Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a system and method for countering terrorism by monitoring shipping containers using an advanced communication system network for tracking and monitoring the container as it travels over international seas.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to a system and method for countering terrorism by monitoring shipping containers using an advanced communication system network for tracking and monitoring the container as it travels over international seas. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Issues of homeland security are of paramount concern to most countries, yet several countries&#39; domestic borders including the United States, remain vulnerable with respect to shipping containers that are being transported over international seas. The problem is widespread as the majority of the world&#39;s dry goods are imported by ships. When containers leave their ports of origin for a given destination, it is not uncommon for a ship to make several different stops at varied international ports and intermediate domestic ports before they reach their final destination. 
         [0003]    If during the voyage, a container&#39;s seal has been breached while the ship is docked at a foreign port, and its contents have been stolen, removed, or replaced with weapons or explosives, it is very difficult to track intelligence information regarding who committed the act, where, when, and how such an event occurred. In fact Customs may not be aware that the container&#39;s contents have been substituted for example with explosives, which have disastrous results. Similarly, if the container was tampered with at its port of origin, or at an intermediate domestic port before landing at its final port of disembarkation, without tracking the activities of a container there is no way of knowing what happened. Thus, there needs to be a system and method for tracking and monitoring the contents of each container from the point of origin to its arrival at its final port of disembarkation. 
         [0004]    The problem is further compounded by international bureaucracy and language barriers which will trump any extraordinary efforts to warn a foreign port of a suspicious container that may or may not appear to be compromised. Generally, foreign Customs are unconcerned with the integrity of containers that are being imported into another country beyond their borders. As a result there is little or no sharing of intelligence information among the different foreign ports that a container may have passed through. Thus, there is a need for a system and method for sharing intelligence information with different foreign countries regarding activities at sea for shipping containers in a seamless and efficient manner. 
         [0005]    Problems also arise when the containers reach the first domestic port, as most domestic ports are ill equipped and understaffed to process the volume of containers that are being shipped in and out of the port. Generally, consumers are not interested in waiting for an extended period for imported dry goods and understandably, retailers are very concerned about losing their competitive edge. Thus, there is additional pressure on Customs agents from the importers to have their goods clear Customs quickly, so that the goods can be forwarded to the retailers and ultimately to the consumers as fast as possible. Not surprisingly, 90% of shipping containers and their respective contents are not inspected prior to clearing Customs. If weaponry or explosives were smuggled into the containers and managed to be shipped undetected, unless the container was among the 10% of inspected containers they could be cleared for import and the Customs or border patrol would be unaware of their existence. Thus, there exists a need for a system and method for processing each and every shipping container in an expedient, efficient manner. 
         [0006]    There also exists a need for a system and method to be able to protect a country&#39;s national borders from the illegal importation of arms, weapons and explosives via shipping containers. 
         [0007]    This invention satisfies those long felt needs and solves the foregoing problems that the prior art has been unable to solve in a new and novel manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The present invention relates generally to a system and method for monitoring containers where each container is provided with an autonomous battery powered monitoring device. Each monitoring device has a unique identifier used to identify and register the importer/exporter with a monitoring center. The unique identifier is also printed on the importer&#39;s/exporter&#39;s Bills of Lading tendered to the United States Customs Office prior to the importer clearing their goods. In one embodiment of the invention, each item in the container is also labeled with the unique identifier or some variation thereof, such that if an item has been wrongfully removed or stolen there is a system and method for tracking the item for its return to its rightful owner. 
         [0009]    Pursuant to the invention, when a shipping container is packed and ready for shipping at the Port of Origin (“POO”), the container is sealed by inserting the monitoring device into a lock box that is affixed to the container&#39;s exterior. Access to the container is therefore restricted and necessitates authorized access to the lock box and monitoring device. The lock box also houses the battery charger, i.e. the power supply, which is in mating engagement with the monitoring device. The monitoring device is then activated, and a mode of operation is selected depending on the circumstances, e.g. active mode if the ship is ready to sail. If it becomes necessary to add contents to the sealed container, the monitoring device can be deactivated for loading. However, a minimum amount of time will be allotted for loading and transporting the container to the shipping vessel, after which the monitoring device automatically resets itself for active mode, where it records and reports all activities to the monitoring center. The monitoring device is also encoded to report and trigger an alarm for any suspicious activity. 
         [0010]    Access to the lock box and the sealed container after the monitoring device has been activated for active mode, will require at a minimum, the input of the correct electronic key. The monitoring device also records all invalid attempts to input an incorrect electronic key and may trigger an alarm to the monitoring center depending on the preset limits for the number of invalid attempts allowed. It is understood that the electronic key is considered proprietary information that will only be provided to the necessary parties, based on their individual security clearance, e.g. Customs agents, inspectors, etc. Similarly, if someone breaks into a sealed lock box and the respective container, an alarm event is triggered and information concerning that event will be reported to the monitoring center. As such, the breached container can be readily identified and isolated for inspection. 
         [0011]    Upon activation, the monitoring device will consistently acquire its Global Positioning System (“GPS”) coordinates, time, date, etc. and other pertinent reporting information, including but not limited to, optional sensory information, e.g. time, date, temperatures, etc., and send a message, such as an SMS message, to the monitoring center identifying its location. The monitoring device further sets itself into geofencing mode, i.e. defining a virtual limitation on the sealed container&#39;s movements to a predetermined radius by tracking the sealed container movements using a GPS. If the sealed container is moved beyond the predetermined radius, the monitoring device sends a message to the monitoring center which verifies that the sealed container is still within the confines of the ship or other known locations at the POO, e.g. loading dock, storage, on the ship, etc. 
         [0012]    Once the ship leaves the POO and sets sail, the monitoring device enters into sleep mode for an estimated minimum sail time period. The estimated minimum sail time is the estimated minimum time required for the ship to travel from the POO to the Port of Disembarkation (“POD”). Sleep mode allows the monitoring device to operate in standby mode where it can continue to record information without actively using its power supply. Periodically, over the course of the voyage the monitoring device awakens, acquires its GPS coordinates, alarm events, distance traveled, movements, time, etc. and stores that information in memory, and returns to sleep. If an event occurs, a break-in or an unauthorized attempted entry to the lock box and sealed container, the monitoring device is automatically activated, gathers that information and reports the information at the earliest opportunity to the monitoring center. As the estimated minimum sail time ends, the monitoring device automatically awakens and resets itself for “approach mode” which is equated to the ship approaching domestic waters. The monitoring device will orient itself to determine and identify the closest United States seaport where the container will be subjected to inspection by a Customs Agent for entry into the United States. 
         [0013]    As soon as the monitoring device determines from its GPS coordinates that it is within a certain radius of a nearby monitoring center, the monitoring device will start downloading the stored data to the monitoring center for processing. In this manner, Customs is provided with the information for each and every monitored container prior to the ship docking within the port, facilitating early detection and implementation of remedial measures for suspicious containers. If no alarm events were registered for a particular container, the container can be readily cleared through Customs on a more expedient basis. However, if suspicious activities were reported for a particular container, depending on the reported information, Customs has an early opportunity to detect potential threats and if necessary divert the ship to a port where the disaster can be contained and/or minimized. 
         [0014]    A primary objective of the invention is to provide a system and method of monitoring shipping containers as they travel across international open seas. 
         [0015]    Another object of the invention is to provide monitoring service for shipping containers that overcomes the limitations of the prior art. 
         [0016]    Another object of the invention is to provide a monitoring device for detecting unauthorized access to a sealed container. 
         [0017]    Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a system and method of monitoring alarm events for a sealed container from the port of origin to the port of disembarkation as a shipping container travels through open seas. 
         [0018]    Another objective of the invention is to readily identify the identity of an importer/exporter for a container that is of interest. 
         [0019]    Yet another objective of the invention is to readily identify which container(s) take priority for inspection. 
         [0020]    Another objective of the invention is to provide a system and method of efficiently inspecting all shipping containers in an expedient manner. 
         [0021]    Yet another objective of the invention is to provide the opportunity to learn of compromised containers prior to the shipping containers arriving into a port. 
         [0022]    Another object of the invention is to obtain advance notice of any shipping containers that are not in conformity with the United Stets shipping protocol, prior to the ship reaching domestic ports. 
         [0023]    Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a system and method of inspecting each and every container that is being shipped. 
         [0024]    Another objective is to have a real time access to intelligence information concerning each and every container on a ship prior to the ship&#39;s approach into the port. 
         [0025]    For a further and more fully detailed understanding of the present invention, various objects and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    Further objectives and advantages of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar items throughout the Figures. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the network system of an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a sample flowchart of a method of reporting according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is sample flowchart of a method of reporting according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 2C  is a sample flowchart of a method of reporting according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart of a sample method of communications between the monitoring center and the monitoring device from the POO. 
           [0032]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a sample reporting method of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a sample reporting method of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0034]    The present invention is now described in more detail by reference to the exemplary drawings in detail wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the various views. This is for convenience only and is not intended to limit the application of the present invention. In fact, after reading the following description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the following invention in alternate embodiments. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of the network system of an embodiment of the invention. In accordance with the system and method for monitoring containers, each container is provided with an autonomous battery powered monitoring device  100 . The monitoring device  100  is further provided with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transponder  120  (not shown) with transmitting means  110  (not shown) for transmitting at least one signal to a monitoring center  140  notifying the monitoring center  140  of the container&#39;s geographical coordinates, and if necessary, optional sensory information. The GPS transponder  120  (not shown) also has receiving means  130  (not shown) for receiving at least one signal from a monitoring center  140 . Both the transmitting means  110  and the receiving means  130  may communicate with either a geosynchronous (GEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite in a network. The monitoring center  140  is able to monitor signals received by a communication system  150 , which is preferably a satellite system  190 , from each monitoring device  100 . 
         [0036]    Each monitoring device  100  has an electronic key  160  (not shown) which may comprise of a combination of alphanumeric characters which may be encoded to identify the customs agent who last inspected the container prior to sealing. Each monitoring device  100  is also provided with a unique identifier  170  (not shown), used to identify and register each importer/exporter with the monitoring center  140  at a remote location. As such, when the monitoring device  100  is relaying information to the monitoring center  140 , the importer/exporter&#39;s identity and contact information can be readily determined from their unique identifier  170  (not shown) for a targeted response. 
         [0037]    As seen in  FIG. 1 , the monitoring device  100  is housed in a lock box  180 , which is preferably located on the exterior of the container where it has an optimal chance of having a sky view, i.e. open access to a satellite system  190  during the voyage. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the lock box  180  is positioned midway on the container&#39;s doors. This is shown for purposes of example only and the lock box  180  may be positioned along any portion of the container&#39;s exterior. Additionally, it is preferred that the lock box  180  is formed from a rigid and waterproof material to prevent accidental and inadvertent activation of the monitoring device  100 , and to protect the monitoring device  100  from water penetration. The lock box  180  is preferably transparent with access provided for the activation buttons of the monitoring device  100  and the monitoring device&#39;s antennae  150 . When a container is packed and ready for shipping, the container is locked and sealed by placing the monitoring device  100  into the lock box  180  where it is connected to its battery power supply  18  and activated by entering its electronic key  160  (not shown). Upon activation, the monitoring device  100  will start transmitting and receiving messages to the monitoring center  140  via its transmitting  11  and receiving means  130  from the port of origin. 
         [0038]      FIG. 2A  is a flowchart of a sample method of reporting according to one embodiment of the invention. In Step  200  the monitoring device  100 , once activated, acquires its current GPS coordinates and other optional sensory information, e.g. time, date, temperature. The monitoring device  100  automatically sets itself into geofencing mode (Step  202 ) with limitations for a predetermined radius from the current coordinates of the sealed container. Monitoring device  100  then, in Step  204 , encrypts and transmits the information via wireless communications or short range protocol, e.g. SMS message  241  (not shown), to the communication system  150  via its transmitting means  110 . The communication system  150  receives the SMS message  241  (not shown) and re-transmits the SMS message  241  (not shown) to the monitoring center  140 . Said short range wireless protocol may include but is not limited to Blue Tooth, Zigbee, 802.11 series, or any other proprietary short range wireless protocol that is well known and used in the arts and other future short range wireless protocol suitable for transmitting data over a short distance. 
         [0039]    If it is determined, in step  206  that the container has been breached, e.g. an attempt is made to pry open the sealed container, both successful and unsuccessful attempts will be recorded by the monitoring device  100  and an alarm is triggered (step  208 ). Monitoring device  100  will then automatically acquire pertinent data for the alarm event (step  210 ), e.g. distance traveled, movements, duration of prolonged movements, etc. and transmit the alarm event information in step  212  to the monitoring center  140 . Monitoring center  140  then verifies that the sealed container is still within the confines of the ship or other known locations at the POO, e.g. loading dock, storage, on the ship. Alternatively, if the container has not been breached, the monitoring device  100  will continue to acquire and transmit data as shown in step  204  for the container and report the information to the monitoring center  140 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a flowchart of a sample method of reporting according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, steps  214 - 218  are similar to steps  200 - 204  in  FIG. 2A . If it is determined in step  220  that the container&#39;s geofencing conditions have been violated, an alarm is triggered (Step  222 ). The monitoring device  100  will then automatically acquire information for the alarm event (step  224 ) and transmit the alarm event information to the monitoring center  140  in step  226 . 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIG. 2C , a flowchart of a sample method of reporting according to a further embodiment of the invention is shown. Here, steps  228 - 232  are similar to steps  200 - 204  in  FIG. 2A . If monitoring device  100  in step  234  determines that an unusual situation exists i.e. an alarm condition, monitoring device  100  in step  236 , checks to see if the lock box  180  has been breached e.g. pried open. If a breach is detected, monitoring device  100  notes whether the lock box&#39;s  180  exterior has been compromised in Step  238 , as the lock box  180  may have been accidentally broken open by surrounding containers or other cargo thereby exposing the monitoring device  100  to the elements, in which case an alarm is triggered (step  242 ). 
         [0042]    If, however, the monitoring device  100  does not detect a breach of the lock box  180 , the monitoring device  100  in step  240  determines whether there has been an invalid attempt to enter the electronic key  160  in excess of the preset allocated maximum invalid entries allowed in which case an alarm is triggered (step  242 ). Monitoring device  100  then acquires the alarm event data in step  244  and transmits the alarm event data collected to the monitoring center  140  as shown in step  246 . If monitoring device  100  fails to detect an alarm condition or invalid attempts to unlock the electronic key  160 , monitoring device  100  continues to collect and transmit regular container information as shown in step  232 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 3  a flowchart of a sample method of communications according to another embodiment of the invention is shown. Communication between the monitoring center  140  and the monitoring device  100  from the POO is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Once the monitoring device  100  has been activated and establishes itself in the geofencing mode, the monitoring center  140  in step  300  receives the geofencing limitations from the monitoring device  100 , and verifies the geographical coordinates of the sealed container (Step  302 ) to confirm that the sealed container is still within the confines of known POO locations. If the sealed container is within known POO&#39;s locations, the monitoring center  140  in step  306  sets new geofencing limitations for the monitoring device  100  and its respective sealed container and transmits the reset geofencing limitations in step  310  to the monitoring device  100 , and will verify any subsequent violations of the reset geo-fencing limitations by returning to Step  302 . 
         [0044]    If it is determined in step  304  that the sealed container has been moved beyond the POO, and/or violates the geofencing conditions, an alarm will be triggered as shown in Step  308  at the monitoring center  140  wherein the monitoring personnel may confirm with the appropriate parties in step  312  that the sealed container&#39;s relocation outside of the confines of the known POO locations was authorized. The appropriate parties may include but is not limited to, the importer/exporter, law enforcement, the shipping brokers, Customs, etc. If the sealed container&#39;s relocation was authorized, the monitoring activity may be suspended as shown in step  314  or adjusted to monitor the sealed container on land. However, if the sealed container&#39;s relocation was not authorized the monitoring center can readily alert the appropriate authorities in step  316  with respect to the container&#39;s movement. Accordingly, if the sealed container is stolen or diverted from the POO for nefarious purposes prior to being shipped, there is a system and method for early notification to, and intervention by the appropriate parties in the event of an alarm. 
         [0045]    The monitoring center  140  will attempt to stay in communication with the monitoring device  100  while the ship remains in port at the POO and will verify in step  318  that the ship has not yet sailed. Once the ship leaves the POO, the monitoring center  140  registers the event as departure and transmits an encrypted SMS instruction to the monitoring devices  10  to enter into sleep mode (Step  320 ) for the estimated minimum sail time. While in sleep mode any significant or prolonged motion, e.g. longer than 30 seconds, is detected and activates the monitoring device  100  which records the event. If the motion continues for a significant or prolonged period of time, the monitoring device  100  may send an alarm to the monitoring center  140  for a response and inquiry. 
         [0046]    During the voyage, the monitoring device  100  periodically activates and acquires its GPS coordinates, distance traveled, time and other data which it records into its internal memory before reverting to its sleep mode. As the estimated minimum sailing time expires, the container is presumed to be approaching the POD within domestic borders. As such, the monitoring device  100  awakens and automatically resets itself to approach mode. In the approach mode, the intervals between sleep and awake are shortened, as the monitoring device  100  verifies the availability of satellite network coverage, keeps acquiring its GPS coordinates, determines and identifies the closest domestic seaport. 
         [0047]      FIG. 4  illustrates a plurality of monitoring devices  10  in communication in a mesh network configuration. Understandably, not all containers and their respective monitoring devices  10  will have a sky view facilitating ready transmission of data between the monitoring device  100  and the monitoring center  140 . As such, certain monitoring devices  10  may need to transfer its information to one or more neighboring monitoring devices  10 ,  10 ′ to relay its information to and from the monitoring center  140 . The monitoring device  100  uses its short range protocol  50  or wireless local area network (WLAN) to communicate with the satellite system  190 . Said short range protocol  50  or wireless local area network (WLAN) may include but is not limited to, Bluetooth, Zigbee, 802.11 series or other proprietary wireless protocol capable of transmitting data over a short range. 
         [0048]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , a first monitoring device  100  via its transmission means  11  may randomly poll one or more neighboring monitoring devices  10 ′,  10 ″ receiving means  130  in a manner similar to mesh network, for information concerning their access to a satellite network system. It is understood that this mesh network may be formed dynamically on an as-needed basis as the monitoring device  100  systematically polls other neighboring monitoring devices  100 ,  100 ′ until a monitoring device  100  with direct access to a satellite  190  network system is located. Once located, the monitoring device  100  will determine a relay path of transmission for the most direct route to satellite  190  network system, and thereby transmit data via transmission means  11  from the first monitoring device  100  to at least one alternate receiving means  130  in another monitoring device  100 . The data for the first monitoring device  100  will be transferred along the transmission path determined to at least one other monitoring device&#39;s  100  transmission means  100  to the monitoring center  140 . Accordingly, recorded information can be transmitted and stored with a neighboring monitoring device  100  for later reporting as needed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a sample reporting method of an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As the ship approaches the first domestic port, which may or may not be the POD, as soon as satellite access is established, the monitoring device  100  automatically starts transmitting the stored information via its transmitting means  110  to the monitoring center  140  in real time prior to the ship reaching the port. The monitoring center  140  as part of its monitoring services provides report generating means for all activities for each container provided with a monitoring device  100 . The monitoring center  140  can therefore generate reports in readable format for US Customs to readily identify containers of interests, and/or confirm that a sealed container is ready to be cleared once the ship arrives. As such, if there is a container of interest, the monitoring center  140  notifies the appropriate responders, e.g. Homeland Security and/or Customs, prior to a container of interest reaching the port, facilitating early intervention or even diversion from the original domestic port if necessary. 
         [0050]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. 
         [0051]    While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the system and method describe above and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0052]    Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention