Method and apparatus for detecting container breach via visual cues

• US 7,692,541 B1
• Filed: 05/31/2007
• Issued: 04/06/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Aydin Arpa, Gianni Arcaini
• Original Assignee: Aydin Arpa, Gianni Arcaini
• Inventors: Arcaini, Gianni, Arpa, Aydin
• Primary Examiner(s): TWEEL JR, JOHN ALEXANDER
• Application Number:
  US11/755,959
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 340/545.6, 340/937, 340/550, 340/585, 340/590, 340/673, 340/675, 348/61, 348/143, 348/148, 348/153, 235/384
• US Class Current: 340/545.6
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2211/00 Anti-theft means
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2590/0083 Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/121 ISO containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/008 Doors for containers, e.g. ISO-containers locking E05B83/12
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/22 Safety features floating covers B65D88/34; arrangements of indicating or measuring devices B65D90/48; fire-fighting A62C
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19645 Multiple cameras, each having view on one of a plurality of scenes, e.g. multiple cameras for multi-room surveillance or for tracking an object by view hand-over

Abstract

This is a container breach detection system wherein a piece of material is affixed across the outside surface of container doors. When the container doors are opened, the strip will rip and cannot be repaired satisfactorily, thereby making detection of a breach much easier and much more cost effective. The material is meant to be disposable.

Claims

1. A container breach detection system and method to use which is comprised of:

a. a strip of material;

wherein the strip of material has a first side and a second side;

wherein adhesive is placed on the first side of the strip;

wherein the first side of the strip is placed across the back surface of the container across the container doors;

wherein the strip of material is affixed to the container after the container doors have been closed and secured prior to shipment;

said strip is placed over the portion of the overlap of the container doors;

wherein the strip is constructed of material that will be broken when the container doors are opened;

b. a plurality of cameras;

wherein a plurality of cameras are placed on a plurality of portals;

said portals are fixed structures along a rail route;

wherein the plurality of cameras capture images of the containers on a train as the train passes by the portals;

wherein information from the plurality of cameras will be relayed to a remote station;

wherein the plurality of cameras will capture images of the containers as the containers travel along a rail route;

wherein the plurality of cameras will be positioned such that the plurality of cameras will capture images of the condition of the strip of material on the back of the container;

c. software;

wherein software is provided;

said software integrates the images from the plurality of cameras;

said software transmits the images to a remote location;

said software depicts the image of a train in a linear panorama;

said software is capable of inspecting the train or individual containers on the train;

said software allows the data that is collected to be stored.

2. A container breach system and method to use as described in claim 1 wherein the strip of material is equipped with a reflective coating on the second side.

3. A container breach system and method to use as described in claim 1 wherein the strip of material is equipped with infrared markers on the second side.

4. A container breach system and method to use as described in claim 1 wherein the strip of material is equipped with a distinctive pattern on the second side.

5. A container breach system and method to use as described in claim 1 wherein the strip of material is constructed of material that cannot be repaired once broken.

6. A container breach system and method to use as described in claim 1 wherein the cameras are infrared sensitive.