Cargo Tracking And Visibility System And Method
First Claim
1. A cargo load and visibility system comprising:
- a delivery vehicle tracking system comprising;
a reader unit mounted upon the delivery vehicle and configured to identify cargo as the cargo is loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle;
a processor configured to receive information from the reader unit identifying the cargo loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle to permit a determination of the cargo currently onboard the delivery vehicle; and
a transmitter, in communication with the processor, configured to transmit information regarding a position of the delivery vehicle and state data including information from which an amount of fuel carried by the delivery vehicle or a remaining range of the delivery vehicle is determinable; and
a remote cargo management system comprising;
a receiver configured to receive the information from the transmitter of the delivery vehicle; and
a transmitter configured to transmit re-tasking instructions to the delivery vehicle in order to redirect the delivery vehicle at least partially based upon the state data provided by the delivery vehicle.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A cargo load and visibility system and method as well as an associated delivery vehicle tracking system are provided to permit cargo to be tracked, both as the cargo is loaded upon the delivery vehicle and throughout the delivery process, thereby increasing the visibility of the shipping operations including the last stage of the shipping operations in which the goods are delivered to their intended or ultimate destination. The cargo load and visibility system and method may be configured to permit redirection of the delivery vehicle while in route in instances in which the intended destination, such as a military unit, has changed position if such redirection can be performed in a manner that is safe for the delivery vehicle.
21 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A cargo load and visibility system comprising:
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a delivery vehicle tracking system comprising; a reader unit mounted upon the delivery vehicle and configured to identify cargo as the cargo is loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle; a processor configured to receive information from the reader unit identifying the cargo loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle to permit a determination of the cargo currently onboard the delivery vehicle; and a transmitter, in communication with the processor, configured to transmit information regarding a position of the delivery vehicle and state data including information from which an amount of fuel carried by the delivery vehicle or a remaining range of the delivery vehicle is determinable; and a remote cargo management system comprising; a receiver configured to receive the information from the transmitter of the delivery vehicle; and a transmitter configured to transmit re-tasking instructions to the delivery vehicle in order to redirect the delivery vehicle at least partially based upon the state data provided by the delivery vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A delivery vehicle tracking system comprising:
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a reader unit mounted upon the delivery vehicle for identifying cargo as the cargo is loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle; a processor for receiving a cargo manifest identifying the cargo to be carried by the delivery vehicle and information from the reader unit identifying the cargo loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle, said processor configured to determine any discrepancy between the cargo manifest and the cargo currently onboard the delivery vehicle based upon the information provided by the reader unit; and a transmitter, in communication with the processor, for transmitting information regarding a position of the delivery vehicle and state data including information from which an amount of fuel carried by the delivery vehicle or a remaining range of the delivery vehicle is determinable. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for tracking cargo comprising:
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identifying cargo with a reader unit mounted upon a delivery vehicle as the cargo is loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle; determining the cargo currently onboard the delivery vehicle based upon the cargo identified by the reader unit as the cargo is loaded on or unloaded from the delivery vehicle; determining any discrepancy between a cargo manifest and the cargo currently onboard the delivery vehicle based upon the information provided by the reader unit; and transmitting information regarding a position of the delivery vehicle and state data including information from which an amount of fuel carried by the delivery vehicle or a remaining range of the delivery vehicle is determinable. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification