SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A CLOSED CONTAINER

• US 20110037591A1
• Filed: 09/24/2010
• Published: 02/17/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Inventors: Easley, Linda G., Martin, Ronald L.
• Granted Patent: US 8,717,163 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/539.13
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/10 using wireless transmission systems G08B25/009 takes precedence

Abstract

A system for providing communications for container security is provided. The system includes a sensing system for monitoring the contents of the container; a signal receiving element for receiving sensor data from the sensing system; a control element for analyzing received sensor data; a first transceiver element for receiving signals containing sensor data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container.

Claims

1. A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container, the system comprising:

a sensing system, comprised of one or more sensors within the container for monitoring the contents of the container;

a signal receiving element positioned within the closed container for receiving sensor data from the sensing system;

a processing system disposed within the closed container, the processing system comprising a memory for storing predetermined conditions and a control element for analyzing received sensor data by comparing the received sensor data to stored predetermined conditions wherein the control element includes capabilities for communicating a security alert based on the comparison; and

a communications system incorporated in the closed container, the communication system comprising a first communication element positioned inside of the closed container for receiving signals containing sensor'"'"' data from within the container and for transmitting those signals outside of the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the container is comprised of an enclosure have at least one opening which is capable of being sealed.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the container is configured for being transported within a larger transportation vehicle.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the container is a containerized shipping container.

5. A method for monitoring the status of a closed container, the method comprising:

receiving data at a processing system within the container from at least one sensor within the container;

comparing the received sensor data against a predetermined condition stored in a memory of the processing system using a controller of the processing system;

initiating a message from the controller in response to the comparison between the received sensor data and the predetermined condition related to the measured sensor data; and

transmitting the initiated message as an RF signal from within the container to outside the container.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the container is comprised of an enclosure have at least one opening which is capable of being sealed.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the container is configured for being transported within a larger transportation vehicle.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the container is a containerized shipping container.

9. A system for monitoring the contents of a closed container, the system comprising:

a sensing system, wherein the sensing system is comprised of one or more sensors within the container for monitoring the interior of the container;

a signal receiving element positioned within the closed container for receiving sensor data from the sensing system;

a memory for storing predetermined conditions;

a control element for analyzing received sensor data by comparing the received sensor data to stored predetermined conditions, wherein the control element includes capabilities for communicating a security alert based on the comparison, and

a communications system having at least one component internal to the closed container, wherein the internal component is comprised of a communications manager module for facilitating wireless communication between the inside of the container and the outside of the container.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the container is comprised of an enclosure have at least one opening which is capable of being sealed.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the container is configured for being transported within a larger transportation vehicle.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the container is a containerized shipping container.