Antenna in cargo container monitoring and security system

• US 20090016308A1
• Filed: 08/30/2008
• Published: 01/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: TeraHop Networks Incorporated
• Inventors: TWITCHELL, Robert W. JR.
• Application Number:
  US12/202,247
• Publication Number:
  US 20090016308A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/338
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2208 associated with components used in interrogation type services, i.e. in systems for information exchange between an interrogator/reader and a tag/transponder, e.g. in Radio Frequency Identification [RFID] systems methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns G06K7/00; record carrier for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/28 Combinations of substantially independent non-interacting antenna units or systems multiple beam H01Q25/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 84/10 Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical 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

Abstract

An antenna system for a container monitoring system includes: a short range wireless communications device associated with each container, each short range wireless communications device including a transmitter element and a complementary receiver element; at least one long range communications device communications device associated with each container; a global positioning or GPS element; and an antenna system which is integrated into the construction of each container wall, door, or roof.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. An antenna system for a container monitoring system comprising:

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

at least one long range communications device communications device associated with each container;

a global positioning or GPS element; and

an antenna system which is integrated into the construction of each container wall or roof.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the short range wireless communications 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.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein a short range wireless communication protocol comprises any one of standards including Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11 series, and a proprietary short range wireless channel.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the long range communications device comprises a cellular communications device, a satellite communications device, or both.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the cellular communications device includes a transmitter element and a complementary receiver element located on each container, capable of transmitting data and messages to a central monitoring station, and receiving data and messages from the central monitoring station.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cellular communications device implements one of a cellular standard and a proprietary wireless protocol.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the satellite communications device includes a transmitter element and a receiver element that is configured to communicate with a satellite in a network.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein said antenna system includes a single unit for the transmission of the short range wireless communications device, the cellular communications device, or the satellite communications device.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein said antenna system is integrated into, and conforms to, the roof, door, or wall of the container.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said antenna system is constructed using a flat or planar design so as to conform to the container construction of a wall of the container.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said antenna system includes a patch or phased array antenna design.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein said antenna system is a feed cable or connector which passes through a roof, wall, or door of the container into the interior to easily connect to electronics location within the container interior.