HK1172991A - Shipping container having integral geolock system - Google Patents

Description

Shipping container with integrated geographic locking system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for transporting precious items in a compact case. More particularly, the present invention relates to the tracking and security of portable rugged and durable packaging containers such as those transported by couriers.

Background

Security applications such as cargo tracking are increasingly important. The global ocean shipping infrastructure is a worldwide, economically welfare substrate, but a crisis has occurred since 9, 11 months in 2001. Domestic shipments via Marine Transport Systems (MTS) total over $850B per year, contributing $2T to the total U.S. domestic production. The current domestic sea traffic is expected to double in the next 20 years. International shipping is expected to increase by a factor of two during the same period. Many port facilities are under economic pressure from several aspects, including outdated technology, environmental limitations, current manufacturing routes, overlapping federal/state/local jurisdictions, and a lack of a basic technical infrastructure to coordinate a global network for intermodal property security monitoring and tracking. Land competition and environmental regulations will further limit the regional expansion of current port facilities. Also, managing supply chain information systems still relies heavily on manual data entry processes.

In addition to concerns about MTS economic inefficiency, it is obvious to reemphasize U.S. homeland security. Terrorism threats brought new realities to MTSs. Various attacks may focus on economic pathways to affect changes in the modern world. It is possible to find a simple, effective, and efficient way of causing large-scale economic losses by looking at the open shipment of the boxed goods. Disruption to several major ports can completely tie our economy up and weaken the strength of the country within weeks. The result is a conflict between the efficiency and security of the MTS-enabled port system.

There is a need for a technical solution that improves the efficiency and security of MTSs that makes the files complete. In 2004, 900 ten thousand boxes entered the united states via MTS. The us customs manually inspects these boxes to no more than 5%, relying only on intelligence to "outline" the boxes. Coast guard and united states customs do not have sufficient resources to check each box into the united states. Therefore, there is a need to invest in appropriate tracking and monitoring techniques to improve safety and economic efficiency. Neither efficiency nor security can be sacrificed. Therefore, tracking and monitoring technologies must be developed to provide greater efficiency while ensuring global supply chain security.

There are many insurance derivatives that have the ability to monitor conditions and locations in real time. Insurers of ships and cargo are particularly interested in cargo loss and theft due to security breaches and fraud. Within 12 months prior to day 11 and 30 of 2004, 7000 million dollars of goods were shipped via the MTS. Some private businesses estimate that losses from overboard, injury, or direct theft are as high as 7-10% of the total number of cases per year, and that losses in the supply chain are as high as $ 400 billion per year. Insurance companies pay a significant amount for this, and these losses are in turn passed on to the shipper, carrier and ultimately the consumer as premium and reserve losses. Carriers, shippers and manufacturers suffer residual losses that are ultimately passed on to the end consumer. Entities in the distribution chain are expected to receive lower premiums for shipping through more secure service providers.

Products currently on the commercial market for logistics applications and box security provide only little security. Electronic seals, which are wireless enabled versions of mechanical seals that have been in use for decades, do not provide a way to secure a case.

Various types of seals have been described, including: swift u.s.pat.5,116, 091; tuttle u.s.pat.5,406,263 and 5,831,531; wilk u.s.pat.5,528, 228; white U.S. Pat. No. 5,755, 175; gagnon U.S. Pat. No. 5,939, 982; kadner u.s.pat.6,069,563; wilhelm u.s.pat.6,464, 269; fuehrer u.s.pat.6,513, 842; palzkill U.S. Pat. No. 6,846,024; pirnieu.s.pat.6,928, 843; and Moreno u.s.pat.7,044,512 and 7,178,841. In general, seals focus on detecting tampering rather than providing a true locking mechanism. At best, the seal acts as a deterrent, and at worst it may convey a false sense of security. Several studies have examined seals and found that in the current form they provide little or no security and serve only as a deterrent function.

Various types of locks have also been described, including: VanderWyde u.s.pat.4,422, 313; yulkowski U.S. Pat. No. 6,259,352; strodtman U.S. Pat. No. 6,581, 419; and Brown U.S. Pat. No. 6,581, 425. These solutions tend to focus on permanently hardware modifications and/or installation of ISO standard boxes, but cause expensive and substantial installation and maintenance problems. The box is rented; the shipper has little ability to implement these solutions. The box owners/lessors have little incentive to implement them as this means an increase in net operating costs.

In U.S. patent 6,364,584 entitled "Access Bar for a Shipping Container", Taylor describes a system that both secures two doors and uses corner posts as a "gravity" locking mechanism.

A locking and tracking system such as that taught by Galley In U.S. patent 6,975,224 entitled "Reusable Self connector Electronic device providing In-Transit Cargo Visibility" is attached to a door latch and requires two devices (one for each door) to operate.

Various types of tracking systems have also been described, including the following: camhi, in U.S. patent 5,825,283 entitled "System for the Security and identification of people and Property", discloses a vehicle and people tracking System and geo-fencing (geoference) application, but does not mention locking of a shipping box or such a box. Radicane discloses a system for inventorying shipping containers in U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,291 entitled "Container inventory monitoring Methods and Systems," but does not mention the security or locking of such containers. Carson, in U.S. patent 6,577,921 entitled "containerrracking System," discloses localized (localized) tracking within storage and shipping fields but does not mention security or locking of such boxes. Ghaffari, in U.S. patent 6,662,068 entitled "Real Time Total Asset Visibility System," discloses a tracking System for goods but does not mention shipping boxes, or the security or locking of such boxes. Lareau, in U.S. patent 6,972,682 entitled "Monitoring and Tracking of Assets by Utilizing Wireless Communications," discloses Wireless Tracking and triangulation of the location of a container, but does not mention security or locking of the shipping container. Shafer, in U.S. patent 7,165,722 entitled "Method and System for communicating with Identification Tags," discloses IP addressing of RFID Tags but does not mention security or locking of such boxes. Twitchell, in U.S. patent 7,221,668 entitled "Communications with networking of Wireless Transceivers Based on common Designation," discloses the form of an ad hoc network within a shipping box to provide location and status, but does not mention box security or locking. Neher, in U.S. patent 7,242,322 entitled Security Tracker, discloses a covert tracking system that monitors location and condition for later unloading, but does not mention Security or locking of the box.

Objects and advantages

The objects of the present invention include the following: providing a secure shipping container having a locking device that can be unlocked only when the container reaches a selected geographic location; providing a compact, rugged shipping container containing a lock and monitor combination capable of transmitting monitoring data to a central manager; providing a locking device for the portable container that simultaneously monitors the condition of the container and the position of the container within the GPS system; and providing a safe, rugged, portable case that monitors the vicinity of a designated courier and issues a warning signal if the case is separated from the courier. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the invention, a shipping apparatus comprises: a substantially rigid housing comprising two opposing portions interconnected and configured to form a case capable of being opened and closed; and a locking device configured to secure the case in a closed position, the locking device comprising: a microprocessor; a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; a power source; and an electromechanical latching mechanism configured to actuate the locking device and allow unlocking of the locking device upon a signal from the microprocessor when the shipping container reaches a selected geographic location.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a shipping apparatus comprises: a substantially rigid lockable housing including an integrated locking device, the locking device including: a sensing device comprising a two-way communication system, the sensing device further comprising a GPS receiver; and a power source.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a shipping apparatus comprises: a substantially rigid, portable housing comprising two opposing portions interconnected and configured to form a case capable of being opened and closed; a handle carrying the case; and a locking device configured to secure the case in a closed position, the locking device comprising: a microprocessor; a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver; a power source; and an electromechanical latching mechanism configured to actuate the locking device and allow unlocking of the locking device upon a signal from the microprocessor when the shipping container reaches a selected geographic location.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate certain aspects of the present invention. A clearer conception of the invention, and of the components and operation of systems provided with the invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numerals (if they occur in more than one figure) designate the same elements. The features in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the present invention deploying a locking assembly and an access bar on a shipping container to secure a door.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of the present invention separate from a shipping container.

FIG. 3A illustrates a block diagram of functional components in an entry wand in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates a block diagram of functional components in an entry wand in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates several aspects of local and global communications in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of determining the security of cargo in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method of determining the security of cargo in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rigid, portable shipping container in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention combines a lockable shipping container with a variety of wireless communication technologies (including, but not limited to, radio frequency identification, cellular communication, and satellite communication) and sensor interfaces to allow selected events or environmental factors to be detected (including, but not limited to, tilt, vibration, and tamper switches, barometric pressure, temperature and humidity sensors, and detectors of hazardous conditions such as the presence of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, and explosive agents). And also incorporated into geographic-based locks that prevent unauthorized opening of a box before the box reaches a selected destination, as described more fully in the following patent documents: the applicant's co-pending application entitled "Integrated tracking, sending, and Security System for Interactive mapping contacts", filed 11/20.2008, this application having a serial number of 12/313,428; and applicant's co-pending application entitled "Locking apparatus for shippingcontacts", filed on 20/11/2008, serial No. 12/313,427, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

In the following example, it is apparent that a trackable, movable, and secure device that secures both doors simultaneously provides a unique solution to many of the known concerns of multi-intermodal shipping enterprises. Some notable benefits include: 1. only one device is needed to ensure the safety of the two doors. 2. Tracking locks are a convenient agent for tracking boxes. 3. The device of the present invention is reusable by shippers or carriers and, because it is a small, expensive component (as compared to an empty box), can be more conveniently stored when not in use than a similar component permanently integrated into a box. 4. Without interrupting the normal flow of cargo or interfering with legitimate access to the cargo. 5. Access is allowed according to a selected hierarchy of communications and information.

Examples of such applications are

The applicant's co-pending application describes a movable entry bar configured to securely lock a shipping box, as generally shown in fig. 1 and 2. The applicant envisages that in many applications the entry bar is configured to have a form factor as shown that is compatible with certain characteristic dimensions of a standard shipping box. It can be seen that in the embodiment shown in the figures, the access bar may utilize a recessed channel on the door so that a lot of electronic components may be afforded slightly more protection while the access bar is resting flat against the box and thus minimizing bulges or other deviations from normal box dimensions that may interfere with automatic box management. Although not shown in the figures, it should be understood that the concepts of the present invention are equally well applicable to boxes of other geometries that have only been routinely engineered. For example, the access bar may be configured with a ring-like locking mechanism that grips the edge of a standard drum or drum, thereby preventing the drum from opening during transport.

Examples of such applications are

As shown generally in fig. 3A, the entry wand 10 contains, among other things, a GPS circuit 18, the GPS circuit 18 functioning to prevent the entry wand from being unlocked until the case reaches a selected destination. The entry wand 10 optionally includes equipment that is at least the following: one or more selected sensor cards 19; and one or more wireless communication systems 16 that may include radio frequency identification, data radio, cellular, and satellite communications. A suitable antenna 21 is preferably arranged integrally with the device in order to minimize protrusion and protect the system from mechanical damage. Additional RFID components may be on the side of the device.

Examples of such applications are

Although some of the components of the device, particularly the RFID tag, may be substantially passive devices, it is envisaged that in many applications it will be preferable to include an on-board power supply 15. This may be accomplished with batteries, fuel cells, etc., and may also provide for recharging or maintaining power via a charging cradle (cradle) or charging cable (umbilical) configured to accept power from an onboard generator during, for example, marine transportation.

Examples of such applications are

The sensor plug 19 may include a number of devices that perform various security and tracking functions. The device may allow wireless communication of a variety of sensors (chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, explosive, temperature, humidity, vibration, acceleration, etc.) and information sources (cameras, keypads, PDAs, cellular phones, satellite phones, handheld interrogators, RFID readers, etc.). The sensor insert 19 may contain a load cell, strain gauge, or other means of monitoring the tension on the lock bar 12 to trigger an alarm condition if the lock bar 12 is severed, or even if the door's wand is severed. The device is in wireless communication with sensor nodes that detect various components and conditions, either temporarily or permanently installed in a multi-modal intermodal container, on a road trailer, or enclosed in a transport vehicle.

It should be appreciated that wireless communication may include familiar protocols such as serial radio, cellular radio, satellite radio, and the like. The wireless device is preferably used in the order of communication cost from the serial radio, which represents the lowest cost to the reader's capability. When a valid serial radio link cannot be identified, the cellular radio may be activated. When an active cellular link cannot be identified, satellite communication with one of a plurality of low earth orbit satellite systems may be activated. This process optimizes the cost of globally based data communication.

Examples of such applications are

As mentioned above, the access wand of the present invention may contain various sensing elements such as chemical, biological, or radiation sensors, or may communicate with sensors disposed elsewhere in or on the case. Such sensors may be used to alert the shipper that unauthorized material has been loaded into the box. It will be appreciated, however, that modern container ships may carry up to 6000 containers. Thus, the entry bar may detect the radiation source in an adjacent container and serve as a warning of the presence of hazardous materials elsewhere on the vessel. If radioactive sources are present elsewhere on the ship, data, perhaps from a dozen widely distributed sensors, can be triangulated and used to alert authorities before the ship arrives at a port and to give an indication of the approximate location of a suspect container even before the ship is not unloaded or even approaching a densely populated area.

The above examples illustrate an important aspect of the invention, that is, the system manager inherently derives a higher level of situational awareness by obtaining reports from multiple entry bars, so the resulting information has significant added value to various customers.

It will also be appreciated that the general level of background radiation varies from place to place around the earth. Because the present invention includes GPS position data, background fluctuations caused by known local geophysical effects can be corrected for. Also, by having multiple entry bars in a given geographic area, background radiation can be identified by mathematical averaging and reported to a system manager or used to analyze local radiation patterns to determine threat.

Examples of such applications are

The entry wand may be provided with one or more components 22 for local data input/output. A robust keypad may be used to enter certain functions and commands such as arming/disarming, locking/unlocking, etc. Alternatively, a USB port or other standard data bus such as a bluetooth wireless link may be provided for entering more detailed information such as shipping lists.

Examples of such applications are

In one embodiment, the device uses two electrically controlled mechanical devices: one mechanism 13 supports the device on one of the doors (load/unload) while the other mechanism 12 locks the door closed (locked/unlocked) by a mechanical latch 14, which mechanical latch 14 can be secured in the locked position by an internally mounted electromechanical latch. Each device 12, 13 may be engaged or disengaged according to a rectangular geofence (geofields). Install/uninstall geofences are defined and evaluated locally by the present invention, and locked/unlocked geofences are defined and evaluated remotely by a server-based tracking system. The mounting/dismounting mechanism 13 may also be engaged or disengaged for unscheduled inspection by a single use code sent from a tracking system or entered through a robust keypad or other I/O device 22 on the exterior of the access wand 10.

Examples of such applications are

In general terms, the applicant envisages that the locking bar 12 has a series of teeth that engage with a ratchet mechanism, the bar 12 being free to slide completely out of the device in the unlocked condition. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this configuration is suitable for implementation as a somewhat smaller device that can operate like a padlock, thereby ensuring the security of any enclosure designed to contain a tumbler lock.

Examples of such applications are

In its simplest form, as shown in FIG. 3A, the geolock comprises the following components: an electromechanical lock actuator or latch mechanism 14 ', a GPS receiver 18 including a suitable antenna 21, a CPU or other logic device configured to allow operation of the lock actuator 14' when certain GPS positioning requirements are met, and a power source 15 capable of providing sufficient power to operate all components within the appropriate period.

Examples of such applications are

As mentioned above, a key element of the entry bar of the present invention is a geographic lock designed to allow unlocking only when certain geographic conditions are met (typically indicating that the box has reached a selected destination). The applicant envisages that under normal operating conditions, the geolock is dominated by GPS data. However, the applicant has realised that if an adversary has sufficient resources and is able to place complex RF instruments close enough to the GPS unit, there are some ways in which to fool the GPS receiver. Thus, the entry wand of the present invention may optionally be provided with redundant ways of cross-checking GPS data. Some preferred routes include the following:

1. a small accelerometer may be used with a clock to calculate an approximate position by dead reckoning (dead reckoning); if the GPS position differs from the dead reckoning position by some selected margin of error, the lock is not opened without further authorization. The accelerometer may be incorporated into the sensor package 19.

2. The clock circuit may be used to prevent unlocking at any time prior to approximately the predetermined arrival time in a manner similar to a bank vault lock that prohibits unlocking at night even if it is in possession of a password (combination).

3. The system manager (or an internal memory in the access stick itself) may receive periodic updates of the bin locations. If the indicated position differs significantly from the last updated position, it can be proposed in this way that it is practically impossible to move as much to indicate a reporting condition, and the lock is not opened.

4. In addition to satisfying the GPS location required for the geolock, an entry code may be required.

5. It is envisaged that several (or many) boxes which may be assigned to a given ship (or train) are provided with an entry bar according to the present invention. Thus, if the pointed GPS location of one case suddenly differs from the GPS location of the other case that is supposed to travel together, the system manager may be alerted.

Some examples of commercial wireless communication modules include the following: 1. serial mesh radios (e.g., ZMN2405HP manufactured by rfmonlites, inc.4441sigma Road, Dallas, TX 75244; 2. quad band GSM cells (e.g., GM862-GPS manufactured by teit Wireless Solutions, inc.3131rdu Center Drive, Suite 135, Morrisville, NC 27560); 3.LEO satellites (e.g., Stellar Satellite Communications ltd., 46050Manekin plata, Suite 100, DS100 manufactured by dullsva 6); 2016100. all of the above modules are suitable for inclusion in the present device in terms of form factor, digital regulation, and power regulation characteristics.

Some examples of commercial sensor packages include the following: 1. angular rate sensors and gyroscopes (e.g., ADXRS manufactured by Analog Devices, 3Technology Way, Norwood, MA 02062); 2. pressure sensors (e.g., Flexiface manufactured by Tekscan, Inc., 307West First Street, South Boston, MA 02127-1309); 3. magnetometers (e.g., MicroMag manufactured by PNI Sensor Corporation, 133Aviation Blvd., Suite 101, Santa Rosa, CA 95403); 4. accelerometers (e.g., Analog Devices, 3Technology Way, Norwood, ADXL manufactured by MA 02062). Other sensors such as temperature and humidity sensors, tamper switches, etc. are well known in the art. All of the above inserts are equally suitable for inclusion in the apparatus of the present invention in terms of form factor, digital adjustment, antenna configuration, and power adjustment characteristics. Systems known in the art for detecting and measuring chemical, biological radioactive, nuclear, and explosive agents are also suitable for inclusion in the access rods of the present invention.

There are many suitable commercial central processing units and microprocessors; for example, the applicant has found that the following apparatus is suitable for carrying out the invention: ARM ltd., 110Fulbourn Road, Cambridge, UK manufactured ARM 9. This and many similar devices are suitable for inclusion in the apparatus of the present invention in terms of form factor, digital regulation, and power regulation characteristics.

Examples of such applications are

The entry bar of the present invention may be further adapted for a less-than-load tracking application via wireless serial grid radio. The individual cargo components in the box (individual packages, individual shelves, etc.) may be attached to a compatible serial radio, which may be a mesh radio, for reporting to the entry wand. The entry wand of the present invention can incorporate these devices to provide the ability to inventory appropriately equipped boxes in real time at any point during its journey.

Examples of such applications are

Another aspect of the access bar is its use as a remote collection point for docks, yards, warehouses, and the like. The aggregation point comprises a combination of serial mesh radio and satellite uplink or direct access points to the internet to send information about the status, and location of the entry wand. The remote uplinks can aggregate these devices to provide the ability to do real-time inventory of bins in any geographic location.

Examples of such applications are

Another important aspect of the method of the present invention is a network operations center 44 that includes a management system and automated and/or manual systems that aggregate incoming wand information, distribute customer information, and perform advanced logistics appreciation and risk or threat analysis. As mentioned above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that this system provides a higher level of situational awareness and a general operational map from the box to the community, to the region, and to the world. This situational awareness not only improves overall logistics operations, but can also provide key elements of early warning safety systems for a variety of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.

Examples of such applications are

The locking bar 12 may be manufactured by various conventional methods so long as the resulting structure has sufficient strength to withstand the normal stresses of service and to provide sufficient resistance to tampering or intrusion attempts. The rod is preferably a metal such as stamped, bent, and machined/perforated steel, extruded aluminum, titanium, or other suitable structural alloy. Selected coatings such as chrome plating, polymer dip coating, paints, diamond films may be further provided for corrosion resistance and may be heat treated to harden against cutting or sawing. Decorative paint, decals, etc. may be applied to the protective housing 11 to identify the owner of the device or for branding, advertising, or other desired purposes. The housing 11 may be constructed of any suitable metal having sufficient strength; in many cases, it is a metal, metal alloy, or metal matrix composite that has been cast, stamped, deep drawn, worked, or formed. Alternatively, it may be a polymer or ceramic matrix composite. Depending on the dielectric properties of the housing 11, an RF-transparent window or antenna feed hole, as is well known in the art, may be provided to allow one-way or two-way communication signals into or out of the housing 11.

In addition to the specific exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, configurations shown in the figures, it should be understood that the present invention may also be advantageously implemented with a gravity-type locking system, such as that generally disclosed in U.S. patent 6,364,584 to Asher.

In addition to the passive display of logos or other advertisements as described above, the apparatus of the present invention may further be provided with a visual display device so that messages may be displayed to passers-by or tailgating vehicles. It will be appreciated that the device has several aspects of its characteristics that are particularly useful for dynamic advertising, that is, it has the ability to communicate with a system manager, and its geographic location is known. Thus, the system manager may interact with the device to cause it to display a particular message or advertisement, particularly a location, so that the value of such an advertisement may be maximized. Alternatively, a visual display may be used to alert workers at the point of arrival that the box has experienced some abnormal condition, as well as to provide visual confirmation that the system is working properly.

Examples of such applications are

One aspect of the method of the present invention is shown generally at 50 in FIG. 5, where the steps are:

51 loading the box;

52 mounting the entry bar 10 on a first door;

mounting the locking bar 12 on the second door and tightening the locking bar using the latch mechanism 14;

54 monitor en-route status and location, preferably via GPS 18;

55 communicating with a system manager/server;

55A reports to the server at selected intervals;

55B reports alerts, warnings, or deviations to the server;

55C receiving a confirm/update/authorization message from the server;

56 to a waypoint;

57 unlock based on time, location, and/or entry code;

58 last waypoint?

59 unload according to time, location, and/or entry code.

Examples of such applications are

Another aspect of the method of the present invention is shown generally at 60 in fig. 6, wherein the operations of the steps are:

61, scheduling; issuing an alert that there is a discrepancy with the geography/calendar;

62 at the start?

63 remain unlatched/unlocked;

64 is properly installed?

65 reporting the status to the server;

66 correctly locked?

67 report status to the server;

68 reports status to the server;

69 run "Stroke";

70 reporting an alert, warning, or deviation to the server;

71 receiving an acknowledgement/update from the server;

72 waiting for keypad input;

73 is the code valid?

74 reporting the event to the server;

75 is valid for this code position?

76 reporting the event to the server;

77 is valid for that location and code time?

78 reporting the event to the server;

79 unlocking;

80 end of stroke?

81 waiting for keypad input;

82 the code is valid?

83 reporting the event to the server;

84 unlatching (removing) and sleeping.

This example illustrates some of the ways in which the present invention provides redundant validation of GPS data to prevent unauthorized opening if the GPS is subject to electronic tampering or fraud.

Examples of such applications are

The general method of using the invention according to one aspect of the invention may be described as follows: preferably, the entry stick with its on-board electronic inserts is attached to the box at some point in the supply chain as it is being packaged. The on-board plug-in records the installation, reports the position of the Global Positioning System (GPS), the timestamp, and the status of any sensors. The system remains in place (relative to the box) throughout the entire journey of the multimodal transport. If multiple sensor conditions occur during travel, the institution may report the warning condition through a selected wireless medium, or may simply record the condition in on-board memory for later download upon arrival. Reportable sensor conditions may include battery starvation, tampering, removal, temperature out-of-range, humidity out-of-range, or the presence of chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive substances of interest. The device may further report to the system manager via the selected wireless medium upon request or upon a predetermined time interval. The report may include parameters such as GPS coordinates, battery condition, switch position, and readings from sensors configured to respond to temperature, humidity, or chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, or explosive agents. The device can be programmed to immediately report certain conditions to the system manager, such as large deviations in GPS coordinates or the presence of radioactive material, while less important sensor conditions, such as tip/tilt or shock/acceleration readings, can be reported upon arrival so that the cargo can be immediately checked for damage.

The inventive system may utilize so-called ad hoc wireless networking (serial mesh radio). Some characteristics of ad hoc serial network radios include: 1: information exchange security is ensured using a variety of information security, encryption, and authentication protocols; 2. scalable to a Hybrid Spread Spectrum (HSS) radio format; 3. automatically finding other relevant devices within range; 4. automatically forming a community if two or more related devices exist; and 5. set the entire community to "pick" speakers for the purpose of collecting and transmitting Tracking and Security Information (TSI) according to a minimum period for each individual of the community.

Examples of such applications are

The present invention may further employ protocols that prevent malicious attacks from interfering with the normally operating anti-spoofing system of the intelligent RFID tag of the present invention. The protocol utilizes on-board circuitry to generate a universally unique identification code based on collected history, geography, and device conditions. This code becomes part of the distributed intelligence provided by the inventive solution.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the system of the present invention provides a mobile, yet secure platform for multi-modal intermodal property. The modular nature integrates tracking, sensing, and security under exchangeable/hybrid and matched building block architectures, where a particular user can select the sensor plug-in of interest, the identification and reporting protocol to use, and the communication method of the property that best suits the user and shipment.

The system of the present invention is envisioned to be particularly useful in a global multimodal transportation management system consisting of facilities for the capture, storage, retrieval, analysis, and action (warning, alert, etc.) of geographic location and condition information in preparation/web-friendly data visualization and reporting applications for the world wide web. In this way, a fully enabled Geographic Information System (GIS) is formed, and customized industry-specific applications build around the GIS core/platform. The web-based tracking service can provide real-time access to property locations and conditions, automatic customized alerts, and customer-desired content globally accessible from any web-enabled terminal. The logistics information can be pushed and pulled directly from the website to the user's internal resource management system. The system of the present invention can be further improved with customized, value-added customer services to enhance the functionality of the basic tracking system.

The general features of the method of the invention as applied to marine transport are schematically illustrated in fig. 4.

Examples of such applications are

Some aspects of a communication link that may be employed that may be utilized in the method of the present invention are schematically illustrated in fig. 4. The container ship 41 carries a plurality of containers, at least one of which is fitted with an access rod 10 of the present invention. Local communications 42 may be established with a transceiver on the vessel 41. Satellite communications 43 transfer data between the vessel 41 and the system manager 44. The system manager may in turn forward the selected data report to one or more clients, generally indicated at 45. The customer 45 may include a shipper or owner of the goods; shipping company or ship owner; and various governmental agencies.

The present system is designed to address the following key attributes of a global property tracking and control solution in the following manner.

The system comprises the following components: 1. rigidity ISO standard compliant container locking devices-physical locking systems that take advantage of the inherent characteristics of a container to protect it from tampering. 2. Robust active RFID technology-must make property visible under extremely harsh wireless multipath interference conditions (e.g., in a yard in a port, on a ship's deck, in a ship's cargo hold, or in a warehouse based on local networking of container or diversity-packed property). 3. Satellite and/or cellular communications-the ability to confirm security and meet logistics optimization operational needs using wide area communications in remote areas. 4. Intelligent sensor network-a "plug and play" intelligent sensor utilizing a universal addressing scheme that determines the integrity and condition of containers and cargo. 5. Intelligent information systems-capable of analyzing geo-statistical and geospatial information and patterns (e.g., geographic information systems) in order to create strategic property intelligence. 6. Advanced battery technology-makes battery life longer than three years.

Preferred capabilities of the system of the present invention include the following: 1. secure wireless communication systems-information sent over wireless and wired networks must be protected against eavesdropping (e.g., physical layer security, data scrambling, encryption, authentication, etc.). 2. Real-time positioning-GPS, advanced television signal processing, dead reckoning, or other location-based techniques that provide real-time accurate positioning of property under severe multipath conditions represent a substantial increase in the efficiency of port, ship, and warehouse management that warrants rapid return on investment. 3. Intelligent fusion-generic running Picture (COP) with real-time warning capability. 4. Network security-a multi-layered security scheme for asset tracking and analysis. 5. Multi-user access scheme-a wireless device must have the ability to communicate with a large number of tags (> 5000) simultaneously via a reader in a given area in order to accommodate a large number of containers near modern shipping terminals. 6. Globally available unlicensed radio frequencies-a single unlicensed RF band is required to ensure interoperability in local area networking and RFID applications or frequency and protocol flexible RFID systems.

It should be appreciated that the system relies on wireless communication in a variety of ways. There are three basic approaches to make wireless RFID communication robust in harsh multipath environments, namely peer-to-peer (mesh networking) solutions, ultra-wideband solutions, and promiscuous spread spectrum solutions. The present applicant prefers a Hybrid Spread Spectrum (HSS) solution because it optimally adheres to the performance specifications for global asset tracking and control systems as a whole: the HSS approach allows designing narrow spectrum, broadband solutions, e.g., > 900MHz frequencies (high data rates and higher resistance to environmental conditions), which is the only globally available unlicensed band to provide robust wireless communications under severe multipath interference conditions (i.e., traditional impediments to wireless communications) under eye. The state of the art of HSS technology is based on the construction of advanced anti-collision wireless communication solutions using time-sequencing (multi-user access volume increase), fast frequency hopping (advanced resistance to multipath interference), and direct sequence spread spectrum (advanced resistance to interference from two other RF applications in the same geographical area) protocols that are combined in a unique way and adopt advanced signal processing concepts.

In essence, the HSS system is able to distinguish the original signal from the short-range multipath reflected signal. The statistical probability of successful communication on the first attempt is 99.99% on a bit level for the HSS approach. This level of network reliability reduces the need for redundant transmissions, thereby extending battery life over currently available commercial technologies. The system will support radio localization (3 dimensional 1 meter accuracy in real time) of the respective tags of shipping containers in ports, on ships, in the cargo holds of ships, and in warehouses under standard stacking conditions, according to a narrow band solution that is substantially immune to multipath interference. HSS solutions can establish geographically optimized mesh networking capabilities based on radio location and transceiver architectures (each tag is a reader and a transmitter) that depend on the nature of the environment in which the intelligent switching pattern is used. The time sequencing aspect of the HSS solution has the potential to communicate bi-directionally with up to 10,000 individual tags via the reader unit within each 100 second time window, which is critical in marine vessel and port environments. The end result is a robust multi-user active RFID wireless tracking and communication solution whereby the physical layer of encryption, data scrambling and authentication security layering (depending on the way the waveforms are generated) can be inherently secure. For these reasons, the HSS approach appears to be the most logical and logical solution for globally deploying RFID total property visual solutions.

In a study conducted in 2 months 2004, the HSS solution was first validated at north american facilities at the skims island in shogawa (Wando) terminal APM terminal company in Charleston (Charleston) and again validated at 6 months 2004 as the national security ministry, the national security advanced research project agency. HSS technology has demonstrated the ability to communicate in real time with standard stacked refrigerated containers using a 2.45GHz RFID solution with near perfect accuracy. Another test was conducted in 2004 at 8 months to confirm the ability to communicate under standard stacking conditions (10 long by 3 high) for "dry box" shipping containers.

The system of the present invention provides real-time property tracking for both commercial multimodal intermodal property management and homeland security needs: 1. real-time global positioning tracking and detailed navigation history to provide a comprehensive "view" of all marine vessels. 2. Remote aggregation and uplink points for warehouses, docks, warehouses, etc., as a combination of remote satellite uplink and serial grid radio; 3. tracking container location and condition as well as tamper notification and internal environmental, biological, chemical and radiation status. 4. Early warning/threat identification of ships and containers arriving in U.S. waters and ports is performed using audit trails. 5. Suspicious shipping activities (not placing port calls in advance, etc.) are detected and monitored. 6. Secure data is fed to customers and stakeholders on a demand basis. 7. Long-term activity patterns are identified at the level of both the container and the cargo. 8. Facilitating "low risk", fast tracking clearance agreements through ports, canals, and checkpoints. 9. Multimodal inventory management, integrated tracking along ship, rail and truck haul lines for order management, space allocation, scheduling, load balancing, supply chain management, port management, and port/container management.

Satellite and cellular networks provide Wide Area Network (WAN) capability for tracking and monitoring assets globally in real time, as well as the ability to efficiently gather all information in one place. This provides advantages in terms of security, fault tolerance, data backup/archiving, and database maintenance. The central network operations center combines a variety of information sources with the transmitted invention entry bar status, location, and status to support customer date needs, advanced value added business logistics, and risk and threat analysis. The two are combined with GIS, GPS, real-time warning system, High Performance Cluster Computing (HPCC) and commercial technology in the Internet under an open system architecture to build a real-time tracking and property management system. The center provides a single location for real-time logistics support for global management of mobile property. The system of the present invention may further include a web-based tracking system that allows individuals and organizations to manage property in real time via the internet with strict information protection agreements. The information will be distributed to interested parties through secure transactions on a demand basis, thus precluding the use of the system for the purpose of stealing property.

As previously mentioned, the access bars are small and generally have a higher value than an empty shipping container. It is therefore possible in some applications that it is desirable to return many of the entry rods to their origin without having to return empty boxes. It will be appreciated that a metal shelf could be constructed that matches a standard shipping container and has a plurality of parallel bars spaced appropriately to the bar spacing on the bin doors (see, e.g., fig. 1). A number of entry bars may be fixed to the rack and programmed not to be removed from the rack until they reach the desired position. The shelf then supports the entry bars during transport more safely than simply stacking the entry bars in empty boxes while on the fly.

It will also be appreciated that the invention may be usefully applied in logistics settings other than marine transportation. Such other settings may include: road trailers, freight trains, enclosed transportation vehicles of all types, and containers of other sizes and configurations used in a variety of industries. Thus, the invention is not limited to the use of "standard" shipping containers, but may be readily adapted to other sizes and geometries. In particular, the present invention may be adapted to shipping containers and small containers that are significantly smaller than multi-modal intermodal cargo containers; in particular, as the following examples, are suitable for portable cases suitable for small, valuable or responsible items such as small instruments, documents, currency or securities, jewellery, coins or precious metals, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, etc. Here, the locking system of the present invention provides a secure and real-time property visibility platform that supports streaming applications. The lock of the present invention makes it almost impossible to destroy the integrity of the box at the site of destruction without leaving evidence of the destruction. The lock of the present invention can function autonomously without the need for a real key, as long as proper position and time are met in combination with at least one other access code provided either by manual direct entry into the lock or wireless transmission. Moreover, the lock can provide audit trails of who is trying and allowing access as often as possible.

Examples of such applications are

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a rigid, hinged case configured to open and close in a flip-open fashion like a typical briefcase or luggage case. Suitable sturdy and durable cases common in the industry are available from several manufacturers, as are the following products: pelcan (Pelcan)^TMProducts, inc.23215earlyavenue, Torrance, CA 90505); storm (Hardigg Industries, Inc.147North MainStreet, South Deerfield, Mass.); and Zero Case (Zero Manufacturing, inc., 500West 200North, North Salt Lake, UT 84054). These boxes can also be customized from a wide variety of materials including plastics, polymers, metals, ceramics, composite ceramic materials, cloth, and the like. Integrated into the case 90 are an electromechanical lock 94, an electronics plug-in 92 including at least a microprocessor and a GPS receiver, an antenna array 91, and a battery or other suitable power source (such as a fuel cell, power recovery device, etc.) 95. Optionally, a keypad 93 for inputting encoded data or the like may be provided. Since many of the envisaged applications involve so-called "portable" cases, it will be appreciated that the case shown in figure 7 may be provided with various conventional handles, small wheels or the like (not shown), which are well known features for facilitating carrying of briefcases, suitcases and the like.

The locking system may further include one or more commercial sensors for temperature, humidity, light, sound, air pressure, position, shock, vibration, identity, and the like. The lock may communicate with one or more commercial wireless sensors for temperature, humidity, light, sound, air pressure, position, shock, vibration, and identity to be included in the case.

Examples of such applications are

In the above example, one common feature is that the geo-locking device presents various degrees of situational awareness that generally includes information about its geographic location. For the device shown in fig. 7, many contemplated applications involve a courier that in some cases may be the only carrier or person authorized (or required) to maintain physical custody of the case. For such applications, the electronics card 92 may further contain near field/proximity RF equipment configured to continuously monitor the proximity of the person carrying the case or the truck transporting the case. If the system detects a separation indicating that the courier temporarily lost physical monitoring of the case, the locks may be disabled, an alarm condition may be indicated, or other action may be taken, depending on instructions programmed into the system at the time of departure or shipment.

Examples of such applications are

In addition to the geographic location, the device may be further configured to include various authorization protocols. For example, the geographic lock may be programmed to remain locked until the box is delivered to a particular geographic location (e.g., military base, embassy, etc.). Once the geographic condition is met, the box may allow one or more authorized users to open it (e.g., issue a sensor card via a military such as a universal access card (CAC), which is a united states department of defense (DoD) computer-readable "smart card" that is issued by standards identified as active military personnel, pre-service personnel, post-service employees, non-department of defense other government employees, and national officials of national police and qualified contractors).

As with the earlier described intermodal container devices, the portable device may wirelessly communicate its location, status, condition, notification, warning, alarm, and status of remote sensors located inside and outside the container via satellite, cellular, and localized radio frequency devices, which in turn may retransmit such information to a remote server, which may capture, store, analyze, and output such information to the world wide web or other computer readable medium in a quality of audit manner including notification, warning, and alarm. Such server information may be used for a variety of purposes including accounting/billing systems, commercial or government logistics and security systems, and professional or personal use.

Claims (19)

1. A shipping apparatus comprising:

a substantially rigid housing comprising two opposing portions interconnected and configured to form a case capable of being opened and closed;

an integrated locking device configured to secure the case in a closed position, the locking device comprising:

a microprocessor;

a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

a power source; and

an electromechanical latching mechanism configured to actuate the locking device and allow unlocking of the locking device upon a signal from the microprocessor when the shipping container reaches a selected geographic location.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a timing circuit.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one wireless transmitter selected from the group consisting of: UHF and microwave low earth orbit satellite modems; a quad band global system for mobile communications (GSM) modem; and passive and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices including those with radio mesh networking capabilities.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one sensing device selected from the group consisting of: an accelerometer; a tilt sensor; an impact sensor; a load cell; a stress meter; a thermal sensor; a chemical sensor; a radiation sensor; a humidity sensor; an air pressure sensor; a biosensor; an RFID tag reader; near field/near RF devices; and a computer-readable RF identification card.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the sensing devices is contained within the housing.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein at least one of the sensing devices is mounted remotely from the housing and the sensing device is configured to wirelessly communicate with the microprocessor at selected times.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a data entry device selected from the group consisting of: a keypad; a USB port; and a wireless data link whereby selected data may be input into the microprocessor.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the microprocessor is configured to determine a geographic location of the case based on input from the GPS receiver.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a second circuit is provided in addition to the GPS receiver, and the microprocessor is configured to request selected inputs from the second circuit in addition to the inputs from the GPS receiver.

10. A shipping apparatus comprising:

a substantially rigid lockable housing including an integrated locking device, the locking device including:

a sensing device comprising a two-way communication system, the sensing device further comprising a GPS receiver; and

a power source.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the two-way communication system is configured to communicate with a system monitor located remotely from the case, the system monitor configured to receive data from the sensing device at a selected time and to communicate with the sensing device at the selected time.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the two-way communication system comprises at least one wireless transmitter selected from the group consisting of: UHF and microwave low earth orbit satellite modems; a quad band global system for mobile communications (GSM) modem; and passive and active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) devices including those with radio mesh networking capabilities.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising at least one sensing device selected from the group consisting of: an accelerometer; a tilt sensor; an impact sensor; a load cell; a stress meter; a thermal sensor; a chemical sensor; a radiation sensor; a humidity sensor; an air pressure sensor; a biosensor; and an RFID tag reader.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a second circuit configured to provide a redundancy check of an output of the GPS receiver.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the two-way communication system is configured to communicate with a nearby device so that the proximity of the apparatus with respect to a designated carrier can be continuously monitored.

16. A shipping apparatus comprising:

a substantially rigid, portable housing comprising two opposing portions interconnected and configured as a lockable case that can be opened and closed;

a handle for carrying the case; and

a locking device configured to secure the case in a closed position, the locking device comprising:

a microprocessor;

a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver;

a power source; and

an electromechanical latching mechanism configured to actuate the locking device and allow unlocking of the locking device upon a signal from the microprocessor when the shipping container reaches a selected geographic location.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a near field RF communication system configured to communicate with nearby devices so that the proximity of the apparatus relative to a designated carrier can be continuously monitored.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the designated carrier is an individual and the near field RF communication system is configured to monitor a condition of the individual maintaining physical custody of the container.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the designated carrier is a vehicle and the near field RF communication system is configured to monitor the condition that the container remains within the vehicle.