Smart container gateway
First Claim
1. An apparatus for use with a cargo container comprising:
- one or more sensors, for detecting status information relating to the cargo container;
a transceiver, for communicating said detected status information to a central data facility via one or more communication networks;
a processor, for coordinating operation of the transceiver and reception of data from the sensor(s);
a structural antenna element, formed at least partially from a structural portion of the apparatus;
an energy transducer, coupled to the structural antenna element, for deriving an electrical power signal to power said apparatus, by converting ambient electromagnetic energy and/or mechanical energy to which the container is exposed.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A smart container gateway system is provided to improve security and facilitate global secure supply chain operations using smart containers or freight trailers. Each smart container includes a smart container gateway that provides communication with global and local networks, container and cargo security sensors and cargo identification tags. The smart container gateway displaces no interior volume from standard shipping containers, and requires no attachment to any exterior container surface, locking bar or handle. The system includes a central data collection and processing facility for processing container location, security status of the container and cargo and cargo state information collected by at least one smart container gateway and transmitted over a global wireless network. The smart container gateway requires no separate or intermediate communications relay equipment fixed to the cargo transportation vehicle. The smart container gateway is self powered and requires no external antenna. The smart container gateway provides position location without GPS. The smart container gateway communicates with one or more networks by means of an integrated structural RF antenna, power generator and radio control subsystem. One network may be a secure satellite network. Another network may be a local area network. A radio link may be provided to connect the smart container gateway another smart container gateway or to the central data facility in real time, and may be operated remotely from the container to allow direct queries of cargo security status, position location, and other information.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use with a cargo container comprising:
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one or more sensors, for detecting status information relating to the cargo container;
a transceiver, for communicating said detected status information to a central data facility via one or more communication networks;
a processor, for coordinating operation of the transceiver and reception of data from the sensor(s);
a structural antenna element, formed at least partially from a structural portion of the apparatus;
an energy transducer, coupled to the structural antenna element, for deriving an electrical power signal to power said apparatus, by converting ambient electromagnetic energy and/or mechanical energy to which the container is exposed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification