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

[0086]In still yet another aspect of the invention, a shipping container equipped to facilitate internal and external wireless communications includes: a wall structure for receiving and containing items to be shipped; and a wireless keyhole communication device that includes a first housing component and a second housing component. The first housing component is disposed substantially exterior to the walls of the shipping container, and the second housing component is disposed substantially interior to the walls of the shipping container. The first and second housing components together form an integrated housing structure that extends through an opening in the wall structure of the shipping container. Furthermore, the keyhole communication device includes an antenna disposed within the first housing component and electronic circuitry connected to the antenna that is adapted to facilitate signal transmission via the antenna. Moreover, the opening in the wall of the shipping container includes a diameter of between one-quarter and one full wavelength, inclusive, of the electromagnetic waves used to wirelessly communicate via the antenna, whereby internal and external wireless communications via the antenna are thereby facilitated.

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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