GB2502966A

GB2502966A - Container monitoring device

Info

Publication number: GB2502966A
Application number: GB201210239A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Egerton
Original assignee: Everything Everywhere Ltd
Current assignee: Everything Everywhere Ltd
Priority date: 2012-06-11
Filing date: 2012-06-11
Publication date: 2013-12-18
Also published as: GB201210239D0

Abstract

A monitoring device 10 monitors a container for transporting cargo and comprises a transmitter to transmit data provided by sensors 20, 60, that sense container variables and an electrical storage device 40 to provide electrical power to the sensors and data transmitter. An energy transducer 50 provides power to the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices that is converted from thermal, kinetic or solar energy and can provide power to the sensors and the transmitter in preference to the storage device. Thermal energy can be converted from inside or outside the container and use a heat engine having a fluid in a thermodynamic cycle, a thermoelectric generator or a Peltier device. Kinetic energy can be converted using a movable mass or a piezoelectric accelerometer and exploit movement of the container in a range of directions. Monitoring devices can sense door position, mounting, tampering, light levels, temperature, pressure, altitude, acceleration, battery level, humidity and position using a GPS, GSM WPS or RF location device. Data transmitters can communicate with a server using GSM, GPRS, SMS, Wi-Fi, or a satellite transmitter and receive data to configure the monitoring device.

Description

CONTAINER MONITORING DEVICE

The present invention relates to a container monitoring device and specifically but not exclusively relates to a container monitoring device comprising an energy transducer configured to convert a source of energy into electrical energy.

Background

Containers are commonly used for the transportation of goods. By way of example, standardised containers, such as shipping containers, may be used to transport goods on lorries/trucks, trains, airplanes and ships or any other mode of transportation.

During transit it is desirable to monitor a container. For example, it may be desirable to track the location of a container. Tracking or any other data may be transmitted to a central server from which a user may request the data.

Several container tracking systems have been proposed, see for example W02006/053566, U82004/0100379 and US2004/0113783. However, one problem with all of these previous systems is the provision of power. Containers may be in transit for long periods of time during which a battery may have been depleted.

Furthermore, it is not feasible to charge or replace a battery at regular intervals as the container may not return within the battery's life cycle and the container may be in the possession of a third party who cannot be relied upon to charge or replace the battery.

In addition to the above, even if it is possible to recharge a battery, a rechargeable battery will only have a limited lifetime and this is often exacerbated by repeated charging cycles. However, as containers can be in transit for many years before requiring maintenance, it is desirable for a battery to last for longer periods than is currently achievable.

The present invention therefore seeks to address these issues.

Statoments of Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a container monitoring device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the container monitoring device comprising: one or more sensors, such as location finding devices, the sensors being configured to sense one or more container variables, such as the position of the container monitoring device, and provide sensed data, such as position data; one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors; and one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters. The container monitoring device may further comprise one or more energy transducers configured to convert one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.

By way of example, there may be one or more thermal energy transducers and/or one or more kinetic energy transducers. The thermal and/or kinetic energy transducers may advantageously provide electrical power when other sources of power are not available. For example, solar power may be limited or unavailable at night or for a container surrounded by other containers, e.g. onboard a ship or in a dockyard.

The container monitoring device may be configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices. As a result, the container monitoring device may advantageously prolong the life of the electrical storage devices.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a container monitoring device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the container monitoring device comprising: one or more sensors, the sensors being configured to sense one or more container variables and provide sensed data; one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors; one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters; and one or more energy transducers configured to convert a source of energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices, wherein the container monitoring device is configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices.

By providing electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices, the container monitoring device may advantageously prolong the life of the electrical storage devices. For example, the present invention may reduce the drain on the electrical storage devices or minimise charging and recharging cycles which may have a detrimental effect on the electrical storage devices' performance.

The source of energy may be a source of energy which is not stored. The source of energy may be a source of energy other than an electrical storage means such as a battery or capacitor. The source of energy may comprise kinetic, solar or thermal energy or any other energy source. The source of energy may be a renewable source of energy.

The one or more energy transducers may be configured to convert one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.

One or more of the energy transducers may be configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy.

At least one of the energy transducers may be configured to convert thermal energy from inside or outside the container into electrical energy. The at least one of the energy transducers may comprise a heat engine. The heat engine may comprise a working fluid flowing in a thermodynamic cycle. At least one of the energy transducers may comprise a thermoelectric generator. At least one of the energy transducers may comprise a Peltier device.

The at least one of the energy transducers may comprise a first heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the inside of the container. The at least one of the energy transducers may comprise a second heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the outside of the container. Thermal energy may be extracted from inside or outside the container, e.g. depending on whether the temperature is greater inside or outside the container. In other words, the heat engine or thermoelectric generator may be configured to exploit a temperature difference in either direction. The heat engine or thermoelectric generator may switch directions, e.g. depending on whether the temperature is greater inside or outside the container, for example, the heat engine or thermoelectric generator may work in one direction during the day and another at night.

At least one of the energy transducers may be configured to convert kinetic energy imparted to the container into electrical energy. For example, the energy transducers may comprise vibration powered generators.

At least one of the energy transducers may comprise a movable portion configured to move with respect to the container. For example, the movable portion may comprise a pendulum. By virtue of the movable portion's inertia, the movable portion may move with respect to the container when the container is moved, e.g. when being transported. The movable portion may be further configured such that movement of the movable portion may induce an electrical current to provide the electrical energy.

The movable portion may be operatively connected to an electrical generator, which converts movement of the movable portion into an electrical current.

The container monitoring device may comprise a plurality of kinetic energy transducers orientated in a plurality of directions relative to the container to exploit movement of the container in a plurality of directions. The kinetic energy transducers may be orientated in orthogonal directions. For example, in the case of the kinetic energy transducers comprising movable portions, the movable portions may each move in one of the directions. By way of example, kinetic energy transducers may be arranged with components in fore-aft and port-starboard directions relative to the container. In this way the kinetic energy transducers may take advantage of movements in these directions, e.g. due to the swaying of a ship or braking, acceleration and cornering of a lorry, train or airplane.

The kinetic energy transducer may comprise an accelerometer such as a Piezoelectric accelerometer.

The sensors may comprise one or more location finding devices. The location finding devices may be configured to determine the position of the container monitoring device and provide position data.

The location finding devices may comprise one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, an Assisted-GPS device, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a Wi-Fl Positioning System (WPS) device, a Radio Frequency (RF) location device or any other location finding device.

The data transmitters may comprise one or more of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, a Short Messaging Service (SMS) enabled device, a satellite data transmitter, a wireless mesh network, a Wi-Fi enabled device or any other data transmitter. By way of example, the GSM, GFRS and SMS devices may comprise components of a mobile telephone. The satellite data transmitter may comprise components of a satellite telephone.

The data transmitters may be configured to communicate with other container monitoring devices, e.g. in the vicinity of the container. Such communication may be via a data transmitter requiring low power, e.g. Wi-Fl, thereby preserving energy. One of the container monitoring devices may receive data from other container monitoring devices and may transmit the status of all the devices via a data transmitter requiring higher power, e.g. GSM. One of the container monitoring devices may also obtain the sensed data, such as position data, on behalf of the remaining container monitoring devices. In this way only one container monitoring device from a plurality of containers may have to use a high power data transmitter and/or sensor, such as a location finding device, The container monitoring device which sends the higher power signal and/or obtains the sensed data may alternate to even out power usage. The container monitoring device with the highest battery level may be selected to be the container monitoring device which sends the higher power signal and/or obtains the sensed data.

Accordingly, the container tracking device may comprise one or more data receivers for receiving data, e.g. from other container tracking devices or from a central server.

The container monitoring device may comprise a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and/or a plurality of data transmitters. The container monitoring device may be configured to select an available sensor for sensing a particular container variable andlor available data transmitter with the lowest power requirement. The container monitoring device may be configured to select an available sensor, such as a location finding device, with an accuracy greater than a predetermined accuracy requirement.

The one or more sensors may be configured to sense one or more container variables.

The container variables may comprise one or more of geographic position, container door position, container mounting state, tamper state, light levels inside the container, temperature inside or outside the container, pressure, altitude, acceleration, attachment, battery level, humidity, salinity, water presence or any other container variable. A position switch may indicate the container door position. An accelerometer may indicate the acceleration experienced by the container (and thus by the contents).

The container mounting state variable may indicate whether other containers are positioned on top of or against the container. A position switch or load cell, such as a strain gauge, may provide the container mounting state variable. The altitude may be sensed via the pressure sensor or via a GFS signal.

The electrical storage devices may comprise one or more of a battery, such as a rechargeable battery, a capacitor or any other electrical storage device. For example, a first battery may be provided, e.g. to power the data transmitters and/or sensors, and a second battery may be provided, e.g. to store electrical energy from the energy transducers. The second battery may store excess electrical energy from the energy transducers which may have been surplus to the requirements of the sensors and/or data transmitters when the energy was generated by the energy transducers.

The container monitoring device may be further configured to receive data, such as operation mode data, e.g. so that the container monitoring device is configured for a particular application. The operation mode data may comprise wakeup mode request, wakeup mode frequency, container destination data, data from other container monitoring devices or any other data.

A container, e.g. for transporting cargo, may comprise the above-mentioned container monitoring device.

A system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo may comprise: one or more of the above-mentioned container monitoring devices; and one or more servers configured to receive data transmitted from the one or more data transmitters. The servers may be configured such that the data transmitted to the server is sent to a user upon a query from the user. The one or more servers may be configured to transmit data to the one or more of the container monitoring devices. The data transmitted to the one or more of the container monitoring devices may comprise operation mode data, e.g. so that the container monitoring device is configured for a particular application. The operation mode data may comprise wakeup mode request, wakeup mode frequency, sensor data required, container destination data or any other data.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the method comprising: sensing one or more container variables with one or more sensors providing sensed data; transmitting the sensed data provided by the sensors with one or more data transmitters; and providing electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters from one or more electrical storage devices. The method may further comprise converting one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the method comprising: sensing one or more container variables with one or more sensors providing sensed data; transmitting the sensed data provided by the sensors with one or more data transmitters; providing electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters from one or more electrical storage devices; and converting a source of energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices; and providing electrical energy from the source of energy to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for a cargo holding receptacle (such as a container, lorry, train, airplane, warehouse etc), the device comprising: one or more sensors, the sensors being configured to sense one or more receptacle variables and provide sensed data; and one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors. The device may further comprise one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the container monitoring device according to an example of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system comprising a container monitoring device.

Detailed Description

With reference to Figure 1 a container monitoring device 10 is depicted in schematic form. The container monitoring device 10 is configured to monitor a container (not shown) for transporting cargo and specifically may be configured to sense a container variable such as the location of the container. As shown, the container monitoring device 10 comprises one or more sensors, such as location finding devices 20, one or more data transmitters 30 and one or more electrical storage devices 40. The container monitoring device may further comprise one or more energy transducers 50.

The location finding devices 20 are configured to determine the position of the container monitoring device and therefore the position of the container. The location finding devices 20 provide position data which may be transmitted by the one or more data transmitters 30. The location finding devices may comprise one or more of a Global Positioning System (OPS) device 20a, an Assisted-GPS device 20b, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device 20c (e.g. a quad-band GSM device), a Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) device 20d, a Radio Frequency (RF) location device 20e or any other location finding device.

In the case of there being a plurality of location finding devices 20, the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to select an available location finding device.

In other words, not all of the location finding devices may be available at a particular location or time, for example at sea there may be no GSM or Wi-Fi signal, and the container monitoring device 10 may select one of the location finding devices that is available at that particular location, e.g. OPS.

The container monitoring device 10 may also be configured to select a location finding device with the lowest power requirement. For example, in cases where both GPS and Wi-Fl location services are available, the container monitoring device may select the Wi-Fi location finding device as this requires less power. Similarly, the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to select an available location finding device with an accuracy greater than a predetermined accuracy requirement. For example, if both the GSM and Wi-Fi location finding devices 20c, 20d are available, the container monitoring device may select the Wi-Fi location finding device which may have the greater accuracy.

The data transmitters 30 are configured to transmit data such as the position data provided by the location finding devices 10. The data transmitters 30 may transmit data to a receiver in communication with a base station or one or more computer servers. The data transmitters 30 may comprise one or more of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device 30a, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device 30b, a Short Messaging Service (SMS) enabled device 30c, a satellite data transmitter 30d, a wireless mesh network 30e, a Wi-Fl enabled device 301 or any other data transmitter. By way of example, the GSM, GPRS and SMS devices may comprise components of a mobile telephone. The satellite data transmitter may comprise components of a satellite telephone.

In the case of there being a plurality of data transmitters 30, the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to select an available data transmitter. In other words, not all of the data transmitters 30 may be available at a particular location, for example at sea there may be no GSM or Wi-Fi signal, and the container monitoring device 10 may select one of the data transmitters 30 that is available at that particular location, e.g. the satellite data transmitter. Alternatively, the container monitoring device may wait until a favoured, e.g. low power, data transmitter is available, for example when a ship is close to shore. The container monitoring device 10 may also be configured to select a data transmitter 30 with the lowest power requirement.

The electrical storage devices 40 are configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters 30. The electrical storage devices 40 may comprise one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, capacitors or any other electrical storage device. For example, a first battery 40a may be provided, e.g. to power the data transmitters 30 and/or sensors. A second battery 40b may also be provided, e.g. to store electrical energy from the energy transducers. The second battery 4Gb may store excess electrical energy from the energy transducers which may have been surplus to the requirements of the sensors and/or data transmitters when the energy was generated by the energy transducers 50. The second battery 40b may also power the data transmitters 30 and/or sensors, e.g. when there is insufficient power from the energy transducers 50. The first and/or second batteries 40a, 40b may comprise Thionyl Chloride Lithium batteries.

The one or more energy transducers 50 are configured to convert a source of energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices 40. The source of energy may be a source of energy other than an electrical storage means. For example, one or more of the energy transducers 50 may be configured to convert thermal energy and/or kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters 30 and electrical storage devices 40. One or more of the energy transducers 50 may also be configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy. e.g. via a solar energy transducer SOc such as a photovoltaic cell.

One or more of the energy transducers 50 may be configured to convert thermal energy from inside or outside the container into electrical energy, e.g. via a thermal energy transducer 50a. Accordingly, the energy transducers 50 may comprise a heat engine, for example with a working fluid flowing in a thermodynamic cycle. The heat cycle may power a turbine by virtue of the flowing working fluid, which in turn may power an electrical generator. Alternatively, at least one of the energy transducers may comprise a thermoelectric generator, for example a Peltier device.

In the case of an energy transducer being a thermal energy transducer, a first heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the inside of the container may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, the thermal energy transducer may comprise a second heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the outside of the container. The second heat exchange surface may be a wall of the container. The thermal energy transducer may be in thermal communication with the second heat exchange surface, e.g. via an attachment means for attaching the container monitoring device to the container.

Thermal energy may be extracted from inside or outside the container, e.g. depending on whether the temperature is greater inside or outside the container. In other words, the heat engine or thermoelectric generator may be configured to exploit a temperature difference in either direction. As such, the heat engine or thermoelectric generator may switch directions, e.g. depending on whether the temperature is greater inside or outside the container, for example, the heat engine or thermoelectric generator may work in one direction during the day and another at night.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the energy transducers 50 may be configured to convert kinetic energy imparted to the container into electrical energy, e.g. via a kinetic energy transducer 50b. For example, the energy transducers may comprise vibration powered generators. The kinetic energy transducer may comprise an accelerometer such as a Piezoelectric accelerometer.

In the case of an energy transducer being a kinetic energy transducer, a movable portion configured to move with respect to the container may be provided-For example, the movable portion may cause a shaft to rotate, e.g. the movable portion may comprise a pendulum. By virtue of the movable portion's inertia, the movable portion may move with respect to the container when the container is moved, e.g. when being transported. The movable portion may be further configured such that movement of the movable portion may induce an electrical current to provide the electrical energy. The movable portion may be operatively connected to an electrical generator, which converts movement of the movable portion, e.g. via a rotating shaft, into an electrical current.

The container monitoring device 10 may comprise a plurality of kinetic energy transducers orientated in a plurality of directions relative to the container to exploit movement of the container in a plurality of directions. The kinetic energy transducers may be orientated ri orthogonal directions. For example, in the case of the kinetic energy transducers comprising movable portions, the movable portions may each move in one of the directions, Byway of example, kinetic energy transducers may be arranged with components in fore-aft and port-starboard directions relative to the container. In this way the kinetic energy transducers may take advantage of movements in these directions, e.g. due to the swaying of a ship or braking, acceleration and cornering of a lorry, train or aircraft.

Furthermore the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers 50 to the sensors and/or data transmitters 30 in preference to the electrical storage devices 40. For example, in the event that the energy transducers 50 are converting energy into electrical energy at a particular time, and the data transmitters and/or sensors require electrical energy at the same particular time, then electrical energy from the energy transducers may be diverted directly to the data transmitters and/or sensors. In other words, rather than the energy transducers 50 constantly providing electrical energy to the energy storage devices 40, the energy transducers 50 may provide electrical energy to the data transmitters and or sensors when required. By contrast, when the data transmitters and/or sensors do not require electrical energy, then any electrical energy generated by the energy transducers may be stored in one or more of the electrical storage devices 40. The preferential delivery of power from the energy transducers to the data transmitters and/or sensors may be implemented in hardware or software.

The container monitoring device 10 may further comprise one or more further sensors configured to sense one or more container variables. The container variables may comprise one or more of geographic position, container door position, container mounting state, tamper state, light levels inside the container, temperature inside or outside the container, pressure, altitude, acceleration, attachment, battery level, humidity, salinity, water presence or any other container variable. A position switch may indicate the container door position. An accelerometer, such as a 3-axis accelerometer, may indicate the acceleration experienced by the container (and thus by the contents). The container mounting state variable may indicate whether other containers are positioned on top of or against the container. A position switch or load cell, such as a strain gauge, may provide the container mounting state variable. The tamper state variable may indicate that the container monitoring device has been tampered with, e.g. if a container monitoring device housing has been opened, the container monitoring device has been removed from the container or an attempt to do either has been made. The attachment sensor may sense whether the container monitoring device is attached to the container. The attachment sensor may provide the tamper state variable.

In the case of there being a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable, the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to select an available sensor. The container monitoring device 10 may also be configured to select a sensor for sensing a particular container variable with the lowest power requirement. Similarly, the container monitoring device 10 may be configured to select an available sensor with an accuracy greater than a predetermined accuracy requirement.

The container monitoring device 10 may have a standby mode and a wakeup mode.

The standby mode may be a power saving mode in which at least one or more of the sensors and data transmitters are turned off. The energy transducers 50 may continue to convert energy into electrical energy when in the standby mode. In the wakeup mode the container monitoring device may transmit the sensed data, such as position data or any other data from the sensors. The container monitoring device may also receive data during the wakeup mode, although the container monitoring device may also receive data during the standby mode, e.g. such as data instructing the container monitoring device to enter the wakeup mode.

The container monitoring device may switch from the standby mode to the wakeup mode at predetermined, e.g. repeating, time intervals. The container monitoring device may be configured to spend the majority of the time in the standby mode. For example, the container monitoring device may be in the standby mode for a number of hours before briefly entering the wakeup mode, e.g. for a number of minutes. This cycle may be repeated. However, the container monitoring device may switch from the standby mode to the wakeup mode in response to a sensor signal, e.g. if the tamper state variable indicates that the container monitoring device has been tampered with. If such an event occurs, the container monitoring device may increase the frequency at which it enters the wakeup mode.

The frequency in which the container monitoring device enters the wakeup mode may also be changed to suit the particular application. For example, the wakeup mode frequency may be reduced when the container monitoring device is at sea, e.g. where the container is likely to be in transit for longer periods of time and less frequent updates may be required. Similarly, the wakeup mode frequency may be increased when the container monitoring device is being transported on land or by air, e.g. where the container is likely to be in transit for shorter periods of time and more frequent updates may be required. The wakeup mode frequency may be changed remotely, e.g. by virtue of a signal sent to the container monitoring device. Alternatively or additionally, the container monitoring device may automatically change the wakeup mode frequency. For example, the container monitoring device may sense its location and/or altitude to determine whether it is being transported by land, air or sea and the container monitoring device may adjust the wakeup mode frequency accordingly.

The container monitoring device may also have stored within it the location of the container's destination, e.g. data containing the container's destination may be sent to the container monitoring device. The container monitoring device may increase the frequency of the wakeup mode when the container monitoring device is within a predetermined range of the destination.

A sensor indicating that the container door is closed and/or a sensor indicating that the container monitoring device is attached to the container may turn the container monitoring device on. In other words, the container monitoring device may be configured not to enter the wakeup mode if a container door is open and/or the container monitoring device is not attached to the container The container monitoring device 10 may further comprise a beacon device 70 configured to transmit a beacon signal allowing the container monitoring device to be located, e.g. such that a recovery team may pinpoint its location in the field. The beacon signal may be activated at any time, e.g. upon request or when the tamper state indicates that the container monitoring device has been tampered with. The beacon signal may be a Radio-Frequency (RF) signal. The beacon device may comprise a transceiver, such as a full-duplex transceiver. The beacon device may be configured for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) applications.

The container monitoring device 10 may further comprise a control unit. The control unit may be configured to control the flow of data and/or power within the container monitoring unit, e.g. in the manner described above. The container monitoring device may further comprise a memory unit for storing data, e.g. data from the location finding devices, data from the sensors, destination location, map data or any other data.

The container monitoring device 10 may be attached to the container by virtue of one or more attachments, such as magnets, which attach to a wall of the container.

Alternatively, the container monitoring device may be attached to the container by any other means, for example by virtue of mounting points provided on a container wall.

The attachments and/or mounting points may comprise a heat exchange surface configured to receive heat from or transmit heat to the outside of the container. For example, heat may be transferred through the magnets and the wall of the container may form the outside heat exchange surface. The attachments and/or mounting points may also comprise at least a portion of the outside temperature sensor.

The container monitoring device may fit within a corrugation recess of a container wall so that it does not extend beyond the inner or outer surface of the container. In this way the container monitoring device may be less likely to be damaged and the container monitoring device may not impact on the usable space within the container.

The container monitoring device may be attached on, against, around or adjacent to a door of the container. For example, the container monitoring device may be attached to the container at a point adjacent to an edge of the container door. The container monitoring device may be attached to the container at a point adjacent to a hinge of the door or any other edge of the door. The container monitoring device may be attached to the door of the container or a side-wall of the container. A portion of the container monitoring device may extend into a gap between the container door and the rest of the container. By way of example, one or more antennas for the one or more data transmitters, or connections for the antennas, may extend into the gap between the container door and the rest of the container. In this way signal reception may be improved and/or a lower power data transmission is required, since the signal does not have to travel through a wall of the container (thereby reducing battery drain).

Furthermore, the container does not require any modification such as holes to be drilled in the container walls.

The container monitoring device 10 may be provided entirely inside or outside the container, however, portions of the container monitoring device may be provided inside and outside of the container. For example, an antenna for a data transmitter, heat exchange surface of the thermal energy transducer and/or outside temperature sensor may be provided outside of the container whilst the remainder of the container monitoring device is provided inside the container. However, the antenna may be provided inside the container and the optional outside heat exchange surface and outside temperature sensor may not be provided, so that the container monitoring device is entirely within the container.

As depicted in Figure 2, a system 100 for monitoring a container for transporting cargo may comprise: one or more of the abovementioned container monitoring devices 10; and one or more computer servers 110 configured to receive data transmitted from the one or more data transmitters. Although not shown, the data transmitted from the container monitoring devices may be received by a receiver which is in communication with the one or more servers. The transmitted data to or from the container monitoring device may be encrypted.

The servers 110 may be connected to the Internet. The servers 110 may be configured such that the data transmitted to the server is sent to a user upon a query from the user. For example, a user may connect to the one or more servers via the internet to obtain data relating to a container.

The servers 110 may be configured to transmit data to the one or more of the container monitoring devices 10. The data transmitted to the one or more of the container monitoring devices may comprise operation mode data such as a wakeup mode request, wakeup mode frequency, sensor data required, container destination data or any other data. For example, in a particular mode of operation, the wakeup mode frequency may be increased or decreased. As a further example, certain sensors may or may not be required in a particular mode of operation. By way of example, the pressure sensor may not be required when the container is being transported by sea, but it may be required when the container is being transported by air. However, the container monitoring device may automatically change the mode of operation depending on the variables sensed by the sensors, e.g. the container monitoring device may sense its location and/or altitude to determine whether it is being transported by land, air or sea and the container monitoring device may adjust the sensors required accordingly.

In Figure 2, each of the container monitoring devices communicates with the servers 110 independently. However, in an alternative arrangement (not shown), the data transmitters 30 of the container monitoring devices may be configured to communicate with other container monitoring devices, e.g. in the vicinity of the container. Such communication may be via a data transmitter requiring lower power than the other data transmitters, e.g. Wi-Fi, thereby preserving energy. One of the container monitoring devices may receive data from other container monitoring devices and may transmit the status of all the devices via a data transmitter requiring higher power, e.g. GSM.

One of the container monitoring devices may also obtain the sensed data, such as the position data, on behalf of the remaining container monitoring devices, for example since such position data may be sufficiently accurate for the remaining container monitoring devices, particularly if they are in range to communicate with one another via a lower power data transmitter. In this way only one container monitoring device from a plurality of containers may have to use a high power data transmitter and/or location finding device. The container monitoring device 10 which sends the higher power signal and/or obtains the sensed data may alternate to even out power usage.

The container monitoring device 10 with the highest battery level may be selected to be the container monitoring device which sends the higher power signal and/or obtains the sensed data. This configuration may be particularly useful in dockyards or onboard ships or trains where many containers may be present.

In either case, the container tracking device 10 may comprise a data receiver for receiving data, e.g. from other container tracking devices or from the server 110. The data receiver may correspond to the data transmitter, e.g. the data transmitters may be transceivers. In other words, the one or more data transmitters may be configured to receive data. Such received data may comprise data from other local container monitoring devices, which is to be relayed to the server. Received data may also comprise instructions to transmit data upon request, change the configuration of the container monitoring device, e.g. the operation mode, or activate the beacon.

Claims

Claims 1. A container monitoring device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the container monitoring device comprising: one or more sensors, the sensors being configured to sense one or more container variables and provide sensed data; one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors; one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters; and one or more energy transducers configured to convert one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.
2. The container monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the container monitoring device is configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices.
3. A container monitoring device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the container monitoring device comprising: one or more sensors, the sensors being configured to sense one or more container variables and provide sensed data; one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors; one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters; and one or more energy transducers configured to convert a source of energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices, wherein the container monitoring device is configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices.
4. The container monitoring device of claim 3, wherein the one or more energy transducers are configured to convert one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.
5. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of S the energy transducers is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
6. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the energy transducers is configured to convert thermal energy from inside or outside the container into electrical energy.
7. The container monitoring device of claim 6, wherein the at least one of the energy transducers comprises a heat engine.
8. The container monitoring device of claim 7, wherein the heat engine comprises a working fluid flowing in a thermodynamic cyde.
9. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the energy transducers comprises a thermoelectric generator.
10. The container monitoring device of claim 9, wherein the at least one of the energy transducers comprises a Peltier device.
11. The container monitoring device of any of claims 6 to 10, wherein the at least one of the energy transducers comprises a first heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the inside of the container and a second heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the outside of the container.
12. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the energy transducers is configured to convert kinetic energy imparted to the container into electrical energy.
13. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the energy transducers comprises a movable portion configured to move with respect to the container, the movable portion further being configured such that movement of the movable portion induces an electrical current to provide the electrical energy.
14. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of kinetic energy transducers orientated in a plurality of directions relative to the container to exploit movement of the container in a range of directions.
15. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the kinetic energy transducer comprises an accelerometer such as a Piezoelectric accelerometer.
16. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the sensors comprise one or mare location finding devices! the location finding devices being configured to determine the position of the container monitoring device and provide position data.
17. The container monitoring device of claim 16, wherein the location finding devices comprise one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, an Assisted-OPS device, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) device, a Radio Frequency (RF) location device or any other location finding device.
18. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the data transmitters comprise one or more of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, a Short Messaging Service (SMS) enabled device, a satellite data transmitter, a wireless mesh network, a Wi-Fi enabled device or any other data transmitter.
19. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and/or a plurality of data transmitters and the container monitoring device is configured to select an available sensor and/or available data transmitter with the lowest power requirement.
20. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and the container monitoring device is configured to select an available sensor with an accuracy greater than a predetermined accuracy requirement.
21. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to sense one or more container variables, such as geographic position, container door position, container mounting state, tamper state, light levels inside the container, temperature inside or outside the container, pressure, altitude, acceleration, attachment, battery level, humidity, salinity, water presence or any other container variable.
22. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device is further configured to receive data such as operation mode data.
23. A container for transporting cargo comprising the container monitoring device of any of the preceding claims.
24. A system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the system comprising: one or more of the container monitoring devices of any of claims 1 to 22: and one or more servers configured to receive data transmitted from the one or more data transmitters.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the one or more servers are configured to transmit data to the one or more of the container monitoring devices.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the data transmitted to the one or more of the container monitoring devices comprises operation mode data so that the container monitoring device is configured for a particular application.
2T A method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the method comprising: sensing one or more container variables with one or more sensors providing sensed data: transmitting the sensed data provided by the sensors with one or more data transmitters; providing electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters from one or more electrical storage devices: and converting one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into eIectrkal energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.
28. A method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the method comprising: sensing one or more container variables with one or more sensors providing sensed data; transmitting the sensed data provided by the sensors with one or more data transmitters; providing electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters from one or more electrical storage devices; and converting a source of energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices; and providing electrical energy from the source of energy to the sensors and/or data transmitters in preference to the electrical storage devices.
29. A container monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
30. A method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A container monitoring device for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the container monitoring device comprising: one or more sensors, the sensors being configured to sense one or more container variables and provide sensed data; one or more data transmitters, the data transmitters being configured to transmit the sensed data provided by the sensors; and one or more electrical storage devices configured to provide electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters; wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and/or a plurality of data transmitters and the container monitoring device is configured to select an available sensor and/or available data transmitter with the lowest power requirement.2. The container monitoring device of claim 1, wherein the container monitoring device further comprises: one or more energy transducers configured to convert one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.3. The container monitoring device of claim 2, wherein the container monitoring device is configured to provide electrical energy from the energy transducers to the sensors and/or data transmifters in preference to the electrical storage devices.4. The container monitoring device of claim 2 or 3, wherein one or more of the energy transducers is configured to convert solar energy into electrical energy.5. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 4, wherein at least one of the energy transducers is configured to convert thermal energy from inside or outside the container into electrical energy.6. The container monitoring device of claim 5, wherein the at least one of the energy transducers comprises a heat engine.7. The container monitoring device of claim 6, wherein the heat engine comprises a working fluid flowing in a thermodynamic cycle.8. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein at least one of the energy transducers comprises a thermoelectric generator.9. The container monitoring device of claim 8, wherein the at Feast one of the energy transducers comprises a Peltier device.10. The container monitoring device of any of claims 5 to 9, wherein the at least one of the energy transducers comprises a first heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the inside of the container and a second heat exchange surface in thermal communication with the outside of the container.11. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 10, wherein at least one of the energy transducers is configured to convert kinetic energy imparted to the container into electrical energy. r12. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 11, wherein at least one of the energy transducers comprises a movable portion configured to move with respect to the container, the movable portion further being configured such that movement of the movable portion induces an electrical current to provide the electrical energy.13. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 12, wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of kinetic energy transducers orientated in a plurality of directions relative to the container to exploit movement of the container in a range of directions.14. The container monitoring device of any of claims 2 to 13, wherein the kinetic energy transducer comprises an accelerometer such as a Piezoelectric accelerometer.15. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the sensors comprise one or more location finding devices, the location finding devices being configured to determine the position of the container monitoring device and provide position data.16. The container monitoring device of claim 15, wherein the location finding devices comprise one or more of a Global Positioning System (GPS) device, an Assisted-GPS device, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a Wi-Fi Positioning System (WPS) device, a Radio Frequency (RF) location device or any other location finding device.17. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the data transmitters comprise one or more of a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) device, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) device, a Short Messaging Service (SMS) enabled device, a satellite data transmitter, a wireless mesh network, a Wi-Fi enabled device or any other data transmitter.18 The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device comprises a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and the container monitoring device is configured to select an available sensor with an accuracy greater than a predetermined accuracy requirement.(SI. ..19. The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to sense one or more container variables, such as geographic position, container door position, container mounting state, tamper state, light levels inside the container, temperature inside or outside the container, pressure, altitude, acceleration, attachment, battery level, humidity, salinity, water presence or any other container variable.20 The container monitoring device of any preceding claim, wherein the container monitoring device is further configured to receive data such as operation mode data.21. A container for transporting cargo comprising the container monitoring device of any of the preceding claims.22. A system for monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the system comprising: one or more of the container monitoring devices of any of claims 1 to 20; and one or more servers configured to receive data transmitted from the one or more data transmitters.23. The system of claim 22, wherein the one or more servers are configured to transmit data to the one or more of the container monitoring devices.24-The system of claim 23, wherein the data transmitted to the one or more of the container monitoring devices comprises operation mode data so that the container monitoring device is configured for a particular application.25. A method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo, the method comprising: sensing one or more container variables with one or more sensors providing sensed data; transmitting the sensed data provided by the sensors with one or more data transmitters; providing electrical power to one or more of the sensors and data transmitters from one or more electrical storage devices; providing a plurality of sensors for sensing a particular container variable and/or a C\J plurality of data transmitters; and selecting an available sensor and/or available data transmitter with the lowest power requirement. r26. The method of claim 25 further comprising: converting one or more of thermal energy and kinetic energy into electrical energy to provide power to one or more of the sensors, data transmitters and electrical storage devices.27. A container monitoring device substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.28. A method of monitoring a container for transporting cargo substantially as described herein with reference to and as shown the accompanying drawings.