System and method for providing container security

• US 7,649,455 B2
• Filed: 07/18/2006
• Issued: 01/19/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/03/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: System Planning Corporation
• Inventors: Easley, Linda G., Martin, Ronald L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland; Donnie L
• Application Number:
  US11/488,049
• Publication Number:
  US 20060255934A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,281 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.13, 340/545.6, 340/585
• 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 monitoring the contents of a closed container 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; and a satellite transceiver element for receiving signals from the first transceiver element and for forwarding the received signals via satellite uplink to a remote location.

Claims

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

a sensing system, comprised of one or more sensors,

a control element for analyzing received sensor data from the sensing system; and

a communication system for receiving signals from at least one sensor and for forwarding the received signals to a remote location;

wherein one or more sensors include at least one sensor from the group of sensors containing;

temperature sensor, visible light sensor, acoustic sensor;

vibration sensor;

motion sensor, microbolometer, smoke detector and a door switch sensor;

and further wherein one or more signals are transmitted from within the container to outside the container via a pass-through antenna comprising;

an internal antenna element configured to receive signals from within the container;

a substantially planar signal conduit element; and

an external antenna element configured to accept signals from the planar signal element and to allow those signals to transmit outside the container.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the planar signal element is configured to reside within the door frame of the container.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises a reading device for reading data marked or stored on the contents of the container.

4. A method for monitoring the status of a container, wherein the container includes sensors and a controller, the method comprising:

receiving data from at least one sensor;

performing operations within a controller, wherein the operations comprise;

comparing the received sensor data to stored predetermined conditions, initiating a message signal in response to the received sensor data, and transmitting the initiated message signal from the container;

wherein the signals are transmitted from within the container to outside the container via a pass-through antenna, further wherein the pass-through antenna comprises;

an internal antenna element configured to receive signals from within the container;

a substantially planar signal conduit element; and

an external antenna element configured to accept signals from the planar signal element and to allow those signals to transmit outside the container.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises reading data marked or stored on the contents of the container.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the external antenna element is configured as an end portion of the planar signal conduit element.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the planer signal conduit element is configured to reside within the door frame of the container.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the door switch sensor comprises an RF e-Seal device.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the sensing system includes at least one sensor for measuring the integrity of the container.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the integrity of the container is determined at least in part by a measurement of ultrasonic waves.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the integrity of the container is determined at least in part by a measurement of reflected RF energy.

12. The system of method 9, wherein the integrity of the container is determined at least in part by a measurement of container conductivity.