WO2020229993A1

WO2020229993A1 - Load monitoring methods, systems and apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2020229993A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/054423
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mau Kay TSE; Ting Kwok CHAN; Chi Hin CHAN
Original assignee: Tse Mau Kay; Chan Ting Kwok; Chan Chi Hin
Priority date: 2019-05-11
Filing date: 2020-05-11
Publication date: 2020-11-19

Abstract

A system (10) for monitoring transportation of cargoes, wherein the system (10) comprises a load carrier (100) and a remote monitoring apparatus (160), wherein the load carrier (100) comprises a plurality of weight sensors (152) and a controller (132), wherein the weight sensors (152) are distributed at a plurality of weight-bearing locations on the carrier to monitor weight distribution of the cargoes on the load carrier (100), wherein the controller (132) is to operate to repeatedly collect weight information from the plurality of weight sensors (152), to collect or register time information, and to transmit the weight information and the time information as weight monitoring data; the remote monitoring apparatus (160) is to collect the weight monitoring data, and to determine with reference to the weight monitoring data whether there is a change in weight of the load and/or a change in weight distribution conditions of the load during transportation.

Description

LOAD MONITORING METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS

Field

[001 ] The present disclosure relates to methods, systems and apparatus for monitoring cargoes during transportation, and more particularly but not limited, to methods, systems and apparatus for monitoring transport of bulk cargo.

Background

[002] Cargoes are frequently transported in bulk. However, advertent or inadvertent discharge of cargoes from a cargo carrier during transportation can be a problem. The problem can be a matter of safety, security, profitability, environment, or other concerns. Many bulk-transported cargoes are not individually identifiable. This makes tracking of bulk-transported loads difficult. Therefore, it would be advantageous and desirable to be able to monitor load conditions during transportation of cargoes in bulk to identify and determine whether there are discharge of loads during transit, whether advertent or inadvertent.

Disclosure

[003] There is provided a system for monitoring transportation of cargoes. The cargoes are transported as a load along a route from a source to a destination. The system comprises a load carrier and a remote monitoring apparatus, wherein the load carrier comprises a plurality of weight sensors and a controller. The weight sensors are distributed at a plurality of weight-bearing locations on the carrier to monitor weight distribution of the cargoes on the load carrier. During transportation of the cargoes, the controller is to operate to repeatedly collect weight information from the plurality of weight sensors, to collect or register time information, and to transmit the weight information and the time information as weight monitoring data. The time information contains times of collection of the weight information, and the remote monitoring apparatus is to collect the weight monitoring data, and to determine with reference to the weight monitoring data whether there is a change in weight of the load and/or a change in weight distribution conditions of the load during transportation.

[004] The collected weight data are useful for tracking the instantaneous load conditions and/or their change to determine, for example, whether there is unauthorized or unexpected dumping, discharging, unloading, loading and/or introduction during transit. The load conditions include weight and/or distribution of weight of the load as represented by output data of the weight sensor(s).

[005] Continuously monitoring weight of load carried by the load-carrier helps to mitigate risks unauthorized or unexpected dumping, discharging, unloading, loading and/or introduction during transit, and provides opportunity to rectify such unauthorized or unexpected acts more expediently and efficiently.

[006] A weight sensing arrangement which is arranged to detect weight distribution provides information on instantaneous weight distribution information of the load, thereby providing useful information on the load.

Figures

[007] The present disclosure is described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example cargo monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure,

Figure 1A is a block diagram of an example data equipment 130 according to the present disclosure,

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example chassis 108 distributed with an example plurality of weight sensors 152 according to the present disclosure,

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example cargo monitoring system 10 according to the present disclosure, and

Figure 4 is a weight monitoring graph showing changes in weight of load during operation with reference to time.

Description

[008] An example cargo monitoring system 10 of the present disclosure comprises a cargo carrier 100, a weight monitoring system 120 on the cargo carrier and a remote monitoring arrangement 160, as depicted in Figure 1. The cargo carrier is for transporting a load from a source A to a destination B and the weight monitoring system 120 comprises a data equipment 130 and a weight sensing arrangement 150.

[009] An example cargo carrier according to the present disclosure is a land vehicle, such as a truck or lorry, as depicted in Figure 1. The cargo carrier as an example load carrier comprises a weight sensing arrangement and a data equipment for collecting weight information from the weight sensing arrangement. The example vehicle is a wheeled vehicle comprising a load-carrying body 102 and a suspension system supporting the load-carrying body. The example suspension system comprises plurality of wheeled axles 104. Each wheel axle comprises at least a pair of wheels and the wheels are distributed on opposite longitudinal ends of the axle. The load-carrying body may be an open body or a closed body. An open body, commonly known as a bucket or a load bucket, comprises a base portion and a peripheral wall surrounding the base portion and extending upwardly therefrom. The base portion defines a base surface of the load-carrying body having a base area. The base portion and the peripheral wall cooperate to define an open load compartment. The base surface is elevated from the wheel axles and is parallel or substantially parallel to the wheel axles. A closed body comprises all the features of an open body, and further comprises a top portion which is on top of and covers the base portion. The top portion, the base portion and the peripheral wall cooperate to define a load-carrying compartment. The load carrying compartment can be closed to define a closed load compartment to facilitate transportation under closed conditions and is openable to facilitate loading and unloading.

[010] The suspension system may include an intermediate suspension system which is intermediate the load-carrying body and the plurality of wheeled axles. The intermediate suspension system may comprise a rigid frame which defines a chassis 108, as well as springs and dampers which are distributed to mitigate shock and vibrations generated during movement of the vehicle. The springs and dampers may be distributed intermediate the chassis and the wheel axles and/or intermediate the chassis and the load-carrying body.

[01 1 ] The wheel axles, the wheels 106, the springs and/or the dampers cooperate to provide a distributed support to the weight of load-carrying body as well as the load carried by the load carrying body. The springs are resiliently deformable and the extent of resilient deformation is dependent on the weight of the load being carried, and will change when there is a change in load. The deformation is weight induced and may occur in a direction parallel to the direction of gravity, which is the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the springs and/or the dampers are not vertically disposed, but are disposed at an angle to the vertical, in which case the deformation will occur in a direction at an acute angle to the direction of gravity.

[012] The load may comprise a bulk load and/or a non-bulk load which contains a plurality of discrete loads. A bulk load means the contents have no definite shape and/or the contents have no individual identity. A discrete load herein means each load has a definite shape, volume and/or an individual identity.

[013] The vehicle comprises a drive cabin 114. The drive cabin is typically located forward of the load carrying body and drive control equipment is located inside the drive cabin. The vehicle may be human controlled or machine controlled such as control by artificial intelligence.

[014] The data equipment comprises a data processor and a data communication frontend. The data equipment is conveniently located inside a weather-proof location of the vehicle, for example, inside the drive cabin, but may be located in other weatherproof location(s). The data equipment is to collect data from the weight sensing arrangement and to transmit processed data and/or unprocessed data for remote processing. In some embodiments, the data equipment comprises a mobile geographic data collection means, for example, a GPS (geographic positioning system) receiver for communication with a satellite and collecting the instantaneous geographic location data. In some examples, the mobile geographic data collection means may collect instantaneous geographic location data from a mobile communication station of a mobile communication network.

[015] The weight monitoring system comprises a weight sensing arrangement. The weight sensing arrangement may comprise one weight sensor 152 or a plurality of weight sensors. Where the weight sensing arrangement comprises a single weight sensor, the weight sensor is disposed at a main weight-bearing location on the vehicle to collect the total weight of the load-carrying body, the total weight including the instantaneous weight of the load being carried. The main weight-bearing location may be at or close to the center of gravity of the load-carrying body. Where the load is a bulk load which is evenly distributed on the base portion, the center of gravity of the load is likely to be at or near a vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the load carrying body. Where the weight sensing arrangement comprises a plurality of weight sensors, the weight sensors are distributed at a corresponding plurality of weight-bearing locations. The weight-bearing locations may comprise the center of gravity and/or locations distributed about and away from the center of gravity of the empty load-carrying body.

[016] The data equipment comprises a controller 132, a data storage device 134 for saving collected data, a data communication frontend 136, I/O interface 138, and other optional peripheral devices, as depicted in Figure 1A. The controller is configured to execute stored instructions to collect weight data from the weight sensing arrangement, to register times of collection of the weight data, to facilitate data communication through the data communication frontend, and to perform other functions. The data communication frontend comprises a wireless data communication frontend for facilitating wireless data communication, including wireless data reception and transmission. The data equipment may comprise a GPS (geographical positioning satellite) receiver 140 as an optional peripheral device. The I/O (input and output) interface comprises data input and output ports to facilitate data exchange between the data equipment and other devices or apparatus. The GPS receiver is operable by the controller to communicate with a GPS satellite to collect geographic location data.

[017] An example cargo carrier is a truck having a load-carrying body, a chassis supporting the load-carrying body and a plurality of wheeled axles supporting the chassis and the weight of the load-carrying body. The example chassis comprises a first longitudinal bar 110, and a second longitudinal bar 112 parallel to the first longitudinal bar, and a plurality of transversal bars interconnecting the first and second longitudinal bars. The example truck comprises an example plurality of four wheeled axles, including a front axle, a pair of rear axles and a middle axle 104a intermediate the front and rear axles. The pair of rear axles comprises a second rear axle 104c which is distal from the drive cabin and a first rear axle 104b which is closer to the drive cabin and intermediate the drive cabin and the second axle. Each wheel axle extends in a transversal direction which is a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the chassis, defined by the longitudinal bars of the chassis.

[018] In the example truck of Figure 2, an example plurality of four weight sensors 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d is mounted on the middle axle and an example plurality of two weight sensors 152e and 152f is mounted on the first rear axle. In addition, an example plurality of four weight sensors 152g, 152h, 152i and 152j are mounted on the second rear axle.

[019] The weight sensors may be mounted on a suspension arrangement which supports the second rear axle in addition to or as an alternative to weight sensors mounted on the second rear axle. The suspension system may comprise leaf springs and a spring leaf extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the chassis.

[020] The weight sensors may be mounted only on wheeled axles, only the suspension arrangement on the wheeled axles, or on both wheeled axles and the suspension arrangement to cater for specific weight measurement distribution according to principles of mechanics.

[021 ] The example chassis has a longitudinal axis which is also a center axis of the chassis. The weight sensors are symmetrically distributed about the center axis.

[022] The truck may have a single weight sensor which is to measure the entire weight of the load carrying body. The single weight sensor is a central weight sensor which may be mounted on a weight bearing suspension device located at the center of gravity of the load-carrying body, for example, an empty load-carrying body carrying no noticeable load. In example embodiments, the central weight sensor is mounted on the central axis of the chassis where a central weight-bearing location is located.

[023] The weight sensing arrangement may comprise a central weight sensor plus a plurality of weight sensors which are distributed on the chassis and/or axles and located away from the central weight sensor. [024] The data equipment is configured to communicate with the weight sensor or weights sensors of the weight sensing arrangement to collect weight-bearing information data (or weight information data in short) or weight-bearing distribution information data (or weight distribution information data in short). The weight sensor may comprise a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be a mechanical gauge or an optical strain gauge. Of course, other strain gauges suitable for detecting weight or weight-induced deformation may be used. The example weight sensors of the present example are strain gauge modules, each comprising a mechanical string gauge and electronic circuity. The electronic circuitry is electrically connected to the string gauge output. In some embodiments, the strain gauge modules may not contain electronic circuitry so that raw strain gain output signals are transmitted to the data equipment. The example weight sensor is configured to detect weight-induced deformation. The weight sensor may be attached to a weight bearing location of the truck such that mechanical deformation (deformation in short) which occurs at the weight-bearing location as a result of weight bearing is converted into strain gauge output information or data. A strain gauge may be attached to a weight-bearing location in such a manner that weight-induced deformation which occurs at the weight-bearing location is to result in a corresponding extent of deformation of the strain gauge and generate a strain output. The weight that causes the weight-induced deformation at the weight-bearing location and the strain output of the strain gauge are correlated at a plurality of different weights, and the number of different weights is selected to meet accuracy requirements. The correlation between the weight-induced deformation at the weight-bearing location and the strain output of the strain gauge at the plurality of different weights provide a set of calibration data for loaded application, that is, when real load is carried by the load-carrying body.

[025] The data equipment is operable in a load monitoring mode when load monitoring is performed or in a stand-by mode when no load monitoring is performed.

[026] During load monitoring operations, the data equipment is to continuously monitor the load conditions of the load-carrying body by continuously collecting or receiving data from the weight sensing arrangement. The collected data may be analyzed by an on-board computer or remotely. The on-board computer may comprise a controller. The controller may comprise a solid-state microprocessor which is part of the data equipment, and the controller is programmed to execute stored instructions to perform various functions to facilitate data, especially weight data, collection, processing, transmission, and/or other utilitarian functions of the data equipment. When weight data are collected, the times of collection of the weight data are also registered or recorded by the data equipment. The collected data may be stored in an on-board data storage device for back- up storage and/or for data buffering prior to successful outbound data transmission. Outbound data transmission herein means that data are to be transmitted out of the data equipment or out of the load carrier, for example, into the surrounding atmosphere. The collected data are used for tracking the instantaneous load conditions to determine, for example, whether there is unauthorized or unexpected dumping, discharging, unloading, loading and/or introduction during transit.

[027] Where the data equipment is equipped with a GPS receiver, the data equipment, for example through operation of the controller executing stored instructions, may operate the GPS receiver to collect geographic location data at the time of weight data collection so that the load monitoring data comprises weight data, times of collection of the weight data and geographic location data at times of collection of the weight data. The load monitoring data may be used to construct or form a graphic representation of load conditions at a plurality of geographic locations along a route of transportation, as well as geographic location and time correspondence. The times of collection of load data may be selected according to requirements and the load being transported. For example, where a high tracking accuracy is required, the time interval between adjacent weight data collection may be in a few seconds, say for example, 5-10 seconds, 10-30 seconds or 31-60 seconds. Where a medium tracking accuracy is required, the time interval between adjacent weight data collection may be in minutes, say for example, 1 -2 minutes, 2-5 minutes, etc. The collected data may be transmitted to a remote monitoring arrangement where the collected data, for example, weight, location and time data, are processed, analyzed and interpreted. An example remote monitoring arrangement is a remote controller. In some embodiments, the data collection time may be changed depending on the outcome of collected data analyzes and interpretation. For example, where abnormality is detected or suspected from the outcome of collected data analyzes and interpretation, the time interval between adjacent weight data collection may be shortened as necessary. As an option, where abnormality is detected, a real time image of the load carrier may be obtained through a telecommunications network, for example, through a satellite, through a camera or cameras attached to the load carrier, or through a remote- controllable monitoring camera(s) mounted along the route, where such cameras are deployed and available for public use, for example, in a city having a smart city infrastructure. An abnormal situation or an abnormality herein means a situation corresponding to or indicating unauthorized or unexpected dumping, discharging, unloading, loading and/or introduction of loads during transit.

[028] In an example operation depicted in Figure 3, an example truck is to transport an example plurality of four discrete loads from a source A to a destination B. To start, the data equipment is set to operate in the load monitoring mode and to collect weight data from the weight sensing arrangement.

[029] Initially, there is no load at time zero (say at time 14:30:32). A first example discrete load LI being a concrete block having an example weight of 2.3 tons {Wl) is loaded onto the load carrier at time Tl. The total net weight W of the loads is 2.3 tons < v 1) according to weight data collected from the weight sensing arrangement. A second example discrete load L2 being a concrete block having an example weight of 2.2 tons {W2) is loaded onto the load carrier at time T 2. The total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body is Wl between Tl and T 2. The total net weight W of the loads becomes Wl + W2 at T 2. A third example discrete load L3 being a concrete block having a weight of 2.3 tons {W3) is then introduced onto the load carrier at time T 3. The total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body s Wl + W2 + W3 between T3 and TA. A fourth example discrete load L4 being a concrete block having an example weight of 2.3 tons {WA) is loaded onto the load carrier at time TA.

[030] The fourth example discrete load L4 is unloaded from the load carrier at time T 5. Therefore, the total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body is Wl + W2 + W3 + WA between TA and T 5. The third example discrete load L3 is unloaded from the load carrier at time T 6. Therefore, the total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body is Wl + W2 + W3 between T 5 and T6. The second example discrete load L2 is unloaded from the load carrier at time T 7. Therefore, the total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body is Wl + W2 between T 6 and T 7. The last remaining load, that is, the first example discrete load LI is unloaded from the load carrier at time T8. Therefore, the total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body is Wl between T 7 and T8, and the load carrier is empty at T8, with the total net weight of the loads on the load-carrying body being zero.

[031 ] Referring to Figure 4, three glitches are present between Tl and T 2. The three glitches correspond to movement of the first example load between three example locations on the load carrying body. The glitches occur because the example block is lifted above the load-carrying body when moving between positions about the load-carrying body. Therefore, the system is capable of monitoring movement of loads on the load carrier as well as monitoring a load coming into or leaving the load carrier by analyzing the weight data.

[032] To prepare for load monitoring operations, correlation between strain gauge signal output and weight-induced deformation at the weight-bearing locations mounted with weight sensors are obtained in a calibration process. [033] In example embodiments, the calibration procedure may be conducted using bulk loads.

[034] In example embodiments, a central weight sensor is placed on a weight-bearing location which is immediately below the center of gravity of the bulk load. The central weight sensor is disposed such that the entire weight or a known percentage of the bulk load is supported by the central weight censor. The percentage weight of the bulk load may be calculated using computer simulation of rules of mechanics without loss of generality. The weight of the bulk loads is changed and a correspondence between the weight of the bulk load and the weight sensor output is recorded. The correspondence is used as calibration data and the number of calibration data required depends on accuracy required. The correlation between weight and weight sensor output is processed and recorded as calibration data, and the data equipment is to use the calibration data to perform subsequent load monitoring. The collected weight data may be analyzed on board the load carrier or may be sent for processing and analyzing by the remote monitoring arrangement. When abnormal condition is detected, the monitoring system may generate an alert signal and may trigger an alert operation to conduct a closer or more detailed surveillance on the load carrier to detect foul play, for example, unauthorized or unexpected dumping, discharging, unloading, loading and/or introduction.

[035] In example embodiments, a plurality of weight sensors is placed on a corresponding plurality of weight-bearing locations below the center of gravity of the bulk load. The weight sensors are arranged such that the entire weight or a known percentage of the bulk load is supported by the plurality of weight sensors. The percentage weight of the bulk load born by the individual weight sensor may be obtained by computer simulation or using rules of mechanics without loss of generality. The weight sensors are distributed about a vertical axis passing through the center of gravity of the bulk load. Weight data are then collected from the weight sensors and correlations between weight distribution and strain gauge output are established to generate a reference set of data for subsequent application by the data equipment.

[036] In example embodiments, the calibration may be done and/or verified using discrete loads. For example, a single discrete load may be placed on the load-carrying body and weight distribution effect of a central weight sensor or a plurality of weight sensors may be obtained for calibration or verification with reference to computer simulation or mathematical models based on principles of mechanics.

[037] While accurate calibration would enhance tracking accuracy, monitoring of change in total weight or change in weight being born by individual weight sensors can also provide useful monitoring information for the present disclosure. [038] In example embodiments, the data equipment may be configured to perform initialization after a load has been introduced onto the load-carrying body. For example, after a bulk load, a discrete load or a plurality of discrete loads is introduced onto the load-carrying body, the data equipment is to collect weight data from the central weight sensor or the plurality of weight sensors. Where a plurality of weight sensors is disposed below the load, the weight data and identity information of each individual weight sensor is collected and saved for subsequent use. The individual weight data under the loaded weight, which would be strain gauge output in the example of using strain gauge as a weight sensor, is set as a reference value. Change of the weight data from the reference value during transportation is monitored and evaluated to determine whether there is any undesirable movement of loads, which may indicate foul play or non-secured loads.

[039] In some embodiments, the data equipment may include a detection circuit having an adjustable signal amplifier so that the weight signal may be amplified at initialization when the load is not near a maximum limit detectable by the weight sensing arrangement. Alternatively, the amplification may be lowered or removed if the load is near the maximum weight limit of the weight sensing arrangement.

[040] To facilitate monitoring in change of weight or weight distribution, the controller is to execute stored initialization instructions to collect initial weight distribution data from the plurality of weight sensors. After the initial weight distribution data have been collected, the initial weight distributed data are stored for use as reference data during the course of transportation. During the course of transportation operations, the data equipment is to operate in the load monitoring mode and to continuously collect weight distribution data from the plurality of weight sensors. The instantaneous weight distribution data collected from a weight sensor is then compared with the reference data of the corresponding weight sensor. If the instantaneous weight distribution data shows a deviation from an acceptable range from the reference data, an alert signal is generated to trigger a closer monitoring procedure.

[041 ] While the disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, it is expected that persons skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments serve as examples and shall not be taken to restrict the scope of disclosure.

[042] For example, while the weight sensors are mounted on the wheel axles and weight-induced deformation of the wheel axle is monitored to determine instantaneous weight or weight distribution of the load or change thereof, the or some of the sensors may be mounted on springs to monitor deformation of the spring to determine instantaneous weight or weight distribution of the load or change thereof. [043] In addition to or as an alternative to load monitoring, the data equipment may also be configured to automatically track movement of the load carrier and to determine with reference to collected geographical location data whether the load carrier moves along a predetermined path. In some embodiments, a plurality of reference geographical locations may be set in the data equipment and the data equipment will monitor whether the load carrier is travelling or has travelled along a prescribed route with reference to the reference geographical locations. When the data equipment has detected deviation of movement of the load carrier from the prescribed route, an alarm triggering control attention or remedial action may be generated to mitigate risks of foul play.

[044] In example embodiments, the route and movement of the load carrier as well as whether load conditions are normal may be broadcasted by the remote monitoring center so that users can view the relevant route and load conditions on a mobile apparatus such as a tablet computer or a mobile smart phone.

[045] Table of numerals

Claims

1 . A system for monitoring transportation of cargoes, wherein the cargoes are transported as a load along a route from a source to a destination, wherein the system comprises a load carrier and a remote monitoring apparatus, wherein the load carrier comprises a plurality of weight sensors and a controller, wherein the weight sensors are distributed at a plurality of weight-bearing locations on the carrier to monitor weight distribution of the cargoes on the load carrier, wherein, during transportation of the cargoes, the controller is to operate to repeatedly collect weight information from the plurality of weight sensors, to collect or register time information, and to transmit the weight information and the time information as weight monitoring data; wherein the time information contains times of collection of the weight information, and the remote monitoring apparatus is to collect the weight monitoring data, and to determine with reference to the weight monitoring data whether there is a change in weight of the load and/or a change in weight distribution conditions of the load during transportation.

2. The system according to Claim 1 , wherein the weight information comprises weight distribution information, the weight distribution information comprising information on distribution of weight of the loads with respect to the load carrier.

3. The system according to Claims 1 or 2, wherein the load carrier comprises a data- communication frontend, and wherein the controller is to transmit the weight monitoring data via the data-communication frontend and the remote monitoring apparatus is to collect the weight monitoring data sent via the data-communication frontend to facilitate determination on whether there is a discharge of load or a change in load bearing conditions or load bearing distribution during transportation along the route.

4. The system according to Claim 3, wherein the data-communication frontend is operable to connect with a mobile telecommunication network to facilitate mobile data communication between the load carrier and the remote monitoring apparatus, and the remote monitoring apparatus is to operate to receive the weight monitoring data via the mobile telecommunication network.

5. The system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the load carrier comprises a geographic positioning apparatus for collecting instantaneous geographic location data of the load carrier, and wherein the controller is to operate to register the geographic location data at times of collection of the weight information, and to incorporate the geographic location data at times of collection of the weight information as part of the weight monitoring data.

6. The system according to Claim 5, wherein the controller is to operate the geographic positioning apparatus to collect the geographic data of the load carrier from a global positioning satellite.

7. The system according to Claims 5 or 6, wherein the controller is to pack the weight distribution information, the time of collection of the weight distribution information, and the geographic location data at the time of collection of the weight distribution information as packets of weight monitoring data packet, and to transmit the weight monitoring data packet real time, at time intervals, and/or at distance intervals.

8. The system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the controller and the data- communication frontend are part of an on-board load monitoring apparatus, and the load monitoring apparatus comprises the controller, the data-communication frontend, a GPS receiver and a data storage device for storing the weight monitoring data.

9. The system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the remote monitoring apparatus comprises a processor which is to process the weight monitoring data and to determine with reference to the weight monitoring data or their change whether there is gradual or abrupt change in the weight of the cargoes during transportation of the load.

10. The system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the load carrier comprises a plurality of wheel axles, and the weight sensors are distributedly mounted on the wheel axles, or distributedly mounted on a weight-bearing suspension system of the load carrier.

1 1 . The system according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the load sensor comprises a strain gauge, and the strain gauge is for measuring deformation of a weight-bearing location.