System for identifying transported goods

Abstract

A system for automatically identifying goods to be transported within a container having an environmental control unit. The system includes a sensor for sensing a code previously assigned to the goods. A processor uses the sensed code to select values of control parameters previously associated with the goods. The selected values are used by the environmental control unit to control the environment within the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the identification of goods to be transported from one location to another location within a controlled environment. In particular, this invention relates to method and apparatus for identifying the goods to be transported so as to thereby establish parameters for controlling the environment. [0002] Container units are used to transport goods by plane, rail, ship, or truck. Such container units may include an environmental control unit that controls the environment of the goods in transit. These control units are typically programmed in advance so as to be able to at least establish an appropriate temperature within the container unit. Depending on the level of sophistication of these control units, they may also be able to control humidity, percent carbon dioxide, and other environmental parameters. [0003] It is to be appreciated that different goods will require different environmental parameters. These environmental par...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] The present invention provides a system for automatically identifying goods to be transported within a container having an environmental control unit. The system includes a sensor for sensing a code associated with the goods. The code is preferably a bar code for the goods. The code may be affixed to a box or other containment means for the goods. The code may alternatively appear apart from the containment means such as on the documentation associated with the goods. In any event, the code is scanned by the sensor. A processor associated with the sensor uses the, sc

Problems solved by technology

Both the manual and automatic data entry methods are prone to error.

In this regard, a person performing the data entry operation may inadvertently enter the wrong value for the control parameter or the wrong type of goods.

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