KR20210155069A - Method and System For Monitoring Containers To Maintainthe Security Thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for monitoring an internal state of a container having a structure with at least one door and specially applied with the system and a method thereof. A sensor detects a proximity distance of the at least one door related to another location in the container and is stored inside the container to provide sensor data communicated in relation to the internal state of the container.

Description

{Method and System For Monitoring Containers To Maintain the Security Thereof}

The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring the security of a container and its location, and more particularly, to prevent urgent problems such as terrorism and illegal immigration, theft or imitation of goods and other criminal acts, etc. It is not limited to systems and methods for monitoring intermodal junction trajectories and bearings for providing preventive measures.

The world's largest shipments of goods are transported via shipments known as intermodal containers. As mentioned above, the term "containers" is not transparent to radio frequency signals, but is not limited to any kind of container (with wheels attached to it), but not limited to intermodal containers. with or without). The most common intermodal transport containers known as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) hermetic intermodal containers are specifically standardized by the ISO for their scope, mechanical requirements and other standards to facilitate world trade, and standardized containers, equipment, navigation Road equipment is regulated through all means of transport of ships, rail equipment and goods. There are more than 120,000 specialized containers as well as specialized containers such as refrigerated containers for transporting fresh goods under the recent active trade situation around the world. The United States accepts about 60,000 containers a year, or 17,000 loaded containers per day, representing nearly half of the total commodity value the United States accepts each year. About 90% of all goods shipped internationally are transported by containers, and containers have played a pivotal role in the global economy.

The amount of containers transported worldwide has become physically impossible to monitor personally, and only 2-3% of containers flowing into the United States are physically monitored. The heightened risk of entry of biological, radioactive or explosive devices through air containers, which could result in a sudden plunge in the international economy as a result, exemplifies the importance of containers in the global economy. no see.

Even if enough human resources put effort into physically monitoring all containers, the result could be serious economic consequences. Time may be delayed for such monitoring, and as a result, factories will have to close, and buyers will have to pay extra for delayed shipments of goods.

Recent container designs have failed to provide sufficient devices for monitoring the orientation of the containers and their contents. Typical containers include one or more door latch devices which allow the insertion of either plastic or metal “seals” or traditional “seals” to securely lock the doors of the container. The door shackle devices used traditionally have been very lax for defense, for example by drilling a hole in the clasp attachment outside the door to which the clasp is attached. The traditional seals that have been used recently are also easily broken by the use of a common cutting tool and can be replaced with duplicate seals.

A more advanced solution recently proposed is an electronic seal (“e-seal”). The electronic seals are applied as a door latch mechanism to the containers equivalent to traditional door seals, albeit weakly as accessories to the container, but if the electronic seal is cut or broken after installation, the continuation of the electronic seal Includes electronic devices such as radios or radio-reflecting devices capable of transmitting numbers and signals. However, the electronic seal cannot communicate with the interior or contents of the container and cannot transmit information related to the interior or contents of the container to other devices.

The electronic seals are traditionally used in low power radio frequency transceivers or electronic seal radio frequency backscattering technology to transfer information from, for example, an electronic seal tag at a terminal gate to an installed reader. Radio-frequency backscattering uses a narrow-band high-power radio technology that combines a relatively expensive radio wave detector with radio broadcasting technology. Radio frequency backscattering technology requires the reader to send a radio frequency signal at a relatively high transmit power (eg 0.5-3 W), which radio frequency signal converts the changed or coded data from the electronic seal to the reader. is sent back to

In addition, conventional electronic seal applications use a perfectly open, unencrypted, unstable air connection device and communication control procedure that is relatively easy to hack and imitate. Also, conventional electronic seals operate in a frequency band below 1 GHz, which is only valid in some regions, making them practically impractical to realize global trade in which intermodal containers participate. This is because, at present, national high-frequency regulations around the world are not allowed in many countries.

Further, the electronic seals are not effective in monitoring the security of the container from the standpoint of concerns and selective forms of interference with the contents of the container. Because the only traditional means of accessing the interior of a conventional container is through the door of the container, the conventional container can be invaded or exposed to danger in various ways. For example, a biological agent could be injected into the container through standard air vents in the container or the sidewalls of the container could be broken to provide access. Although both conventional seals and electronic seals that provide a form of security monitoring of the container door, both have flaws that are susceptible to damage. Conventional seals and electronic seals typically hang only from the door latch of the container, which is exposed to physical damage while the container is being operated or transported. Also, conventional seals and electronic seals can never monitor the contents of the container and include other sensors located inside the container; It cannot interconnect with (eg temperature, light, flammable gas, motion, or radiation sensors) or transmit data to the outside (without altering the container door or wall). This is because the containers are made of non-conducting chain iron to radio frequency signals.

Furthermore, native monitoring of containers via a door can be relatively complex. Although the containers are structurally correctly installed to transport heavy loads, each container must also be stacked on top of another to accommodate the movement and dynamic stresses that can typically occur during the shipping operation of the container. Designed to accommodate transverse shipments to enable The ISO standard specifications for conventional typical containers allowed vertical axial movement leading to transverse loading by 40 mm relative to the other. Therefore, security approaches based on maintaining a close relationship between the physical contact surfaces between two container doors were generally not feasible.

The invention therefore provides: (i) monitoring of the movement of container doors relative to the container structure, which is always available and reliably, cost-effectively; (ii) provide external receivers with transmission of security sensors for intrusion inside the container, presence of danger, or illegal shipment of cargo; and (iii) at the same time providing a method and system for providing a means for tracing the transport position of a container providing cause for security and logical efficiency.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A container security device of a type that is positioned and secured within a container for effective monitoring of the integrity and condition of a container and its contents will be described and shown below. As will be described in more detail below, an apparatus consistent with the principles of the present invention provides a pre-loading of a container that generally specifies minimal structural movement due to routine loading and handling and extension via the usual interface between the container frame and the door area. It is configured for positional movement between defined structural parts. An elastomeric gasket is usually placed around the door and extending through the interface area to hold the container is a good fit for repair and thus weather protection. The device comprises: (a) easy tool-free installation; (b) self-powered intermittent signal transmission; (c) suitable for detection of the pressure of the elastomeric door seal relative thereto for its transmission deviation indicative of the movement of the door of the container, including intrusion from the inside.

1 is a diagram illustrating well-known communication components of a system consistent with the principles of the present invention; The system includes a device 12 , at least one type of reader 16 , a server 15 , and a software backbone 17 . The device 12 protects the container from intrusion after the container 10 is secured. Container 10 is secured and tracked by reader 16 . Each reader 16 communicates with a server 15 such as a modem for transmission data via GSM, CDMA, etc. or a cable for downloading data to a PC transmitting data via the Internet to the server 15. It may include hardware or software for communicating. Various conventional means for transferring data from the reader 16 to the server 15 may be installed within the reader 16 or as a separate device. The reader 16 may be configured as a portable reader 16(A), a mobile reader 16(B), or a fixed reader 16(C). The portable reader 16(A) may be implemented in connection with, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or a laptop computer. Mobile reader 16(B) is originally a stationary reader with a GPS interface, and in a manner similar to that of portable reader 16(A), the mobile device is used to secure, track, and determine the original state of the container. (eg, trucks, trains, or ships using GPS, AIS or similar positioning systems). In stationary devices, for example those in ports or loading docks, the stationary leader 16(C) is typically mounted on a crane or gate. The reader 16 performs its original duties as a relay station between the device 12 and the server 15 .

Server 15 may provide, for example, door events (eg, security breaches, container security checks, container security, and disarming of containers), location, additional desired ambient sensor information (eg, temperature, movement, Records of security processing details such as radioactivity) are stored. The server 15 connected with the software backbone 17 can formally access the authorized parts to determine the recently known location of the container 10, and any number of containers can check the original state. can create , or perform other manageable activities.

Device 12 communicates with reader 16 via a short-range air interface, such as, for example, an air interface using direct sequence spread spectrum principles. The radio interface may use, for example, Bluetooth or some other short-range, low-power wireless system running under the license-free industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band that runs in the vicinity of, for example, 2.4 GHz. Depending on the need for a particular solution, relevant radio areas are provided, eg radio areas over 100 m.

The reader 16 is, for example, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). )), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Pacific Digital Cellular System (PDC), Wideband Local Area Network (WLAN), Local Area Network Network (LAN)), satellite communication system, automatic identification system (AIS), or via any suitable technology such as Mobitex (Mobitex), together with the server 15, for example, using TCP/IP network ( 13) can be communicated. Server 15 may communicate with software backbone 17 via any suitable wired or wireless technologies. The software backbone 17 is suitable to support real-time monitoring services such as, for example, tracking and security of the container 10 via the server 15 , the reader 16 , and the device 12 . Server 15 and/or software backbone 17 may be configured by, for example, confirmation information, tracking information, door events, and any additional peripheral sensors interoperable with device 12 and device 12 . It is suitable for storing information such as other data transmitted. The software backbone 17 also allows access to authorized parts of the stored information via a user interface which may be accessed via the Internet, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 1b , there is shown a diagram showing the flow (2) of a typical supply chain from point (A) to (I). Referring to the first point (A), the container 10 is filled with cargo by shipping or the like. At point (B), the loaded container is transported to the loading port via highway or rail transport. At point (C), the container is gated in at a loading port, such as a loading dock for ships.

At point (D), the container is carried by the transport device and loaded onto the ship. At point E, the container is transported to the disembarkation port by means of a transport device. At point F, the container is unloaded from the ship. Following disembarkation at point F, the containers are loaded onto the truck at point G and the gate-out of the disembarkation port. At point H, the container is transported via land to the desired point, similar to point B. At point (I), upon arriving at the desired point, the container is unloaded by the consignee.

Those having a routine function within the technology, as will become apparent, exist many times inside the points of flow 2 in the security of the container that can be compromised except for visual or other conventional detection. Moreover, the state of the container's content cannot be completely known about any of the parts participating in the flow (2) during point (H) when the container's content is unloaded.

2 is a block diagram of the device 12 . The device 12 includes an antenna 20 , an RF/baseband unit 21 , a memory 24 , and a door sensor 29 . The device 12 may also include an interface 28 for attachment of additional sensors for monitoring various internal conditions of the container, such as, for example, temperature, vibration, radiation, gas detection, and movement. Device 12 may also include any power source (eg, a battery), or even other power arrangements that may be installed separately or unrelated to device 12 and also used by device 12 . When the power source 26 includes a battery (as shown here), the inclusion of the power source 26 in the device 12 is present inside the container 10 and prolongs the battery life by controlling the power source 26 . It can help to reduce the temperature change by the effect of the power source 26 . The presence of the power source 26 inside the container 10 favors the ability to control and/or damage the power source 26 as it is reduced. Device 12 may also optionally include a connector for interfacing directly with reader 16 . For example, the connector may be installed on the outer wall of the container 10 for access by the reader 16 . Reader 16 may then be connected via a cable or other direct interface to download information from device 12 .

A microprocessor (equipped with internal memory) distinguishes door events from the door sensor 29 including, for example, a container security request, a container unarmed request, and a container security check. Distinguished door events may be time stamped and stored in memory 24 for transmission to reader 16 . Door events may be sent immediately, periodically, or in response to a query from the reader 16 . The door sensor 29 shown herein may be pressure sensitive, such as, for example, an alternative contact sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that detects relative movement between two spaces. It's about change. Anti-pressure sensors as used herein are thus included, but are not limited to other sensor types.

Antenna 20 is provided together with reader 16 to change data. In particular, a variety of information will be changed, for example, state and conditioning data. Microprocessor 22 may be programmed with code that uniquely identifies container 10 . The code is probably, for example, an International Standards Organization (ISO) container identification code. Microprocessor 22 may also store other symbolic and logical data such as Bill-of-Landing (B/L), mechanical seal number, and reader identification with time stamp. A special log file can be created to replay the trace history along with the statement events. The code may also be transmitted from device 12 to reader 16 for verification purposes. The RF/baseband unit 21 upconverters the microprocessor signal from baseband to RF for transmission to the reader 16 .

The device 12 may receive an original condition survey from the reader 16 via the antenna 20 . In response to the intrinsic condition investigation, the microprocessor 22 then processes the memory to extract, for example, door events, temperature readings, security breaches, or other stored information for sending the extracted information to the reader 16 . can be accessed with The reader 16 may also send a security or disarmament request to the device 12 . When the container 10 is secured by the reader 16, the MCU 22 of the device 12 can hear when the door sensor 29 detects a material change under pressure after the container is secured or It can be programmed to emit a visual alarm. Device 12 may also record an intrusion of security in memory 24 for transmission to reader 16 . If the reader 16 sends a release request to the device 12, the microprocessor 22 may retrieve a recorded door event or door sensor 29 or other sensors that are interoperably connected to the device 12. It can be programmed to be free from received signals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A container security device of a type that is positioned and secured within a container for effective monitoring of the integrity and condition of a container and its contents will be described and shown below. As will be described in more detail below, an apparatus consistent with the principles of the present invention provides a pre-loading of a container that generally specifies minimal structural movement due to routine loading and handling and extension via the usual interface between the container frame and the door area. It is configured for positional movement between defined structural parts. An elastomeric gasket is usually placed around the door and extending through the interface area to hold the container is a good fit for repair and thus weather protection. The device comprises: (a) easy tool-free installation; (b) self-powered intermittent signal transmission; (c) suitable for detection of the pressure of the elastomeric door seal relative thereto for its transmission deviation indicative of the movement of the door of the container, including intrusion from the inside.

1 is a diagram illustrating well-known communication components of a system consistent with the principles of the present invention; The system includes a device 12 , at least one type of reader 16 , a server 15 , and a software backbone 17 . The device 12 protects the container from intrusion after the container 10 is secured. Container 10 is secured and tracked by reader 16 . Each reader 16 communicates with a server 15 such as a modem for transmission data via GSM, CDMA, etc. or a cable for downloading data to a PC transmitting data via the Internet to the server 15. It may include hardware or software for communicating. Various conventional means for transferring data from the reader 16 to the server 15 may be installed within the reader 16 or as a separate device. The reader 16 may be configured as a portable reader 16(A), a mobile reader 16(B), or a fixed reader 16(C). The portable reader 16(A) may be implemented in connection with, for example, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant, or a laptop computer. Mobile reader 16(B) is originally a stationary reader with a GPS interface, and in a manner similar to that of portable reader 16(A), the mobile device is used to secure, track, and determine the original state of the container. (eg, trucks, trains, or ships using GPS, AIS or similar positioning systems). In stationary devices, for example those in ports or loading docks, the stationary leader 16(C) is typically mounted on a crane or gate. The reader 16 performs its original duties as a relay station between the device 12 and the server 15 .

Server 15 may provide, for example, door events (eg, security breaches, container security checks, container security, and disarming of containers), location, additional desired ambient sensor information (eg, temperature, movement, Records of security processing details such as radioactivity) are stored. The server 15 connected with the software backbone 17 can formally access the authorized parts to determine the recently known location of the container 10, and any number of containers can check the original state. can create , or perform other manageable activities.

Device 12 communicates with reader 16 via a short-range air interface, such as, for example, an air interface using direct sequence spread spectrum principles. The radio interface may use, for example, Bluetooth or some other short-range, low-power wireless system running under the license-free industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band that runs in the vicinity of, for example, 2.4 GHz. Depending on the need for a particular solution, relevant radio areas are provided, eg radio areas over 100 m.

The reader 16 is, for example, a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). )), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Pacific Digital Cellular System (PDC), Wideband Local Area Network (WLAN), Local Area Network Network (LAN)), satellite communication system, automatic identification system (AIS), or via any suitable technology such as Mobitex (Mobitex), together with the server 15, for example, using TCP/IP network ( 13) can be communicated. Server 15 may communicate with software backbone 17 via any suitable wired or wireless technologies. The software backbone 17 is suitable to support real-time monitoring services such as, for example, tracking and security of the container 10 via the server 15 , the reader 16 , and the device 12 . Server 15 and/or software backbone 17 may be configured by, for example, confirmation information, tracking information, door events, and any additional peripheral sensors interoperable with device 12 and device 12 . It is suitable for storing information such as other data transmitted. The software backbone 17 also allows access to authorized parts of the stored information via a user interface which may be accessed via the Internet, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 1b , there is shown a diagram showing the flow (2) of a typical supply chain from point (A) to (I). Referring to the first point (A), the container 10 is filled with cargo by shipping or the like. At point (B), the loaded container is transported to the loading port via highway or rail transport. At point (C), the container is gated in at a loading port, such as a loading dock for ships.

At point (D), the container is carried by the transport device and loaded onto the ship. At point E, the container is transported to the disembarkation port by means of a transport device. At point F, the container is unloaded from the ship. Following disembarkation at point F, the containers are loaded onto the truck at point G and the gate-out of the disembarkation port. At point H, the container is transported via land to the desired point, similar to point B. At point (I), upon arriving at the desired point, the container is unloaded by the consignee.

Those having a routine function within the technology, as will become apparent, exist many times inside the points of flow 2 in the security of the container that can be compromised except for visual or other conventional detection. Moreover, the state of the container's content cannot be completely known about any of the parts participating in the flow (2) during point (H) when the container's content is unloaded.

2 is a block diagram of the device 12 . The device 12 includes an antenna 20 , an RF/baseband unit 21 , a memory 24 , and a door sensor 29 . The device 12 may also include an interface 28 for attachment of additional sensors for monitoring various internal conditions of the container, such as, for example, temperature, vibration, radiation, gas detection, and movement. Device 12 may also include any power source (eg, a battery), or even other power arrangements that may be installed separately or unrelated to device 12 and also used by device 12 . When the power source 26 includes a battery (as shown here), the inclusion of the power source 26 in the device 12 is present inside the container 10 and prolongs the battery life by controlling the power source 26 . It can help to reduce the temperature change by the effect of the power source 26 . The presence of the power source 26 inside the container 10 favors the ability to control and/or damage the power source 26 as it is reduced. Device 12 may also optionally include a connector for interfacing directly with reader 16 . For example, the connector may be installed on the outer wall of the container 10 for access by the reader 16 . Reader 16 may then be connected via a cable or other direct interface to download information from device 12 .

A microprocessor (equipped with internal memory) distinguishes door events from the door sensor 29 including, for example, a container security request, a container unarmed request, and a container security check. Distinguished door events may be time stamped and stored in memory 24 for transmission to reader 16 . Door events may be sent immediately, periodically, or in response to a query from the reader 16 . The door sensor 29 shown herein may be pressure sensitive, such as, for example, an alternative contact sensor, a proximity sensor, or any other suitable type of sensor that detects relative movement between two spaces. It's about change. Anti-pressure sensors as used herein are thus included, but are not limited to other sensor types.

Antenna 20 is provided together with reader 16 to change data. In particular, a variety of information will be changed, for example, state and conditioning data. Microprocessor 22 may be programmed with code that uniquely identifies container 10 . The code is probably, for example, an International Standards Organization (ISO) container identification code. Microprocessor 22 may also store other symbolic and logical data such as Bill-of-Landing (B/L), mechanical seal number, and reader identification with time stamp. A special log file can be created to replay the trace history along with the statement events. The code may also be transmitted from device 12 to reader 16 for verification purposes. The RF/baseband unit 21 upconverters the microprocessor signal from baseband to RF for transmission to the reader 16 .

The device 12 may receive an original condition survey from the reader 16 via the antenna 20 . In response to the intrinsic condition investigation, the microprocessor 22 then processes the memory to extract, for example, door events, temperature readings, security breaches, or other stored information for sending the extracted information to the reader 16 . can be accessed with The reader 16 may also send a security or disarmament request to the device 12 . When the container 10 is secured by the reader 16, the MCU 22 of the device 12 can hear when the door sensor 29 detects a material change under pressure after the container is secured or It can be programmed to emit a visual alarm. Device 12 may also record an intrusion of security in memory 24 for transmission to reader 16 . If the reader 16 sends a release request to the device 12, the microprocessor 22 may retrieve a recorded door event or door sensor 29 or other sensors that are interoperably connected to the device 12. It can be programmed to be free from received signals.

Microprocessor 22 may also be programmed to equip power-management techniques for power supply 26 to avoid any unnecessary power consumption. In particular, one option for changing data is one or more time window(s) specialized via antenna 20 for the activity of a component within device 12 . Outside of a specialized time window, device 12 may be placed into a sleep mode to avoid unnecessary power loss. Some sleep modes can account for a significant portion of the device run time, resulting in the device 12 running for years or more without requiring battery replacement.

In particular according to the present invention, the device 12 is used in a “sleep” mode to achieve economical use of the power supply 26 . sleep mode

In the circuit part of the device 12 is switched off. For example, all circuits measure the door sensor 29 and the sleep time period t sleep .

The switch may be turned off except for a time measuring device (eg, a counter in the microprocessor 22). In a typical embodiment, the remaining circuitry of device 12 is turned on when the sleep time period expires or when door sensor 29 detects a door event.

When the device receives a signal from the reader 16, the device 12 is still in communication with the reader 16 as long as necessary. If the device 12 does not receive a signal from the reader 16, then the device only determines that the time period

While referencing something like "("t sniff "), stay active as long as you need to be sure there is no signal present.

When t sniff is reached, the device 12 returns to the device 12 after the timer and door event have occurred or another sleep time period has expired.

(12) is turned off again, except for the door sensor (29) which does the wake up again.

In a typical embodiment, the reader signal time period is much shorter (e.g., by a sleep time period) to extend the lifetime of the device to be consistent (e.g., by order of multiple sizes) relative to an "always on" scenario. For example, by not having an order of multiple sizes).

The sum of the sleep time period and the reader signal time period (cycle time) is the amount of time that the device 12 and the reader 16 must arrive in order to convince the reader 16 to become aware of the device 12's presence. impose lower limits on The relevant time period is

will be referred to as passing time("t pass ").

However, the transit time ("t pass ") is usually enforced by special circumstances. Transit time depends on some circumstances (e.g. transport container

a lot of the time when device 12 on the truck head or chassis communicates with the leader on the container 10 transporting it) or in other situations (e.g. device 12 on the container 10) It can be very short in the second part) when passed by the fixed leader 16C at high speed. It is typical for all applications where individual devices 12, during their lifetime, are sometimes brought into a condition with very large transit times and sometimes with much less transit times.

The sleep time period is thus generally chosen such that it is compatible with the shortest pass time imaginable for the sleep time period ("t pass,min "). In other words, the relationship (t sleep ≤ t pass,min -t sniff ) must be filled to match the respective performance state of the device.

do. A sleep time period is assigned to a device in a dynamic material that depends on the particular circumstances of the device (eg within its life cycle).

Whenever the reader 16 communicates with the device 12 , the reader 16 takes into account the location and function of the reader 16 during sleep of the device 12 .

Reprogram the interrogator, data read from the device 12 , or other useful information in the reader 16 .

For example, if the device 12 and the equipped container 10 are lifted onto the truck by a toplifter, staddle carrier, or other suitable vehicle, the truck and train will have any leader ( A suitable vehicle is equipped with the leader 16 , while not equipped with 16 ). It predicts that the truck will drive past the stationary leader 16(C) at a relatively high speed at the port entrance or container depot. Thus, the in-vehicle reader 16 is required to program the device 12 with a short sleep time period (eg, -0.5 seconds).

Refining the idea outlined above further, depending on the situation, the reader 16 can program the results of the sleep cycle into the device 12 . For example, when container 10 is loaded onto a ship, it may be sufficient for device 12 to wake up only once an hour while the ship is at sea. However, once the ship is expected to approach the destination port a shorter slip period is needed to ensure that the leader 16 on the crane unloaded container can be established to connect with the device 12 . A reader 16 on a container that is unloaded by a crane on board can program the device 12 as follows: first waking up once an hour for three days, then waking up every 10 seconds.

Another scenario is that the reader 16 moves with the device 12 and changes the sleep time period independently of its geopolitical location. For example, it may be taken for granted that the device 12 on the container 10 and the leader 16 of the container 10 being pulled into a truck are each in constant communication with each other while the container 10 is being pulled. have. As long as the container 10 is far enough away from its destination, the reader 16 can program the device 12 to stop activity for an extended interval (eg, an hour). When the reader 16 is equipped with a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other positioning device, the reader will determine when the container 10 is approaching its destination. Once the container approaches its destination, the reader 16 can program the device 12 to wake up more frequently (eg, every second).

While the above-described power-handling method is described taking into account the device 12 in the context of trucking of transport containers or other cargo in vehicles by sea, road, rail or air, the above-described power-handling method is an example It should be understood within the art that it is better applied to trucking of animals, identification of vehicles for road tolling, and anti-theft, for example in storage handling and supply chain handling.

Referring now to FIG. 2B , there is shown a first perspective view of the device 12 . The device 12 includes a housing 25 containing a data unit 100 (not shown), a support arm 102 extending therefrom, and with it in an angular relationship it and an antenna arm 104 extending outwardly from the . As described below, the size of the housing 25, the length of the support arm 102, and the structure of the antenna arm 104 are carefully selected for compatibility with a common container. The housing 25 , support arm 102 , and antenna arm 104 are typically molded inside a polyurethane material 23 or the like to provide protection from the environment.

Still referring to FIG. 2B , a portion of the material 23 of the support arm 102 is moved away from the illustrated arrangement of at least one magnet 27 therein and canceling one door sensor 29 thereon. . Magnet 27 is a magnet 27, as described below, of the device inside the container, while door sensor 29 detects a change in pressure along the container's sealing gasket (not shown) discussed below. Enables enhanced safety.

As shown in FIG. 2C , a second perspective view of the device 12 further shows the placement of the magnet 27 within the support arm 102 . Magnets are positioned within the corresponding apertures 27 formed in the support arm 102 and connected thereto, which in a sense constitutes the fixture of the device 12 .

Referring now to FIG. 2D , a top view of the device 12 is shown before any watering material 23 has been applied. In this way, the position data unit 100 of the power source 26 and the antenna 20 are more clearly shown. Device 12 includes data unit 100 and power supply 26, microprocessor 22 (not shown), memory 24 (not shown), and optional interfaces 28 (not shown). not present) are included. The support arm 102 includes apertures 27A that extend from the data unit 100 and receive at least one magnet 27, such as a support surface to which the door sensor 29 is attached. An extension from the support arm 102 is an antenna arm 104 for supporting the antenna 20 .

Referring now to FIG. 2E , a side view of device 12 is shown prior to any of the molding material 23 being applied. As shown, the support arm 102 extends upwardly and outwardly from the data unit 100 . The support arm 102 is associated with a thin and rigid transverse configuration, although other structures are useful. Referring more specifically to FIG. 2E , the antenna arm 204 extends angularly from the support arm 102 .

Referring now to FIG. 2F, there is shown a front view of the device 12 after the molding material 23 has been applied. Device 12 is shown with molding material 23 forming a housing 25 that carefully encloses device 12 . A molding material 23 extends from the antenna arm 104 across the support arm 102 and around the data unit 100 . The unique shapes and structures shown herein are one embodiment of the device 12 and are not limiting as to the precise configuration of the device 12 referred to herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2G , there is shown a rear view of the device 12 according to FIG. 1A . Each structure of the antenna arm 104 is further adapted to the rear of the device 12 .

It is shown in a simpler form for purposes of illustration in FIGS. 2H and 2I , which show a shave and a top view.

2J shows a front view of the device 12 installed in the container 10 . The container 10 is shown with the container's door in an open position to show the orientation of the device 12 in more detail. The device 12 is loaded into the area adjacent the door 202 of the container 10 . The device 12 may be lifted via a magnetic connection (as previously shown), an adhesive connection, or any other suitable connection on the axial beam 204 of the container 10 . As can be seen in FIG. 2J , the device 12 has a door sensor 29 positioned inside the support arm 102 , with the door 202 closed, the antenna arm 204 positioned outside the container 10 , and the support arm 102 . is directly adjacent to a portion of the door 202 , and is raised when the data unit 100 is positioned inside the container 10 . Device 12 may detect, via door sensor 29 , a deviation in pressure that is determined by whether or not a door event (eg, solely related to and/or related to a pressure change) will occur. As mentioned above, the device 12 may transmit data related to the state of the door 202 to the server 15 via the antenna 20 . In addition, the interface 28 can be connected with any number of external sensors 208 to obtain information related to the internal state of the container 10, which information is transmitted to the server 15 via the sensors 208. becomes and is obtained

Referring again to FIG. 2J , device 12 is positioned within container 10 such that data unit 100 is positioned within a generally C-shaped recess or channel 206 . A support arm 102 comprising a door sensor 29 extends across a vertical beam 204 between it and a portion of the door 202 . When the door 202 is closed, the pressure remains constant at the door sensor 29 . When the door 202 is open, the pressure is relieved, which causes the microprocessor 22 to warn that a door event has occurred. Electronic security keys stored in memory will be deleted or altered to indicate a "broken" seal or tampering event.

FIG. 2K is a perspective view of the device 12 of FIG. 2D installed in a container 10 . A door sensor 29 (not shown) inside the support arm 102 is fixed to the vertical beam 204 , the antenna arm 104 is positioned in the hinge channel region of the container 10 , and the data The device 12 is attached to a vertical beam 204 such that the unit 100 is positioned inside the C-channel 206 of the container 10 . As shown more clearly herein, the antenna arm 104 is substantially connected to the hinged portion of the container 10 from the support arm 102 to remain on the exterior of the container 10 when the door 202 is closed. protruding into a nearby area.

By locating the data unit 100 inside the container 10 , the chance of tampering and/or damage to the device 12 is reduced. Even if the contents of container 10 move during transport, their contents will not strike or damage device 12 because data unit 100 is placed within C-channel 206 .

Although the above embodiment is shown as a single unit comprising at least one sensor and antenna 20 for communicating with the reader 16, the present invention may be practiced with multiple units. For example, sensors of light, temperature, radiation, etc. may be located anywhere inside the container 10 . The sensor reads the information and transmits the read information to the antenna unit through Bluetooth (BLUETOOTH) or any short-range communication system, and the antenna unit relays the read information or other information to the reader 16 . The sensor may be remotely separated from the antenna unit. Furthermore, the embodiment shows a device 12 comprising a door sensor 29 for determining whether a security breach has occurred. However, a variety of non-limiting sensors may be employed in place of or in addition to the door sensor 29 to determine a security breach. For example, the light sensor may monitor light fluctuations inside the container 10 . If the light exceeds or falls below a predetermined threshold, it is determined that a security breach has occurred. Temperature sensors, radiation sensors, combustible gas sensors, and the like may be utilized in a similar manner.

Device 12 may also cause physical locking of container 10 . For example, when the reader 16 is holding the contents of the container 10 for shipment via a security request, the microprocessor 22 may energize the electronic door lock or otherwise secure the container's contents through such a physical locking mechanism. You can start locking. Once a container is secured by a security request, the container is physically locked to prevent theft or tampering.

As shown in FIG. 3A , the reader 16 includes a short-range antenna 30 , a microprocessor 36 , a memory 38 , and a power supply 40 . The short-range antenna 30 may obtain a wireless short-range, low-power communication connection to the device 12 as shown in FIG. 2A . The reader 16 is for connection to a remote container-monitoring system (eg, according to GSM, CDMA, PDC, or DAMPS wireless communication standards, or using a wired LAN or wireless local area network WLAN, Mobitex, GPRS, UMTS). The device may be included or attached independently. A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that no such standard is limited to the present invention, and additionally possible wireless communication standards may also be applied to the long-range wireless communication of the reader 16 . Examples are Inmarsat, Iridium, Project21, Odyssey, Globalstar, ECCO, Ellipso, Tritium, Teledesic, Spaceway where terrestrial mobile communication systems are not available. , including satellite data communication standards such as Orbcom, Obsidian, ACeS, Thuraya or Aries.

The reader 16 includes or attaches a satellite positioning unit 34 for positioning of the vehicle on which the container 10 is loaded. For example, the leader 16 may be a mobile leader 16(B) attached to a truck, ship, or railroad car. The provision of the positioning unit 34 is optional, and may be omitted if tracking and positioning of the container 10 is not required. For example, the location of the fixed leader 16(C) will be known, so no satellite positioning information is needed. One approach for positioning could be the use of a satellite positioning system (eg GPS, GNSS or GLONASS). Another approach may be to locate the reader 16 using a mobile communication network. Thus, some positioning technologies are only mobile network-based (eg EOTD) and others rely on a combination of satellite and mobile network-based positioning technologies (eg assisted GPS).

The microprocessor 36 and memory 38 in the reader 16 are for the control of data exchange between the reader 16 and the device 12 as well as the remote monitoring system and the storage of such exchanged data. Power required for the operation of the reader 16 components is provided via a power supply 40 .

Figure 3b is a diagram of a handheld reader 16(A) in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The handheld reader 16(A) is shown separated from the mobile phone 16(A1). The handheld reader 16(A) communicates with the device 12 (as mentioned previously), for example, via a short-range direct sequence spread spectrum radio interface. The portable reader 16(A) and the device 12 are within a close range (eg, <100 m), and the device 12 and the portable reader 16(A) can communicate with each other. 16(A) may be used to electrically secure or unlock a container via communication with the device 12. The handheld reader 16(A) may be used, for example, to add It may be used to obtain additional information from device 12 , such as information from sensors or readings from door sensor 29 .

The portable reader 16(A) shown in FIG. 3B is suitable for interfacing with a mobile phone or PDA shown at 16(A1). However, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the portable reader 16(A) may be a standalone unit or may be combined with, for example, a personal digital assistant or a portable or laptop computer. It will be understood that it is suitable to be interfaced. The reader 16 draws power from the mobile phone for communication with the mobile phone and utilizes Bluetooth or some similar interface.

Additional application scenarios for application of device 12 and reader 16 will be described in relation to FIGS. 4-8 . To the extent stated regarding the attachment and detachment of the leader 16(B) to various transported or transported units, any removable attachment is well protected by the present invention (e.g. magnet fastening, screws, rails) , hooks, balls, snap-on mountings, any kind of electrically achievable attachment such as electronic magnets, or reversible chemical fixtures such as adhesive tape, scotch tape, glue, paste tape).

4 shows a first application scenario with respect to device 12 and reader 16 . As shown in Figure 4, one option associated with road vehicles is to secure the leader 16 to the door or to a shipping depot or anywhere along the supply chain. In such a case, the reader 16 can easily communicate with the device 12 of the container 10 as it exits the loading area when being pulled by a truck. Another option is to provide reader 16 as handheld reader 16(A) as previously described, and then scan the device 12 as a truck leaving the area or monitor the container 10 while monitoring the truck. to bring the portable reader 16(A) into the cabin of

5 shows a second application scenario of the device 12 and the reader 16 in relation to rail transport. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a first example in which the reader 16 is fixed so as to be attached along a track for short-range wireless communication with containers located within the area of the reader 16 . The reader 16 can achieve short-range communication with any or all devices 12 of the container 10 transported on the track.

The same principles apply to the third application scenario for container monitoring components as shown in FIG. 6 . Here, for each container identified and tracked or monitored during sea transport, a leader 16 must be provided within the area of the device 12 attached to the container 10 . The first option is to modify the loading scheme according to the attachment schemes for the wireless communication units. Alternatively, the distribution of the leader 16 across the container vessel may be determined according to a loading scheme determined according to other constraints and parameters. In addition, the flexible attachment/detachment of the leader 16 for monitoring of containers makes it possible to avoid any fixed assets that do not generate financial resources for operation. In other words, once the monitoring of the container is no longer required, the leader 16 can be easily detached from the container vessel and used on another container vessel or any other transport device. The reader 16 can also be connected to AIS based on VHF communications or Inmerset satellites, which are often used by large ships.

Although the application of the above creative surveillance component has been described in relation to long-distance global, regional or local transport, it is limited to

The application in the specified range will be described with reference to FIG. 7 .

In particular, the splitting of short-range and long-range wireless communications within a restricted area applies to all vehicles and devices 12 handling containers within a restricted area, such as a container terminal, container port, or possible manufacturing location. The restricted area includes in-gates and out-gates of such terminals, and handling vehicles of any kind such as top-loaders, reach stackers, side-loaders, cranes, straddle carriers, and the like.

A particular container is not normally searched using only a single reader 16; Appropriately speaking, a plurality of readers 16 are spread throughout the terminal and receive their status and control information whenever a container is handled by, for example, a crane or stacker. In other words, when a container passes through the reader 16, that event is used to update the relevant state and control information.

8 shows a flow diagram of a security process according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, identification is requested from device 12 by reader 16 in step 800 . In step 802, the device 12 sends the identity to the reader 16, and in step 804, the reader 16 selects a container for security. A request is sent from the reader 16 to the server 15 . In step 808, the server 15 generates a security key and encrypts the security key with an encryption code. In step 810, the encrypted security key is transmitted to the device 12 through the reader 16 to secure the container 10. In step 812 the security key is decrypted and stored in the device 12 . A similar process can be initiated to release the container 10 . The container 10 can be automatically secured when passing within the area of the reader 16, or a user can secure or unlock specifically selected containers 10 at once.

9 shows a security-checking process according to an embodiment of the present invention. In step 900, the leader 16 transmits a challenge to the container 10 in question. In step 902, the device 12 of the container 10 generates a response using the security key and the encryption code. In step 904 , the response is sent from device 12 to reader 16 . In step 906, the leader 16 also sends a challenge to the server 15. The challenges to server 15 and device 12 may be transmitted substantially simultaneously, or may be transmitted alternately in time. The server 15 generates a response using the security key and the encryption code in steps 908 and 910 respectively and sends it to the reader 16 . In step 912, leader 16 determines whether the responses are identical. If the responses are the same, the container 10 is safely secured. Conversely, if the responses are not identical, a security breach of the container 10 (ie, a door event) has occurred. Similar to the security and unlocking process, security-checking can be performed automatically when the container 10 passes through the reader's area or the user initiates a security-check at any time during transportation.

Referring to FIG. 10 , a flow chart of the calibration and filtering process for the door sensor 29 is shown. In step 1000, the door sensor 29 is activated to sense the current pressure value every 0.5 seconds, although other time increments may be implemented. In step 1002 the current pressure value is read from the door sensor 29 . In step 1004, a number of read information X with a time interval of 30 microseconds between each other is accumulated to calculate an average pressure value in step 1006.

In step 1008, it is determined whether the door is open. If the average value exceeds the previously calculated opening threshold in step 1012 or less, the door is considered to be open. If the door is open, the flow proceeds to step 1010, where the average pressure value is added to a slow low pass filter to obtain a sensor value without any added pressure (upper limit reference value). If it is determined in step 1008 that the door is closed, then the flow proceeds to step 1012, where the upper limit reference value from step 1010 and the reinforced limit from previously repeated steps 1020 and 1024 (discussed below) Open, closed and tamper thresholds are calculated using the reference value. The open, closed, and compromised thresholds are used to determine whether the door is open or closed in steps 1008 and 1022, and if the open or compromised threshold is exceeded in step 1022, a conclusion is made that a security breach has occurred do.

At step 1014 , it is determined whether the device 12 is currently in an augmented state (ie, whether the container 10 is secure). If device 12 is not augmented, the status of the door is updated in step 1016 using the open and closed thresholds from step 1012 . If the device 12 has been stiffened, it is determined in step 1018 whether the device 12 has been previously stiffened. If the device 12 has not been previously stiffened, then in step 1020 a reinforcement limit reference value is set to the current average pressure value from step 1006 . At step 1022 , it is determined whether the current pressure value exceeds the open or tampered limits. If the average value from step 1006 does not exceed the open or tamper limits, then in step 1024 the average value from step 1006 will be inserted into the filter for a reinforcement limit reference value. If the average value from step 1006 exceeds the open or tampered limits, then at step 1026 it will be determined whether the condition is persistent. If the condition is persistent (i.e., the condition has occurred coincidentally for 2 seconds or more) then a tamper alarm is set at step 1028 to warn the system and/or user that a security breach has occurred.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the drawings and the foregoing detailed description, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments encompassed, but is rearranged countless times without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims; It should be understood that changes and substitutions are possible.

Claims (4)

means for sensing at least one state of the container;
means for transmitting information related to the at least one sensed condition to a location external to the container; and means for interpreting the at least one sensed state, wherein the means for interpreting is suitable to be located inside the container.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one door and the device is adapted to be mounted relative to the container between the door area and an adjacent area of the container. Device.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the adjacent area of the container comprises a vertical beam and an adjacent C-channel, and wherein a location inside the container for mounting at least a portion of the device comprises an area crossing the vertical beam and adjacent C-channel. Device for monitoring the status of the container, characterized in that it comprises.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the at least one sensed condition comprises a sensed pressure of the door relative to the container area, and wherein the means for sensing comprises at least one pressure sensor suitable to extend between the door and the container area. Device for monitoring the status of the container, characterized in that.