Wireless data communications network system for tracking containers

Abstract

A system for visually capturing and monitoring the contents and events surrounding a cargo container is provided. The system includes a camera such as a digital camera or still camera.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 473,264 filed May 27, 2009, which '264 application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0290512 A1, and which '264 application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 140,253 filed Jun. 16, 2008, which '253 Application published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0303897 A1, and which '253 Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, and is a continuation-in-part of:[0002](I) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 610,427 filed Dec. 13, 2006, and which '427 Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 161,545 filed Aug. 8, 2005, and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,221,668, which '545 Application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) and §12...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about a shipping container that allows wireless communication between devices inside and outside of the container. The container includes a wall structure and a communication device with two housing components that form an integrated housing structure that extends through an opening in the wall. The communication device includes a first antenna and first electronic circuitry that are disposed outside of the container, and a second antenna and second electronic circuitry that are disposed inside the container. The first and second antennas are connected to the first and second electronic circuitry, respectively, and the integrated housing structure allows for seamless communication with external networks and wireless communication devices within the container. The shipping container also includes sensors and a GPS receiver for acquiring data and navigating to destination. The invention provides a solution for enabling wireless communication in shipping containers and facilitating asset tracking and management.

Problems solved by technology

Indeed, container tracking and sensor monitoring have taken on added importance with the realization that a container shipped into the US could cause severe damage if a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) were to be smuggled therein.

Unfortunately, all of these programs suffer from a lack of granularity in the level of tracking and monitoring provided.

More specifically, none of the contemplated security and information systems are being designed to track or monitor a unit any smaller than today's ISO container.

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