Abstract:
A method and system for monitoring cargo conditions, includes at least one environmental sensor ( 50 ) to monitor at least one environmental parameter associated with the cargo ( 30 ), a controller ( 60 ) to log a plurality of readings from each of the at least one environmental sensors ( 50 ), and a sensor interface ( 51 ) to facilitate communication between the at least one environmental sensor ( 50 ) and the controller ( 60 ).

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The subject matter disclosed herein relates to facilitating sensor communication, and to a system and a method for facilitating sensor communication via a sensor interface. 
       DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
       [0002]    Typically, climate controlled containers are used to transport and distribute temperature sensitive and perishable goods. For example, food and pharmaceuticals may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors. Advantageously, climate controlled containers allow perishable and environmentally sensitive goods to be effectively transported and distributed without damage or other undesirable effects. 
         [0003]    Environmental parameter sensors are often used in climate controlled containers to monitor the conditions and integrity of the cargo transported. Additionally, certain organizations, such as the USDA, require certain environmental parameters such as temperature, to be monitored during transportation. Current environmental parameter sensor interfaces often require long cables to be connected to a central controller for recording data, often requiring significant routing and setup time, while leaving the cables and sensors susceptible to damage and costly replacements. A system and method that can provide a sensor interface without the previous disadvantages is desired. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0004]    According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for monitoring cargo conditions, includes at least one environmental sensor to monitor at least one environmental parameter associated with the cargo, a controller to log a plurality of readings from each of the at least one environmental sensors, and a sensor interface to facilitate communication between the at least one environmental sensor and the controller. 
         [0005]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is associated with a shipping container. 
         [0006]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one environmental parameter includes at least one of a temperature, a humidity, an ethylene level, and a carbon dioxide level. 
         [0007]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is a wired sensor interface. 
         [0008]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface includes an embedded interface portion associated with the shipping container and a temporary interface portion associated with the at least one environmental sensor. 
         [0009]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface includes at least one plug termination associated with the embedded interface portion and the temporary interface portion. 
         [0010]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one plug termination is disposed on or in a floor or a ceiling of the shipping container. 
         [0011]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the at least one plug termination is disposed on or in a wall of the shipping container. 
         [0012]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is a wireless sensor interface and the at least one environmental sensors are wireless environmental sensors. 
         [0013]    According to an embodiment of the invention, a method for monitoring cargo conditions, includes providing at least one environmental sensor, monitoring at least one environmental parameter via the at least one environmental sensor, logging a plurality of readings from each of the at least one environmental sensors via a controller, communicating between the at least one environmental sensor and the controller via a sensor interface. 
         [0014]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is associated with a shipping container. 
         [0015]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is a wired sensor interface. 
         [0016]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface includes an embedded interface portion associated with the shipping container, a temporary interface portion associated with the at least one environmental sensor, and at least one plug termination associated with the embedded interface portion and the temporary interface portion, the at least one plug termination is disposed on or in a floor or a ceiling of the shipping container. 
         [0017]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface includes an embedded interface portion associated with the shipping container, a temporary interface portion associated with the at least one environmental sensor, and at least one plug termination associated with the embedded interface portion and the temporary interface portion, the at least one plug termination is disposed on or in a wall of the shipping container. 
         [0018]    In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the sensor interface is a wireless sensor interface and the at least one environmental sensors are wireless environmental sensors. 
         [0019]    Technical function of the embodiments described above includes a sensor interface to facilitate communication between the at least one environmental sensor and the controller. 
         [0020]    Other aspects, features, and techniques of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary sensor interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary sensor interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary sensor interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates a schematic view of another exemplary sensor interface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary climate controlled container suitable for use with a sensor interface. In an exemplary embodiment, cargo transportation system  10  includes a shipping container  20  containing cargo  30 , with sensors  50  associated with the cargo  30 , with sensor  50  data received by controller  60  via sensor interface  51 . 
         [0027]    In an exemplary embodiment, shipping container  20  is a climate controlled container that allows for transportation of cargo  30  by ship, rail, truck or any other suitable method of transportation. The shipping container  20  includes a floor  22  and walls  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, floor  22  is a T-bar floor to facilitate the movement and securing of cargo  30 . In certain embodiments, shipping container  20  includes conduit  26  to allow portions of sensor interface  51  to be disposed therein. Conduit  26  may be disposed within the cavities formed within T-bar floor  22 . In certain embodiments, sensor interface  51  can be integrated with shipping container  20  during construction, while in other embodiments sensor interface  51  can be installed after construction. Sensor interface  51  can additionally be utilized in any other suitable application. 
         [0028]    In an exemplary embodiment, shipping container  20  is associated with an air conditioner  40 . Air conditioner  40  can provide climate control functions, such as regulating temperature, regulating humidity, etc. In certain embodiments, air conditioner evaporator  42  is located within the volume of shipping container  20 . 
         [0029]    In an exemplary embodiment, shipping container  20  can contain and transport cargo  30 . Cargo  30  can include boxes, pallets, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, cargo  30  can include perishable cargo such as fruits, vegetables, drugs, blood, etc. Further, regulatory organizations, such as the USDA may require that certain cargo  30  is monitored for certain parameters, including, but not limited to temperature, humidity, gas levels, etc. to ensure compliance with prescribed guidelines. 
         [0030]    In an exemplary embodiment, environmental sensors  50  are associated with cargo  30  to monitor desired parameters. Environmental parameters may include position data, humidity, time, temperature, shock, vibration, ambient light, and gas emissions (such as carbon dioxide and ethylene). Advantageously, environmental sensors  50  may be selected for certain applications depending on the cargo  30  to be monitored and the corresponding environmental sensitivities. 
         [0031]    In an exemplary embodiment, readings from environmental sensors  50  are received by controller  60 . In an exemplary embodiment, readings from environmental sensors  50  are received and processed by the controller  60 . In an exemplary embodiment, readings from environmental sensors  50  are received and logged in memory during a desired monitoring period. In certain embodiments, the readings are further augmented with time, position stamps or other relevant information. In certain embodiments, controller  60  allows for further suitable analysis of readings from environmental sensors  50  to be performed. 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment, sensor interface  51  facilitates communication between environmental sensor  50  and controller  60 . Advantageously, the use of sensor interface  51  reduces cable length associated with environmental sensors  50  exposed within container  20 , reducing damage to cables, environmental sensors  50 , and setup time. In an exemplary embodiment, sensor interface  51  includes a temporary interface portion  52 , a plug termination  54 , and an embedded interface portion  56 . 
         [0033]    In an exemplary embodiment, temporary interface portion  52  of sensor interface  51  is an exposed cable associated with an environmental sensor  50  at one end. In certain embodiments, the length of temporary interface portion  52  is minimized to prevent damage, minimize costs, and reduce setup time. At an opposite end, temporary interface portion  52  may be configured to associate with plug termination  54 . In an exemplary embodiment, plug termination  54  allows for temporary interface portion  52  to connect with an embedded interface portion  56  of the sensor interface  51 . In certain embodiments, temporary interface portion  52  is a retractable cable or interface to allow the temporary interface portion  52  to be extended to a desired length as required and retracted when the temporary interface portion  52  is not in use. 
         [0034]    Plug termination  54  allows for a releasable connection with temporary interface portion  52 . In an exemplary embodiment, plug terminations  54  are disposed in or on the floor  24  of shipping container  20 . In certain embodiments, the plug terminations  54  are disposed at specific distances to facilitate ease of installation of temporary interface portion  52  and the associated environmental sensor  50 , while reducing exposure to damage. Advantageously, the locations of plug terminations  54  may reduce the exposed length of temporary interface portion  52 . 
         [0035]    In an exemplary embodiment, embedded interface portion  56  is associated with the plug terminations  54 . In certain embodiments, embedded interface portions  56  are disposed within the structure of the shipping container  20 . In certain embodiments, the embedded interface portion  56  is disposed within or underneath the floor  22  of the shipping container  20 . In certain embodiments, the embedded interface portion  56  is disposed within conduit  26 . Advantageously, the embedded interface portion  56  is not exposed to damage, and is easily accessed via plug terminations  54 , facilitating reuse of the embedded interface portion  56 . 
         [0036]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , in an alternative embodiment, the plug terminations  54  and the embedded interface portions  56  can be disposed in or on a wall  24  of shipping container  20 . In such an embodiment, temporary interface portions  52  can be associated with the plug terminations  54  located on walls  24 . 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in an alternative embodiment, the plug terminations  54  and the embedded interface portions  56  can be disposed in or on a ceiling  25  of shipping container  20 . In such an embodiment, temporary interface portions  52  can be associated with the plug terminations  54  located on the ceiling  25 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , in an alternative embodiment, sensor interface  51  is a wireless sensor interface including wireless environmental sensors  50  and a wireless transceiver  62 . In an exemplary embodiment, wireless environmental sensors  51  wirelessly communicate with the wireless transceiver  62  via any suitable wireless transmission method including, but not limited to radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, etc. Wireless transceiver  62  may be associated with controller  60  to communicate data to controller  60 . In certain embodiments, wireless transceiver  62  is disposed adjacent to the evaporator  42  of air conditioning system  40  to be within the volume of shipping container  20 . In other embodiments, wireless transceiver  62  is disposed within the volume of the shipping container  20 , while in other embodiments, the wireless transceiver  62  is disposed in any suitable location. Advantageously, a wireless sensor interface  51  reduces setup time while reducing exposure of cables associated with environmental sensors  50  from damage. 
         [0039]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. While the description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangement not hereto described will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Additionally, while the various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.