Method of operating a monitoring system for a transport container

Abstract

A monitoring system for a transport container (1) for cargo transport having a shutter (2) for opening and closing the transport container (1) has a sensor unit (3) for detecting a shutter state, the shutter state comprising at least an open state of the shutter (2) and a closed state of the shutter (2); a position determination module (4) for detecting the orientation of the transport container (1); a communication module (5) for wirelessly transmitting data comprising the gate state and orientation of the transport container (1) to a central control unit (6), the central control unit (6) being designed to receive the data from the communication module (5) and to send a warning message to an external recipient (7) depending on the gate state and orientation of the transport container (1). In this manner, a system is provided, by means of which the gate (2) of the transport container (1) can be monitored during transport (T) and an illegal opening (9) can be detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an operating method of a monitoring system for a transport container used for cargo transportation, the transport container having a gate for opening and closing the transport container, the system comprising: a sensor unit for detecting the gate status, wherein the gate status includes at least an open state and a closed state; a position determination module for detecting the orientation of the transport container; and a communication module for wirelessly transmitting data including the gate status and orientation of the transport container to a central control unit. Background Technology

[0002] In transportation systems, freight transport refers to the international transport of goods via road, rail, waterway, and air routes. Typically, goods are transported in large transport containers (such as shipping containers). A widely used method is to use containers as exchange carriers on semi-trailers. Exchange carriers (WABs, Wechselaufbaubrücke) are transshipment-ready load-bearing structures under which a transport vehicle drives or is lifted by a crane; these load-bearing structures can also be detached from the transport vehicle. Today, exchange containers are the most commonly used transport technology in combined transport systems in continental Europe.

[0003] Theft or damage to goods frequently occurs during transport. This can be caused by the driver themselves or a third party, such as during designated rest periods at rest stops or service areas. Lost or damaged goods represent significant losses and are often untraceable. However, both theft and damage are accompanied by the same prerequisite: unauthorized opening of the transport container.

[0004] Ideally, transport containers are loaded and sealed in accordance with regulations at the origin and only reopened and unloaded at the destination. Therefore, it is necessary to identify unauthorized opening of transport containers in order to track potential theft or damage to goods. This function also serves as a deterrent to prevent theft or damage.

[0005] The existing devices or methods are currently unable to identify unauthorized opening of transport containers during transport. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a system and a method that can monitor the gates of transport containers during transportation and identify unauthorized openings.

[0007] This objective is achieved through a monitoring system for transport containers used in cargo transportation. Preferred improvements will be provided through the technical solution according to the present invention.

[0008] Therefore, according to the present invention, a monitoring system for a transport container for transporting goods, the transport container having a gate for opening and closing the transport container, the system having:

[0009] A sensor unit for detecting the gate status, wherein the gate status includes at least the gate's open state and the gate's closed state;

[0010] A location determination module is used to detect the orientation of the transport container;

[0011] A communication module is used to wirelessly transmit data, including the gate status and orientation of the transport container, to a central control unit. The central control unit is designed to receive data from the communication module and send warning messages to external receivers based on the gate status and orientation of the transport container.

[0012] Here, "transport container" should be understood as any transport container suitable for the transport of goods. This includes, in particular, shipping containers, large-capacity containers, exchange containers, and / or exchange boxes. A transport container has gates that allow access to it. In particular, a gate should be understood as a revolving door, roller shutter, door, or canopy that can be opened at a predetermined location.

[0013] In particular, the "positioning module" should be understood as a GNSS module. "GNSS" is an abbreviation for "global navigation satellite system," and refers to a global navigation satellite system that determines position and navigates on land and in the air by receiving signals from navigation satellites and pseudo-satellites. GNSS is a general term for the use of existing and future global satellite systems, such as NAVSTAR GPS (Global Positioning System) of the United States, GLONASS of the Russian Federation, GALILEO of the European Union, or BEIDOU of the People's Republic of China, as well as various supplementary systems in Europe, the United States, Japan, and India. The central control unit is the connection unit between the positioning module or communication module and the external receiver.

[0014] Therefore, the key point of this invention is that the system can not only identify the opening of the gate, but also detect and assess the gate status in conjunction with the orientation of the transport container. Subsequently, based on these two basic pieces of information (i.e., gate status and orientation), further actions can be performed, such as specifically notifying the external recipient that the transport container has been illegally opened and where it was illegally opened.

[0015] In particular, information about the gate's status is transmitted to the surrounding environment via cyclic broadcast data. The communication module receives data at regular intervals and sends it to the central control unit, which can read the relevant information and output warning messages.

[0016] In addition to the gate's "open" or "closed" status, the transmitted data preferably includes a counter value indicating the number of times the gate has been opened. Without providing and evaluating the counter value, it is impossible to identify short-duration gate openings. The counter value enables the identification of short-duration roller shutter openings within the time intervals between broadcast data checks, even when broadcast data is detected at longer intervals (e.g., 2 to 3 minutes).

[0017] The sensor unit preferably has two components: a magnetic sensor and a magnet as a corresponding pairing element. The sensor unit operates using the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standard. The magnetic sensor and magnet are mounted such that, in the closed state, the magnet is positioned at the height of the magnetic sensor. When the gate is open, the magnet's position changes so that it moves away from the magnetic sensor until it is outside the sensor's detection area, thus detecting the gate opening. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a radio technology that allows devices to network within a range of approximately 10 to 20 meters. Compared to communication systems with similar effective transmission range but without BLE, BLE offers significantly lower power consumption and is less expensive to implement.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor unit is designed to wirelessly transmit the gate status to the location determination module. Here, the gate status is preferably transmitted via Bluetooth. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the location determination module includes a communication module and is designed to transmit data, preferably via mobile radio, to the central control unit. Therefore, the structure is chosen such that the communication module is integrated into the location determination module. Sensor data (i.e., gate status) is transmitted to the location determination module. The sensor data is combined with current location data detected by GNSS and transmitted via a mobile radio network (preferably a public mobile radio network) to the central control unit and thus to the logistics center. The central control unit may, for example, be located in a logistics center located away from the transportation route and receive the data.

[0019] According to the present invention, an operating method for the above-described system is also provided, the method comprising the following steps:

[0020] Predefine at least one geographically located non-monitored area;

[0021] The gate status is detected at regular time intervals using a sensor unit;

[0022] The location determination module is used to detect the orientation of the transport container at regular time intervals;

[0023] When the gate is detected as open and the transport container is detected as being outside the geographically located non-monitored area, a warning message is sent to external receivers via the central control unit.

[0024] Therefore, the key point of this invention is to define so-called geographically located areas where gate status should not be monitored. This includes, in particular, the origin and / or destination where transport containers can be opened for loading and / or unloading. In these areas, monitoring gate status is not desired. Instead, only those gate openings occurring outside the non-monitored areas, particularly between the origin and destination (i.e., during transport), are reported.

[0025] If the gate is detected to be open and the transport container is outside the non-monitored area, the communication module transmits the data to the central control unit, which reads the relevant information and outputs a warning message.

[0026] In addition to the gate's "open" or "closed" status, the transmitted data preferably includes a counter value indicating the number of times the gate was opened. Without providing and evaluating the counter value, it is impossible to identify short-duration gate openings. The counter value enables the identification of short-duration roller shutter openings within the time intervals between data checks, even when data is checked at longer intervals (e.g., 2 to 3 minutes).

[0027] Preferably, changes in the gate state can be determined in two ways: First, if the gate state appears unchanged, the change can be detected by the changed counter value. Second, the change can be detected by the gate state itself. This is especially true when the gate state has changed from "closed" to "open" since the last data transmission.

[0028] The definition of the geolocated area and the detection of its location can be achieved, in particular, by automatically triggering actions by exceeding geolocated boundaries on the ground or in the air. This is also known as geofencing. In most cases, such boundaries define an enclosed surface, allowing for differentiation between the inside and the outside. Preferably, a notification is sent to the central control unit when the transport container enters or leaves a non-monitored area. Preferably, the system and method according to the invention are initiated or triggered when the transport container leaves the geolocated area, and / or terminated or stopped when the transport container enters the geolocated area.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate is detected as open when the size of the opening exceeds a predetermined limit, and as closed when the size of the opening is below the predetermined limit. "Predetermined size" specifically refers to the limit value. For example, a roller shutter door is considered open when the opening is greater than 5 cm. Similarly, a revolving door is considered open when the opening is greater than 5°. When the opening is below the corresponding limit, the gate is accordingly considered closed.

[0030] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following further method steps:

[0031] When the gate is detected as open, the gate status and orientation of the transport container are transmitted to the central control unit.

[0032] Gate status and orientation are transmitted as data pairs, preferably independently of the transport container's orientation. Each change in gate status is transmitted along with the corresponding orientation. This transmission occurs in push mode. This means that when the gate status changes, the data (i.e., the gate status and its time-correlated orientation) is automatically transmitted to the central control unit. Only then can a decision be made regarding whether a warning message is needed. Warning messages are particularly necessary when the transport container's orientation is outside the non-monitored area at the time the gate opens. Evaluation is then conducted using the central control unit.

[0033] If the orientation is known just before the gate opening is detected, or within a predetermined tolerance range (for example, because the location of the transport container has already been passed when the vehicle is stationary), then that orientation can be assigned to the gate opening event, thus avoiding the need for a new orientation determination. Otherwise, after the gate opening is detected, it is preferable to first attempt to detect the current orientation within a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute), which can then be assigned to the gate opening event. If this is not possible, then the last known orientation is assigned.

[0034] When a data connection cannot be established after a gate state change, especially for cached data, the saved message about the gate state change should be sent during the next data transmission.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following further method steps:

[0036] The gate status and orientation of the transport container are transmitted to the central control unit at regular intervals.

[0037] As a supplement to or alternative to the push mode, data can also be requested at regular time intervals. This is done in pull mode. Thus, for example, the gate status and orientation of the transport container can be requested every 10 minutes, and the gate status and orientation are used to prove transport regardless of the orientation of the transport container, even if no illegal gate opening is detected.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gate status and / or orientation of the transport container are transmitted as timestamped data pairs. For this purpose, the timestamp is used to assign an event to a unique moment. Therefore, each measurement of the gate status and / or orientation of the transport vehicle can be assigned to a unique moment, allowing the determined data to be traced chronologically and thus the transport process to be reconstructed. Particularly preferably, an identification number is assigned to the transport container, and this identification number, along with the gate status and / or orientation of the transport container, is transmitted to the central control unit. If the central control unit monitors multiple transport containers simultaneously, events can be assigned one-to-one to each transport container.

[0039] Proof of where, when, and for how long the gate was opened is especially important for insurance claims in the event of theft, and / or to prove to the customer that the transport was completed successfully (i.e., no unauthorized opening occurred).

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the following further method steps:

[0041] Predefine the start and end times of the transport container; and

[0042] When the corresponding timestamp falls between the start and end times, transmit the gate status and / or orientation of the transport container and / or send a warning message.

[0043] This method can be controlled not only by the orientation of the transport container but also by time, particularly clock time. If start and end times are predetermined, data and / or messages can only be transmitted within this time window. Since in practice, it is rare to strictly adhere to pre-determined start and / or end times (e.g., due to dispatch delays and obstacles on the transport route), tolerances can preferably be included in the start and / or end times. Furthermore, real-time traffic data can preferably be considered, allowing for continuous adjustment of the end time at least during transport.

[0044] According to the present invention, the system described above for performing the above method is also proposed for monitoring the gate status of a transport container during transport. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0046] In the attached diagram:

[0047] Figure 1 A transport container is schematically shown in a side view, having a system for monitoring a transport container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 2The previous view schematically illustrates a transport container having a system for monitoring a transport container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 3 An application example of a system for monitoring transport containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0050] Figure 4 A flowchart schematically illustrates a method for monitoring transport containers according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0052] 1: Transport Container (TB)

[0053] 2: Gate

[0054] 3: Sensor Unit

[0055] 3a: Magnet

[0056] 3b: Magnetic sensor

[0057] 4: Location Determination Module

[0058] 5: Communication Module

[0059] 6: Central Control Unit

[0060] 7: External receiver

[0061] 8: Geographically located non-monitored areas

[0062] 9: Opening

[0063] 10: Monitoring Area

[0064] 11: Starting Point

[0065] 12: The Finish Line

[0066] T: Transportation (Route) Detailed Implementation

[0067] exist Figure 1 The image shows a transport container 1 schematically illustrated in a side view, incorporating a system for monitoring the transport container 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The transport container 1, in the form of an exchange container, has a gate 2 on one side, through which access to the interior space of the transport container 1 is possible. The system for monitoring the transport container 1 comprises a sensor unit 3 and a position determination module 4, the position determination module integrating a communication module 5. Therefore, any transport container 1 can be modified using this system. For this purpose, the sensor unit 3 is simply arranged on the gate 2. The position determination module 4 can be arranged at any location. Figure 1The illustrated top-mounted arrangement has the following advantages: the position determination module 4 can have a solar module for energy supply. Therefore, the position determination module 4 can power itself during operation. The sensor unit 3 and the position determination module 4 can be fastened to different parts of the transport container 1 because the sensor unit 3 can wirelessly communicate with the position determination module 4 or the communication module 3. The sensor unit transmits data, i.e., the gate status, to the position determination module 4 via Bluetooth. The effective range for transmitting data is, in particular, 10 to 20 meters, so the position determination module 4 can be, for example, arranged at one end of the transport container 1 and the sensor unit 3 arranged at the other end of the transport container 1.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the front view of gate 2, the transport container 1 can be seen. A sensor unit 3, capable of identifying the gate's status, is arranged on gate 2. Sensor unit 3 includes a magnet 3a and a magnetic sensor 3b; when gate 2 is closed, the magnet and magnetic sensor are positioned at the same height. Figure 2 In this configuration, gate 2 is open, so magnet 3a and magnetic sensor 3b are offset from each other, and the gate state is identified as "open". The gate state is only identified as "open" when opening 9 exceeds a predetermined limit. In this way, it is possible to prevent the smallest opening that cannot be entered into transport container 1 from being identified as "open".

[0069] Figure 3 An application example of a system for monitoring transport container 1 is shown. Transport container 1 is transported from origin 11 to destination 12. Origin 11 and destination 12 are defined as non-monitoring areas 8. A monitoring area 10 exists between origin 11 and destination 12. The opening of gate 2 is only assessed as critical within monitoring area 10. If transport container 1 is located within monitoring area 10 and gate 2 is identified as "open," a warning message is sent to an external receiver 7. For this purpose, the gate status and orientation of transport container 1 are transmitted to a central control unit 6, which evaluates the data.

[0070] During transport T, data (i.e., the gate status and position of transport container 1) can be continuously tracked by: requesting data in pull mode; and / or actively sending data to the central control unit 6 when the status changes in push mode. Therefore, regardless of the orientation of transport container 1, all openings of gate 2 can be reported. The central control unit 6 evaluates the data to determine whether a warning message should be issued. Furthermore, the orientation of transport container 1 can be requested at regular intervals, thus tracking the transport.

[0071] Figure 3The external receiver 7 shown can be a non-participating third party or equipment. However, the driver of the transport vehicle can also be the external receiver 7. In this case, if the gate 2 is illegally opened, the driver can inspect the transport container 1 himself.

[0072] Figure 4 A method for monitoring transport container 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated schematically. In a first step, a non-monitoring area is defined. In these non-monitoring areas, the opening of gate 2 is not considered critical. For example, the non-monitoring area is the starting point 11 for loading transport container 1 and the ending point 12 for unloading transport container 1. The non-monitoring area is defined as a preparatory step before transporting transport container 1. During transport, the gate status and orientation of transport container 1 are detected. If the gate is identified as "closed," the orientation and gate status are transmitted to the central control unit 6 for recording. However, if the gate is identified as "open," it is checked whether transport container 1 is located outside the non-monitoring area. If transport container 1 is located outside the non-monitoring area, not only is the data consisting of the gate status and orientation of transport container 1 transmitted to the central control unit 6, but a warning message is also sent to an external receiver 7. Therefore, the crucial point is that a warning message is sent to the external receiver 7 only when transport container 1 is identified as being outside the non-monitoring area 8 and the gate is identified as "open." In this way, an illegal opening is reported during transport T between origin 11 and destination 12.

[0073] The gate status and orientation of transport container 1 are transmitted with timestamps. These timestamps allow for chronological tracking of events during transport T. For example, such logs can be provided to customers. Furthermore, in the event of theft or damage, proving where, when, and for how long the gate was opened is particularly crucial for insurance claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a monitoring system for a transport container (1) for transporting goods, the transport container having a gate (2) for opening and closing the transport container (1), the system having: Sensor unit (3), the sensor unit is used to detect the gate state, wherein the gate state includes at least the open state of the gate (2) and the closed state of the gate (2); A position determination module (4) is used to detect the orientation of the transport container (1); A communication module (5) is used to wirelessly transmit data including the gate status and orientation of the transport container (1) to a central control unit (6), wherein the central control unit (6) is designed to receive data from the communication module (5) and send warning messages to an external receiver (7) based on the gate status and orientation of the transport container (1). The method has the following steps: Predefine at least one geographic non-monitoring area (8); The start and end times of the transport container (1) are predefined in the transport (T); The gate status is detected at regular time intervals by means of the sensor unit (3); The orientation of the transport container (1) is detected at periodic time intervals by means of the location determination module (4), wherein the gate status and / or orientation of the transport container (1) are transmitted accordingly as timestamped data pairs; and When the gate is detected as open and the orientation of the transport container (1) is detected as being outside the non-monitoring area (8) of the geographic location and the corresponding timestamp is between the start time and the end time, a warning message is sent to the external receiver (7) by means of the central control unit (6).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor unit (3) is designed to wirelessly transmit the gate status to the position determination module (4).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The location determination module (4) includes the communication module (5) and is designed to transmit the data to the central control unit (6) via a mobile radio network.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the size of the opening (9) exceeds a predetermined limit, the gate (2) is detected as open, and when the size of the opening (9) is below the predetermined limit, the gate (2) is detected as closed.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises the following method steps: When the gate (2) is detected as open, the gate status and orientation of the transport container (1) are transmitted to the central control unit (6).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further comprises the following method steps: The gate status and orientation of the transport container (1) are transmitted to the central control unit (6) at regular intervals.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gate status and / or orientation of the transport container (1) are transmitted as timestamped data pairs accordingly.

8. The method according to the preceding claim, further comprising the following method steps: The start and end times of the transport container (1) are predefined in the transport (T); and When the corresponding timestamp is between the start time and the end time, transmit the gate status and / or orientation of the transport container (1) and / or send a warning message.

9. The use of the method according to any one of the preceding claims for monitoring the gate status of the transport container (1) during transport (T).

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