U.S. patent application number 10/667282 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for method and system for monitoring containers to maintain the security thereof.
Invention is credited to Boman, Hans, Cederlof, Magnus, Ekstrom, Stig, Sandberg, Eric.
Application Number | 20040100379 10/667282 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32033529 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040100379 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boman, Hans ; et
al. |
May 27, 2004 |
Method and system for monitoring containers to maintain the
security thereof
Abstract
A container and contents monitoring system includes a device, a
reader, a server, and a software backbone. The device communicates
with the reader in order to determine the security and/or location
of the container to which the device is attached. The reader
transmits the information from the device to the server. The device
determines if a security condition has occurred based on at least
one sensor located on or in the container.
Inventors: |
Boman, Hans; (Stockholm,
SE) ; Sandberg, Eric; (Knivsta, SE) ; Ekstrom,
Stig; (Jarfalla, SE) ; Cederlof, Magnus;
(Sollentuna, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Stanley R. Moore
Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C.
Suite 3200
1445 Ross Ave.
Dallas
TX
75201-2799
US
|
Family ID: |
32033529 |
Appl. No.: |
10/667282 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60470435 |
May 15, 2003 |
|
|
|
60411042 |
Sep 17, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/539.26 ;
340/521 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/047 20130101; G07C 2009/0092 20130101; H04Q 2209/883
20130101; G07C 9/00 20130101; H04Q 2209/43 20130101; G06Q 10/06
20130101; H04Q 9/00 20130101; G08B 21/18 20130101; G01S 5/02
20130101; G01S 19/16 20130101; H04Q 2209/823 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/539.26 ;
340/521 |
International
Class: |
G08B 001/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for monitoring the condition of a container, the device
comprising: means for sensing at least one condition of the
container; means for transmitting information relative to the at
least one sensed condition to a location outside the container;
means for interpreting the at least one sensed condition; and
wherein the means for interpreting is adapted to be disposed inside
the container.
2. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the container
includes at least one door and the device is adapted for mounting
relative to the container between a region of the door and an
adjacent region of the container.
3. The device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the adjacent region
of the container comprises a vertical beam and adjacent C-channel
and the location within the container for mounting at least a
portion of the device comprises an area across the vertical beam
and adjacent C-channel.
4. The device as set forth in claim 3, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed pressure of the door against
the region of the container, and the means for sensing comprises at
least one pressure sensor adapted to extend between the door and
the region of the container.
5. The device as set forth in claim 4, wherein the container door
further includes a gasket, and the sensed pressure comprises the
pressure of the door gasket against the pressure sensor.
6. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed light, and wherein the means
for sensing comprises a light sensor disposed inside the
container.
7. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed motion, and wherein the means
for sensing comprises a motion sensor disposed inside the
container.
8. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed radioactivity, and wherein the
means for sensing comprises a radioactivity sensor disposed inside
the container.
9. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for
transmitting information is disposed outwardly of the sensor and
adapted for positioning outside the door of the container.
10. The device as set forth in claim 1, further including means for
receiving information.
11. The device as set forth in claim 1, further comprising means
for interfacing at least one peripheral sensor inside the
container.
12. The device as set forth in claim 11, wherein the at least one
peripheral sensor comprises at least one of a pressure sensor,
light sensor, radioactivity sensor, temperature sensor, motion
sensor, combustible gas sensor, ammonia sensor, carbon dioxide
sensor, fire sensor, smoke sensor, noise sensor, humidity sensor,
and digital camera.
13. The device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the means for
interpreting includes at least one power source for the device.
14. A method of electronically securing a container, the method
comprising the steps of: selecting a container to secure; disposing
an electronic securing device within the container; transmitting a
request to a server; generating by the server of a
mathematically-unique security key in response to receipt of the
request; encrypting, by the server, of the security key;
transmitting the unique and encrypted security key to the device
disposed within the container; use by the device of the encrypted
security key to calculate a unique result; and storing, by the
device, of the unique result.
15. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of
selecting a container to secure includes the steps of: selecting an
intermodal container of the type having at least one door in a
pivotal relationship with the container to electronically secure;
and disposing the device within the obtainer.
16. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of
selecting a container to secure includes the step of selecting, by
a reader, a container to secure.
17. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of
selecting a container to secure includes the steps of: allowing at
least one authorized party access to a software backbone; and
selecting, by the at least one authorized party, a container to
secure via the software backbone.
18. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of
disposing the electronic securing device within the container
includes the step of positioning the electronic securing device
adjacent the door for sensing the pivotal relationship thereof
relative to the container.
19. The method as set forth in claim 14, wherein the step of
disposing the electronic securing device within the container
includes the steps of: securing at least one sensor inside the
container; and securing at least one transmitter relative to the
container in a position permitting radio transmission to a location
outside of the container.
20. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein the step of
securing at least one sensor inside the container includes the step
of securing a light sensor inside the container.
21. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein the step of
securing at least one sensor inside the container includes the step
of securing a motion sensor inside the container.
22. The method as set forth in claim 19, wherein the step of
securing at least one sensor inside the container includes the step
of securing a temperature sensor inside the container.
23. A device for determining whether a security breach of a
container has occurred, the device comprising: means for detecting
pressure exerted by a door of the container; means for establishing
a baseline pressure value, the baseline pressure value being
related to a calculated mean value from at least two pressure
detections; means for defining a pressure threshold; and means for
determining from the pressure threshold and the detected pressure
whether a security breach has occurred.
24. The device as set forth in claim 23, wherein the means for
defining a pressure threshold accumulates at least two sensed
pressure values and calculates an average pressure value from the
at least two sensed pressure values.
25. The device as set forth in claim 23, wherein the means for
defining a pressure threshold calculates a window of acceptable
pressure values, the window of acceptable pressure values defining
a range of pressure values that are experienced during shipment of
a container and that do not indicate a security breach.
26. A method of detecting a security breach of a container, the
method comprising the steps of: placing a pressure sensor adjacent
a structural member and a door of the container; monitoring the
pressure sensor via a data unit located within the container;
determining, by the data unit, whether a security breach of the
door has occurred based on a change in pressure sensed by the
pressure sensor; communicating, by the data unit, of a result of
the determining step to an antenna interoperably connected to the
data unit and located adjacent to and outside of the container; and
transmitting, by the antenna, of information relative to the
communicating step.
27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: receiving, by a
reader, of the information from the antenna; and forwarding, by the
reader, of the information to the server.
28. A method of disarming an electronically secured container
having a security device therein, the method comprising the steps
of: selecting a container to disarm; transmitting a disarming
request to a server; generating, by the server, of a disarming key
in response to receipt of the disarming request; encrypting, by the
server, of the disarming key; transmitting the encrypted disarming
key to a device associated with the container; decrypting, by the
device, of the encrypted disarming key; and storing, by the device,
of the decrypted disarming key.
29. The method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of
selecting a container to disarm comprises the steps of: selecting,
by a reader, a container to disarm; and determining that further
information relative to electronic securement of the container is
not needed.
30. The method as set forth in claim 29, further comprising the
step of disengaging from logging at least one condition sensed by
the device of the disarmed container.
31. The method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the step of
selecting a container to disarm comprises the steps of: allowing
authorized parties access to a software backbone; and selecting, by
at least one of the authorized parties, a container to disarm via
the software backbone.
32. A method of checking a security status of a previously
electronically secured container of the type wherein a security
device is disposed therein, the method comprising the steps of:
transmitting, by a reader, of a device challenge to a device
associated with the container; generating, by the device, of a
device response to the device challenge; transmitting, by the
device, of the device response to the reader; transmitting, by the
reader, of a server challenge to a server; generating, by the
server, of a server response to the server challenge; transmitting,
by the server, of the server response to the reader; comparing the
server response and the device response; and wherein, if the server
response and the device response are equal, a security breach is
deemed to have not occurred since the container was electronically
secured.
33. A device for determining whether a security breach of a
container has occurred, the device comprising: means for sensing at
least one condition of the container; means for establishing a
baseline value for the sensed condition; means for defining a
sensed condition value threshold; and means for determining from
the sensed condition value threshold and the sensed condition
whether a security breach has occurred.
34. The device as set forth in claim 33 wherein the container is of
the type having at least one door pivotally mounted relative to the
container, and wherein the device is adapted for positioning
between the door and the container for sensing the pressure exerted
by the door against the device.
35. The device as set forth in claim 34 wherein the means for
establishing a base line pressure value includes at least one
pressure value existing at the time of electronic securement of the
container.
36. The device as set forth in claim 35 and further including means
for transmitting the sensed condition of the container.
37. The device as set forth in claim 36 wherein the means for
transmitting information is disposed outwardly of the pressure
sensor and adapted for positioning outside the door of the
container.
38. The device as set forth in claim 33, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed light, and wherein the means
for sensing comprises a light sensor disposed inside the
container.
39. The device as set forth in claim 33, wherein the at least one
sensed condition comprises a sensed motion, and wherein the means
for sensing comprises a motion sensor disposed inside the
container.
40. The device as set forth in claim 33, wherein the means for
sensing a condition comprises at least one of a pressure sensor,
light sensor, radioactivity sensor, temperature sensor, motion
sensor, combustible gas sensor, ammonia sensor, carbon dioxide
sensor, fire sensor, smoke sensor, noise sensor, humidity sensor,
and a digital camera.
41. A device for monitoring the condition of a container of the
type having at least one door pivotally mounted thereto, the device
comprising: means for sensing movement of the container door; means
for transmitting information relative to the sensed container door
movement; means for interpreting the sensed door movement; wherein
the means for interpreting is disposed inside the container; and
wherein the means for transmitting is disposed relative to the
container for transmission of the sensed door movement to a
location outside the container.
42. A device for determining a security condition of a container
and its contents, the device comprising: means for detecting a
condition of the container and its contents; means for establishing
a baseline condition value, the baseline condition value being
related to normal fluctuations in the condition of the container
and its contents experienced during transport; means for defining a
condition threshold; and means for determining from the condition
threshold and the detected condition, the security condition of the
container.
43. The device as set forth in claim 42, wherein the means for
detecting a condition comprises at least one of a pressure sensor,
light sensor, radioactivity sensor, temperature sensor, motion
sensor, combustible gas sensor, ammonia sensor, carbon dioxide
sensor, fire sensor, smoke sensor, noise sensor, humidity sensor,
and a digital camera.
44. A method of detecting a security condition of a container and
its contents, the method comprising the steps of: placing a sensor
within the container; monitoring the sensor via a data unit located
within the container; determining by the data unit whether a
security condition has occurred based on sensed changes in value
sensed by the sensor; communicating by the data unit, of a result
of the determining step to an antenna interoperably connected to
the data unit and located relative to the container in a position
for transmitting data to a location outside the container;
transmitting by the antenna of information relative to the
communication step.
45. A method of detecting a security breach of a container, the
method comprising the steps of: placing a sensor inside the
container; monitoring the sensor via a data unit located within the
container; determining, by the data unit, whether a security breach
of the door has occurred based on a change in a condition sensed by
the sensor; communicating, by the data unit, of a result of the
determining step to an antenna interoperably connected to the data
unit and located adjacent to and outside of the container; and
transmitting, by the antenna, of information relative to the
communicating step.
46. A device for monitoring the condition of and tracking a
container, the device comprising: means for sensing at least one
condition of the container; means for transmitting information
relative to the container position and the at least one sensed
condition to a location outside the container; means for
interpreting the at least one sensed condition; and wherein the
means for interpreting is adapted to be disposed inside the
container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application for patent claims priority from, and hereby
incorporates by reference for any purpose the entire disclosure of,
co-pending Provisional Patent Application No. 60/470,435 filed on
May 15, 2003, and co-pending Provisional Patent Application No.
60/411,042 filed on Sep. 17, 2002.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to a method of and system for
monitoring the security of a container and tracking its location
and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a method
of and system for monitoring the security of and tracking
intermodal freight containers throughout a supply chain to
discourage or prevent such urgent problems as terrorism, and also
illegal immigration, theft or adulteration of goods, and other
irregularities.
[0004] 2. History of the Related Art
[0005] The vast majority of goods shipped throughout the world are
shipped via what are referred to as intermodal freight containers.
As used herein, the term "containers" includes any container
(whether with wheels attached or not) that is not transparent to
radio frequency signals, including, but not limited to, intermodal
freight containers. The most common intermodal freight containers
are known as International Standards Organization (ISO) dry
intermodal containers, meaning they meet certain specific
dimensional, mechanical and other standards issued by the ISO to
facilitate global trade by encouraging development and use of
compatible standardized containers, handling equipment, ocean-going
vessels, railroad equipment and over-the-road equipment throughout
the world for all modes of surface transportation of goods. There
are currently more than 12 million such containers in active
circulation around the world as well as many more specialized
containers such as refrigerated containers that carry perishable
commodities. The United States alone receives approximately six
million loaded containers per year, or approximately 17,000 per
day, representing nearly half of the total value of all goods
received each year.
[0006] Since approximately 90% of all goods shipped internationally
are moved in containers, container transport has become the
backbone of the world economy.
[0007] The sheer volume of containers transported worldwide renders
individual physical inspection impracticable, and only
approximately 2% to 3% of containers entering the United States are
actually physically inspected. Risk of introduction of a terrorist
biological, radiological or explosive device via a freight
container is high, and the consequences to the international
economy of such an event could be catastrophic, given the
importance of containers in world commerce.
[0008] Even if sufficient resources were devoted in an effort to
conduct physical inspections of all containers, such an undertaking
would result in serious economic consequences. The time delay alone
could, for example, cause the shut down of factories and
undesirable and expensive delays in shipments of goods to
customers.
[0009] Current container designs fail to provide adequate
mechanisms for establishing and monitoring the security of the
containers or their contents. A typical container includes one or
more door hasp mechanisms that allow for the insertion of a plastic
or metal indicative "seal" or bolt barrier conventional "seal" to
secure the doors of the container. The door hasp mechanisms that
are conventionally used are very easy to defeat, for example, by
drilling an attachment bolt of the hasp out of a door to which the
hasp is attached. The conventional seals themselves currently in
use are also quite simple to defeat by use of a common cutting tool
and replacement with a rather easily duplicated seal.
[0010] A more advanced solution proposed in recent time is an
electronic seal ("e-seal"). These e-seals are equivalent to
traditional door seals and are applied to the containers via the
same, albeit weak, door hasp mechanism as an accessory to the
container, but include an electronic device such as a radio or
radio reflective device that can transmit the e-seal's serial
number and a signal if the e-seal is cut or broken after it is
installed. However, the e-seal is not able to communicate with the
interior or contents of the container and does not transmit
information related to the interior or contents of the container to
another device.
[0011] The e-seals typically employ either low power radio
transceivers or use radio frequency backscatter techniques to
convey information from an e-seal tag to a reader installed at, for
example, a terminal gate. Radio frequency backscatter involves use
of a relatively expensive, narrow band high-power radio technology
based on combined radar and radiobroadcast technology. Radio
backscatter technologies require that a reader send a radio signal
with relatively high transmitter power (i.e., 0.5-3 W) that is
reflected or scattered back to the reader with modulated or encoded
data from the e-seal.
[0012] In addition, e-seal applications currently use completely
open, unencrypted and insecure air interfaces and protocols
allowing for relatively easy hacking and counterfeiting of e-seals.
Current e-seals also operate only on locally authorized frequency
bands below 1 GHz, rendering them impractical to implement in
global commerce involving intermodal containers since national
radio regulations around the world currently do not allow their use
in many countries.
[0013] Furthermore, the e-seals are not effective at monitoring
security of the containers from the standpoint of alternative forms
of intrusion or concern about the contents of a container, since a
container may be breached or pose a hazard in a variety of ways
since the only conventional means of accessing the inside of the
container is through the doors of the container. For example, a
biological agent could be implanted in the container through the
container's standard air vents, or the side walls of the container
could be cut through to provide access. Although conventional seals
and the e-seals afford one form of security monitoring the door of
the container, both are susceptible to damage. The conventional
seal and e-seals typically merely hang on the door hasp of the
container, where they are exposed to physical damage during
container handling such as ship loading and unloading. Moreover,
conventional seals and e-seals cannot monitor the contents of the
container and are not able to interface with or (since containers
are manufactured from steel that is opaque to radio signals)
transmit data to the outside world from other sensors which may be
placed in the interior of the container such as, for example,
temperature, light, combustible gas, motion, or radioactivity
sensors (without modifying the container door or wall).
[0014] In addition to the above, the monitoring of the integrity of
containers via door movement can be relatively complex. Although
the containers are constructed to be structurally sound and carry
heavy loads, both within the individual containers as well as by
virtue of containers stacked upon one another, each container is
also designed to accommodate transverse loading to accommodate
dynamic stresses and movement inherent in (especially) ocean
transportation and which are typically encountered during shipment
of the container. Current ISO standards for a typical container may
allow movement on a vertical axis due to transversal loads by as
much as 40 millimeters relative to one another. Therefore, security
approaches based upon maintaining a tight interrelationship between
the physical interface between two container doors are generally
not practicable.
[0015] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a method of
and system for: (i) monitoring the movement of the doors of a
container relative to the container structure in a cost effective,
always available, yet reliable fashion; (ii) providing for a data
path for other security sensors placed in a container to detect
alternative means of intrusion or presence of dangerous or illicit
cargo to receivers in the outside world; and (iii) simultaneously
provide a means for tracking transport movements of containers for
reasons of security and logistics efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] These and other drawbacks are overcome by embodiments of the
present invention, which provides a method of and system for
efficiently and reliably monitoring a container and its contents as
well as tracking containers to maintain the security thereof. More
particularly, one aspect of the invention includes a device for
monitoring the condition of a container. The device includes a
means for sensing at least one condition of the container, a means
for transmitting information relative to the at least one sensed
condition to a location outside the container, and a means for
interpreting the at least one sensed condition. The means for
interpreting is adapted to be disposed inside the container. The
sensed condition may be a sensed pressure and the the means for
sensing may be a pressure sensor. Alternatively, the sensed
condition may be a sensed light or a sensed motion and the means
for sensing may be a light sensor or a motion sensor
respectively.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of electronically securing a container. The method includes the
steps of selecting a container to seal, disposing an electronic
securing device within the container, transmitting a request to a
server, and generating by the server of a mathematically-unique
security key in response to receipt of the request. The method also
includes the steps of encrypting, by the server, of the security
key, transmitting the unique and encrypted security key to the
device disposed within the container, use by the device of the
encrypted security key to calculate a unique result, and storing,
by the device, of the unique result.
[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a device
for determining whether a security breach of a container has
occurred. The device includes means for detecting pressure exerted
by a door of the container and means for establishing a baseline
pressure value. The baseline pressure value is related to a
calculated mean value from at least two pressure detections. The
device also includes a means for defining a pressure threshold and
a means for determining from the pressure threshold and the
detected pressure whether a security breach has occurred.
[0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of detecting a security breach of a container. The method includes
the steps of placing a pressure sensor adjacent a structural member
and a door of the container, monitoring the pressure sensor via a
data unit located within the container, determining, by the data
unit, whether a security breach of the door has occurred based on a
change in pressure sensed by the pressure sensor, communicating, by
the data unit, of a result of the determining step to an antenna
interoperably connected to the data unit and located adjacent to
and outside of the container, and transmitting, by the antenna, of
information relative to the communicating step.
[0020] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of checking a security status of a previously electronically
secured container of the type wherein a security device is disposed
therein. The method includes the steps of transmitting, by a
reader, of a device challenge to a device associated with the
container, generating, by the device, of a device response to the
device challenge, and transmitting, by the device, of the device
response to the reader. The method also includes the steps of
transmitting, by the reader, of a server challenge to a server,
generating, by the server, of a server response to the server
challenge, and transmitting, by the server, of the server response
to the reader. The method also includes the steps of comparing the
server response and the device response. If the server response and
the device response are equal, a security breach is deemed to not
have occurred since the container was electronically sealed.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a device
for determining whether a security breach of a container has
occurred. The device includes a means for sensing at least one
condition of the container, means for establishing a baseline value
for the sensed condition, means for defining a sensed condition
value threshold, and means for determining from the sensed
condition value threshold and the sensed condition whether a
security breach has occurred.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a device
for determining a security condition of a container and its
contents. The device includes a means for detecting a condition of
the container and its contents and a means for establishing a
baseline condition value. The baseline condition value is related
to normal fluctuations in the condition of the container and its
contents experienced during transport. The device also includes a
means for defining a condition threshold and a means for
determining from the condition threshold and the detected
condition, the security condition of the container.
[0023] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of detecting a security condition in a container and its contents.
The method includes the steps of placing a sensor within the
container, monitoring the sensor via a data unit located within the
container, and determining by the data unit whether a security
condition has occurred based on sensed changes in value sensed by
the sensor. The method also includes the steps of communicating by
the data unit, of a result of the determining step to an antenna
interoperably connected to the data unit and located relative to
the container in a position for transmitting data to a location
outside the container, and transmitting by the antenna of
information relative to the communication step.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0024] A more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of
the present invention can be achieved by reference to the following
Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention when
taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
[0025] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating communication among
components of a system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0026] FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary supply
chain;
[0027] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 2B is a top view of a device according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 2C is a side view of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2D is a first perspective cut-away view of a device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2E is a second perspective cut-away view of a device
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 2F is a front view of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 2G is a back view of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 2H is a bottom view of a device according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 2I is a top view of a device according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 2J is a front view of the device of FIG. 2F as
installed on a container;
[0037] FIG. 2K is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 2F as
installed on a container;
[0038] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a reader according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3B is a diagram of a reader in accordance with the
principles of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 4 is a first application scenario of the system of FIG.
1A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 5 is a second application scenario of the system of
FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 6 is a third application scenario of the system of FIG.
1A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 7 is a fourth application scenario of the system of
FIG. 1A according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a container-securing
process in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0045] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a container-security-check
process in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0046] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a door-sensor
calibration process in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT
INVENTION
[0047] It has been found that a container security device of the
type set forth, shown, and described below, may be positioned in
and secured to a container for effective monitoring of the
integrity and condition thereof and its contents. As will be
defined in more detail below, a device in accordance with
principles of the present invention is constructed for positioning
within a pre-defined structural portion of the container which
generally manifests minimal structural movement due to routine
loading and handling and extending through a conventional interface
between the container frame and door region therealong. An
elastomeric gasket is conventionally placed around the door and
extends through the interface region to ensure the container is
watertight and the goods thus protected from weather. The device is
adapted for: (a) easy tool-free installation; (b) self powered
intermittent signal transmission; and (c) sensing of the pressure
of the elastomeric door seal relative thereto for transmitting
deviations thereof indicative of door movements of the container,
including an intrusion therein.
[0048] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating communication among
components of a system in accordance with principles of the present
invention. The system includes a device 12, at least one variety of
reader 16, a server 15, and a software backbone 17. The device 12
ensures that the container has not been breached after the
container 10 has been secured. The container 10 is secured and
tracked by a reader 16. Each reader 16 may include hardware or
software for communicating with the server 15 such as a modem for
transmitting data over GSM, CDMA, etc. or a cable for downloading
data to a PC that transmits the data over the Internet to the
server 15. Various conventional means for transmitting the data
from the reader 16 to the server 15 may be implemented within the
reader 16 or as a separate device. The reader 16 may be configured
as a handheld reader 16(A), a mobile reader 16(B), or a fixed
reader 16(C). The handheld reader 16(A) may be, for example,
operated in conjunction with, for example, a mobile phone, a
personal digital assistant, or a laptop computer. The mobile reader
16(B) is basically a fixed reader with a GPS interface, typically
utilized in mobile installations (e.g., on trucks, trains, or ships
using existing GPS, AIS or similar positioning systems) to secure,
track, and determine the integrity of the container in a manner
similar to that of the hand-held reader 16(A). In fixed
installations, such as, for example, those of a port or shipping
yard, the fixed reader 16(C) is typically installed on a crane or
gate. The reader 16 serves primarily as a relay station between the
device 12 and the server 15.
[0049] The server 15 stores a record of security transaction
details such as, for example, door events (e.g., security breaches,
container security checks, securing the container, and disarming
the container), location, as well as any additional desired
peripheral sensor information (e.g., temperature, motion,
radioactivity). The server 15, in conjunction with the software
backbone 17, may be accessible to authorized parties in order to
determine a last known location of the container 10, make integrity
inquiries for any number of containers, or perform other
administrative activities.
[0050] The device 12 communicates with the readers 16 via a
short-range radio interface such as, for example, a radio interface
utilizing direct-sequence spread-spectrum principles. The radio
interface may use, for example, BLUETOOTH or any other short-range,
low-power radio system that operates in the license-free
Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band, which operates
around e.g. 2.4 GHz. Depending on the needs of a specific solution,
related radio ranges are provided, such as, for example, a radio
range of up to 100 m.
[0051] The readers 16 may communicate via a network 13, e.g. using
TCP/IP, with the server 15 via any suitable technology such as, for
example, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Global
System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple
Access (CDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Pacific
Digital Cellular System (PDC), Wideband Local Area Network (WLAN),
Local Area Network (LAN), Satellite Communications systems,
Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), or Mobitex. The server 15
may communicate with the software backbone 17 via any suitable
wired or wireless technology. The software backbone 17 is adapted
to support real-time surveillance services such as, for example,
tracking and securing of the container 10 via the server 15, the
readers 16, and the device 12. The server 15 and/or the software
backbone 17 are adapted to store information such as, for example,
identification information, tracking information, door events, and
other data transmitted by the device 12 and by any additional
peripheral sensors interoperably connected to the device 12. The
software backbone 17 also allows access for authorized parties to
the stored information via a user interface that may be accessed
via, for example, the Internet.
[0052] Referring now to FIG. 1B, there is shown a diagram
illustrating a flow 2 of an exemplary supply chain from points (A)
to (I). Referring first to point (A), a container 10 is filled with
cargo by a shipper or the like. At point (B), the loaded container
is shipped to a port of embarkation via highway or rail
transportation. At point (C), the container is gated in at the port
of loading such as a marine shipping yard.
[0053] At point (D), the container is loaded on a ship operated by
a carrier. At point (E), the container is shipped by the carrier to
a port of discharge. At point (F), the container is discharged from
the ship. Following discharge at point (F), the container is loaded
onto a truck and gated out of the port of discharge at point (G).
At point (H), the container is shipped via land to a desired
location in a similar fashion to point (B). At point (I), upon
arrival at the desired location, the container is unloaded by a
consignee.
[0054] As will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the
art, there are many times within the points of the flow 2 at which
security of the container could be compromised without visual or
other conventional detection. In addition, the condition of the
contents of the container could be completely unknown to any of the
parties involved in the flow 2 until point (H) when the contents of
the container are unloaded.
[0055] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of the device 12. The device 12
includes an antenna 20, an RF/baseband unit 21, a microprocessor
(MCU) 22, a memory 24, and a door sensor 29. The device 12 may also
include an interface 28 for attachment of additional sensors to
monitor various internal conditions of the container such as, for
example, temperature, vibration, radioactivity, gas detection, and
motion. The device 12 may also include an optional power source 26
(e.g., battery); however, other power arrangements that are
detachable or remotely located may also be utilized by the device
12. When the power source 26 includes a battery (as shown herein),
inclusion of the power source 26 in the device 12 may help to
prolong battery life by subjecting the power source 26 to smaller
temperature fluctuations by virtue of the power source 26 being
inside the container 10. The presence of the power source 26 within
the container 10 is advantageous in that the ability to tamper with
or damage the power source 26 is decreased. The device 12 may also
optionally include a connector for interfacing directly with the
reader 16. For example, a connector may be located on an outer wall
of the container 10 for access by the reader 16. The reader 16 may
then connect via a cable or other direct interface to download
information from the device 12.
[0056] The microprocessor 22 (equipped with an internal memory)
discerns door events from the door sensor 29, including, for
example, container-security requests, container-disarming requests,
and container-security checks. The discerned door events also
include security breaches that may compromise the contents of the
container 10, such as opening of a door after the container 10 has
been secured. The door events may be time-stamped and stored in the
memory 24 for transmission to the reader 16. The door events may be
transmitted immediately, periodically, or in response to an
interrogation from the reader 16. The door sensor 29 shown herein
is of the pressure sensitive variety, although it may be, for
example, an alternative contact sensor, a proximity sensor, or any
other suitable type of sensor detecting relative movement between
two surfaces. The term pressure sensor as used herein thus
includes, but is not limited to, these other sensor varieties.
[0057] The antenna 20 is provided for data exchange with the reader
16. In particular, various information, such as, for example,
status and control data, may be exchanged. The microprocessor 22
may be programmed with a code that uniquely identifies the
container 10. The code may be, for example, an International
Standards Organization (ISO) container identification code. The
microprocessor 22 may also store other logistic data, such as
Bill-of-Lading (B/L), a mechanical seal number, a reader
identification with a time-stamp, etc. A special log file may be
generated, so that tracking history together with door events may
be recovered. The code may also be transmitted from the device 12
to the reader 16 for identification purposes. The RF/baseband unit
21 upconverts microprocessor signals from baseband to RF for
transmission to the reader 16.
[0058] The device 12 may, via the antenna 20, receive an integrity
inquiry from the reader 16. In response to the integrity query, the
microprocessor 22 may then access the memory to extract, for
example, door events, temperature readings, security breaches, or
other stored information in order to forward the extracted
information to the reader 16. The reader 16 may also send a
security or disarming request to the device 12. When the container
10 is secured by the reader 16, the MCU 22 of the device 12 may be
programmed to emit an audible or visual alarm when the door sensor
29 detects a material change in pressure after the container is
secured. The device 12 may also log the breach of security in the
memory 24 for transmission to the reader 16. If the reader 16 sends
a disarming request to the device 12, the microprocessor 22 may be
programmed to disengage from logging door events or receiving
signals from the door sensor 29 or other sensors interoperably
connected to the device 12.
[0059] The microprocessor 22 may also be programmed to implement
power-management techniques for the power source 26 to avoid any
unnecessary power consumption. In particular, one option is that
one or more time window(s) are specified via the antenna 20 for
activation of the components in the device 12 to exchange data.
Outside the specified time windows, the device 12 may be set into a
sleep mode to avoid unnecessary power losses. Such a sleep mode may
account for a significant part of the device operation time, the
device 12 may as a result be operated over several years without a
need for battery replacement.
[0060] In particular, according to the present invention, the
device 12 utilizes a "sleep" mode to achieve economic usage of the
power source 26. In the sleep mode, a portion of the circuitry of
the device 12 is switched off. For example, all circuitry may be
switched off except for the door sensor 29 and a time measurement
unit (e.g., a counter in the microprocessor 22) that measures a
sleep time period t.sub.sleep. In a typical embodiment, when the
sleep time period has expired or when the door sensor 29 senses a
door event, the remaining circuitry of the device 12 is powered
up.
[0061] When the device 12 receives a signal from the reader 16, the
device 12 remains to communicate with the reader 16 as long as
required. If the device 12 does not receive a signal from the
reader 16, the device 12 will only stay active as long as necessary
to ensure that no signal is present during a time period referred
to as a radio-signal time period or sniff "period"
("t.sub.sniff").
[0062] Upon t.sub.sniff being reached, the device 12 is powered
down again, except for the time measurement unit and the door
sensor 29, which operate to wake the device 12 up again after
either a door event has occurred or another sleep time period has
expired.
[0063] In a typical embodiment, the reader-signal time period is
much shorter (e.g., by several orders of magnitude less) than the
sleep time period so that the lifetime of the device is prolonged
accordingly (e.g., by several orders of magnitude) relative to an
"always on" scenario.
[0064] The sum of the sleep time period and the reader-signal time
period (cycle time") imposes a lower limit on the time that the
device 12 and the reader 16 must reach in order to ensure that the
reader 16 becomes aware of the presence of the device 12. The
related time period will be referred to as the passing time
("t.sub.pass.")
[0065] However, a passing time ("t.sub.pass") is usually dictated
by the particular situation. The passing time may be very long in
certain situations (e.g., many hours when the device 12 on a
freight container is communicating with the reader 16 on a truck
head or chassis carrying the container 10) or very short in other
situations (e.g., fractions of a second when the device 12 on the
container 10 is passing by the fixed reader 16(C) at high speed).
It is typical for all the applications that each of the devices 12
will, during its lifetime, sometimes be in situations with a
greater passing time and sometimes be in situations with a lesser
passing time.
[0066] The sleep time period is therefore usually selected such
that the sleep time period is compatible with a shortest
conceivable passing time, ("t.sub.pass,min.") In other words, the
relation--
t.sub.sleep.ltoreq.t.sub.pass,min-t.sub.sniff
[0067] should be fulfilled according to each operative condition of
the device. Sleep time periods are assigned to the device in a
dynamic matter depending on the particular situation of the device
(e.g., within its life cycle).
[0068] Whenever the reader 16 communicates with the device 12, the
reader 16 reprograms the sleep time period of the device 12
considering the location and function of the reader 16, data read
from the device 12, or other information that is available in the
reader 16.
[0069] For example, if the container 10 equipped with device 12 is
located on a truck by a toplifter, straddle carrier, or other
suitable vehicle, the suitable vehicle is equipped with the reader
16, whereas the truck and trailer are not equipped with any readers
16. It is expected that the truck will drive at a relatively-high
speed past the fixed reader 16(C) at an exit of a port or a
container depot. Therefore, the reader 16(C) on the vehicle needs
to program the device 12 with a short sleep time period (e.g.,
.about.0.5 seconds).
[0070] Further ramifications of the ideas outlined above could be
that, depending on the situation, the reader 16 may program
sequences of sleep periods into the device 12. For example, when
the container 10 is loaded onboard a ship, it may be sufficient for
the device 12 to wake up only once an hour while the ship is on
sea. However, once the ship is expected to approach a destination
port, a shorter sleep period might be required to ensure that the
reader 16 on a crane unloading the container 10 will be able to
establish contact with the device 12. The reader 16 on the crane
loading the container 10 onboard the ship could program the device
12 as follows: first, wake up once an hour for three days, then
wake up every ten seconds.
[0071] In another scenario, the reader 16 is moving together with
the device 12 and could modify the sleep time period in dependence
on the geographical location. For example, it may be assumed that
the device 12 on the container 10 and the reader 16 of a truck
towing the container 10 may constantly communicate with each other
while the container 10 is being towed. As long as the container 10
is far enough away from its destination, the reader 16 could
program the device 12 to be asleep for extended intervals (e.g.,
one hour.) When the reader 16 is equipped with a Global Positioning
System (GPS) receiver or other positioning equipment, the reader
may determine when the container 10 is approaching its destination.
Once the container approaches the destination, the reader 16 could
program the device 12 to wake up more frequently (e.g., every
second).
[0072] While the above-described power-management method has been
explained with respect to the device 12 in the context of trucking
of freight containers or other cargo in transportation by sea,
road, rail or air, it should be understood for those skilled in the
art that the above-described power-management method may as well be
applied to, for example, trucking of animals, identification of
vehicles for road toll collection, and theft protection, as well as
stock management and supply chain management.
[0073] Referring now to FIG. 2B, there is shown a first perspective
view of the device 12. The device 12 includes a housing 25
containing the data unit 100 (not shown), a support arm 102
extending therefrom, and an antenna arm 104 extending outwardly
thereof in an angular relationship therewith. As will be described
below, the size of the housing 25, the length of the support arm
102, and the configuration of the antenna arm 104 are carefully
selected for compatibility with conventional containers. The
housing 25, the support arm 102, and the antenna arm 104 are
typically molded within a polyurethane material 23 or the like in
order to provide protection from the environment.
[0074] Still referring to FIG. 2B, a portion of material 23 of the
support arm 102 is cut away to illustrate placement of at least one
magnet 27 therein and at least one door sensor 29 thereon. The
magnet 27 permits an enhanced securement of the device 12 within
the container as described below, while the door sensor 29 detects
variations in pressure along a sealing gasket (not shown) of the
container discussed below.
[0075] A second perspective view of the device 12 as illustrated in
FIG. 2C, further illustrates the placement of the magnet 27 in the
support arm 102. The magnet 27 is positioned within corresponding
apertures 27A formed in the support arm 102 and are bonded thereto
in a manner facilitating the installation of the device 12.
[0076] Now referring to FIG. 2D, a top view of the device 12 is
illustrated before any of the molding material 23 has been applied.
In this way, the position of the power source 26, the data unit
100, and the antenna 20 are shown more clearly. The device 12
includes the data unit 100 and power source 26, the microprocessor
22 (not shown), the memory 24 (not shown), and the optional
interface 28 (not shown). The support arm 102 extends from the data
unit 100 and includes the apertures 27A to house the at least one
magnet 27 as well as a support surface to which the door sensor 29
is attached. Extending from the support arm 102 is the antenna arm
104 for supporting the antenna 20.
[0077] Now referring to FIG. 2E, a side view of the device 12
before any of the molding material 23 has been applied is
illustrated. As shown, the support arm 102 extends upwardly and
outwardly from the data unit 100. The support arm 102 is relatively
thin and substantially horizontal, although other configurations
are available. As more clearly indicated in FIG. 2E, the antenna
arm 104 extends angularly from the support arm 102.
[0078] Referring now to FIG. 2F, there is shown a front view of the
device 12 after the molding material 23 has been applied. The
device 12 is illustrated with the molded material 23 that forms the
housing 25 encapsulating the device 12. The molding material 23
extends from the antenna arm 104 across the support arm 102 and
around the data unit 100. The particular shape and configuration
shown herein is but one embodiment of the device 12 and no
limitation as to the precise shape of the device 12 is suggested
herein.
[0079] Referring now to FIG. 2G, there shown a back view of the
device 12 according to FIG. 1A. The angular configuration of the
antenna arm 104 is likewise seen in a more simplified format for
purposes of illustration in FIGS. 2H and 2I, which represent bottom
and top views of the device 12.
[0080] FIG. 2J illustrates a front view of the device 12 as
installed on the container 10. The container 10 is shown with a
door 202 of the container 10 in an open position to show the
orientation of the device 12 in greater detail. The device 12 is
mounted to an area adjacent to the door 202 of the container 10.
The device 12 may be mounted via a magnetic connection (as
previously illustrated), an adhesive connection, or any other
suitable connection, on a vertical beam 204 of the container 10. As
can be seen in FIG. 2J, the device 12 is mounted so that, when the
door 202 is closed, the antenna arm 104 is located on the exterior
of the container 10, the door sensor 29, located within the support
arm 102, is directly adjacent to a portion of the door 202, and the
data unit 100 is located on the interior of the container 10. The
device 12 may detect, via the door sensor 29, deviations of
pressure to determine whether a door event (e.g., relative and/or
absolute pressure change) has occurred. The device 12 may transmit
data relative to the status of the door 202 via the antenna 20 to
the server 15 as previously described. In addition, the interface
28 may be connected to any number of the external sensors 208 in
order to capture information relative to internal conditions of the
container 10 and the information obtained via the sensor 208
transmitted to the server 15.
[0081] Remaining with FIG. 2J, the device 12 is oriented within the
container 10 so that the data unit 100 is disposed within a
generally C-shaped recess or channel 206. The support arm 102,
including the door sensor 29, extends across the vertical beam 204
between it and a portion of the door 202. When the door 202 is
closed, pressure is maintained at the door sensor 29. When the door
202 is opened, the pressure is relieved, thereby alerting the
microprocessor 22 that a door event has occurred. An electronic
security key stored in the memory 24 will be erased or changed to
indicate a "broken" seal or tampering event.
[0082] FIG. 2K is a perspective view of the device 12 of FIG. 2D as
installed on the container 10. The device 12 is shown attached to
the vertical beam 204 so that the door sensor 29 (not shown) within
the support arm 102 is adjacent to the vertical beam 204, the
antenna arm 104 is positioned in an area of the hinge channel of
the container 10, and the data unit 100 is positioned inside the
C-channel 206 of the container 10. As more clearly shown herein,
the antenna arm 104 protrudes from the support arm 102 to an area
substantially near the hinge portion of the container 10 in order
to remain on the exterior of the container 10 when the door 202 is
closed.
[0083] By placing the data unit 100 on the interior of the
container 10, opportunities for tampering and/or damage to the
device 12 are reduced. Because the data unit 100 is disposed in the
C-channel 206, even though the contents of the container 10 may
shift during transport, the contents are not likely to strike or
damage the device 12.
[0084] Although the above embodiment is shown as a single unit
including at least one sensor and an antenna 20 for communicating
with the reader 16, the present invention may be implemented as
several units. For example, a light, temperature, radioactivity,
etc. sensor may be positioned anywhere inside the container 10. The
sensor takes readings and transmits the readings via BLUETOOTH, or
any short range communication system, to an antenna unit that
relays the readings or other information to the reader 16. The
sensors may be remote and separate from the antenna unit. In
addition, the above embodiment illustrates a device 12 that
includes a door sensor 29 for determining whether a security breach
has occurred. However, an unlimited variety of sensors may be
employed to determine a security breach in place of, or in addition
to, the door sensor 29. For example, a light sensor may sense
fluctuations in light inside the container 10. If the light exceeds
or falls below a predetermined threshold, then it is determined a
security breach has occurred. A temperature sensor, radioactivity
sensor, combustible gas sensor, etc. may be utilized in a similar
fashion.
[0085] The device 12 may also trigger the physical locking of the
container 10. For instance, when a reader 16 secures, via a
security request, the contents of the container 10 for shipment,
the microprocessor 22 may initiate locking of the container 10 by
energizing elecromagnetic door locks or other such physical locking
mechanism. Once the container is secured via the security request,
the container 10 is physically locked to deter theft or
tampering.
[0086] 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 achieves the wireless short-range,
low-power communication link to the device 12 as described above
with reference to FIG. 2A. The reader 16 may include or separately
attach to a device that achieves a link to a remote
container-surveillance system (e.g., according to GSM, CDMA, PDC,
or DAMPS wireless communication standard or using a wired LAN or a
wireless local area network WLAN, Mobitex, GPRS, UMTS). Those
skilled in the art will understand that any such standard is
non-binding for the present invention and that additional available
wireless communications standards may as well be applied to the
long range wireless communications of the reader 16. Examples
include satellite data communication standards like Inmarsat,
Iridium, Project 21, Odyssey, Globalstar, ECCO, Ellipso, Tritium,
Teledesic, Spaceway, Orbcom, Obsidian, ACeS, Thuraya, or Aries in
cases where terrestrial mobile communication systems are not
available.
[0087] The reader 16 may include or attach to a satellite
positioning unit 34 is for positioning of a vehicle on which the
container 10 is loaded. For example, the reader 16 may be the
mobile reader 16(B) attached to a truck, ship, or railway car. The
provision of the positioning unit 34 is optional and may be omitted
in case tracking and positioning of the container 10 is not
necessary. For instance, the location of the fixed reader 16(C) may
be known; therefore, the satellite positioning information would
not be needed. One approach to positioning could be the use of
satellite positioning systems (e.g., GPS, GNSS, or GLONASS).
Another approach could be the positioning of the reader 16
utilizing a mobile communication network. Here, some of the
positioning techniques are purely mobile communication network
based (e.g., EOTD) and others rely on a combination of satellite
and mobile communication network based positioning techniques
(e.g., Assisted GPS).
[0088] The microprocessor 36 and the memory 38 in the reader 16
allow for control of data exchanges between the reader 16 and the
device 12 as well as a remote surveillance system as explained
above and also for a storage of such exchanged data. Necessary
power for the operation of the components of the reader 16 is
provided through a power supply 40.
[0089] FIG. 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 detached from a mobile phone 16(A1).
The handheld reader 16(A) communicates (as previously mentioned)
with the device 12 via, for example, a short-range direct sequence
spread spectrum radio interface. Once the handheld reader 16(A) and
the device 12 are within close range of one another (e.g., <100
m), the device 12 and the handheld reader 16(A) may communicate
with one another. The handheld reader 16(A) may be used to
electronically secure or disarm the container via communication
with the device 12. The handheld reader 16(A) may also be used to
obtain additional information from the device 12 such as, for
example, information from additional sensors inside the container
10 or readings from the door sensor 29.
[0090] The handheld reader 16(A) shown in FIG. 3B is adapted to be
interfaced with a mobile phone shown as 16(A1) or PDA. However, as
will be appreciated by those having skill in the art, the handheld
reader 16(A) may be a standalone unit or may also be adapted to be
interfaced with, for example, a personal digital assistant or a
handheld or laptop computer. The reader 16 draws power from the
mobile phone and utilizes Bluetooth, or any similar interface, to
communicate with the mobile phone.
[0091] Additional application scenarios for the application of the
device 12 and reader 16 will now be described with respect to FIGS.
4-8. Insofar as the attachment and detachment of the reader 16(B)
to different transporting or transported units is referred to, any
resolvable attachment is well covered by the present invention
(e.g., magnetic fixing, mechanic fixing by screws, rails, hooks,
balls, snap-on mountings, further any kind of electrically
achievable attachment, e.g., electro magnets, or further reversible
chemical fixtures such as adhesive tape, scotch tape, glue, pasted
tape).
[0092] FIG. 4 shows a first application scenario of the device 12
and the reader 16. As shown in FIG. 4 one option related to road
transportation is to fix the reader 16 to the gate or a shipping
warehouse or anywhere along the supply chain. In such a case, the
reader 16 may easily communicate with the device 12 of the
container 10 when being towed by the truck when exiting the
shipping area. Another option is to provide the reader 16 as a
handheld reader 16(A) as described above and then either scan the
device 12 as the truck leaves the area or carry the hand-held
reader 16(A) within the cabin of the truck during surveillance of
the container 10.
[0093] FIG. 5 shows a second application scenario for the device 12
and the reader 16 as related to rail transportation. In particular,
FIG. 5 shows a first example where the reader 16 is attachably
fixed along the rail line for short-range wireless communication to
those containers located in the reach of the reader 16. The reader
16 may then achieve a short range communication with any or all of
the devices 12 of the containers 10 that are transported on the
rail line.
[0094] The same principles apply to a third application scenario
for the container surveillance components, as shown in FIG. 6.
Here, for each container to be identified, tracked, or monitored
during sea transport, there must be provided a reader 16 in reach
of the device 12 attached to the container 10. A first option would
be to modify the loading scheme according to the attachment schemes
for the wireless communication units. Alternatively, the
distribution of the readers 16 over the container ship could be
determined in accordance with a loading scheme being determined
according to other constraints and parameters. Again, the flexible
attachment/detachment of readers 16 for the surveillance of
containers allows to avoid any fixed assets that would not generate
revenues for the operator. In other words, once no more
surveillance of containers is necessary, the reader 16 may easily
be detached from the container ship and either be used on a
different container ship or any other transporting device. The
reader 16 may also be connected to the AIS, based on VHF
communication, or Inmarsat satellites, both often used by shipping
vessels.
[0095] While above the application of the inventive surveillance
components has been described with respect to long range global,
regional or local transportation, in the following the application
within a restricted area will be explained with respect to FIG.
7.
[0096] In particular, the splitting of the short range and long
range wireless communication within a restricted area is applied to
all vehicles and devices 12 handling the container 10 within the
restricted area such as a container terminal, a container port, or
a manufacturing site in any way. The restricted area includes
in-gates and out-gates of such terminals and any kind of handling
vehicles such as top-loaders, side-loaders, reach stackers,
transtainers, hustlers, cranes, straddle carriers, etc.
[0097] A specific container is not typically searched for using
only a single reader 16; rather, a plurality of readers 16 spread
over the terminal and receive status and control information each
time a container 10 is handled by, for example, a crane or a
stacker. In other words, when a container passes a reader 16, the
event is used to update related status and control information.
[0098] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a securing process in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. First, at
step 800, identification is requested from the device 12 by the
reader 16. At step 802, the device 12 transmits the identification
to the reader 16 and, at step 804, the reader 16 selects a
container 10 to secure. A request is sent from the reader 16 to the
server 15 at step 806. At step 808, the server 15 generates a
security key and encrypts the security key with an encryption code.
At step 810, the encrypted security key is transmitted to the
device 12 via the reader 16 in order to secure the container 10. At
step 812, the security key is decrypted and stored in the device
12. A similar procedure may be initiated to disarm the container
10. The container 10 may be secured automatically when passing in
range of a reader 16, or a user may secure or disarm specific
chosen containers 10 at a time.
[0099] FIG. 9 illustrates a security-check process in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention. At step 900, the
reader 16 transmits a challenge to the container 10 in question. At
step 902, the device 12 of the container 10 generates a response
using a security key and an encryption code. At step 904, the
response is sent from the device 12 to the reader 16. At step 906,
the reader 16 also sends a challenge to the server 15. The
challenges to the server 15 and the device 12 may be transmitted
substantially simultaneously or at alternate points in time. The
server 15 generates and sends a response utilizing the security key
and an encryption code to the reader 16 at steps 908 and 910
respectively. At step 912, the reader 16 determines if the
responses are equal. If the responses are equal, then the container
10 remains safely secured. Alternatively, if the responses are not
equal, then a security breach (i.e., door event) of the container
10 has occurred. Similarly to the securing and disarming processes,
a security-check may be performed automatically as the container 10
passes in range of a reader 16 or a user may initiate a
security-check at any time during transport.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of a calibration
and filter process for the door sensor 29 is illustrated. At step
1000, the door sensor 29 is activated to sense a current pressure
value every 0.5 seconds, although other time increments may be
implemented. The current pressure value is read from the door
sensor 29 at step 1002. At step 1004, a number of readings (X),
with a time distance of 30 microseconds between each, are
accumulated in order to calculate a mean pressure value at step
1006. At step 1008, it is determined whether the door is open. The
door is considered open if the mean value is above an open
threshold calculated in previous iterations at step 1012 below. If
the door is open, then the flow proceeds to step 1010, at which
step the mean pressure value is added to a slow low pass filter to
get the value for the sensor without any pressure attached (upper
limit reference). If it is determined that the door is closed at
step 1008, then the flow proceeds to step 1012, at which open,
close, and tamper thresholds are calculated using the upper limit
reference from step 1010 and the armed limit reference from step
1020 and step 1024 (described below) from previous iterations. The
open, close, and tamper thresholds are used to determine if the
door is opened or closed at step 1008 and 1022 so that, if either
of the open or tamper thresholds is exceeded at step 1022, it is
concluded that a security breach has occurred.
[0101] At step 1014, it is determined whether the device 12 is
currently in an armed state (i.e., whether the container 10 has
been secured. If the device 12 is not armed, then the door status
is updated at step 1016 using the open and close thresholds from
step 1012. If the device 12 is armed, then it is determined at step
1018 whether the device 12 was previously armed. If the device 12
was not previously armed, then at step 1020, an armed limit
reference is set to the current mean pressure value from step 1006.
At step 1022, it is determined whether the current pressure value
exceeds the open or tamper limits. If the mean value from step 1006
does not exceed the open or tamper limits, then at step 1024 the
mean value from step 1006 is inserted to the filter for the armed
limit reference. If the mean value from step 1006 exceeds the open
or tamper limits, then at step 1026 it is determined whether the
condition is persistent. If the condition is persistent (i.e., the
condition occurs consistently for 2 seconds or more), then at step
1028 the tamper alarm is set to alert the system and/or user that a
security breach has occurred.
[0102] Although embodiment(s) of the present invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
present invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) disclosed,
but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions without departing from the invention defined by the
following claims.
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