Patent Publication Number: US-2004056767-A1

Title: Container security system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention relates to security devices for storage containers, and more particularly, to a sensor device for indicating the status of a storage container between secured state and a breached state by monitoring environmental conditions within the storage container for changes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Storage containers of the type used in the trucking and shipping industries have had serious problems with unauthorized access, to which significant attention has recently been paid. Much of this attention, however, has focused on preventing access to the storage containers by providing better and stronger locking means. Given the extensive amount of time that the storage containers may be in transit on ships, trucks and sitting in customs areas, the majority of these locks simply provide a false sense of security as they can be easily defeated given the extended time an individual would have in order to overcome the lock.  
       [0003] Additionally, oftentimes the breach to the storage container may go unnoticed and there is no way to determine that the breach occurred without inspecting the inside of the container. Furthermore, with the increase in terrorist and criminal activity, it is necessary to be able to detect certain types of radiological weapons that may attempt to be transported illegally through storage containers.  
       [0004] Thus, there is a need for a device which can monitor the environment inside, and immediately surrounding the storage container to determine that a breach has occurred, the type and date of breach, notify authorities that a breach has occurred. Also there is a need to determine if potentially dangerous or hazardous cargo is being transported.  
       [0005] Accordingly, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sensor device capable of sensing a breach of a storage container and recording information as to the type of breach, the time and date when the breach occurred and transmitting the breach data to authorities.  
       [0006] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensor device capable of sensing environmental changes within a storage container, such as changes in light, heat, motion, pressure, and radiation to determine a potential unauthorized access of the storage container.  
       [0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensor device capable of transmitting information about a specific storage container to a global positioning system to notify authorities of a possible breach of the storage container.  
       [0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a sensor deice incorporating visual indicators carried on the exterior of the storage container for displaying the current security status, breached or secure, of the storage container.  
       [0009] Finally, it is an object of the current invention to provide a sensor device capable of receiving and transmitting data as to the contents, origin and destination of a storage container.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010] The above objectives are accomplished according to the present invention by providing a sensor device capable of detecting a breach of the storage container and recording information as to the type, time and date of breach. The sensor device includes various sensors capable of detecting environmental changes in light, heat, motion, temperature, pressure, and radiation. Preferably, the sensor device is capable of transmitting information to a global positioning system to notify authorities of a breach. In order to indicate a breach of the container to an inspector, the sensor device incorporates visual indicators displaying the current status of the storage container. In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensor device is capable of receiving and transmitting data as to the contents of the storage container, as well, as the type, time and date of a breach to the storage container. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0011] The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:  
     [0012]FIG. 1 shows a set of storage containers including a sensor device capable of sending and receiving information according to the invention;  
     [0013]FIG. 1 a  shows an exploded exterior view of the sensor according to the invention;  
     [0014]FIG. 2 is a side view of the sensor device according to the invention;  
     [0015]FIG. 3 is a front view of the sensor device according to the invention;  
     [0016]FIG. 4 is a rear view of the sensor device according to the invention;  
     [0017]FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation as to the interaction between the environment in the storage container, the detection of changing conditions by the sensor device, and the visual indicators of the sensor device representing the status of the container according to the invention;  
     [0018]FIG. 6 is a schematic of the sensor device according to the invention;  
     [0019]FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the various conditions that control the visual indicators of the sensor device according to the invention;  
     [0020]FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the interaction between the sensor device and a wireless device for transmitting data according to the invention; and  
     [0021]FIG. 9 shows a flow chart of the software used by the wireless device to interact with the sensor device according to the invention.  
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0022] Referring now to the drawings, the invention will now be described in more detail. As is illustrated by FIG. 1, a plurality of storage containers  10  are shown in stacked alignment. Each of the storage containers includes a sensor device, designated generally as  42 , for monitoring changes to the environment inside the storage container. The sensor device indicates the status of the storage container as being in a secured state or a breached state based on changes, or lack thereof, in the environmental conditions inside the storage container. When the storage container is closed and the sensor activated, it is presumably in a secured state with the environmental conditions remaining within a specific range accepted by the sensor device. When a change in the environmental conditions within the storage container occurs, any changes such as a change in light, heat, motion, pressure, or radiation, beyond the specified accepted range is registered by the sensor which then indicates a breached state, preferably using a visual indicator. As is discussed in further detail below, sensor  42  also includes the ability to store electronic information about the contents within the storage container and information as to a breach of the storage container.  
     [0023] In the shown arrangement, sensor  42  is mounted in the upper right hand corner of container door  44 . In this location it is easily visible to an inspector  43  who can request status and manifest information through wireless device  46  from sensor  42 . Preferably, as is depicted in FIG. 1 a , sensor  42  includes a visual indicator  48  which immediately indicates to an inspector the current status (secured or breached) of the storage container. In this manner, inspector  43  may simply glance at a stack of storage containers and determine from the visual indictors of the sensor if there has been a breach to any one of the storage containers.  
     [0024] Referring to FIG. 2, the sensor includes a housing  50  which is mounted in container door  44  (FIG. 1). A first end of housing  50  forms an external indicator portion  56  which is carried on the exterior side of the storage container and includes the visual indicator  48 . The exterior of housing  50  includes threads  64  which receive complementary threads from a locking collar  58 . Collar  58  secures housing  50  to container door  44  by tightening collar  58  against the interior side of door  44  which pulls flange  57  of external indictor portion  56  tight against the exterior side of container door  44 . Once the collar has been sufficiently tightened, set screw  60  is secured against housing  50  to prevent lock collar  58  from backing off in order to maintain the tight fit with container door  44 . In this fashion, sensor  42  cannot be removed from the storage container without first gaining entry to the container itself and loosening collar  58 . Housing  50  includes various computer hardware and software components, as well as a power supply for operating the sensor device, which are described in detail below.  
     [0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, sensor  42  includes a sensor cap  52  carried at a second end of housing  50  opposite external indicator portion  56 , secured in place on the end of the housing by threads  64 . Sensor cap  52  includes various sensors commonly known to a person skilled in the art for monitoring the environment inside an enclosed area, and in the case of a radiation sensor, even monitoring the area immediately surrounding the area for radiation. In the preferred embodiment, sensor cap  52  contains a sensor for detecting a change in any user defined variable or a change in conditions outside a specific predetermined range. For example a sensor for changes in light, heat, motion, radiation, pressure, or sound, where the change could be any deviation from a norm, or a change that falls outside a given range, such as a temperature range. The above examples are provided for illustrative purposes of the preferred embodiment and are not exclusive. Any sensor used to monitor a change in environmental conditions may be used and is considered within the spirit and scope of this invention.  
     [0026] As depicted in FIG. 2, sensor cap  52  includes a sensor dome  54  into which any of the aforementioned sensors extend and receive various environmental information from the storage container. The extended sensor dome  54  allows the sensor to receive the maximum sensory information from the container environment. Preferably, the sensor dome is made from a durable plastic material that allows the sensors to remain protected, while still allowing for limited interference in detecting environmental changes within the container.  
     [0027] Additionally, it is advantageous to provide the sensor with an external global positioning system (GPS) port  62  as shown in FIG. 2. This allows the sensor to monitor the current location of the storage container and transmit current status information, or in the event of a breach, to notify authorities of a breach. It is to be understood that the storage container must be equipped with the proper GPS transmitting equipment, well known in the art, to take advantage of the GPS port contained within the sensor device.  
     [0028] Referring to the external portion  56  of the sensor, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of visual indicators are provided. In the preferred embodiment a single green light  68  is provided which flashes to indicate a secured state. In the event of a breach detected by the sensor device, blue indicator light  66  will flash to notify the inspector that the container was breached or a condition otherwise occurred to cause the sensor to indicate a change in condition. Additionally, external portion  56  includes an infrared port  18  which transmits and receives information from a wireless device  46 , as shown in FIG. 1 and as discussed below.  
     [0029] Referring to FIG. 5, once the storage container is loaded and the sensor activated, the environment, designated generally as  150 , inside the container will be monitored for changes in heat, motion, radiation, light and pressure. If for example, the sensor were to detect a sudden change in light as a result of someone opening a door to the storage container or drilling a hole in the side of the container, the sensor would register that change and send a signal to the indicator light  66  which would begin to flash blue. The visual indicator would continue to flash blue until an inspector examined the container and determined that the sensor could be reset. The inspector transmits a security code verifying the authority to reset the sensor and activate green flashing light  68 .  
     [0030] Referring now to FIG. 6, a schematic of the invention is shown. Central processing unit (CPU)  10  is in communication with a compute readable medium  12 . A set of computer readable instructions is embodied within computer readable medium  12  which functions to provide a norm against which the sensed information is compared to and provides the functionality for this invention. Sensors  14  are in communication with said computer readable medium either directly or through processor  10 . Preferably, sensors include light sensor  14   a , heat sensor  14   b , motion sensor  14   c , radiation sensor  14   d , and pressure sensor  14   e  in any combination thereof or individually carried by sensor cap  52 , or within housing  50  of the sensor  42 . These sensors are able to monitor the respective environment conditions within the container and indicate whether light, heat, motion, radiation, or pressure has changed since the sensor was activated.  
     [0031] These sensors supply a signal to CPU  10  that can be used to and communicated to the computer readable medium  12 . Visual indicators  48  are in communication with either CPU  10 , computer readable medium  12 , or both and provide external indications when actuated. Preferably, the indicators are flashing lights, but may include sound and/or motion creating devices to indicate the current status of the storage container. For example, an indicator can show the color green for a normal condition with the color blue, red, or other color indicating a different condition than normal. In an example, when sensor  14   e  detects changes in radioactive radiation emissions, CPU  10 , with the assistance of computer readable instructions  12 , activates visual indicator  48  to provide for blue flashing light  66  indicating a change from the normal, in this case, the present of a certain radiation level.  
     [0032] Infrared port  18  is in communications with CPU  10  and computer readable medium  12  for transmitting and receiving information to and from the computer readable medium. Additionally, other input-output ports  20  can be in communication with CPU  10  and/or computer readable medium  12  such as RS232, serial parallel, radio, or other means of communicating electronic signals. In the preferred embodiment, a GPS system  22  can be in communications with CPU  10  and/or computer readable medium  12 . Therefore, computer readable instructions embodied in the computer readable medium can receive a position signal from GPS  22  and store the location of the container at a particular interval. Power supply  24  can be in communication with CPU  10 , computer readable medium  12 , GS  22 , port  20 , IR port  18 , indicator  48 , and sensors  14  so as to supply them with power. Computer readable medium  12  can also contain manifest or bill of lading information  26  which can represent the contents of a container. Images  26  can also be included in computer readable medium  12  so as to store images of the contents of the container. Computer readable instructions  30  provide the functionality and embodiment in computer readable medium  12 . Computer readable instructions  30  can record events detected by the sensor, such as the existence or changes in light, heat, motion, radiation or pressure and associate a date, time and location through GPS  22 . The computer readable instructions can also record attributes of each sensor such as, for example, the strength, location, the time and date that radiation is detected.  
     [0033] Input device  32  can be in communication with CPU  10  and computer readable medium  12  for inputting and outputting information to and from the compute readable medium. Input device  32  can be a PDA such as a palm pilot, laptop or other device, as illustrated by wireless device  46  in FIG. 1, able to transmit signals to and from the CPU  10  and/or compute readable medium  12  through IR port  18  or other input/output port  20 . Computer readable instructions embodied in the computer readable medium are able to detect a sensor signal from sensors  14  representing a change or presence of light, heat, motion, radiation or pressure. Upon the sensor detecting such a change, the sensors transmit the information to CPU  10 , which in turn activates indicator  48  according to the sensor signal.  
     [0034] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart is shown depicting the various changes in conditions that will switch visual indicator  48  from a green flashing light to a blue flashing light to signal a breach of the storage container. At position  70  the sensor device is activated and causes the green indicator light to flash indicating a secured condition, as depicted in step  72 . The sensor device will continue to signal a green flashing indicator until a change in condition will switch the visual indicator to flashing blue lights. As depicted in step  74 , a change in light would lead to flashing blue indicators representative of a breach of the storage container as depicted in step  76 . Once a breach occurs, the date, time and type of breach is stored in the sensor device. Additionally, if the sensor device is connected to a GPS system, it would send a signal notifying authorities of the date, time and type of breach and location of the container. The sensor device will then continue to monitor for additional changes in condition, such as a change in radiation levels at step  82 , a change in air pressure at step  84 , or a change in temperature and motion at step  86 . In each of steps  74 ,  82 ,  84  and  86  a change in condition will lead to a flashing blue visual indicator representative of a breached status for the storage container requiring the attention of an inspector or other authority personnel. As is clearly depicted by FIG. 7, if no breach occurs the indicator will continue to flash green.  
     [0035] In the preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, inspector  43  uses an input device  32 , such as wireless handheld device  46 , to interact with sensor device  42 . Referring to FIG. 8, a flow chart is illustrated showing the interaction between the wireless device  46  and sensor device  42 . Once the sensor device is activated in step  90 , the wireless device may transmit data to the sensor device in step  92 . The sensor device will then receive that data as depicted by step  94  and store the data at step  96 . As discussed above, this data may include the manifest or various other information about the container. Upon arrival of the storage container, inspector  43  may use wireless device  46  to request the data stored on the sensor device from its origination point, as depicted by step  98 . The sensor device then retrieves the stored data including any information relating to a breach of the storage container, as depicted by step  100 , and transmits the data to the wireless device through infrared or other wireless communication technology as depicted at step  102 . Alternatively, the information can be transmitted through other input/output port  20 . If the container was breached, the wireless device may then send a reset code to the sensor device, as depicted in step  104 , which will reset the flashing blue indicator lights to the standard green light to indicate a secure condition as represented in step  106 . Upon resetting the sensor device through steps  104  and  106 , the sensor device&#39;s memory may at this point be cleared and ready to receive new or additional information, as represented by step  108 .  
     [0036] Referring to FIG. 9, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the wireless handheld device  46  used by inspector  43  provides various options for sending and receiving information from sensor device  42 . As depicted in step  110 , the software for the wireless device is activated to interact with the sensor device. The software program includes a main menu  112  that allows the user to select from a variety of options. In the preferred embodiment, at step  114 , the user may select to send text to the wireless device. In this instance, the wireless device will retrieve the stored text from memory at step  116  and transmit the stored text to the sensor device at step  118 . At step  120  the user may select to send handwritten information designated by the term signature at step  120 . In this case the user will input the information into the wireless device by either typing or writing through a user interface at step  122  and the software at step  124  will then transmit the information from the wireless device to the sensor device. Preferably, the user will have the ability to send image files depicting the contents of the storage container. Using this option, at step  128 , the user will select an image file from information store don the wireless device at step  130 . The user may also wish to retrieve information stored on the sensor device by selecting the option to read the sensor device at step  132 . The wireless device will then transmit a signal to retrieve information stored on the sensor device at step  134  and store the information carried on the sensor device onto the wireless device at step  136 . At step  138 , the user may select to view the information on the wireless device which will retrieve the information stored on the device at step  140  and display information about the container, the battery voltage, time, logs, text, signature information, and image files, and any breach information, as depicted by step  142 .  
     [0037] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.