System and method for communications of cargo containers in a container security system using wireless ad-hoc networking techniques

• US 8,515,484 B1
• Filed: 02/16/2010
• Issued: 08/20/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/14/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Inventors: Meyers, Richard C.
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, DANH C
• Application Number:
  US12/658,722
• Time in Patent Office: 1,281 Days
• Field of Search: 455/550.1, 455/41.2, 455/422.1, 340/539.1
• US Class Current: 455/550.1
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 7/1851 Systems using a satellite or space-based relay H04B7/18508, H04B7/18521 take precedence; providing specific services H04B7/18523 - H04B7/18576
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/08 based on transmission power
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 40/22 using selective relaying for reaching a BTS [Base Transceiver Station] or an access point
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/18 Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A system and method for communications between a plurality of shipping containers using a short range or local area wireless communication device is provided. The system also contains a cellular communications device, a satellite communications device, or both, which are used to transmit information to, and receive commands from remote central monitoring station. The system includes a method which creates dynamic links between the containers using the short range channel. Containers are organized in networks and sub networks, and have built in redundancy features.

Claims

1. A system for providing robust communications for a container monitoring system for a plurality of containers comprising:

a short range wireless communications device associated with each container, wherein each short range wireless communication device comprises a transmitter element and a complementary receiver element;

at least a long range communication device communications device associated with each container; and

a control element which dynamically determines a plurality of short range wireless communications channels between the short range wireless communication elements located on the plurality of containers using a peer-to-peer control method.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the short range wireless communication device located on each container is capable of transmitting and receiving data and messages via a radio frequency signal at a maximum predetermined distance from a few feet to a several hundred feet.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein a short range wireless communication protocol includes a protocol selected from the group of protocols including Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11 series, and a proprietary short range wireless channel.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the long range communications device comprises a cellular communications device including a transmitter element and a complementary receiver element located on each container.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the long range communications device is capable of transmitting data and messages to a central monitoring station, and receiving data and messages from the central monitoring station.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the cellular communications device implements one of a cellular standard or a proprietary wireless protocol and operates on a network suited to transmit data over a network between long distances of at least hundreds of miles.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the long range communications device comprises a satellite communications device including a transmitter element and a receiver element, wherein the satellite communications device communicates with either a geosynchronous (OEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in a network.