CA2568245C - Wireless monitoring device - Google Patents

Wireless monitoring device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2568245C
CA2568245C CA2568245A CA2568245A CA2568245C CA 2568245 C CA2568245 C CA 2568245C CA 2568245 A CA2568245 A CA 2568245A CA 2568245 A CA2568245 A CA 2568245A CA 2568245 C CA2568245 C CA 2568245C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
sensor
monitoring
monitoring unit
reader
identifier
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
CA2568245A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2568245A1 (en
Inventor
Raymond Lynn Neff
Fred Barrett
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Amsted Rail Co Inc
Original Assignee
Amsted Rail Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Amsted Rail Co Inc filed Critical Amsted Rail Co Inc
Publication of CA2568245A1 publication Critical patent/CA2568245A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2568245C publication Critical patent/CA2568245C/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/06Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S13/08Systems for measuring distance only
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • G06Q20/203Inventory monitoring
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2405Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used
    • G08B13/2414Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using inductive tags
    • G08B13/2417Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using inductive tags having a radio frequency identification chip
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/22Electrical actuation
    • G08B13/24Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
    • G08B13/2402Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
    • G08B13/2465Aspects related to the EAS system, e.g. system components other than tags
    • G08B13/2482EAS methods, e.g. description of flow chart of the detection procedure
    • GPHYSICS
    • G08SIGNALLING
    • G08BSIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/01Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/10Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01SRADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/74Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems

Abstract

The system of the invention includes a method for monitoring changes in the status or condition of a container using one or more monitoring units (21) mounted to the container. The monitoring units (21) preferably include a power supply (52), sensors (22) using reflective energy with programmable parameters, globally-unique sensor identification, recording capability on a timeline, long term memory and the ability to rebroadcast information on RFID radio technology. Programmable monitoring hardware in the monitoring unit detects significant changes in the sensor (22) outputs as a triggering event. The programmable monitoring hardware includes memory (49) for storing identification information for the container. The sensors (22) which can include conventional devices that detect various forms of energy including visible light, infrared light, magnetic fields, radio frequency energy and sound. In one embodiment, a monitoring unit (21) is mounted inside a shipping container suitable for long distance transport. The triggering event can be used for tamper detection security.

Description

WIRELESS MONITORING DEVICE
Field of the Invention The invention relates to methods and systems to monitor the condition or security of containers, crates or shipping cartons and recording that information for transmission using Radio Frequency Identification technology.

Background of the Invention Radio frequency identification tags (hereinafter referred to as "RFIDs") are well-known electronic devices which have uses in many areas including freight transportation and retail product tracking. An RFID works by first recording or "burning in" identification or other data into memory in the RFID device. Thereafter, the RFID sends the recorded identification or other information to an RFID reading device. A particular advantage of RFIDs over bar code, optical characters and magnetic storage (such as the magnetic strip on many credit cards) is that the RFID does not require physical contact, or as is the case with optical character and bar code readers, line of sight, between the tag and the reading device to be read. Some currently available active tags can be read at distances up to 300 feet through typical crates and containers used during shipping.
RFIDs come in two varieties: active and passive. An active RFID
includes a battery or other power source, and is activated by a signal from a reading device. The activated RFID then broadcasts its identification or other data, which is picked up by the reading device. Some active tags have memory chips on which data can be written and received remotely. An advantage of active RFIDs over passive RFIDs is that the inclusion of a power source allows the active RFID to transmit to a receiver without entering into an electromagnetic field to power the tag circuit. Active RFIDs are also generally able to transmit over a longer distance and be activated individually. The advantage of active RFIDs has led to its use in automatic toll-paying systems, or the like.
Passive RFIDs have no power supply per se, but power is provided to the RFID
circuitry by using an electromagnetic power receiver. The RFID reading device sends power to the RFID's electromagnetic power receiver, thus powering up or turning on the RFID's circuits. Next, the passive RFID broadcasts a response signal containing identification or other information, which is then read by the reading device.
Because the passive RFID has no battery, it is less expensive and lighter. Passive RFIDs have been in use for some time, notably in security access cards where the user holds the card near the card reader to unlock a door, and in clothing stores as security tags attached to clothing items.
Active tags can be contacted individually or in groups by a computer equipped with RF transmission capability (hereinafter referred to as a "Reader"). A reader can be a handheld, transportable device or it can be mounted in a fixed position.
Fixed readers work with an antenna array arranged around a portal and read all tags that pass through that portal. Fixed readers can be much more selective in that they read only the tags that pass through the portal. Fixed readers can also tell the direction the tag was moving as it passes through the portal and can do so at speeds at 40 or 50 miles per hour.
Proximity sensors, or sensors that can sense the presence or absence of an object without physical contact are available in many forms. All of these devices have the common functionality in that they generate and transmit or direct energy and receive back portions of that energy as it is reflected back from the target and thereby detect the presence or absence of the target or in this case the door. Some types of these sensors are described below. Hall Effect Sensors employ a magnetically biased semiconductor, Hall element to sense moving objects. Light Feedback or fiber optic sensor: the emitter and receiver can be in the same housing or side-by-side. The emitter sends out a beam of pulsed red or infrared light which is reflected directly by the target (at any angle), it is diffused in all directions and some light is reflected back. The receiver sees only a small portion of the original light, switching the sensor when a target is detected within the effective scan range. Ultrasonic Proximity Sensor: This device allows for alternate transmission and reception of sound waves. The transducer emits a number of sonic waves which are reflected by an object, back to the transducer. After emission of the sound waves, the ultrasonic sensor will switch over to receive mode. The time elapsed between the emitting and receiving is proportional to the distance of the object from the sensor. Radio Frequency Sensors use pulsed RF
source for reference RF Power value, the Diode receiver is polled for average baseline value every T seconds. Changes in baseline value reflect movement. All of the above items and similar devices will hereinafter be referred to as "Sensors".
Shipping containers, crates, cartons, and boxes (hereinafter referred to as "Containers") have long been a target for theft and are a security threat because not only are items stolen out of them, but terrorist devices or contraband can be placed aside them. In the past shipping containers have been ordinarily protected by the use of locks or other physical impediments to entry. Physical seals have also been used so that a quick visual inspection can determine if the seal has been broken. More recently the seals and locking devices have become more sophisticated and some contain RF devices that broadcast RF
alerts when the seal is physically broken. Some of the RFID seals contain fiber optic cables or wires which signal a fault when cut or broken. Some contain micro switches, magnetic latches, or contact switches. All of these require some mechanical or electro-mechanical device to determine the fault before it is broadcast on the RF communication tag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The system of the invention includes a method for monitoring changes in the status or condition of a Container using one or more monitoring units mounted to the Container.
The monitoring units preferably include a power supply, sensors using reflective energy with programmable parameters, globally-unique sensor identification, recording capability on a timeline, long term memory and the ability to rebroadcast information on RFID radio technology. Programmable monitoring hardware in the monitoring unit detects significant changes in the sensor outputs as a triggering event. The programmable monitoring hardware includes memory for storing identification information for the Container. The sensors which can include conventional devices that detect various forms of energy including visible light, infrared light, magnetic fields, radio frequency energy and sound.
The event can be logged for subsequent readout and/or an immediate RF
transmission can be generated. In one embodiment, a monitoring unit is mounted inside a shipping Container suitable for long distance transport. The sensor is disposed so that opening and closing the Container door creates a change in the sensor output which is detected as a triggering event by the monitoring hardware. The triggering event can be used for tamper detection security.
The status and logged information contained in the monitoring unit can be read by RF
communication with any suitably equipped device including handheld devices and laptop computers.
The invention in one broad aspect provides a monitoring unit for monitoring a cargo storage compartment comprising a power supply and a sensor capable of emitting an energy signal, receiving the emitted energy signal and generating an output, wherein the sensor is positioned on an inner surface of the cargo storage compartment. Monitoring electronics are electrically connected to the sensor, the monitoring electronics comprising local recording memory media and the monitoring electronics are capable of detecting and recording changes in the emitted energy signal as a triggering event. A radio transmitter is communicatively coupled to the monitoring electronics for transmitting information on the triggering event supplied by the monitoring electronics, the information including an identifier for the monitoring unit.
The invention also pertains to a method for monitoring a transport storage compartment, the method comprising the steps of positioning a monitoring unit having a sensor and a transmitter inside the storage compartment, utilizing the sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment, and utilizing the transmitter to transmit a signal based on the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment, wherein the step of utilizing the sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment comprises monitoring the ambient light within the compartment.
Still further, the invention provides a method of monitoring a cargo transport compartment, the method comprising the steps of positioning a monitoring unit at a location within a cargo transport compartment in proximity to an inside surface of the compartment, the monitoring unit including a proximity sensor and a radio transmitter, and upon sensing a change in an output of the proximity sensor, transmitting an identifier for the monitoring unit for receipt by a reader using the radio transmitter, wherein the change in output results from opening the compartment.

Another aspect of the invention comprehends a method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container comprising the steps of attaching a monitoring unit to an inside surface of the shipping container, the monitoring unit including a sensor, monitoring electronics and a radio transmitter, wherein the sensor is a reflective energy sensor, utilizing the reflective energy sensor to reflect energy off an inside surface of the shipping container, and upon receiving a radioed start command from a reader, commencing logging data on triggering events in a memory of the monitoring unit with a time stamp, a triggering event being a change in an output of the sensor, and upon receiving a radioed get-response command from a reader, transmitting the data on triggering events to the reader.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the invention using either handheld, laptop, or desktop computer equipped with PCI card and antenna communicating with Monitoring Units.
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a Monitoring Unit according to the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a Monitoring Unit according to the invention using an RS485 serial interface to interface with different kinds of RF devices.
Figure 4 illustrates the use of a Monitoring Unit according to the invention with a proximity sensor to sense and track items in a supply chain as they are placed into a Container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Various modifications to the preferred embodiments described below will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the disclosure set forth herein may be applicable to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and the claim hereto appended. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the broadest scope consistent with the disclosure set forth herein.

A system 20 according to the invention is described in Figure 1. This system 20 includes one or more Monitoring Units 21 and one or more Readers 30 which are devices for reading information from or communicating with the monitoring units 21 such as handheld/mobile devices 31, laptop computers 32, desktop computers 33 and/or dedicated fixed position devices 34.
Each Reader 30 is equipped with RF capability which for computers can be a commercially available card (not shown) that plugs into a slot in the computer. This card contains a transmitter, receiver, and an antenna. The Readers 30 preferably send and receive radio signals to and from the Monitoring Units 21. The Monitoring Unit 21 includes one or more sensors 22 and an RF
Transmitter/Receiver 25. The RF
capability can be limited to transmission only for some applications. The intelligence of the Monitoring Unit 21 is built into the Monitoring Electronics 24 which includes a microcomputer, 4a memory and interface hardware for connecting to the sensors 22. The program or firmware to control the Monitoring Electronics 24 is developed using standard programming equipment and techniques. Each Monitoring Unit 21 includes the capability of an active RFID tag in that it has memory for storing identification information associated with the Container to which it is attached. The RF Transmitter/Receiver 25 can have an address or ID associated with it which is used to identify transmissions from it and to it that is separate from the identification information for the Container. Any radio device capable of being contacted directly and identified as a unique individual unit from its signal is an RFID radio and can be used within the scope of this invention. Some examples are GSM cell phones, Ultrawideband radios, Satellite radios and Spread Spectrum radios. Any of the radios described above can be substituted for RF Transmitter/Receiver 25. Since the Monitoring Unit 21 is intended to be moved with the Container, a self-contained power supply such as a battery (not shown) is needed.
In a particular application, large numbers of the Monitoring Units 21 can be used simultaneously in freight yard, warehouse, etc. Various Containers can each be equipped with a Monitoring Unit 21. The Monitoring Units 21 can be contacted by RF
transmission and respond individually or in groups. The distances between the Readers 30 and the Monitoring Unit 21 are a function of the actual RF Transmitter/Receiver 25 and the various environmental factors such as the physical characteristics of the Container, but typically distances up to 300 feet are practical and the signal can pass through a shipping Container.
Active RFID technology is commercially available, and the invention can be implemented in part using the active RFID technology. The sensors 22 are used to monitor changes in the environment in the Container. For example, the opening and closing of a door can be detected. The sensors 22 can also be used to detect movement of the cargo or intrusion into the Container. The sensors 22 typically use reflected energy and, for example, can sense the presence of the door by sending and receiving back reflective energy. This method utilizes no wires or fiber optic cables that need broken or cut to sound an alarm, nor does it require switches or electromagnetic contacts to operate or sound the alarm. The invention is not limited to any particular type of sensor. Sensors 22 which can be usefully included in a Monitoring Unit 21 according to the invention include conventional devices that detect various forms of energy including visible light, inured light, magnetic fields, radio frequency energy and sound.
Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment the Monitoring Unit 21 using an RFID Tag 54.
This embodiment can be used as a tamper detection security. The sensor 22 is connected to an appropriate analog interface 42 which is in turn connected to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 44. The analog interface 42 may also be connected directly to the digital logic bus 46, since some microcomputer devices have A/D converters built-in. The microprocessor 48 executes a control program stored in memory 49. The microprocessor 48 and memory 49 can be part of a single integrated circuit such as a microcomputer. The power is supplied by battery 52 which is monitored by power monitor 54. In this embodiment the RF communication is performed by self-contained RFID Tag 54 which is connected to the microprocessor 48. The self-contained RFID tag consists of a RF circuit, a battery, an antenna, logic circuitry and nonvolatile memory on which a timeline is recorded as part of its software program. This timeline enables an event to be recorded and recovered along with the time that it occurred. When a triggering event such as the opening of the door is detected by monitoring the sensor, the fault signal is stored on the volatile memory until it can be transferred to the timeline in the self-contained RFID tag.
This information can then be read by a Reader.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the invention provides a method for using a Monitoring Unit 21 to monitor the security of any container, crate or shipping carton by monitoring the condition such as the position of the door or opening device and recording that information for immediate or subsequent transmission. More specifically, the door's position, etc. is monitored by sending energy and receiving the energy back to a sensor as it is reflected off the door. When the door is opened the energy being received by the sensor changes, and a fault condition occurs. The fault signal is then rebroadcast immediately and/or recorded with a relative or real-time timestamp for transmission by an RF communication signal.
This device depending on its mounting location allows the door, door jam, doorframe, mobile opening, or removable side (hereinafter referred to as the "Door") to be monitored using a Sensor instead of a physical seal or an electromechanical switch. The device allows the fault condition which is detected by the sensor when the Door is moved to be recorded with a timestamp accessible to a RFID tag where it is available for transmission to an RFID Reader.
The Sensor 22 is preferably placed in close proximity to the Door, cargo or other monitoring target. The maximum distance is limited by the capability of the Sensor. The Monitoring Unit 21 can be mounted with screws, magnets, etc. preferably on the inside of the Container. The Sensor is preferably mounted with the energy emitter and receiver aimed at the target with no impediments between the Sensor and the target.
When the target moves or is disturbed the Sensor will detect the difference or absence of the reflective energy off of the target. The difference or absence of energy indicating movement of the target is a fault or triggering event. This Sensor 22 can be similar to the commercially available SICK ELF Sensor in the document labeled SIC Technical Information.
A signal indicating a fault is then detected by the microprocessor 48 or other logic circuit where it is stored in the memory which may be separate from or internal to the microprocessor or microcomputer as shown in Figure 2. Because it is useful to know when the fault occurred and necessary to record the next fault, the microprocessor holds the information on the fault in its volatile memory until it can be recorded in its non-volatile memory on a relative timeline or using a time stamp from a real-time clock.
Once in non-volatile memory the information on the fault is accessible to be read by the RFID tag 54.
Once the fault is recorded in non-volatile memory, the microprocessor clears the fault condition from its memory and is once again available to receive the next fault.
RFID tag 54 used in the embodiment of invention described above can be a commercially available Identec Solutions i-Q Series described in the document Active UHF
Tag i-Q Series. The RFID tags used in this invention are active and must have the capacity to access the fault information including the timestamp or as in the case of the Identec i-Q
tag have a time-stamping capability which is actually part of the tag's memory capability.
In this embodiment the Identec tag takes the fault information directly from the microprocessor via an outside lead and stores the fault on a timeline in the memory of the Identec tag. The advantage of the above method is that the timeline can be extended due to the magnifying effect of using two devices with memory. An example of this is as follows:
The iQtag from Identec with a 5 year battery life and a 32K memory can record 13,312 events or readings on a timeline which means to cover a shipping time of 30 days it can read the sensor every 20 seconds. To provide adequate protection on the door the sensor must be monitored continuously or at least every couple of seconds. One way to accomplish this is to record the event as described above and hold it in the volatile memory for over 20 seconds until it can be recorded on the non-volatile memory which is activated every 20 seconds by the Identec tag. The disadvantage of this method is that the time of the fault as it is recorded is only accurate within 20 seconds. In this embodiment the sensor is always in the on position as is the Identec tag. Because the sensor records a fault when no energy is reflected back to the sensor a fault condition will always appear if the battery is disconnected, removed, or goes bad. Likewise, proper function will be evident and indicate a successful installation when there is an absence of a fault. This information can be read and tested using a reader at the time of installation.
In an alternative embodiment of the Monitoring Unit 21 of the invention the RFID
Tag 54 need not have a timeline storage capability. In this embodiment, when the triggering event occurs the fault signal from the Sensor 22 is stored on a timeline or real-time clock in the memory 49 of the Monitoring Unit 21 where it is available to the RF
circuit to be read by a Reader. In this case the microprocessor would be programmed to monitor the sensor continuously or turn on the sensor in predetermined intervals to look for a fault condition.
When a fault occurs it would be rebroadcast immediately or recorded directly on the timeline or real-time clock in the logic circuit of the microprocessor. The same microprocessor would also provide memory and an interface with and logic for the RFID
circuit, in this embodiment the microprocessor can be accessed directly via the RFID circuit to accomplish additional functions such as turning the door sensor off and on.
Reading the values from the sensor to determine if it is functioning correctly, changing the gain or sensitivity on the sensor to adjust or calibrate the sensor due to differences in the sensors mounting distance from the door, or reflective values of its environment.
For the purpose of this invention it is not important whether the logic controlling, and monitoring the sensor and the timeline or real-time clock are actually part of the RFID
circuit and its memory or held on a separate memory accessible to a self contained RFID tag with memory so long as the fault information is readily available for mediate transmission or stored with a timestamp accessible for subsequent transmission.
After the fault is recorded on the long-term memory associated with a timestamp and where it is accessible to the RFID circuit, it must be transmitted to a Reader 30 to be used.
RFID tags can be read with either fixed or hand-held Readers. Readers can also work as re-broadcasting devices reading the information on the tag and then transmitting information via a long-range technology.
An alternative embodiment of the Monitoring Unit 21 illustrated in Figure 3 uses an RS485 serial interface 62 to transmit the data from the microprocessor 48 to the radio transmitter/receiver 25 which can be any of the alternatives as described above. In this embodiment of the invention the Monitoring Unit 21 is self-contained and does not rely upon the capabilities that are supplied by an RFID Tag. All functional control, logic and memory are contained within the Monitoring Unit 21 and its firmware and the radio is for communication only.
The Monitoring Unit 21 contains memory that is used to store important information relating to the container, such as owner name, container contents or inventory, and contact information relating to the particular shipment being monitored. In addition, the Monitoring Unit 21 contains data that is logged from the sensor(s), such as the state of the container door (security alerts). Encryption of data that is sensitive in nature is handled by the Readers. Thus, the application programs for the Reader must encrypt the data when it is written to the Monitoring Unit 21 or RFID tag 54 memory. In this way, only authorized Readers and users may see the data, and the select few with appropriate authority may make changes to that data. Any unauthorized attempts to alter the data results in a breach of the electronic envelope, and once the electronic seal is broken, then a fault condition is raised and appropriate notifications can be made. The data can be written in a three-step encryption process: First, the data that is to be written is encrypted using RSA-standard encryption algorithms (64-bit, 128-bit or 1024-bit depending on the country using the application). An initial checksum key is stored in the data stream to be used upon decryption to certify the data structure is intact. The resulting data is then preferably compressed using prior art compression methods in order to both optimize space in tag memory as well as provide additional scrambling of data.
Upon reading the data from the Monitoring Unit 21, the process is reversed by the Reader. At the conclusion of the decryption process, the checksum key is tested for validity, indicating that the data has in fact been returned to its original state. Depending on the authorization of the user, portions or all of the data is made available to the user.
An embodiment of the method of the invention using the Monitoring Unit 21 is as follows. A shipper loads a container with goods to be shipped. Container doors are closed, and using a handheld (or stationary) Reader, the container is recorded as "closed" by the Shipper. The Reader updates the Monitoring Unit 21 with a data packet including (but not limited to): the date and time the container was registered as closed the user name logged into the reader at the time the container was registered as closed owner information, inventory information, and document locations for pertinent shipping information. This data is written to the Monitoring Unit 21 using the process described above.
At this time, the Monitoring Unit 21 initializes, calibrates itself and begins monitoring the sensor target:
door, cargo, etc. The device will self-calibrate itself creating an average baseline value and then monitor changes in that value which will indicate a fault. All values, or a fault (values that are not within set parameters) can optionally be recorded periodically in the memory of the RFID tag along with a real time clock. Faults will sound an alert, or the recorded record will be available for remote access using RFID technology. The monitoring process continues until the container is received by a waypoint in the shipping process. Upon the Monitoring Unit 21 coming in contact with an authorized Reader, the data is then read into the application software, and the encryption process is reversed, with the application software the testing integrity of data at each process step. The data is then available for review by a user. If the waypoint is the endpoint of the shipment, a user may choose to receive the container. By doing so, the Monitoring Unit 21 is registered as "open".
A Monitoring Unit 21 has a command set to which it responds and which can vary according to the application. Each Monitoring Unit 21 has a unique address to which it responds, but preferably it will also respond to selected broadcast commands which are intended for all Monitoring Units. The broadcast commands can include an otherwise unassigned address such as "00" to indicate that all units should receive the command.
However, the units do not respond to broadcast commands, so a typical use of a broadcast command is to wake-up all units in preparation for subsequent individual commands. A
NOP command with a Monitoring Unit's address included can also be used to wake-up a unit. Another general command which should be implemented in the Monitoring Unit is "sleep." In the sleep mode, power is conserved. Since various types/embodiments of Monitoring Units are to be anticipated, an identification number which corresponds to the type of Monitoring Unit should be assigned and that identification number should be readable by a command (e.g. "Get Unit ID") issued by a Reader. A command to alter the address (e.g. "Set Address") to which the Monitoring Unit responds is desirable. The "Set Address" command can be helpful in avoiding address conflicts. Reading out the information on faults, etc., stored in the Monitoring Unit 21 is performed by a "Get Response" command. The amount of data returned by the unit will vary with the application.
In addition to security, this invention can also be used for monitoring and tracking items as they move through a supply chain. Reference is made to Figure 4. A
Monitoring Unit 21 equipped with an appropriate sensor can sense the presence of objects as they move through a supply chain and broadcast that information via the various Readers described herein. Proximity sensors have long been used in the supply chain to monitor and trigger events. Until now these sensors have been hard-wired into fixed locations.
With this invention the proximity detectors can be wireless, and therefore mobile, limited only by radio range. The firmware programming in the Monitoring Unit 21 used for object tracking or counting is different from that used for security applications. The triggering event does not imply a fault condition and simply needs to recorded long enough to transmitted to the Reader. As illustrated in Figure 4 one application for this invention would be to detect objects 71, as they move from one location to another mobile location, or container 72. In this application it would be important to record or note the event on the mobile unit, especially where there were multiple mobile units, and therefore various possibilities as to which mobile unit the object was placed into. In this application each mobile unit would be equipped with one or more sensors 22 aimed at the opening of the mobile unit or container.
Each Monitoring Unit 21 would have a radio transmitter 25 which in this application could be transmit only. When an object 74 is placed into the container the proximity sensor 22 in the Monitoring Unit 21 would see the event via a reflected signal and broadcast that event via RF transmitter to a Reader which would note the specific object being placed into specific container. By doing this it would then be possible to track individual objects as they move into the individual containers, and therefore track, and verify that they moved into the correct container 72 being placed there by operators, automatic sorting equipment, etc.
In a preferred embodiment the monitoring of the sensors uses programmable parameters to determine when a triggering event has occurred. Every sensor and application environment has certain levels of noise or extraneous variations in its output that can be considered normal. In order to avoid recording and transmitting irrelevant information, programmable parameters can be used to filter the sensor output.
A default set of parameters is written into the Monitoring Unit's nonvolatile memory as a part of the manufacturing process. The selected parameters for a particular sensor can be changed by a command which is transmitted to and received by the Monitoring Unit 21.
Examples of parameters are sensor sample rate (how often the Monitoring Unit 21 take a reading), sensitivity or threshold parameters, output type (sensor output goes active as an "On"
condition or sensor output goes active as an "Off' condition), alert signal duration (how long the alert is maintained before resetting and preparing for next notification) and boundary parameters such as max temperature, max shock, minimum radiation level, etc are set with default values at the factory.
Preferably the Monitoring Unit 21 includes a sleep mode in which power is conserved. During sleep mode the microprocessor is put into a hibernation state to conserve power. An interrupt driven timer is set to periodically wake-up the wake-up the microprocessor to take readings and perform other tasks. Temperature, humidity, and other static sensors are awakened at predetermined sample rates (see parameters above) and measurements are then taken. Since temperature, etc. can usually be recorded over time, the measurement itself is not necessarily a triggering event to record, therefore it sleeps to conserve power, them wakes up to record the current reading. The log of recorded values is readable upon command received from a reader.

Claims (30)

1. A monitoring unit for monitoring a cargo storage compartment comprising:
a power supply;
a sensor capable of emitting an energy signal, receiving the emitted energy signal and generating an output, wherein the sensor is positioned on an inner surface of the cargo storage compartment;
monitoring electronics electrically connected to the sensor, said monitoring electronics comprising local recording memory media, the monitoring electronics capable of detecting and recording changes in the emitted energy signal as a triggering event; and a radio transmitter communicatively coupled to the monitoring electronics for transmitting information on the triggering event supplied by the monitoring electronics, the information including an identifier for the monitoring unit.
2. The monitoring unit of claim 1 further comprising a radio receiver for receiving commands and data from a reader.
3. The monitoring unit of clam 1 further comprising means for placing the microprocessor in a sleep mode and an interrupt driven timer which periodically wakes the microprocessor out of sleep to execute monitoring activity.
4. The monitoring unit of claim 3 further comprising means for monitoring the sensor output using parameters which control thresholds used to determine whether changes in the output of the sensor constitute a triggering event and means for reading the parameters from commands received by the radio receiver.
5. The monitoring unit of claim 3 further comprising means for recording each triggering event along with a timestamp on a timeline and means for transmitting the timeline to the reader upon receiving a command.
6. The monitoring unit of claim 3 further comprising means for receiving data from the reader as a container identifier, the container identifier being associated with a container to which the monitoring unit is attached and means for transmitting the container identifier to the reader upon receiving a command.
7. The monitoring unit of claim 3 further comprising means transmitting a sensor identifier to the reader upon receiving a command, the sensor identifier specifying a type of the sensor.
8. The monitoring unit of claim 2 further comprising means for changing the identifier for the monitoring unit based on a command received from a reader.
9. The monitoring unit of claim 1 further comprising means transmitting information on each triggering event in realtime.
10. A method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container comprising the steps of:
attaching a monitoring unit to a first interior surface of the shipping container, the monitoring unit including a sensor, monitoring electronics and a radio transmitter wherein the sensor is positioned on the first interior surface so that emitted energy can be reflected off of a second interior surface;
upon receiving a radioed start command from a reader, commencing logging data on triggering events in a memory of the monitoring unit with a time stamp, a triggering event being a change in an output of the sensor, and upon receiving a radioed get-response command from a reader, transmitting the data on triggering events to the reader.
11. The method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:

storing a cargo identifier received in a store-identifier command from the reader; and transmitting the cargo identifier upon receiving a read-identifier command from the reader.
12. The method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container of claim 11 further comprising placing the microprocessor in a sleep mode, setting an interrupt driven timer to wake up the microprocessor after an elapsed period of time to resume monitoring operations.
13. The method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container of claim 11 further comprising periodically measuring an environmental parameter, recording a value of the environmental parameter in memory and transmitting recorded values of the environmental parameter upon receiving a command from a Reader.
14. The method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container of claim 11 further comprising the steps of transmitting a sensor identifier upon receiving a read-sensor-identifier command from the reader, the sensor identifier indicating a type of sensor.
15. The method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container of claim 11 further comprising the steps of receiving a command with sensor parameters and using the sensor parameters to determine when a triggering event has occurred by filtering the sensor output according to the parameters.
16. The monitoring unit of claim 1, wherein the sensor is an ambient light sensor.
17. The monitoring unit of claim 1, wherein said sensor comprises a reflective energy sensor.
18. The monitoring unit of claim 17, wherein said emitted energy signal is an IR signal.
19. The monitoring unit of claim 17, wherein said sensor comprises a proximity sensor.
20. A method for monitoring a transport storage compartment, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning a monitoring unit having a sensor and a transmitter inside said storage compartment;

utilizing said sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment; and utilizing said transmitter to transmit a signal based on the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment, wherein the step of utilizing said sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment comprises monitoring the ambient light within the compartment.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising the step of commencing logging data regarding the compartment upon a triggering event.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein said triggering event is a change in output from the sensor.
23. A method for monitoring a transport storage compartment, said method comprising the steps of:

positioning a monitoring unit having a sensor and a transmitter inside said storage compartment;
utilizing said sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment; and utilizing said transmitter to transmit a signal based on the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment, wherein the step of utilizing said sensor to monitor the physical condition of the inside surface of the storage compartment comprises emitting a signal from said sensor to reflect on an inside surface of said compartment.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of utilizing said sensor to receive a signal reflected by said inside surface.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said inside surface is an access port to said surface.
26. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of commencing logging data regarding the compartment upon a triggering event.
27. A method of monitoring a cargo transport compartment, said method comprising the steps of:
positioning a monitoring unit at a location within a cargo transport compartment in proximity to an inside surface of the compartment, the monitoring unit including a proximity sensor and a radio transmitter; and upon sensing a change in an output of the proximity sensor, transmitting an identifier for the monitoring unit for receipt by a reader using the radio transmitter, wherein said change in output results from opening said compartment.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said step of opening is opening an access port.
29. The method of claim 27, wherein said step of opening said step of opening is creating an opening in said compartment.
30. A method of monitoring cargo in a shipping container comprising the steps of:
attaching a monitoring unit to an inside surface of the shipping container, the monitoring unit including a sensor, monitoring electronics and a radio transmitter, wherein said sensor is a reflective energy sensor, utilizing said reflective energy sensor to reflect energy off an inside surface of said shipping container;
upon receiving a radioed start command from a reader, commencing logging data on triggering events in a memory of the monitoring unit with a time stamp, a triggering event being a change in an output of the sensor, and upon receiving a radioed get-response command from a reader, transmitting the data on triggering events to the reader.
CA2568245A 2004-03-29 2005-03-22 Wireless monitoring device Active CA2568245C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/813,150 US7135976B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-29 Wireless monitoring device
US10/813,150 2004-03-29
PCT/US2005/009380 WO2005093456A1 (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-22 Wireless monitoring device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2568245A1 CA2568245A1 (en) 2005-10-06
CA2568245C true CA2568245C (en) 2011-08-02

Family

ID=35056317

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA2568245A Active CA2568245C (en) 2004-03-29 2005-03-22 Wireless monitoring device

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (2) US7135976B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1733251A4 (en)
JP (1) JP4794548B2 (en)
CN (1) CN100592104C (en)
AU (1) AU2005226060B2 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0508185A2 (en)
CA (1) CA2568245C (en)
EA (1) EA010438B1 (en)
MX (1) MXPA06011331A (en)
WO (1) WO2005093456A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9720116B2 (en) 2012-11-02 2017-08-01 Fairfield Industries Incorporated Land based unit for seismic data acquisition

Families Citing this family (185)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7733818B2 (en) 2000-12-22 2010-06-08 Terahop Networks, Inc. Intelligent node communication using network formation messages in a mobile Ad hoc network
US8144671B2 (en) 2005-07-01 2012-03-27 Twitchell Jr Robert W Communicating via nondeterministic and deterministic network routing
US7830850B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2010-11-09 Terahop Networks, Inc. Class-switching in class-based data communcations network
US7522568B2 (en) 2000-12-22 2009-04-21 Terahop Networks, Inc. Propagating ad hoc wireless networks based on common designation and routine
US7554442B2 (en) * 2005-06-17 2009-06-30 Terahop Networks, Inc. Event-driven mobile hazmat monitoring
US8280345B2 (en) 2000-12-22 2012-10-02 Google Inc. LPRF device wake up using wireless tag
US7783246B2 (en) 2005-06-16 2010-08-24 Terahop Networks, Inc. Tactical GPS denial and denial detection system
US7742772B2 (en) * 2005-10-31 2010-06-22 Terahop Networks, Inc. Determining relative elevation using GPS and ranging
US7583769B2 (en) * 2005-06-16 2009-09-01 Terahop Netowrks, Inc. Operating GPS receivers in GPS-adverse environment
US8315563B2 (en) * 2000-12-22 2012-11-20 Google Inc. Wireless reader tags (WRTs) with sensor components in asset monitoring and tracking systems
US20080303897A1 (en) 2000-12-22 2008-12-11 Terahop Networks, Inc. Visually capturing and monitoring contents and events of cargo container
US10948476B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2021-03-16 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
US7848905B2 (en) * 2000-12-26 2010-12-07 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Methods, systems, and computer program products for locating and tracking objects
US7034695B2 (en) 2000-12-26 2006-04-25 Robert Ernest Troxler Large area position/proximity correction device with alarms using (D)GPS technology
US7047041B2 (en) 2002-06-17 2006-05-16 Nokia Corporation Method and device for storing and accessing personal information
US7002472B2 (en) * 2002-09-04 2006-02-21 Northrop Grumman Corporation Smart and secure container
US7498938B2 (en) * 2002-10-08 2009-03-03 Henry B. Ulrich Security intelligence tracking anti-terrorist system
US20080210852A1 (en) 2003-03-21 2008-09-04 Browning Thomas E Fiber optic security system for sensing the intrusion of secured locations
US7135976B2 (en) * 2003-03-31 2006-11-14 Rftrax, Inc. Wireless monitoring device
US8026819B2 (en) 2005-10-02 2011-09-27 Visible Assets, Inc. Radio tag and system
US8681000B2 (en) 2003-04-09 2014-03-25 Visible Assets, Inc. Low frequency inductive tagging for lifecycle management
US20100033330A1 (en) * 2003-04-09 2010-02-11 Visible Assets, Inc. Auditable security for cargo containers and other repositories
US8378841B2 (en) 2003-04-09 2013-02-19 Visible Assets, Inc Tracking of oil drilling pipes and other objects
WO2004100095A2 (en) * 2003-05-03 2004-11-18 Woven Electronics Corporation, A South Carolina Corporation Fiber optic security system for sensing the intrusion of secured locations
US8514076B2 (en) 2003-05-03 2013-08-20 Woven Electronics, Llc Entrance security system
US7800047B2 (en) * 2003-05-03 2010-09-21 Woven Electronics, Llc Apparatus and method for a computerized fiber optic security system
US7782196B2 (en) 2003-05-03 2010-08-24 Woven Electronics, Llc Entrance security system
US9587938B2 (en) 2003-06-17 2017-03-07 Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. Method and apparatus for determining a characteristic of a construction material
US7098784B2 (en) * 2003-09-03 2006-08-29 System Planning Corporation System and method for providing container security
US7693739B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2010-04-06 Sensitech Inc. Automated generation of reports reflecting statistical analyses of supply chain processes
JP2005204290A (en) * 2003-12-18 2005-07-28 Omron Corp Method, system and device for registering specific information to information equipment with communications function, information equipment with communications function, and specific information management method and system
DE102004003797A1 (en) * 2004-01-26 2005-08-18 Meiko Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co. Kg Dishwasher with adjustable heat recovery
US7230520B2 (en) * 2004-05-03 2007-06-12 Dell Products L.P. Method and apparatus for RF access to system ID and fault information
US7142107B2 (en) 2004-05-27 2006-11-28 Lawrence Kates Wireless sensor unit
US7304585B2 (en) * 2004-07-02 2007-12-04 Nokia Corporation Initiation of actions with compressed action language representations
JP2006023957A (en) * 2004-07-07 2006-01-26 Sony Corp Semiconductor integrated circuit and information processor
GB0416731D0 (en) * 2004-07-27 2004-09-01 Ubisense Ltd Location system
DE102004053522A1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2006-08-24 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Monitoring device for transport goods and method for monitoring of goods to be transported
US7339476B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2008-03-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with industrial controllers
US7551081B2 (en) 2004-11-10 2009-06-23 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Systems and methods that integrate radio frequency identification (RFID) technology with agent-based control systems
CA2587553A1 (en) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-18 Visible Assets, Inc. Auditable authentication of event histories for shipped and stored objects
WO2006069067A2 (en) * 2004-12-20 2006-06-29 Sensicast Systems Method for reporting and accumulating data in a wireless communication network
DE102005001582A1 (en) * 2005-01-13 2006-07-27 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device and method for registering the opening of closures of rooms to be secured
WO2006075036A1 (en) * 2005-01-14 2006-07-20 Indra Sistemas S.A. System for the management, control and security of cargo containers
US7545272B2 (en) 2005-02-08 2009-06-09 Therasense, Inc. RF tag on test strips, test strip vials and boxes
US7274291B2 (en) * 2005-04-01 2007-09-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. Dynamic and hybrid RFID
US20060250249A1 (en) * 2005-04-08 2006-11-09 Konaware, Inc. Self describing RFID chains to validate parts in bills-of-material or manifest when disconnected from server
US7643951B2 (en) * 2005-05-06 2010-01-05 Stragent, Llc Battery monitor
SE528760C2 (en) * 2005-05-18 2007-02-13 Secure Logistics Sweden Ab Method and apparatus for detecting intrusion into or manipulation of the contents of an enclosure
JP4906277B2 (en) * 2005-05-31 2012-03-28 株式会社日立製作所 Environmental information management system and management method
US8755787B2 (en) * 2005-06-03 2014-06-17 Google Inc. Using wake-up receivers for soft hand-off in wireless communications
US7616117B2 (en) * 2005-07-19 2009-11-10 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Reconciliation mechanism using RFID and sensors
US7388491B2 (en) 2005-07-20 2008-06-17 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Mobile RFID reader with integrated location awareness for material tracking and management
US7764191B2 (en) 2005-07-26 2010-07-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID tag data affecting automation controller with internal database
US8260948B2 (en) 2005-08-10 2012-09-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Enhanced controller utilizing RFID technology
US8461958B2 (en) * 2005-08-17 2013-06-11 Wireless Data Solutions, Llc System for monitoring and control of transport containers
US7689318B2 (en) * 2005-08-19 2010-03-30 Lonnie Draper Inventory control and prescription dispensing system
US7510110B2 (en) 2005-09-08 2009-03-31 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID architecture in an industrial controller environment
US7719416B2 (en) 2005-09-09 2010-05-18 Microstrain, Inc. Energy harvesting, wireless structural health monitoring system
US7931197B2 (en) 2005-09-20 2011-04-26 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. RFID-based product manufacturing and lifecycle management
US7446662B1 (en) 2005-09-26 2008-11-04 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Intelligent RFID tag for magnetic field mapping
US8025227B2 (en) 2005-09-30 2011-09-27 Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc. Access to distributed databases via pointer stored in RFID tag
GB2432217A (en) * 2005-11-09 2007-05-16 Seiko Epson Corp Application of biosensor chips
DE602006016638D1 (en) * 2005-11-16 2010-10-14 Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv UNIVERSAL WIRELESS HF SENSOR INTERFACE
US7592916B2 (en) * 2005-11-16 2009-09-22 Blue Clover Design, Llc Smart shipping and storage container
US7696751B2 (en) * 2005-12-08 2010-04-13 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N. V. Method and apparatus for ferrous object and/or magnetic field detection for MRI safety
EP1818863A1 (en) * 2005-12-21 2007-08-15 Deutsche Post AG Method for transporting physical objects, transportation system and transportation means
US7492256B2 (en) * 2005-12-29 2009-02-17 International Business Machines Corporation Tilt detecting apparatus and method
US20090129306A1 (en) 2007-02-21 2009-05-21 Terahop Networks, Inc. Wake-up broadcast including network information in common designation ad hoc wireless networking
EP1972159A1 (en) * 2006-01-01 2008-09-24 Terahop Networks, Inc. Determining presence of radio frequency communication device
EP1813898A1 (en) * 2006-01-30 2007-08-01 L'AIR LIQUIDE, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude System for the operation and the management of a group of autonomous refrigerated containers
US20070182576A1 (en) * 2006-02-09 2007-08-09 1673892 Ontario, Inc. Remote battery monitoring
US20070194916A1 (en) * 2006-02-17 2007-08-23 The Boeing Company Universal quick mount wireless door sensor and method
ITMI20060378A1 (en) * 2006-03-02 2007-09-03 Bhm S P A ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR CONTROL AND COMMUNICATION OF THE STATE OF PRODUCTS
US7535358B2 (en) * 2006-03-15 2009-05-19 Elaine A. Crider Method and apparatus for electronically tracking luggage
US20070219751A1 (en) * 2006-03-17 2007-09-20 Jonathan Huang Sensor network data alignment with post-process resampling
WO2007107994A1 (en) * 2006-03-21 2007-09-27 Diamond Location Ltd. Dynamic stock tracking method and system
WO2007110464A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-10-04 4Ts Finland Oy Device for monitoring integrity of closed objects
US7636031B2 (en) * 2006-05-01 2009-12-22 Honeywell International Inc. Sensor system including multiple radio frequency identification tags
WO2008027095A2 (en) * 2006-05-23 2008-03-06 Private Pallet Security Systems, Llc Intermodal container content evaluation system
US7796038B2 (en) * 2006-06-12 2010-09-14 Intelleflex Corporation RFID sensor tag with manual modes and functions
JP4973022B2 (en) * 2006-06-13 2012-07-11 大日本印刷株式会社 Non-contact type data carrier device and sensor system using non-contact type data carrier device
US8281392B2 (en) 2006-08-11 2012-10-02 Airdefense, Inc. Methods and systems for wired equivalent privacy and Wi-Fi protected access protection
EP1890519A1 (en) * 2006-08-18 2008-02-20 BRITISH TELECOMMUNICATIONS public limited company Environmental monitor
US8325030B2 (en) * 2006-09-07 2012-12-04 Lord Corporation Heat stress, plant stress and plant health monitor system
WO2008037645A2 (en) * 2006-09-25 2008-04-03 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Device for localizing a security device for transportable goods
US20080157967A1 (en) * 2006-12-28 2008-07-03 International Business Machines Corporation Rfid inventory device
US8528825B2 (en) * 2007-01-03 2013-09-10 Intelleflex Corporation Long range RFID device as modem and systems implementing same
CN101715583A (en) * 2007-01-09 2010-05-26 斯塔尔特拉克系统有限公司 Refrigerated shipping containers is related with despatch order
US8223680B2 (en) 2007-02-21 2012-07-17 Google Inc. Mesh network control using common designation wake-up
US20080231438A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2008-09-25 Diamond Arrow Communications L.L.C. Cargo Container Monitoring System
US20080231454A1 (en) * 2007-03-23 2008-09-25 Diamond Arrow Communications L.L.C. Cargo Container Monitoring Device
US9449266B2 (en) 2007-03-30 2016-09-20 University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. Method and apparatus for tracking transported items using RFID tags
US9156167B2 (en) 2007-05-15 2015-10-13 Trimble Navigation Limited Determining an autonomous position of a point of interest on a lifting device
DE102007030195A1 (en) 2007-06-27 2009-01-02 Technische Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina Zu Braunschweig Device for condition monitoring of components and structures
US8035511B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2011-10-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Methods for providing services and information based upon data collected via wireless network sensors
US8098485B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2012-01-17 3M Innovative Properties Company Wireless network sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors
US8013731B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2011-09-06 3M Innovative Properties Company Apparatus and method for processing data collected via wireless network sensors
US8026808B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2011-09-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Display of information related to data collected via wireless network sensors
US20090009339A1 (en) * 2007-07-03 2009-01-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Apparatus and method for locally processing data on wireless network sensors
US8013717B2 (en) * 2007-09-14 2011-09-06 Motorola Mobility, Inc. Near-field communication device with environmental sensor
US20090102659A1 (en) * 2007-09-24 2009-04-23 Savi Technology, Inc. Method and Apparatus for Tracking and Monitoring Containers
US7936271B2 (en) * 2007-11-26 2011-05-03 Roundtrip Llc Anti-tamper cargo container locator system
US7760084B2 (en) * 2007-12-07 2010-07-20 Paksense, Inc. Redundant monitoring
CN101509787B (en) * 2008-02-14 2011-06-08 敦南科技股份有限公司 Electro-magnetic wave sensing apparatus
US20090225306A1 (en) * 2008-03-10 2009-09-10 Chia-Chu Cheng Electromagnetic wave sensing apparatus
US20100163713A1 (en) * 2008-03-10 2010-07-01 Lite-On Semiconductor Corp. Electromagnetic wave sensing apparatus
US20090267765A1 (en) * 2008-04-29 2009-10-29 Jack Greene Rfid to prevent reprocessing
US8462662B2 (en) 2008-05-16 2013-06-11 Google Inc. Updating node presence based on communication pathway
US8207848B2 (en) 2008-05-16 2012-06-26 Google Inc. Locking system for shipping container including bolt seal and electronic device with arms for receiving bolt seal
WO2009151877A2 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-12-17 Terahop Networks, Inc. Systems and apparatus for securing a container
US20090307000A1 (en) * 2008-06-09 2009-12-10 Scheid Paul R Method and system for globally monitoring aircraft components
CN101650842A (en) * 2008-08-15 2010-02-17 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 Electronic device and disassembly recording method thereof
US8514058B2 (en) * 2008-08-18 2013-08-20 Trimble Navigation Limited Construction equipment component location tracking
US8224518B2 (en) 2008-08-18 2012-07-17 Trimble Navigation Limited Automated recordation of crane inspection activity
US20100044332A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Cameron John F Monitoring crane component overstress
TWI465937B (en) * 2008-08-29 2014-12-21 Hon Hai Prec Ind Co Ltd Electronic apparatus and method for recording disassembly times thereof
US7864045B2 (en) * 2008-09-12 2011-01-04 Roundtrip Llc Locator inventory system
US20100073187A1 (en) * 2008-09-22 2010-03-25 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Methods and apparatus for no-touch initial product deployment
US8825203B2 (en) * 2008-10-16 2014-09-02 Fredrick M. Valerino, SR. Pneumatic tube carrier routing and tracking system
US8700207B2 (en) * 2008-10-16 2014-04-15 Fredrick M. Valerino, SR. Pneumatic tube carrier tracking system
JP2010108039A (en) * 2008-10-28 2010-05-13 Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd Wireless communication system for automatically switching mode
US20100127874A1 (en) * 2008-11-21 2010-05-27 Curtis Guy P Information locator
US8391435B2 (en) 2008-12-25 2013-03-05 Google Inc. Receiver state estimation in a duty cycled radio
US8300551B2 (en) 2009-01-28 2012-10-30 Google Inc. Ascertaining presence in wireless networks
US8705523B2 (en) 2009-02-05 2014-04-22 Google Inc. Conjoined class-based networking
JP4612729B1 (en) * 2009-07-03 2011-01-12 パナソニック株式会社 Wireless terminal, information generation method, and information recording method
US8456302B2 (en) 2009-07-14 2013-06-04 Savi Technology, Inc. Wireless tracking and monitoring electronic seal
US8790047B2 (en) 2009-07-29 2014-07-29 Fredrick M. Valerino, SR. Method and system for sealing products in a pneumatic tube carrier
BR112012003727A2 (en) * 2009-08-17 2017-05-23 Deal Magic Inc contextually aware asset monitoring
KR101175173B1 (en) * 2010-03-11 2012-08-20 최형림 Sealing device of a container
WO2011113156A1 (en) * 2010-03-15 2011-09-22 Proxima Rf Solutions Inc. Rfid sensing apparatus and method
EP2561493A4 (en) * 2010-04-22 2013-09-04 R F Keeper Ltd Event driven context switching in passive radio frequency identification tags
DE102010044735A1 (en) * 2010-09-08 2012-03-08 Glp German Light Products Gmbh Transportable device with a controlled logging functionality
CN103119887B (en) * 2010-10-01 2017-04-19 飞利浦灯具控股公司 Device and method for scheduling data packet transmissions in wireless networks
US8779966B2 (en) * 2010-11-16 2014-07-15 Tialinx, Inc. Remote interrogation for detection of activity or living organisms inside electronically conductive containers
CN102868442B (en) * 2011-07-05 2015-06-10 国民技术股份有限公司 Optical fiber detecting system and detecting method based on RFID (radio frequency identification)
US8487768B2 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-07-16 Chung-Shan Institute Of Science And Technology, Armaments Bureau, Ministry Of National Defense Electronic seal equipped with a breakage-detecting circuit and method for sealing a door based on the same
CN103136643A (en) * 2011-11-28 2013-06-05 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 System and method for tracking goods
US8914594B2 (en) 2011-12-22 2014-12-16 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of loading data from a non-volatile memory to a volatile memory
US9092150B2 (en) 2011-12-22 2015-07-28 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of performing a data save operation
US9389673B2 (en) 2011-12-22 2016-07-12 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of performing a data save operation
US9069551B2 (en) * 2011-12-22 2015-06-30 Sandisk Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of exiting hibernation in response to a triggering event
JP5761037B2 (en) * 2012-01-12 2015-08-12 富士通株式会社 Wireless tag device, data collection method, and program
CA2876842A1 (en) 2012-06-18 2013-12-27 Master Lock Company Rfid detection system
CN103677198A (en) * 2012-09-03 2014-03-26 联想(北京)有限公司 Electronic equipment control method and electronic equipment
US9183714B2 (en) 2012-10-17 2015-11-10 Douglas E. Piper, Sr. Entrance security system
US20140111334A1 (en) * 2012-10-18 2014-04-24 Hutchison International Ports Enterprises Limited Sensor pod
CN102938656B (en) * 2012-11-07 2015-02-18 郑州正义电子科技有限公司 Police monitoring device
KR20140067783A (en) * 2012-11-27 2014-06-05 한국전자통신연구원 Rfid sensor tag supporting dual mode logging, rfid sensor reader and method for controlling rfid sensor tag
CN103968888A (en) * 2013-02-06 2014-08-06 普适微芯科技(北京)有限公司 Beidou navigation satellite system based grain situation monitoring system and operating method thereof
US8982360B2 (en) * 2013-02-27 2015-03-17 Honeywell International Inc. Apparatus and method of using a light conduit in a position detector
DK2964173T3 (en) 2013-03-05 2018-07-23 Jptechnologies Inc WIRELESS SENSOR SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES
US9460593B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2016-10-04 Container Seal Project Partners, Llc Container breach detector system
DE102013207990B4 (en) * 2013-05-01 2017-03-30 Siemens Schweiz Ag Hazard detector with temperature sensor
US9112790B2 (en) 2013-06-25 2015-08-18 Google Inc. Fabric network
FR3007672B1 (en) * 2013-06-27 2017-03-31 Commissariat Energie Atomique METHOD FOR INSTRUMENTATION OF A CONTAINER FOR MOVEMENT IN PARTICULAR FOR MALAXING AN ENSEMBLE OF MATERIALS
US20150314753A1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2015-11-05 Babaco Alarm Systems, Inc. Portable, self-contained anti-theft alarm system for the cargo compartment of a vehicle
CN103927837B (en) * 2014-05-05 2016-02-24 南京业祥科技发展有限公司 A kind of RFID detector with human body induction function
TWI526704B (en) * 2015-02-16 2016-03-21 明泰科技股份有限公司 Intelligent Monitoring System and Method
DE102015204342A1 (en) * 2015-03-11 2016-09-15 Francotyp-Postalia Gmbh Parcel box arrangement and method for operating a parcel box
US10963978B2 (en) * 2015-05-15 2021-03-30 Overhaul Group, Inc. Enhanced alert/notification system for law enforcement identifying and tracking of stolen vehicles and cargo
CN105043697B (en) * 2015-06-17 2017-09-15 浙江工商大学 A kind of whole pile goods packing transport device for dynamically detecting of pallet
JP5939349B1 (en) * 2015-12-07 2016-06-22 富士ゼロックス株式会社 Information processing apparatus and information processing program
CN105791396B (en) * 2016-02-25 2019-01-29 深圳市英威腾电气股份有限公司 A kind of long-distance monitoring method, monitor terminal and remote monitoring system
US10320081B2 (en) * 2016-07-13 2019-06-11 Blackberry Limited Container having a slot antenna
US10450110B2 (en) * 2017-02-23 2019-10-22 Vladimir V. Starkov Marble-sealed container
US11222303B2 (en) 2017-03-30 2022-01-11 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Systems and methods for secure package delivery
US10748413B2 (en) 2017-08-17 2020-08-18 Aerosens Llc System and method for managing an aircraft personal safety device
US11214385B2 (en) 2017-08-17 2022-01-04 Aerosens Llc System and method for monitoring an aircraft door or other covered opening
EP3740395B1 (en) 2018-01-16 2022-03-09 SAF-Holland, Inc. Uncoupled trailer power and communication arrangements
US11735025B2 (en) * 2018-01-22 2023-08-22 Assa Abloy Ab Storing events of a sensor device
SG10201805510YA (en) * 2018-06-26 2020-01-30 Luxon Data Holdings Pte Ltd Monitoring device and system
WO2020082152A1 (en) * 2018-10-26 2020-04-30 Андрей Борисович ДЮСЬМИКЕЕВ Autonomous wireless portable sensor device and method for using same
CN109526045B (en) * 2018-11-27 2021-02-23 河南省四通锅炉有限公司 Boiler information tracing method and device for intelligent workshop
FR3094813B1 (en) * 2019-04-08 2021-07-30 Airbus Reusable seal and vehicle including a reusable seal.
US11697443B2 (en) 2019-05-08 2023-07-11 Amsted Rail Company, Inc. Apparatus for locating a mobile railway asset
CN110672145B (en) * 2019-09-27 2022-04-26 上海移为通信技术股份有限公司 Sensor data acquisition and processing method, device, equipment and storage medium
US11459108B2 (en) * 2019-10-10 2022-10-04 Recaro Aircraft Seating Gmbh & Co. Kg Life vest container device
US11694149B2 (en) * 2019-10-24 2023-07-04 Afero, Inc. Apparatus and method for secure transport using internet of things (IoT) devices
US11741822B2 (en) 2020-05-25 2023-08-29 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. System and method of intelligent node detecting events for border protection and security
CA3179997A1 (en) * 2020-05-25 2021-12-02 Hendrik J. Volkerink Detecting tampering in assets and authenticating authorized users
US11798391B2 (en) 2021-01-25 2023-10-24 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Wireless tracking belts for asset tracking
US11776380B2 (en) 2021-02-19 2023-10-03 Trackonomy Systems, Inc. Client device interactions and asset monitoring at checkpoint locations in an IOT device network
CN117190839A (en) * 2022-05-31 2023-12-08 华为技术有限公司 Method for monitoring box-shaped objects and related device

Family Cites Families (46)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4507654A (en) * 1981-10-30 1985-03-26 A. R. F. Products Security system with infrared optical position detector
US6919803B2 (en) * 2002-06-11 2005-07-19 Intelligent Technologies International Inc. Low power remote asset monitoring
DE3786836T2 (en) * 1986-05-30 1994-01-13 Sharp Kk Microwave data transmission device.
US4750197A (en) * 1986-11-10 1988-06-07 Denekamp Mark L Integrated cargo security system
US4812810A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-03-14 Whirlpool Corporation Fiber optic door sensor for a domestic appliance
US5448220A (en) * 1993-04-08 1995-09-05 Levy; Raymond H. Apparatus for transmitting contents information
US5644111A (en) * 1995-05-08 1997-07-01 New York City Housing Authority Elevator hatch door monitoring system
US5745049A (en) * 1995-07-20 1998-04-28 Yokogawa Electric Corporation Wireless equipment diagnosis system
US5748085A (en) * 1996-04-15 1998-05-05 Davis; Dennis W. Electronic article surveillance event monitoring system
US6828909B2 (en) * 1996-05-30 2004-12-07 Guardit Technologies Llc Portable motion detector and alarm system and method
US5892441A (en) * 1996-06-26 1999-04-06 Par Government Systems Corporation Sensing with active electronic tags
JPH11296756A (en) * 1998-04-14 1999-10-29 Nippon Aleph:Kk Detector
US7158028B1 (en) * 1998-05-12 2007-01-02 Bahador Ghahramani Intelligent multi purpose early warning system for shipping containers, components therefor and methods of making the same
US6876308B1 (en) 1998-05-12 2005-04-05 Bahador Ghahramani Intelligent system for detecting multiple hazards and field marker therefor
US6505774B1 (en) * 1998-12-09 2003-01-14 Miti Manufacturing Company Automated fee collection and parking ticket dispensing machine
US6806808B1 (en) * 1999-02-26 2004-10-19 Sri International Wireless event-recording device with identification codes
GB9914711D0 (en) * 1999-06-23 1999-08-25 Leck Michael J Electronic seal,methods and security system
JP2001005937A (en) * 1999-06-25 2001-01-12 Hitachi Maxell Ltd Non-contact information medium, housing container and ic element
JP2001213503A (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-08-07 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Physical distribution managing system
JP3690953B2 (en) 2000-02-23 2005-08-31 松下電器産業株式会社 Delivery article handling system and delivery article handling method
US6894624B2 (en) 2000-07-04 2005-05-17 Credipass Co., Ltd. Passive transponder identification and credit-card type transponder
MXPA06014037A (en) * 2000-07-26 2007-04-16 Bridgestone Firestone Inc Electronic tire management system.
EP1362320B1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2011-02-09 Symbol Technologies, Inc. Radio frequency identification architecture
US20020158761A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Larry Runyon Radio frequency personnel alerting security system and method
US6707381B1 (en) 2001-06-26 2004-03-16 Key-Trak, Inc. Object tracking method and system with object identification and verification
US6662068B1 (en) * 2001-10-12 2003-12-09 Touraj Ghaffari Real time total asset visibility system
US20040066296A1 (en) 2001-11-15 2004-04-08 Atherton Peter S. Tamper indicating radio frequency identification label with tracking capability
US6825766B2 (en) 2001-12-21 2004-11-30 Genei Industries, Inc. Industrial data capture system including a choke point portal and tracking software for radio frequency identification of cargo
US6879257B2 (en) * 2002-02-25 2005-04-12 Omron Corporation State surveillance system and method for an object and the adjacent space, and a surveillance system for freight containers
US6958693B2 (en) * 2002-05-24 2005-10-25 Procter & Gamble Company Sensor device and methods for using same
JP2003346107A (en) * 2002-05-27 2003-12-05 Totoku Electric Co Ltd Wireless article management tag and article management system
EP1552487B1 (en) 2002-06-12 2018-01-31 Quintell of Ohio, LLC Method and apparatus for detection of radioactive material
US6687609B2 (en) * 2002-06-13 2004-02-03 Navcom Technology, Inc. Mobile-trailer tracking system and method
US20040060976A1 (en) 2002-09-27 2004-04-01 Eastman Kodak Company Trusted shipper seal tag with steganographic authentication
US20040129769A1 (en) 2002-10-09 2004-07-08 Aram Kovach Method for identifying and tracking test specimens
US20040143505A1 (en) 2002-10-16 2004-07-22 Aram Kovach Method for tracking and disposition of articles
US6970088B2 (en) 2002-10-17 2005-11-29 Compex, Inc. Method for tracking and processing passengers and their transported articles
US20040098272A1 (en) 2002-11-14 2004-05-20 James Kapsis Computer based system for tracking articles
US20040111335A1 (en) 2002-12-04 2004-06-10 Black Charles Ronald RFID space monitoring and asset inventory system
US7102522B2 (en) 2002-12-24 2006-09-05 3M Innovative Properties Company Tamper-indicating radio frequency identification antenna and sticker, a radio frequency identification antenna, and methods of using the same
US7079034B2 (en) 2003-02-03 2006-07-18 Ingrid, Inc. RFID transponder for a security system
US7009497B2 (en) * 2003-03-21 2006-03-07 Hds Acquisition Company Method of distinguishing the presence of a single versus multiple persons
US6995669B2 (en) * 2003-03-25 2006-02-07 Fernando Morales System and method to enhance security of shipping containers
US7135976B2 (en) * 2003-03-31 2006-11-14 Rftrax, Inc. Wireless monitoring device
US6713599B1 (en) 2003-03-31 2004-03-30 Basf Corporation Formation of polymer polyols with a narrow polydispersity using double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts
US7019683B2 (en) 2004-03-05 2006-03-28 General Electric Company Shipping container security system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9720116B2 (en) 2012-11-02 2017-08-01 Fairfield Industries Incorporated Land based unit for seismic data acquisition

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20040233054A1 (en) 2004-11-25
CN100592104C (en) 2010-02-24
CA2568245A1 (en) 2005-10-06
BRPI0508185A2 (en) 2009-07-21
EP1733251A1 (en) 2006-12-20
AU2005226060B2 (en) 2010-04-08
JP4794548B2 (en) 2011-10-19
MXPA06011331A (en) 2007-04-02
EA010438B1 (en) 2008-08-29
EP1733251A4 (en) 2007-10-24
CN1965246A (en) 2007-05-16
US7825803B2 (en) 2010-11-02
EA200601800A1 (en) 2007-04-27
JP2007531936A (en) 2007-11-08
AU2005226060A1 (en) 2005-10-06
US7135976B2 (en) 2006-11-14
US20070085677A1 (en) 2007-04-19
WO2005093456A1 (en) 2005-10-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2568245C (en) Wireless monitoring device
US8258950B2 (en) Method and apparatus for control or monitoring of a container
US8319640B2 (en) Method for maintaining a shipping container manifest
US7471203B2 (en) Tamper monitoring system and method
US5729199A (en) Security system for a metallic enclosure
US8031069B2 (en) Electronic security seal and system
US7479877B2 (en) Method and system for utilizing multiple sensors for monitoring container security, contents and condition
US9460593B2 (en) Container breach detector system
US8392296B2 (en) Active container management system
US8264356B2 (en) EAS alarming tag with RFID features
US7187287B2 (en) Systems and methods for zone security
JP2007531107A (en) Method and System for Monitoring Containers and Maintaining Their Security (Related Application Cross-Reference) This patent application is a co-pending provisional patent application 60 / 556,106 filed Mar. 24, 2004. Claim priority from the entire disclosure and incorporate that disclosure by reference for any purpose. This patent application also incorporates by reference US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 667,282, filed Sep. 17, 2003.
WO2008148795A1 (en) A method for verifying the integrity of a container
CN113392944A (en) Wireless safety monitoring device for computer application
CN215117583U (en) Logistics packaging box

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request