermined value or does not fall within the range of the predetermined values, the signal processor 167 will send a signal through the I/O interface 165 to the alarm 163. The alarm 163 may be an audible burglar alarm on board the cargo container 12. Alternatively, instead of triggering the burglar alarm on board the cargo container 12 a communication unit 169 may also be included in the microcontroller 164. The communication unit 169 can communicate with a remote monitoring base (not shown) to alert the security guard or the driver of the truck that the cargo container 12 has been tampered with. The process described above is also illustrated in Figure 3.
Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated by the skilled reader, and the above specific description is not intended to limit the scope of the protection in any way. The invention for which protection is sought should be considered as being in the appended claims, read in conjunction with the descnption, arid in the context of the accompanying drawings.
Claims (19)
- CLAIMS: 1. A security device for a cargo container comprising: aprocessing means operable to control a ventilator onboard said cargo container so as to vary air pressure within said cargo container; and means for measuring variation in air pressure within said cargo container in response to operation of said processing means controlling said ventilator, such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected by detennining a change in said measured variation in air pressure.
- 2. A security device in accordance with claim I wherein said processing means is operable to control said ventilator by switching said ventilator between ON and OFF, so as to vary the air pressure within said cargo container.
- 3. A security device in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means for measuring variation in air pressure is operable to measure a firstair pressure within said cargo container when said ventilator is switched ON and to measure a second air pressure within said cargo container when said ventilator is switched OFF.
- 4. A security device in accordance with claim 3 wherein said processing means includes an input terminal connected to said means for measuring air pressure, and said processing means is operable to receive said measured air pressure from said means for measuring air pressure.
- 5. A security device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said processing means is further operable to determine the difference between said first measured air pressure and said second measured air pressure.
- 6. A security device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said processing means is further operable to compare said determined difference in air pressure with a predetermined value.
- 7. A security device in accordance claim 6 wherein said predetermined value is any one of: a. a fixed predetermined value; b. a value based on an initial determined difference in air pressure; and c. a range of values having an upper limit and a lower limit.
- 8. A security device in accordance with claim 7 wherein said processing means is further operable to trigger an alarm signal when said determined difference in air pressure is not equal to said predetermined value or when said determined difference in air pressure is not within the range of predetermined values.
- 9. A security device for a cargo container comprising: a processing means operable to control a ventilator onboard said cargo container so as to vary air pressure within said cargo container; and means for measuring air pressure, operable to measure interior and exterior air pressure of said cargo container in order to determine a difference between said measured interior air pressure and said exterior air pressure, such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected by determining a change in said difference.
- 10. A security device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said processing means is operable to control said ventilator such that said ventilator is switched ON continuously.
- 11. A security device in accordance with any one of claims 9 and 10 wherein said processing means includes an input terminal connected to said means for measuring air pressure, said processing means being operable to receive said measured interior air pressure and exterior pressure from said means for measuring air pressure.
- 12. A security device in accordance with any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein said processing means is operable to compare said determined difference with a predetermined value. l0
- 13. A security device in accordance with claim 12 wherein said predetermined value is any one of: a. a fixed predetermined value; b. a value based on an initial determined difference in air pressure; and c. a range of value having an upper limit and a lower limit.
- 14. A security device in accordance with claim 13 wherein said processing means is further operable to trigger an alarm signal when said determined difference in air pressure is not equal to said predetermined value or when said determined difference in air pressure is not within the range of predetermined value.
- 15. A cargo container comprising: a ventilator for varying air pressure within said cargo container; means for measuring variation in air pressure within said cargo container, said means for measuring variation in air pressure is operable to determine a change in said measured variation in air pressure such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected.
- 16. A kit comprising a ventilator suitable to be installed in a wall of cargo container, to provide means for urging air into or out of the container, and a security device in accordance with any of claims I to 15.
- 17. A method of retrofitting a cargo container with a security device comprising the steps of: creating an outlet on a surface of said cargo container; mounting a fan on said surface or a further surface of said container; installing means for measuring variation in air pressure so as to measure interior and/or exterior air pressure of said cargo container; and configuring a processing means operable to determine change in measured air pressure such that an additional opening on any surface of said cargo container can be detected.
- 18. A security device for a cargo container substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
- 19. A method of retrofitting a cargo container with a security device substantially as herein described with reference to any of Figures ito 3 of the accompany drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0704008.2A GB2447050B (en) | 2007-03-01 | 2007-03-01 | A Security device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0704008.2A GB2447050B (en) | 2007-03-01 | 2007-03-01 | A Security device |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0704008D0 GB0704008D0 (en) | 2007-04-11 |
| GB2447050A true GB2447050A (en) | 2008-09-03 |
| GB2447050B GB2447050B (en) | 2012-02-08 |
Family
ID=37965766
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0704008.2A Expired - Fee Related GB2447050B (en) | 2007-03-01 | 2007-03-01 | A Security device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2447050B (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102017006588A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-17 | Lothar Belitz | Securing of goods against theft on trucks, s and other objects |
| DE102020102154A1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2021-04-29 | Celina Eidmann | Device and method for securing the load of means of transport with tarpaulin superstructures |
| WO2023235220A3 (en) * | 2022-06-02 | 2024-01-11 | Ademco Inc. | System using air pressure data for security and hazard detection |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1254130A (en) * | 1969-11-04 | 1971-11-17 | Lignin Engineering Company Ltd | Alarm system |
| GB2157042A (en) * | 1984-04-06 | 1985-10-16 | Microprotector Ltd | Detecting intruders |
| US6047588A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 2000-04-11 | Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation | Air cargo container |
-
2007
- 2007-03-01 GB GB0704008.2A patent/GB2447050B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1254130A (en) * | 1969-11-04 | 1971-11-17 | Lignin Engineering Company Ltd | Alarm system |
| GB2157042A (en) * | 1984-04-06 | 1985-10-16 | Microprotector Ltd | Detecting intruders |
| US6047588A (en) * | 1997-12-04 | 2000-04-11 | Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation | Air cargo container |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102017006588A1 (en) * | 2017-07-12 | 2019-01-17 | Lothar Belitz | Securing of goods against theft on trucks, s and other objects |
| DE102020102154A1 (en) * | 2019-10-28 | 2021-04-29 | Celina Eidmann | Device and method for securing the load of means of transport with tarpaulin superstructures |
| WO2023235220A3 (en) * | 2022-06-02 | 2024-01-11 | Ademco Inc. | System using air pressure data for security and hazard detection |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2447050B (en) | 2012-02-08 |
| GB0704008D0 (en) | 2007-04-11 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20210301 |