WO2009074052A1 - Seal monitor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A seal monitor system includes a seal (2), a monitor device (1) and a signal station (5). The seal (2) is used for locking a container door, only if the seal (2) is broken or disengaged without authorization, the door can be opened. The monitor device (1) can join the seal (2), during the seal (2) locks the door, and can be disjoined from the seal (2) after the seal (2) is disengaged. The monitor device (1) can obtain the status and the location of the seal (2) during the door is locked by the seal (2), and send them to the signal station (5), to enable the signal station (5) to know the current location of the container and whether the door is opened at any moment.

Description

 Sealing and monitoring system

 The present invention relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) and container seals, and relates to global satellite positioning system (GPS) technology and radiotelephone communication technology. Background technique

 Taiwan Patent No. 200538615 discloses an electronic seal of a plug & plug type. Taiwanese Patent No. M257392 discloses a steel cable type electronic seal. The Taiwanese patents 200614081, M284729, and M305859 respectively disclose a strap type electronic seal. Regardless of their type, these electronic seals are used to lock a door of a container, and have an RFID chip inside, and an internal code is stored in the RFID chip, and the internal code can be recognized by a radio frequency. The reader is read out.

 A reader and a transmitter located in the cockpit of a container truck are further disclosed in 200614081. The transmitter is coupled to the reader, the reader being externally coupled via an electrical lead to an electronic seal attached to a door of a container. Although the case mentions that the transmitter will send the data read by the reader to a monitoring station or a client terminal, let the monitoring station/client terminal control the position of the container at any time, and also mention the transmission. The device is a global positioning system (GPS) onboard transmitter, or a PDA, or a mobile phone system (such as GSM). However, the data read by the reader is only related to the internal identification code of the RFID chip in the electronic seal, regardless of the current geographical position of the electronic seal, and the transmitter only faithfully transmits the reader to read The data. Therefore, the transmitter transmits to the monitoring station/client terminal without the electronic seal or the current geographic location of the container truck. Obviously, the case only focused on the structure of the electronic seal, and there was no disclosure of technology sufficient to support the project of “letting the monitoring station/client terminal control the container position at any time”.

 Taiwan, China Patent No. 200730413 discloses a method and system for grasping the current state of a container (ie, a container) in transit. There is indicated a reader attached to a door of the container and an electronic seal for locking the door. The main point is that the reader comprises a reading module, a satellite positioning module, a notification module and a power module. The reading module and the satellite positioning module can obtain an identification code in the electronic seal and a position information representing a current geographic location of the container. The identification code and location information can be transmitted to a remote station through the notification module. However, there are still subsequent issues in the case that deserve further study of its solution:

First, the reader is fixed on the container, so the reader needs to be installed in each container and cannot share the same reader. Second, from the full cabinet to the empty cabinet at the time of return, the reader always follows the container, and it is easy to malfunction due to prolonged wind and rain.

 Third, the reader has been transmitting the above identification code and location information, which is easy to consume power, and once it is out of power, it cannot be transmitted, which may cause the remote station to misunderstand that the electronic seal has been destroyed.

 Fourth, the reader only transmits a message to the remote station in one direction. The remote station cannot actively query the reader for the current status of the electronic seal.

 Fifth, in order to be able to read the identification code in the electronic seal, the reader must have a space-consuming RFID reading module, which not only increases the cost, but also causes the reader to be too bulky. Summary of the invention

 The invention provides a seal monitoring device capable of effectively monitoring and feeding back the current state of the seal and the current geographical location.

 More specifically, the seal tracking device of the present invention includes a casing and a tracking circuit, the tracking circuit is disposed in the casing, and includes a processing unit, a detecting unit, a GPS receiving unit, and a communication unit. And a power supply unit. The detection unit is connected to the processing unit and can detect the status of a strip. The GPS receiving unit is connected to the processing unit and can receive and process a positioning signal transmitted by a GPS satellite group. The communication unit is coupled to the processing unit and is capable of forming a communication connection with a communication station. The power supply unit is connected to each of the above units, and can supply power required for the units. The processing unit is configured to obtain the current state of the seal by the detecting unit, obtain a current geographic location by the GPS receiving unit, and include at least the current state of the seal and the current location by the communication unit A transport status of the location is transmitted to the communication station.

 In any event, the present invention emphasizes that its supervisory device can effectively monitor and feedback the current status of the seal and its current geographic location.

 Other inventive aspects and more detailed technical and functional descriptions of the present invention are disclosed in the following description. DRAWINGS

 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the seal and seal tracking device of the present invention.

 Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the function of the tracking circuit of the present invention.

 Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the stud of the seal.

Figure 5 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the stud of the seal. Figure 6 shows the cross section of the plug to indicate the snap fit therein.

 Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the plug of the seal.

 Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the plug and socket of the seal.

 Figure 9 shows the situation in which the plug of the seal is cut off.

 Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the casing of the seal tracking device.

 Figure 11 shows another example of the shell.

 [Main component symbol description]

 1 seal and monitoring device 10, 10a shell 100, 100a hole 100b missing slot

 11 tracking circuit 110 processing unit 111 detecting unit

 112 GPS receiving unit 113 communication unit 114 power supply unit

 115 test switch 116 recording unit 2 seal

 20 plug 200 metal shell 201 metal bolt

 202 second spring 203 metal screw joint 204 slot

 205 outer layer 206 waterproof ring 21 bolt seat

 210 outer casing 211 seat body 212 fastening device

 213 movable rod 214 radio frequency identification unit 215 first spring

 216 217 antenna 218 magnet

 200a buckle groove 200b channel 212a metal ring

 212b clasp 212c spring 212d slot

 212e perforated 214a movable seat 214b radio frequency identification chip

 214c pin 3 door button set 30 second door fastener

 301 buttonhole 31 first door fastener 4 GPS satellite group

 5 communication station 50 base station

1 to 3 are diagrams showing a preferred example of the system of the present invention, which includes a strip tracking device 1, a strip 2, and a communication station 5 shown in FIG. The seal 2 includes a plug 20 and a socket 21. Where the seal The monitoring device 1 includes a casing 10 and a tracking circuit 11 disposed in the casing 10.

 For convenience of explanation, the system of the present invention is subsequently applied to a container transportation occasion, but the actual application range is not limited thereto.

 In a container transport task, the door of the transported container must be locked with the seal 2 before departure, specifically locking the door lock set 3 on the door, and attaching the seal to the monitoring device 1 to monitor The state of the seal 2 is as shown in FIG. The seal 2 can be a conventional mechanical seal or an electronic seal with an RFID chip. This electronic seal generally refers to a passive (passive) electronic seal or an active (active) electronic seal with its own power supply. The structure of the seal 2 can be selected from a steel cable type, a strap type, or a plug & bolt type as shown in Figs. Since various electronic seals generally require a body (corresponding to the socket 21) and an insert for inserting the seat (corresponding to the plug 20), in the following description, only The seal 2 of the plug & plug type is taken as an example, but is not limited thereto.

 In addition, the container number of the container, the license plate number of the vehicle transporting the container, the identification code of the driving of the vehicle, the external identification code of the seal 2, the external identification code and the internal identification code of the seal tracking device 1, And the data association between the identification data, before the container departs, is established in a database through a software operation interface, such as a database in the customs container dynamic management system. If the seal 2 is an electronic seal, the identification data also includes the internal identification code of the electronic seal. The identification data can be read by the reading system in the control station when the container is transported through the designated control station, for example, using an image capture and image recognition device to obtain the license plate number and the container number, using an RFID An RFID reader reads the internal identification code of the electronic seal. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, after the second door fastener 30 is fastened to the first door fastener 31 of the door set 3, the plug 20 of the seal 2 passes through the second door buckle first. The buttonhole 301 on the member 30 passes through the hole 100 in the casing 10 of the seal and the device, and is then inserted into the socket 21 of the seal 2. At this time, the seal 2 is connected to the seal tracking device 1, as shown in Fig. 2. Through the hole 100, the tracking device 1 can be coupled to the seal 2 during the time when the seal 2 locks the door, and can be separated from the seal 2 after the seal 2 is unwound.

When the plug 20 is inserted into the socket 21, it is buckled by the fastening device (described later in detail) in the socket 21, and the seal 2 is in a normal state. Therefore, the first door fastener 31 cannot be removed from the second door fastener 30 unless the plug 20 is cut or unplugged. This means that as long as the owner of the container does not agree to cut or unplug the plug 20, the door of the container cannot be opened, which means that the container is normal at this time and has not been invaded. If it can be opened, it indicates that the plug 20 of the seal 2 has been cut or has been unplugged by abnormal means. At this time, the seal 2 has changed from the normal state to an abnormal state, which also means the container. Probably already invaded Into the abnormal state. The state change can be detected by the monitoring device 1 and reported to the communication station 5 by means of wireless communication.

 Figure 3 shows that the tracking circuit 11 in the seal tracking device 1 can communicate with the communication station 5 via one or more base stations (base stations) 50 and can communicate with a GPS satellite group 4. The GPS satellite constellation 4 refers to a constellation of satellites in the Global Positioning System (GPS) responsible for downlink positioning signals. The communication station 5 can be a PDA having communication capabilities, and/or a mobile phone, and/or a computer. Preferably, the communication station 5 preferably supports a mobile communication system, such as a GSM mobile communication system, such that the tracking circuit 11 and the communication station 5 can pass through the GSM base station in the GSM mobile communication system (which has become popular). Built in various places to send information, such as SMS (newsletter).

 As shown in FIG. 3, the tracking circuit 11 includes a processing unit 110, a detecting unit 111 connected to the processing unit 110, a GPS receiving unit 112 connected to the processing unit 110, and a communication unit 113 connected to the processing unit 110. And a power supply unit 114 that connects the aforementioned units. If necessary, the tracking circuit 11 can further include a recording unit 116, and the power supply unit 114 is connected to the recording unit. among them:

 The detecting unit 111 can select a photoelectric switch, a spring switch, a micro switch or a reed switch, and any one of the switching elements can be cut when the plug 20 of the seal 2 is cut or unplugged. Immediately affected by the change in electrical state, for example, from a high-potential signal indicating an on state to a low-potential signal indicating an off state, or from a low-potential signal indicating an off state to a high potential indicating an on state signal. For example, when a photoelectric switch such as a photointerrupter is selected as the detecting unit 111, the photointerrupter can be arranged on the inner wall of the hole 100. When the plug 20 of the seal 2 is inserted into the socket 21 through the hole 100 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the light emitted by the photointerrupter is blocked, and at this time, it is off. In the state, the processing unit 110 receives a low potential signal, which indicates that the seal 2 is in a normal state. If the plug 20 is cut off, and then pulled out or directly pulled out of the buttonhole 301 of the first door fastener 30, the light emitted by the photointerrupter is not blocked, and at this time, it is in the on state. The processing unit 110 receives a high potential signal indicating that the seal 2 is in an abnormal state. Therefore, it can be known that the seal 2 is currently in a normal or abnormal state based on the change in the electrical state of the detecting unit 111.

 Another preferred method is to use the above-mentioned reed switch as the detecting unit 111, but this requires the seal

2 is mounted with a magnet, and the combination of the seal 2 and the magnet is arranged such that when the seal 2 locks the door, the magnetic force of the magnet on the reed switch is strengthened to cause the reed switch to open (0N) When the seal 2 is untied, the magnetic force of the magnet on the reed switch is weakened to cause the reed switch to be turned off (OFF), and more specific description will be described later. Regardless of which of the above-mentioned components is used as the detecting unit 111, it means that the tracking device 1 can detect that the seal 2 is in a normal state during the sealing of the seal 2, and is solved in the seal 2 When it is opened, it is detected that the seal 2 is in an abnormal state (refer to a state in which it is illegally unwound or destroyed).

 The GPS receiving unit 112 can use the AC-1513 GPS module of Dachen Technology Co., Ltd. (which adopts Atmel's ATTARISTMTM 4 chipset) or the SC-1513 GPS module (which adopts the US company The third-generation GPS chip (SiRF Starlll chip), or the MSB2112 GPS module of Morningstar Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (MStar). In any case, the GPS receiving unit 112 can receive and process the positioning signals transmitted by the GPS satellite group 4 to generate a GPS data. The GPS data includes a time and a coordinate, but is not limited thereto. Based on the time and the coordinates, the geographic location of the GPS receiving unit 112 at that time can be known. This means that the supervisory device 1 can obtain the geographical position of the seal 2 while the seal 2 locks the door. In this example, although the GPS positioning method is used to obtain the position of the seal 2 at a certain point in time, it is not limited thereto, that is, other positioning methods can be selected to obtain the seal 2 at a certain point. The location of the time point.

 The communication unit 113 can form a communication connection with the communication station 5. Preferably, the communication unit 113 forms a communication connection with the communication station 5 via the base station 50 of the mobile communication system. If the mobile communication system is a GSM mobile communication system, the communication unit 113 is a GSM communication module, such that the communication unit 113 can communicate information, such as a short message, with the communication station 5. The benefit of transmitting information through the base station 50 of the mobile communication system is that although the communication station 5 may temporarily be unable to receive the information transmitted by the communication unit 113 due to shutdown, signal interference, or other problem, once the problem is resolved, The communication station 5 is able to immediately receive the short message from the nearby base station 50. In contrast, the communication unit 113 can also immediately receive a response or notification from the communication station 5 via the nearby base station 50 after the problem is resolved. The communication unit 113 may consider a GSM communication module commonly used in existing mobile phones, such as the GR47/48 module of SONY-ERICSSON.

 The processing unit 110 can use an existing microprocessor and apply appropriate circuit configurations (eg, memory) and program configuration. Regardless of the configuration, at least the processing unit 110 can receive and process the detection unit 111. The incoming signal and the GPS data transmitted by the GPS receiving unit 112 cause the communication unit 113 to transmit a status data to the communication station 5. The status data can indicate some information, including the location and status of the seal 2 at a certain point in time. The communication unit 113 essentially transmits a short message to the communication station 5 via the base station 50 of the mobile communication system, and the content of the short message contains information indicated by the status data.

The recording unit 116 is configured to accept sound and/or images, which may be a general digital recording I recording circuit or module. Through the recording unit 116, the environment in the vicinity of the seal 2, including people, objects, and scenery, can Enough to be recorded. If the recording unit 116 is further provided with a detector (or detection circuit) for detecting temperature, humidity, radiation, etc., the state of the environment in which the seal 2 is placed, such as the climate, can also pass through that or those detectors. It was recorded. The recorded information is collected and stored in a memory in the recording unit 116 or a memory in the processing unit 110. Further, the information can also be transmitted to the communication station 5 via the communication unit 113 under the control and processing of the processing unit 110, for example, integrated into the above-described status data and transmitted to the communication station. In this way, the communication station 5 can not only know the position and state of the seal 2 itself, but also know the state of the environment in which the seal 2 is located. For example, when someone seals the seal 2, the process is recorded by the recording unit 116 and transmitted to the communication station 5 by the communication unit 113.

 The power supply unit 114 can be a power supply circuit including a battery, or a power supply circuit including a rechargeable battery or a capacitor and a charge and discharge circuit (including a protection circuit), or a solar rechargeable battery, a solar collector, and a charge and discharge device. Power circuit for circuits (including protection circuits). Regardless of the configuration, the power supply unit 114 is required to supply the power required for each of the above units.

 As can be understood from the above description, the supervisory device 1 can transmit a status data to the communication station 5. The information that can be indicated by the status data includes the position and state of the seal 2 at a certain point in time, and even the state of the environment in which the seal 2 is located (this refers to the image and sound of the person or object in the environment, the environment Climate, temperature, humidity, etc.). Since the tracking device 1 follows the seal 2, the seal 2 follows the container. Therefore, the status data is essentially indicative of the location, status, and environment of the container at that point in time. Therefore, during the transportation of the container, the owner or the control personnel of the container can know the position of the container at any point in time through the mechanism that the supervisory device 1 transmits the status data to the communication station 5 Status and environment. This means that once the container is invaded or encounters a dangerous situation in transit, the supervisory device 1 transmits status data indicating this fact to the communication station 5 in time to notify the owner of the communication station 5 Or the fact of personnel to motivate them to take contingency measures.

 Preferably, the processing unit 110 is further configured to control the communication unit 113 to transmit the status data according to a preset time interval, for example, causing the processing unit 110 to command the communication unit 113 to transmit the status once every few seconds. data. The period during which the communication unit 113 does not transmit the status data is in a standby state in which the power consumption is low. This can reduce the power consumption of the power supply unit 114. Further, the processing unit 110 can also be configured to receive a communication time change command transmitted by the communication station 5, and change the time interval specified by the communication time change command according to the communication time change command. .

Preferably, the processing unit 110 can also be configured to control the GPS receiving unit 112 according to a preset time. The positioning signal transmitted by the GPS satellite group 4 is received at intervals, for example, such that the processing unit 110 commands the GPS receiving unit 112 to receive the positioning signal once every few seconds. The period during which the GPS receiving unit 112 does not receive the positioning signal is in a standby state I sleep state in which the power consumption is low. This can reduce the power consumption of the power supply unit 114. Further, the processing unit 110 can also be configured to receive a receiving time change command transmitted by the communication station 5, and change the time interval specified by the receiving time change command according to the receiving time change command. .

 Preferably, the processing unit 110 is configured to receive a query command transmitted by the communication station 5, and immediately return the status data through the communication unit 113 according to the query command. In this way, the owner or controller of the container can actively check the current status and location of the container at any time.

 Preferably, the processing unit 110 is configured to monitor the power of the power supply unit 114, and can transmit the representative power shortage through the communication unit 113 when the power of the power supply unit 114 is lower than a preset voltage value. A warning message is sent to the communication station 5. This prevents the communication station 5 from misidentifying the container.

 Preferably, the processing unit 110 is configured to accumulate the number of times the plug 20 is inserted into the socket 21 by the detecting unit 111, and can transmit the accumulated result to the communication unit 113 together with the status data. As described above in the description of the detecting unit 111, when the plug 20 of the seal 2 passes through the hole 100 of the tracking device 1, the electrical state of the detecting unit 111 is changed, and the processing unit is changed every time. 110 is accumulated once. When the plug 20 is inserted into the socket 21 as shown in FIG. 2, the processing unit 110 is accumulated from a starting value n (n 0, and is an integer). At this time, the processing unit 110 is accumulated. The result is n+l. Since the communication unit 113 transmits the status data each time, the accumulated result of the processing unit 110 at the time is transmitted to the communication station 5 together. Therefore, the owner or control personnel of the container can not only know the current location and status of the container through the received status data, but also judge whether the plug 20 has been pulled out and then restart according to the accumulated result received. Plug it in. In the foregoing example, if the cumulative result received by the owner or controller of the container is n+1, this means that the plug 20 has not been pulled out and then reinserted. However, once the cumulative result is received, When n+2, it means that the plug 20 has been pulled out and then reinserted. At this time, the container is likely to have been invaded, and the cargo owner or control personnel of the container should take contingency measures.

 The above-mentioned seal 2 can be formulated to be reusable, that is, the plug 20 can be inserted into the socket 21 a plurality of times and then pulled out.

Preferably, the processing unit 111 may power off the GPS receiving unit 112 and/or the communication unit 113 or bring it into a standby state after the communication unit 113 transmits the status data. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the tracking circuit 11 further includes a test switch 115 connected to the processing unit 110. The processing unit 110 is configured to generate a test status data to the communication unit 113 upon receiving a test signal from the test switch 115, and cause the communication unit 113 to transmit the test status data to the communication station. 5. The test signal is generated because the test switch 115 is pressed, and the test status data indicates the position of the GPS receiving unit 112 when the test switch 115 is pressed and is currently in a test state. Similarly, the communication unit 113 substantially transmits a short message to the communication station 5 via the base station 50 of the mobile communication system, and the content of the short message includes information indicated by the test status data. Therefore, it can be known that the test switch 115 can confirm whether the tracking circuit 11 is normal before use.

 4 and 5 show a preferred example of the socket 21 of the above seal 2. It is pointed out that the socket 21 comprises a casing 210, two bases 211, a fastening device 212, a radio frequency identification unit 214, and an antenna unit (including two antennas 217). The two seats 211 can be brought together to accommodate the aforementioned components. The fastening device 212 includes a metal ring 212a, two fastening pieces 212b and two small springs 212c. The metal ring 212a has two positively facing cavities 212d and a perforation 212e. Each of the pockets 212d receives one of the cleats 212b and a small spring 212c therein. The perforation 212e is of a size sufficient to allow the plug 20 to pass. The radio frequency identification unit 214 includes a movable rod 213, a movable base 214a, a radio frequency identification chip 214b storing an internal identification code, a first spring 215 and a rod 216. The movable rod 213 is located at the fastening device 212 and the rod A movable magnet 218 is embedded in the movable seat 214, and the movable seat 214a is supported by the first spring 215. The radio frequency identification chip 214b is fixed on the movable base 214a. The radio frequency identification chip The two pins 214c of 214b are respectively exposed on opposite sides of the movable seat 214a. The two pins 214c in this example are connected together. The two antennas 217 are respectively located on opposite sides of the two bases 211 and are relatively inverted. The two antennas 217 each have a pin 217a extending into the two bodies 211, respectively. The rod 216 is fixed in the two seats 211 for the first spring 215 to be nested, thereby ensuring that the first spring 215 is not deformed by twisting.

FIG. 5 shows a state in which the plug 21 has not been inserted into the plug 20. At this time, the magnet 218 follows the movable lever 213 and is located at a first position, and the RFID chip 214b follows the movable seat 214a and is located at a second position. position. Please note that at this time, the two pins 214c of the RFID chip 214b have not touched the pins 217a of the two antennas 217. Therefore, the radio frequency identification chip 214b cannot "effectively" transmit the radio frequency signal (RF si gna l ) containing the internal identification code via the two antennas 217 at this time (even if there is a signal transmitted, it is only a weak signal). This means that a matching RFID reader is unable to read the internal identification code stored in the RFID chip 214b. Figure 6 shows the fastening device 212 of Figure 5. It is noted that each of the cleats 212b is each supported by a small spring 212c such that a small portion of each cleat 212b projects into the perforation 212e.

 Fig. 7 shows a preferred example of the plug 20 of the above seal 2. It is pointed out that the plug 20 includes a metal shell 200, a metal bolt 201 and a second spring 202. The metal shell 200 has a large head, a buckle groove 200a on the outer surface, and a passage 200b in the longitudinal direction of the inner portion. The metal bolt 201 is located in the passage 200b of the metal shell 200 and is immersed in the passage 200b. The top end of the metal bolt 201 is fixed to the head of the metal shell 200, and the bottom end is located in the bottom of the metal shell 200. The second spring 202 is sleeved on the metal bolt 201, and is It is in a compressed state and accumulates an elastic force. The metal shell 200 and the metal bolt 201 should be made of metal or material that is not easily cut. The metal bolt 201 has a larger end for blocking the second spring 202. The metal bolt 201 has a threaded portion at the top for screwing a metal screw joint 203. The metal screw joint 203 is a groove 204 located in the head of the metal shell 200. Applying an upwardly directed force to the bottom end of the metal bolt 201 causes the threaded section to float out of the slot 204 to facilitate screwing the metal screw joint 203. After the force path is removed, the metal screw joint 203 can be completely sunk into the groove 204. Then, a rubber outer layer 205 is formed on the head of the metal shell 200. In addition, a waterproof ring 206 is attached to the metal shell 200.

 Fig. 8 shows a state in which the above-mentioned plug 20 is inserted into the above-mentioned plug seat 21. Passing the fastening device through the fastening device

During the process of the through hole 212e of the metal ring 212a of the 212, the two fastening pieces 212b of the fastening device 212 are first retracted by the metal shell 200 and then retracted, and then inserted into the buckle groove of the metal shell 200. 200a, the plug 20 cannot be pulled out. At the same time, the movable rod 213 is moved by the plug 20 by a small distance, and the movable seat 214a is moved by the same distance. This causes the magnet 218 to move from the first position to the 1-1st position following the movable lever 213, and causes the radio frequency identification chip 214b to move from the second position to the 2-1st position following the movable base 214a. Please note that at this time, the two pins 214c of the RFID chip 214b just touch the pins 217a of the two antennas 217. Therefore, the radio frequency identification chip 214b is in a standby state at this time, that is, the radio frequency identification chip 214b can effectively transmit a radio frequency signal containing an internal identification code via the two antennas 217, which indicates a matched radio frequency identification. An RFID reader is an internal identification code that can be read and stored in the RFID chip 214b. In addition, the first spring 215 is also slightly compressed due to the movement of the movable seat 214a.

Fig. 9 shows a state in which the above-mentioned plug 20 is inserted into the above-mentioned plug seat 21, but the plug 20 is later cut. At this time, the metal bolt 201 of the plug 20 is detached from the metal shell 200 by being sheared, and further, the metal bolt 201 is used from the metal bolt 201 by the elastic force of the second spring 202. The passage 200a is ejected a distance, and thus the movable rod 213 is moved a distance, and the movable seat 214a is equally moved. This The magnet 218 is moved from the 1-1st position to a 1-2th position following the movable lever 213, and causes the radio frequency identification chip 214b to move from the 2-1st position to the second position following the movable base 214a. 2 location. Please note that at this time, the two pins 214c of the RFID chip 214b completely leave the pins 217a of the two antennas 217. Therefore, the radio frequency identification chip 214b cannot "effectively" transmit the radio frequency signal containing the identification code via the two antennas 217 at this time. Please note that the spring force of the second spring 202 is higher than the spring force of the first spring 215, so that the sheared metal bolt 201 can be smoothly shot.

 The magnet 218 provided in the seal 2 is for cooperating with the detecting unit 111 in the seal tracking device 1. The detecting unit 111 referred to herein is essentially a reed switch. ). The magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnet 218 can affect the reed switch, that is, the detection unit 111 is turned ON or OFF. When the magnet 218 is close to the reed switch, the reed switch (i.e., the detecting unit 111) is subjected to a strong magnetic force to enter an ON state. When the magnet 218 is away from the reed switch, the reed switch (i.e., the detecting unit 111) is subjected to a weak magnetic force to enter an OFF state.

 In the above example, when the plug 20 is inserted into the socket 21, the magnet 218 in the socket 21 will move a small distance, but the magnetic force is affected by the reed switch. (ie the detection unit 111). In order to enable the magnet 218 to be as close as possible to the reed switch, as shown in FIG. 10, the casing 10 defines a recess 101, the recess 101 is in communication with the hole 100, and is larger than the hole 100, and can A small section of the socket 21 is received, as shown in FIG.

 In any case, in a state where the plug 20 is engaged with the socket 21, the reed switch in the casing 10 is in a state of being affected by the magnetic force of the magnet 218 in the socket 21. When the plug 20 is cut, as described above, the magnet 218 moves a distance with the movable lever 213, that is, reaches the 1-2th position. At this time, the magnet 218 is away from the housing 10. The reed switch causes the reed switch to be changed to an off state without being affected by the magnetic force of the magnet 218. Therefore, the processing unit 110 of the tracking circuit 11 can judge the current state of the seal 2 in accordance with the change in the electrical state of the reed switch.

 Referring to Figure 8, the top of the antenna 217 on the right side of the figure is very close to the fastening device 212. The antenna 217 is a planar antenna that faces the metal ring 212a of the fastening device 212 and is held at a specific distance. When the plug 20 is simply used to be inserted into the socket 21, it is not necessary to consider the specific distance. However, when it is desired to use the plug 20 as an antenna, it is necessary to consider the specific distance.

There are at least two ways to make the plug 20 have the function of an antenna. The first method is to make the antenna 217 contact the metal ring 212a. The second method is as shown in FIG. 217 is very close to the metal ring 212a, the two form an effective coupling relationship. In the second method, the metal ring 212a and the plug 20 are regarded as part of the antenna function of the entire seal 2. Therefore, the radio frequency signal is transmitted through the two antennas 217 and the plug 20 of. When the plug 20 is used as an antenna, the size of the antenna 217 can be made shorter, which means that the entire plug 21 can also be shortened and occupy less space. When the seal 2 is an active electronic seal with its own power supply, its mechanism will be similar to the above, but a first wireless communication module will be connected to its radio frequency identification chip. The first wireless communication module is configured to transmit an internal identification code stored in the RFID chip. In this case, the detecting unit 111 needs to correspond to a second wireless communication module, which is configured to receive the identification code transmitted by the first wireless communication module. As described in the above example, when the plug 20 of the seal 2 is cut, the RFID chip is pushed away from the pin of the antenna, and therefore, the first wireless communication module cannot transmit the identification code to the The second wireless communication module. Thereby, the processing unit 110 of the tracking circuit 11 can determine the current state of the seal 2 according to whether the second wireless communication module receives the identification code.

 As can be seen from the above description, the seal tracking device 1 of the present invention not only can report the state of the container itself, the geographical location of the container, or even the environmental state of the container, and more importantly, the seal monitoring device 1 is combined with the seal 2, not fixed to the container, so that the seal tracking device 1 can be separated from the seal 2 once the seal 2 is cut according to the normal pick-up procedure. Then, the seal and the monitoring device 1 can be firstly sent back to the place of departure, without returning to the container, reducing the time of being exposed to the sun, the sun and the rain.

 Moreover, in these examples, the seal tracking device 1 does not need to read the internal identification code of the RFID chip 214b in the seal 2, and the seal tracking device 1 does not have a radio frequency identification reading module. Therefore, the manufacturing cost can be reduced and the finished product volume can be reduced.

 In addition, the seal tracking device 1 can be easily and quickly combined or separated from the seal 2 by the hole 100 in the casing 10.

 Incidentally, Fig. 11 shows a case 10a which is a preferred example of the above case 10. The casing 10a has a hole 100a which is also used for the above-mentioned plug 20 to pass through. The housing 10a also has a slot 100b for receiving a certain type of container door latch so that the back of the housing 10a can be as parallel as possible to the container door set.

 In any case, anyone can obtain sufficient teaching from the description of the above examples, and it is understood that the present invention does have industrial applicability and progress, and the present invention does not have the same or similar technology in the same field. Exposing the prior and novelty, the invention has indeed met the requirements of the invention patent, and applied according to law.

Claims

Claim  A sealing and monitoring device comprising a casing and a monitoring circuit, wherein the monitoring circuit is disposed in the casing, and comprises:  a processing unit;  a detecting unit connected to the processing unit and capable of detecting the state of a strip;  a GPS receiving unit connected to the processing unit and capable of receiving and processing a positioning signal transmitted by a GPS satellite group;  a communication unit connected to the processing unit and capable of forming a communication connection with a communication station;  a power supply unit connecting the above units and capable of supplying power required by the units;  The processing unit is configured to obtain the current state of the seal by the detecting unit, and obtain a current geographic location by the GPS receiving unit, and the current state of the seal and the current A status data of the geographical location is transmitted to the communication station.  2. A seal taming device according to claim 1 wherein the casing is configured to be detachably connected to the seal.  The seal tracking device of claim 2, wherein the detecting unit is arranged to cause the power supply unit to start supplying power when the casing is connected to the seal, by the seal.  The seal tracking device of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to periodically transmit the status data through the communication unit according to a predetermined time interval.  5. The seal tracking device of claim 4, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive a communication time change command transmitted by the communication station, and change the time interval to the communication time according to the communication time change command Change the time interval specified by the instruction.  6. The seal tracking device of claim 1, wherein the GPS receiving unit is configured to enter a sleep state in which the GPS receiving unit stops receiving a positioning signal transmitted by the GPS satellite group, the processing The unit is configured to periodically wake up the GPS receiving unit to receive the positioning signal transmitted by the GPS satellite group according to a preset time interval.  7. The seal tracking device of claim 6, wherein the processing unit is configured to receive a reception time change command transmitted by the communication station, and change the time interval to the reception time according to the reception time change command Change the time interval specified by the instruction. 8. The seal tracking device of claim 1 wherein the processing unit is configured to receive the communication A query command transmitted by the station, and the shipping status is immediately returned by the communication unit according to the query command. 9. The seal tracking device of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is configured to monitor power of the power supply unit and to pass the communication when the power of the power supply unit is lower than a predetermined voltage value. The unit transmits a warning message indicating that the power is insufficient to the communication station.  10. The seal tracking device of claim 1 wherein the housing has a hole for the seal to pass through. 11. The seal tracking device of claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is a wireless communication module capable of receiving an inner code transmitted from the seal.  12. The seal following device according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit is one of a photoelectric switch, a spring switch and a reed switch, and can change the electrical property of the seal when the seal is broken. status.  13. The seal tracking device of claim 1, wherein the tracking circuit comprises a recording unit connected to the processing unit and receiving power supplied by the power supply unit, and the recording unit is configured to accept the The environment faced by the seal, the processing unit can transmit the result of the recording of the recording unit to the communication station through the communication unit.  14. A seal and supervision system, including:  a strip that locks the door of a container;  a monitoring device capable of being coupled to the seal during the locking of the door and being separable from the seal after the seal is released; and  a communication station capable of communicating with the monitoring device;  Wherein, the monitoring device is further configured to obtain the status and geographic location of the seal and transmit it to the communication station.  15. The seal tracking system of claim 14 wherein the tracking device is further configured to obtain an environment in which the seal is facing.  16. A seal comprising a socket and a plug, wherein:  The fastening seat has a fastening device, a radio frequency identification unit and an antenna unit. The fastening device is fixed in the socket to fasten the plug when the plug is inserted into the predetermined position. The radio frequency identification unit is movably disposed in the socket, and when the plug reaches the predetermined position, is pushed by the plug in one direction to form an electrical connection with the antenna unit; The plug includes a metal shell and a bolt, the bolt is disposed inside the metal shell, and when the metal bolt When the shell is severed with the bolt, the truncated bolt will eject the metal shell, and the ejected rod will continue to move the radio frequency identification unit into the direction to interrupt the electrical connection with the antenna unit.  The seal of claim 16, wherein the antenna unit comprises two antennas, and the top of one of the antennas is close to the ground to the fastening device, and the splicing device is in an effective coupling relationship.  18. A seal comprising a plug and a plug, wherein:  The fastening seat has a fastening device, a radio frequency identification unit and an antenna unit. The fastening device is fixed in the socket to fasten the plug when the plug is inserted into the predetermined position. The radio frequency identification unit is movably disposed in the socket, and when the plug reaches the predetermined position, is pushed by the plug to form an electrical connection with the antenna unit, the antenna unit includes two antennas, and one of the antennas Very close to the fastening device, such that when the plug is buckled by the fastening device, it can form an effective coupling relationship with the antenna.