Digital Smart Labels for Shippers with Data Loggers

Abstract

A system for monitoring shipment of a shipping container. The system includes one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are positioned on or within the shipping container. The one or more sensors are configured to measure or detect at least one parameter associated with the shipping container. The system further includes an electronic device. The electronic device is in communication with the one or more sensors. The electronic device is configured to receive, store, and transmit the at least one parameter from the one or more sensors. The system further includes a web portal. The web portal is in communication with the electronic device. The web portal is configured to receive the at least one parameter from the electronic device and display the at least one parameter on a user interface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS)

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 666,361, entitled "DIGITAL SMART LABEL FOR SHIPPER WITH DATA LOGGER," filed February 7, 2022, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 589,768, entitled "DIGITAL SMART LABEL FOR SHIPPER WITH DATA LOGGER," filed January 5, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 924,399, filed January 7, 2014. The entire contents of all referenced applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002]

[0002] 1. Field

[0003]

[0003] This specification relates to shipping containers, and more particularly to a system for monitoring the shipment of shipping containers, a system for locking and unlocking shipping containers, and modular shipping containers. [Background technology]

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005]

[0005] The present disclosure is particularly suitable and adapted for use with packaging systems for frozen shipment of various materials, including live cell biomaterials, vaccines, tissues, and the like, and for controlling the shipment of materials using such packaging systems. Shipping of temperature-controlled materials today typically requires numerous steps requiring logistical support that increase costs and the opportunity for errors that may damage the temperature-controlled materials during shipment. Furthermore, due to the temperature-sensitive and / or fragile nature of the payloads shipped in the shipping containers of such packaging systems, it is imperative to monitor and track the status of the payloads and the conditions to which the payloads are exposed and the accessibility to such information. For example, monitoring and tracking parameters such as the temperature and humidity inside the shipping container, the orientation of the shipping container, and the shocks endured by the shipping container are crucial in ensuring that the payloads are transported safely and are not damaged. Furthermore, the ability to observe such parameters on the shipping container with an electronic device during the course of the shipment can improve the ease and effectiveness in detecting irregular or undesirable conditions inside the shipping container that may damage the payload. It may be desirable to integrate such electronic devices on or within a shipping container where space is saved and the electronic device is securely attached and protected from physical influences. Still further, the ability to view multiple shipping labels for multiple shipping legs and to perform other tasks from the electronic device, such as locking and unlocking shipping containers, can improve security, ease of use, simplify the system, save space, and reduce costs.

[0006]

[0006] Thus, a need exists for a smart shipping container that allows monitoring of the shipping of the shipping container from both remote locations and from the shipping container itself, which is an electronic device that can lock and unlock the shipping container, and which may also be integrated on or within the shipping container. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007]

[0007] In general, one aspect of the subject matter described herein is embodied in a system for monitoring a shipment of a shipping container. The shipping container includes one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are positioned on or within the shipping container. The one or more sensors are configured to measure or detect at least one parameter associated with the shipping container. The system further includes an electronic device in communication with the one or more sensors. The electronic device is configured to receive, store, and transmit the at least one parameter from the one or more sensors. The system further includes a web portal in communication with the electronic device. The web portal is configured to receive the at least one parameter from the electronic device and display the at least one parameter on a user interface.

[0008]

[0008] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: The one or more sensors may be positioned within a payload area of ​​the shipping container. The payload area may be configured to receive the payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. The at least one parameter may be at least one of humidity or temperature within the payload area. The at least one parameter may be at least one of an impact tolerated by the shipping container or an orientation of the shipping container. The electronic device and the web portal may communicate via a cellular connection. The electronic device may be a remote device configured to be removably attached to the shipping container.

[0009]

[0009] In another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a system for locking and unlocking a shipping container. The system includes a locking mechanism configured to provide access to a payload area of ​​the shipping container in an unlocked configuration and to prevent access to the payload area in a locked configuration. The system further includes an electronic device. The electronic device is coupled to the locking mechanism. The electronic device is configured to control the locking mechanism to switch the locking mechanism between the unlocked and locked configurations based on user input. The system further includes a display. The display is coupled to the electronic device. The display is configured to receive user input and communicate the user input to the electronic device. The user input is a selection between the unlocked and locked configurations.

[0010]

[0010] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: The user input may include a code or password including alphanumeric characters or symbols. The system may further include a biometric. The biometric sensor may be coupled to the display. The biometric sensor may be configured to detect biometric information. The user input may include biometric information. The locking mechanism may include one or more latches configured to fasten the shipping container lid over the base enclosure of the shipping container. The base enclosure may house the payload area. The electronic device may be a power source for the display.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the subject matter is embodied in a modular shipping container. The shipping container includes a lid configured to open and close. The modular shipping container further includes a basic containment section. The basic containment section is coupled to the lid. The basic containment section has a payload area configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. An exterior surface of the lid or an exterior wall of the basic containment section defines a cavity configured to accommodate a remote device.

[0012]

[0012] These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features: The modular shipping container may further include a tray removably attached to the cavity. The tray may be configured to receive the remote device. The tray may include a housing configured to receive the remote device. The housing may conform to a shape of the remote device. The remote device may be attachable to the housing by a snap fit. The remote device may be a display configured to display one or more electronic image files associated with one or more legs of a shipping itinerary or data measured or detected by one or more sensors positioned within the payload area. The one or more sensors may include thermocouples. The tray may include wiring configured to electronically couple the display to a data logger configured to receive, store, and transmit data from the one or more sensors. A front surface of the remote device may be flush with an outer surface of the lid or an outer wall of the base enclosure when the remote device is housed within the cavity. The remote device may be a data logger configured to receive, store, and transmit data from one or more sensors positioned within the payload area. One or more channels may extend from the cavity. The one or more channels may be configured to anchor wires to electronically couple the data logger to the one or more sensors. The cavity may be foam.

[0013]

[0013] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. Components illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the present disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary electronic shipping label according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]

[0015] FIG. 1B is a block diagram of the electronic shipping label of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example shipping and logistics system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates a keypad on the display of an electronic shipping label of the shipping and logistics system of FIG. 1 that controls a locking mechanism on a shipping container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0018] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for acquiring and providing an electronic image to an electronic shipping label using an electronic device of the shipping and logistics system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0019] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example process for displaying shipping information on an electronic shipping label in the shipping and logistics system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 6]

[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for accessing a shipping container through an electronic shipping label in the shipping and logistics system of FIG. 2 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 7]

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an example overall web portal architecture for the web portal of the shipping and logistics system of FIG. 2 in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for monitoring the shipment of shipping containers according to one aspect of the disclosure. [Figure 9]

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a shipping container of the system of FIG. 8 in an open configuration, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for locking and unlocking a shipping container according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A]

[0025] FIG. 11A is an exploded view of a tray configured to receive a remote device and be removably attached to a shipping container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an exploded view of a tray configured to receive a remote device and be removably attached to a shipping container, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12]

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dewar lid having a cavity for housing a remote device according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 13]

[0027] FIG. 13 is a top view of the dewar of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14]

[0028] FIG. 13 is an isolated view of the insert defining the cavity of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15]

[0029] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the dewar of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015]

[0030] Disclosed herein is a system, device, and / or method for transporting shipping containers using electronic shipping labels. The electronic shipping label provides a real-time indication of any type of shipping label configuration, regardless of carrier (i.e., barcoding, formatting, carrier specific information required, etc.). This shipping label will be affixed to one or more locations on the shipper. When a correction is required that would result in the shipping label needing to be changed, a web portal will send the new information to the electronic shipping label to change the indication by an electronic device held by the shipper, such as a smart data logger or separate electronic device. The origin, destination, payload, and carrier can all be changed by some type of communication (WiFi, cellular, or some type of communication) from the smart data logger or separate electronic device to the label. This reduces paper usage. Currently, on average, 15 8.5'' by 11'' pages are used for all international shipments and 6 pages are used for domestic shipments.

[0016]

[0031] Other benefits and advantages include having the ability to automatically change the shipping label when the shipping container is automatically moved to another leg of the shipping itinerary without communication from a web portal. For example, when one leg of the shipping itinerary is completed, the electronic shipping label can automatically switch images to show the next shipping label associated with the next leg of the shipping itinerary. Therefore, when a change occurs to the shipping itinerary or for the next leg of the shipment, no coordination is required between the origin or destination sites to change the documentation. Currently, the client must remove the documentation from the completed shipping leg and then close the box with the different flap presented by the new leg of the shipping itinerary. This often leads to confusion and results in the client shipping the item to the wrong address.

[0017]

[0032] Additionally, the electronic shipping label can display other electronic images, including commercial invoices, hazard declaration sheets, certificates of origin, and other relevant shipping documents. The status of the electronic device may also be displayed, providing sensor information such as the current internal temperature. The electronic shipping label may also display history and statistics of collected sensor data. Instructions on how to load and unload packages may also be displayed. Access to other images may be gained by pressing physical buttons or touch screen areas corresponding to buttons on the electronic shipping label, to toggle through various screen images.

[0018]

[0033] Additionally, electronic shipping labels can have a number of fail-safes, such as the use of electronic ink (e-ink), which allows the electronic image on the electronic shipping label to continue to persist even in the absence of power.

[0019]

[0034] Also disclosed herein are systems for monitoring the shipment of shipping containers, systems for locking and unlocking shipping containers, and modular shipping containers. The systems for monitoring the shipment of shipping containers can include one or more sensors that measure or detect parameters, such as temperature, humidity, shock, and orientation, for the shipping container and the payload area located within the shipping container. The measured or detected parameters can then be received by an electronic device, which can store and transmit the parameters to a web portal for remote access by a user. The user can advantageously observe and track the parameters from a remote location to ensure that the payload within the payload area is not damaged during transport.

[0020]

[0035] A system for locking and unlocking shipping containers may include a locking mechanism and an electronic device coupled to the locking mechanism for controlling the locking mechanism to lock and unlock the locking mechanism. The electronic device may receive user input via a display coupled to the electronic device for locking and unlocking the locking mechanism. The user input may include a code or password comprised of alphanumeric characters or symbols. Alternatively, the user input may include biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint, a face scan, a retina scan) detectable by one or more biometric sensors coupled to the display or the electronic device.

[0021]

[0036] The modular shipping container may include a cavity disposed on an outer surface of the lid of the shipping container or an outer wall of the basic enclosure. The cavity may be configured to accommodate a remote device. The remote device may be a display capable of displaying an electronic image file, such as a shipping label or data (e.g., temperature, humidity, shock, orientation) measured or detected by one or more sensors positioned in the payload area or on the shipping container. Alternatively, the remote device may be a data logger configured to receive, store, and transmit data from the one or more sensors. The remote device may be received by a tray that may be removably attached to the cavity. The tray may conveniently include wiring that provides the remote device with access to electrical and / or electronic connections. Alternatively, the cavity may be foam and configured to directly receive the remote device. The cavity may have one or more channels extending from the cavity for fastening the wiring. A front surface of the remote device may be flush with the outer surface of the lid or the outer wall of the basic enclosure when the remote device is accommodated in the cavity, such that the remote device is integrated with the shipping container. Thus, the cavity conserves space by integrating the remote device with the shipping container and providing cable management while ensuring secure mounting of the remote device on or in the shipping container.

[0022]

[0037] Figure 1A illustrates an electronic shipping label 100, and Figure 1B illustrates a block diagram of electronic shipping label 100. Electronic shipping label 100 may be a thin film shipping label and may display any type of shipping label configuration, regardless of carrier (i.e., barcoding, formatting, required carrier specific information, etc.).

[0023]

[0038] The electronic shipping label 100 may be a thin film shipping label having dimensions of approximately 8.5'' wide by 5.5'' high. The electronic shipping label 100 may be read by a human or a barcode scanner. The electronic shipping label 100 may be mounted on the outside of a shipping box and a regular printed shipping label is placed on the box. The electronic shipping label 100 may be made from a thin flexible plastic sheet and may have a clear flexible protective plastic cover that is not reflective and allows a laser scanner to read the electronic shipping label 100. The electronic shipping label 100 may implement e-ink technology or liquid crystal display technology or another type of electronic display technology.

[0024]

[0039] The electronic shipping label 100 includes a memory 102, one or more processors 104, a user interface 106, and / or a communication device 108. The electronic shipping label 100 may have one or more sensors 110 and / or a power source 112. The memory 102 may store one or more electronic image files received by the communication device 108. The one or more electronic image files may be obtained from the electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2) via a network 206 (see FIG. 2) and / or via a direct electronic connection between the electronic device 202 and the electronic shipping label 100. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the electronic shipping label and the electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2) may be integrated together and share a housing. The memory 102 may be coupled to the one or more processors 104 and may store instructions for execution by the one or more processors 104. The memory 102 may include one or more of a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 102 may be a non-transitory memory or a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, solid state disk drive, hybrid disk drive, or other suitable data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions that may be loaded and executed by the one or more processors 104. Additionally, memory 102 may be used to store electronic image files related to the transportation and / or shipping of shipping containers to which electronic shipping label 100 may be affixed.

[0025]

[0040] The one or more processors 104 may be implemented as a single processor or as multiple processors. The one or more processors 104 may be electrically connected to the memory 102, the user interface 106, the communication device 108, the one or more sensors 110, and / or the power source 112. The one or more processors 104 may be a controller or microcontroller specifically designed to retrieve electronic image files and display the electronic image files during transportation or shipment of the shipping container. The one or more electronic image files may include sensor data from the electronic device 202 including an air waybill, a shipping address, a return address, temperature data, bar codes, and / or other shipping information for each leg of the shipping itinerary.

[0026]

[0041] The electronic shipping label 100 may have a communication device 108. The communication device 108 may be a network access device. The communication device 108 may include a communication port or channel, such as one or more of a WiFi unit, a Bluetooth unit, a radio frequency identification (REID) tag or reader, or a cellular network unit for accessing a cellular network (such as 3G, 4G, or 5G). The communication device 108 may transmit data to and receive data from an electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2) and / or a locking mechanism 220 (see FIG. 2). For example, the one or more processors 104 may communicate with the electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2) to obtain a plurality of electronic image files and / or sensor data via a network 206 (see FIG. 2) and / or via a direct electronic connection between the electronic device 202 and the electronic shipping label 100. FIG. 2 further illustrates different components with which the electronic shipping label may communicate using the communication device 108 to obtain a plurality of electronic image files and / or sensor data.

[0027]

[0042] The electronic shipping label 100 includes a user interface 106. The electronic shipping label 100 can display shipping information, sensor data, notifications, and / or other information on the user interface 106. The user interface 106 can include input / output devices that receive user input from user interface elements, buttons, dials, microphones, keyboards, or touch screens. The user interface 106 can have output devices such as a display 116, a speaker, audio and / or visual indicators, a touch screen display, or a refreshable Braille display.

[0028]

[0043] The user interface 106 may have a display 116. The display 116 may be used to display one of one or more electronic image files. The electronic image files may show, for example, a shipping address, a return address, a bar code, a commercial invoice, a hazard declaration sheet, a certificate of origin, and / or other shipping information including loading and unloading instructions. The display 116 may be distributed into one or more sections 118a-c. The one or more sections 118a-c allow the electronic shipping label 100 to simultaneously display multiple electronic image files. For example, in one section, such as section 118a, the electronic shipping label 100 may display a return address and in another section, the electronic shipping label 100 may display unloading / loading instructions.

[0029]

[0044] The user interface 106 may include one or more buttons 114a-b. When the user interface 106 receives a selection of one of the one or more buttons 114a-b, the electronic shipping label 100 may switch, toggle, change, or otherwise display different electronic image files on the display 116. The one or more buttons 114a-b may be physical user interface elements proximate the display 116 and / or user interface elements on the display 116, such as on a touch screen display. The electronic shipping label 100 may display multiple user interface elements that, when entered or selected in sequence, may lock or unlock a shipping container, as shown in FIG. 3, for example. With momentary reference to a combination of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 3, the display 116 may display a keypad 302. The keypad 302 may include multiple user interface elements 304a-j. Each user interface element 304a-j may display a number on the keypad 302. The user interface 106 can receive one or more selections of one or more user interface elements 304a-j in an entered sequence when a user presses one or more of the user interface elements 304a-j. The electronic shipping label 100 can compare the entered sequence of one or more selections of the one or more user interface elements 304a-j to a stored passcode sequence of one or more previously configured user interface elements 304a-j. Such passcodes can be stored in the memory 102 or can be stored remotely on another device, computer, or system accessed via the communication device 108. Additionally, the comparison operation can be performed remotely on another device as well, and the electronic shipping label 100 can lock or unlock a shipping container in response to an indication of whether the entered sequence matches the stored passcode sequence.

[0030]

[0045] If the entered sequence matches the passcode sequence, the electronic shipping label 100 can send a signal to the locking mechanism 220 on the shipping container to unlock the shipping container when the shipping container is in a locked state and / or to lock the shipping container when the shipping container is in an unlocked state. That is, the signal switches the state of the locking mechanism 220 from a locked state to an unlocked state and / or from an unlocked state to a locked state. In some implementations, different sequences of one or more user interface elements 304a-j can be used to lock or unlock the shipping container. The keypad can be an alphanumeric keypad that includes numbers, letters, and / or a combination of both.

[0031]

[0046] 1A and 1B, the electronic shipping label 100 can have one or more sensors 110 and / or a power source 112. The one or more sensors 110 can be a temperature sensor to measure the temperature within the shipping container, a humidity sensor to measure the temperature within the shipping container, a light sensor to measure the ambient light within the shipping container and / or other environmental sensors to measure environmental conditions, a shock or vibration sensor to measure acceleration, deceleration, and / or movement, a pressure sensor, a tilt sensor to measure the orientation of the shipping container, and any other sensor desired. The one or more sensors 110 can include a camera that can take images of the shipping container to ensure that the shipping container has not been tampered with or damaged. The one or more sensors 110 can include a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, such as a GPS receiver.

[0032]

[0047] The electronic shipping label 100 may be a thin film shipping label and may be powered by a power source 112. The power source 112 may be included within the electronic shipping label 100 or may be on an electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2). The power source 112 may be, for example, a printed battery or other non-lithium based power source that allows for safe use during airborne transport. The electronic shipping label may have a fail-safe mode in case the power source 112 fails. When the power source 112 fails, the display 116 may remain active and continue to display the last electronic image file that was displayed on the display 116 before the loss of power.

[0033]

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a shipping and logistics system 200. The shipping and logistics system 200 includes an electronic shipping label 100, an electronic device 202, which may be a smart data logger, and a web portal 204. The shipping and logistics system 200 may also include a locking mechanism 220. The locking mechanism 220 may be a shipper locking mechanism that is positioned on a shipping container and locks, unlocks, or otherwise controls access to a payload or content storage area within the shipping container. The electronic shipping label 100, the electronic device 202, the locking mechanism 220, and / or the web portal 204 may be connected via a network 206. Additionally, the electronic shipping label 100, the locking mechanism 220, and / or the electronic device 202 may be directly interconnected in addition to or instead of being connected by the network 206. The network 206 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or a combination thereof that connects, couples, and / or otherwise communicates between different components of the shipping and logistics system 200.

[0034]

[0049] The electronic device 202 may be a smart data logger. The electronic device 202 may be contained within a shipping container and remain in close proximity to the electronic shipping label 100, such that the electronic device 202 continues to communicate with the electronic shipping label 100 during transport. In various cases, the electronic device 202 and the electronic shipping label 100 may be co-located in a shared housing and share electronic components. The electronic device 202 may be directly connected to the electronic shipping label 100, such as via a wired or wireless connection. In further cases, the electronic device 202 is not directly connected to the electronic shipping label 100, but instead is connected to the electronic shipping label 100 via a network 206. Additionally, the electronic device 202 communicates with a web portal 204 that monitors each leg of the shipping itinerary. Each leg of the shipping itinerary may have a departure location and a destination location. The destination location of one leg of the shipping itinerary may be the departure location of the next leg of the shipping itinerary. The electronic device 202 can periodically or in real-time update the web portal 204 and / or the electronic shipping label 100 with the sensor data to monitor data and / or shipping information.

[0035]

[0050] The electronic device 202 may include a memory 208, one or more processors 210, a communication device 212, and / or a sensor 214. The electronic device 202 may include a user interface 216 and / or a power source 218. The memory 208 may store one or more electronic images associated with the shipping itinerary and each leg of the shipping itinerary obtained from the web portal 204. Additionally, the memory 208 may store instructions executed by the one or more processors 210. The memory 208 may include one or more of a random access memory (RAM) or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory 208 may be a non-transitory memory or a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, or other suitable data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions that may be loaded and executed by the one or more processors 210.

[0036]

[0051] In various embodiments, memory 208 and memory 102 (see FIG. 1) are the same memory. Additionally, one or more of processors 210 and processor 104 (see FIG. 1) may be the same processor. Similarly, communication device 212 and communication device 108 (see FIG. 1) may be the same communication device. Additionally, sensor 214 and sensor 110 (see FIG. 1) may be the same sensor. Similarly, user interface 216 and user interface 106 (see FIG. 1) may be the same user interface. Finally, power source 218 and power source 112 (see FIG. 1) may be the same power source.

[0037]

[0052] The user interface 216 may include input devices that receive user input from user interface elements, scanners, buttons, dials, microphones, or keyboards, but may not have output devices such as a display, speaker, audio and / or visual indicators, touch screen displays, or refreshable Braille displays. Alternatively, the electronic device 202 may use the electronic shipping label 100 as an output device. In further instances, the user interface 216 receives user input by using the electronic shipping label 100 as an input device. The power source 218 may be used to power the electronic device 202 and / or to provide power to the electronic shipping label 100.

[0038]

[0053] In some embodiments, the user interface 216 may be provided by the electronic device 202. For example, the user interface 216 may be presented on a touchscreen display of the electronic device 202. A power source 218 may be used to power the electronic device 202 as well as the user interface 216. In some embodiments, the user interface 216 and the electronic device 202 may be individually powered by separate power sources.

[0039]

[0054] The one or more processors 210 may be coupled to the memory 208, the communication device 212, the user interface 216, the power source 218, and / or the sensors 214. The one or more processors 210 may perform functions such as obtaining a shipping itinerary and one or more electronic image files from the web portal 204 and providing the one or more electronic image files to the electronic shipping label 100 using the communication device 212 and / or obtaining sensor data to provide to the electronic shipping label 100 and / or the web portal 204. The electronic device 202 may use one or more sensors 214, such as a temperature sensor to obtain temperature data of a shipping container and / or a Global Positioning System device to determine a location of the electronic device 202 and / or the shipping container. The memory 208, the one or more processors 210, the communication device 212, the user interface 216, the one or more sensors 214, and / or the power source 218 of the electronic device 202 may be the same device as the memory 102 (see FIG. 1), the one or more processors 104 (see FIG. 1), the communication device 108 (see FIG. 1), the user interface 106 (see FIG. 1), the one or more sensors 110 (see FIG. 1), and / or the power source 112 (see FIG. 1), respectively, of the electronic shipping label 100, or a similar device having similar structure and / or functionality thereto.

[0040]

[0055] The web portal 204 can generate, receive, or otherwise obtain a shipping itinerary. The web portal 204 can obtain a shipping dataset for one or more legs of the shipping itinerary and form the shipping itinerary using the shipping dataset. Once the shipping itinerary is formed, the web portal 204 can generate electronic image files associated with each leg of the shipping itinerary and provide the electronic image files to the electronic device 202 for display on the electronic shipping label 100. Additionally, the web portal 204 can receive data, such as sensor data, from the electronic device 202 and / or the electronic shipping label 100 and display the data to a user to enable the user to monitor the shipping container during delivery for each leg of the shipping itinerary. FIG. 7 illustrates a web portal architecture for the web portal 204 that creates a shipping itinerary and / or displays monitoring information for the shipping container during delivery.

[0041]

[0056] 4 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 400 for obtaining and providing an electronic image to an electronic shipping label 100. One or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as one or more processors 210 of the electronic devices of the shipping and logistics system 200 of FIG. 2 , suitably programmed, can implement the process 400.

[0042]

[0057] Continuing the discussion of FIG. 4 and with periodic reference to the aspects of FIGS. 1A-2, the electronic device 202 receives, acquires, or generates (block 402) a plurality of electronic image files that may be stored on the electronic device 202 and / or the electronic shipping label 100. The electronic device 202 may obtain a shipping request including a shipping itinerary from the web portal 204 via the network 206. The shipper may generate the shipping itinerary using the web portal 204. The web portal 204 may receive the shipping request including the shipping itinerary and / or other further information and provide the shipping request to the electronic device 202. The shipping itinerary may be formed from an initial shipping data set. The shipping data set may include sender information such as address, name, handling instructions, or other contact information, and recipient information such as address, name, or other instructions. The shipping database may include other further information such as routing information, bar codes, air waybills, unloading or loading instructions, transportation instructions including an indicator of the direction of orientation of the shipping container, and / or other handling instructions.

[0043]

[0058] A shipping itinerary includes one or more legs that form a shipping itinerary. Each leg of a shipping itinerary can be associated with a shipping dataset that includes shipping information, such as a barcode, air waybill, or other identifiers that provide detailed information about the shipment and allow the shipment to be tracked, including a destination address and / or a return address. One or more electronic images can be associated with a single shipping dataset. For example, one electronic image can display a subset of the shipping dataset that shows the barcode and / or air waybill, and another electronic image can display another subset of the shipping dataset that shows handling instructions.

[0044]

[0059] The electronic device 202 provides the one or more electronic image files to the electronic shipping label 100 (block 404). The electronic device 202 can provide all of the one or more electronic image files associated with all legs of the shipping itinerary to the electronic shipping label 100 so that the electronic shipping label 100 can store the electronic image files in storage. In this way, the electronic shipping label 100 can retain access to the one or more electronic image files in the event that the electronic device 202 is unable to communicate with the electronic shipping label 100. In some implementations, the electronic device 202 can provide only the electronic image file associated with the current leg of the shipping itinerary to minimize resource utilization on the electronic shipping label 100. The electronic image file represents an image of the information in the shipping dataset associated with the electronic image file.

[0045]

[0060] The electronic device 202 may determine or calculate a geofence around the destination address associated with the current leg of the shipping itinerary (block 406). The geofence around the destination address may be an area that is within a threshold distance of the destination address, for example, about ½ mile to 1 mile. The geofence may be used to trigger the electronic device 202 to update the electronic shipping label 100 with the next electronic image file associated with the next leg of the shipping itinerary.

[0046]

[0061] The electronic device 202 may determine or detect a location of the electronic device 202 and / or the shipping container (block 408). The electronic device 202 may use one or more sensors 214, such as a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, to determine the location of the electronic device 202. The location may also pinpoint the location of the shipping container during transit of the shipping leg because the electronic device 202 may be affixed to the shipping container in proximity to the electronic shipping label 100.

[0047]

[0062] The electronic device 202 may determine whether the shipping container is inside the geofence (block 410). For example, the electronic device 202 may determine whether the shipping container will be transported on the next leg of the shipping itinerary. The electronic device 202 may determine that the shipping container will be transported on the next leg of the shipping itinerary when the electronic device 202 exits the geofence, e.g., when the electronic device 202 first enters the geofence, stops at the destination address, and then exits the geofence.

[0048]

[0063] Initially, the electronic device 202 may determine that the electronic device 202 has entered the geofence when, for example, the location of the electronic device 202 is within a threshold distance of the destination address. Thereafter, the electronic device 202 may determine that the electronic device 202 has visited the destination address when, for example, the location of the electronic device is at, near, or in close proximity to the destination address. Finally, the electronic device may determine that the electronic device 202 has exited the geofence when the location of the electronic device 202 exceeds a threshold distance from the destination address.

[0049]

[0064] The electronic device 202 may obtain sensor data using one or more sensors 214 (block 412). The one or more sensors 214 may include temperature sensors to measure temperature within the shipping container, humidity sensors to measure humidity within the shipping container, light sensors to measure ambient light and / or other environmental sensors to measure environmental conditions within the shipping container, shock or vibration sensors to measure acceleration, deceleration, and / or movement, pressure sensors, tilt sensors to measure the orientation of the shipping container, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, and any other sensors desired. The one or more sensors 214 may include a camera that can take images of the shipping container to ensure that the shipping container has not been tampered with or damaged. The one or more sensors 214 may be the same sensor as the one or more sensors 110 (see FIG. 1B) or may be different sensors. Additionally, the electronic device 202 and / or the electronic shipping label 100 (see FIG. 1B) may share a single set of sensors, such that either device omits one or more sensors and utilizes sensors associated with the other device.

[0050]

[0065] The electronic device 202 provides another electronic image file or signals the electronic shipping label to change to the next electronic image file to update the display of the electronic shipping label (block 414). The electronic device 202 can provide another electronic image file or signal the electronic shipping label to change to another electronic image file when the electronic device 202 receives or obtains another electronic image file from a user input, such as a scan of a shipping data set, or from the web portal 204, for example, in response to the electronic device 202 determining that the shipping container has left the geofence or in response to the electronic device 202 signaling to the web portal 204 that the electronic device 202 has left the geofence.

[0051]

[0066] The electronic image file may be associated with a next leg of the shipping itinerary, which may represent a different set of shipping data than the electronic image file associated with the current leg of the shipping itinerary. In some implementations, the electronic device provides the electronic image file that is generated based on the sensor data. The electronic image file may represent statistics, such as temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors of the current conditions of the shipping container, or an image of the shipping container. The electronic device 202 may send or otherwise transmit a signal to the electronic shipping label 100 to toggle to the next electronic image file, which may be associated with the next leg of the shipping container.

[0052]

[0067] The electronic device 202 may also update the web portal 204 with sensor data and / or status, e.g., the location of the shipping container (block 416). The electronic device 202 may provide sensor data, including temperature, humidity, or other environmental factors of the shipping container and / or images of the shipping container to the web portal 204 so that a user can observe and monitor the status of the shipping container during delivery.

[0053]

[0068] Figure 5 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 500 for displaying shipping information on an electronic shipping label 100. One or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as one or more processors 104 of the electronic shipping label 100 of the shipping and logistics system 200 of Figure 2, suitably programmed, can implement the process 500. The following discussion of the embodiment of Figure 5 will likewise include periodic references to the embodiments of Figures 1A-2.

[0054]

[0069] The electronic shipping label 100 retrieves one or more electronic image files (block 502). The electronic shipping label 100 may retrieve one or more electronic image files from the electronic device 202 or another device. The electronic image files may include shipping data sets associated with a leg of the shipping itinerary. The electronic shipping label may retrieve one or more electronic image files and store the one or more electronic image files in the memory 102. The one or more electronic image files may be ordered such that a first electronic image is associated with a first leg of the shipping itinerary and subsequent legs are ordered in the order of different legs of the shipping itinerary. The one or more electronic image files may not be ordered, but rather may have an identifier that indicates the corresponding leg of the shipping itinerary to which the electronic image file is associated. As shipping containers travel through the shipping itinerary, the electronic shipping label 100 may receive electronic image files for display and / or may receive a signal including an identifier that triggers the display of an electronic image file corresponding to the identifier.

[0055]

[0070] In some implementations, the one or more electronic image files may relate to sensor data such as orientation, ambient temperature, ambient pressure, ambient humidity, ambient lighting, shock, or other relevant environmental factors within the shipping container, or other additional information such as unloading / loading instructions, warning labels, or invoices, etc. These electronic image files may be similarly ordered in sequence among the one or more electronic image files.

[0056]

[0071] The electronic shipping label 100 displays the electronic image file (block 504). One or more electronic image files may be associated with each leg of the shipping itinerary. If there are multiple electronic image files associated with a leg of the shipping itinerary, the electronic shipping label 100 may display the multiple electronic image files in different sections of the display 116. In some implementations, the electronic image files may be associated with other information, such as sensor data or other shipping information.

[0057]

[0072] The electronic shipping label 100 may obtain a user selection of one or more user interface elements (block 506). The user selection of the one or more user interface elements may be an actuation of a physical button on the electronic shipping label 100 and / or a user interface element displayed on a touch screen display of the electronic shipping label 100. The actuation of the physical button and / or user interface element may signal the electronic shipping label 100 to toggle to the next electronic image file in an ordered sequence of the multiple electronic image files.

[0058]

[0073] The electronic shipping label 100 retrieves a signal or a second electronic image file (block 508). The electronic shipping label 100 retrieves a signal or a second electronic image file from the electronic device 202 that is triggered by a user input, such as a button activation, or triggered by a timer, such as after a threshold amount of time has elapsed. The signal can indicate to the electronic shipping label 100 that the electronic device 202 has left a geofence surrounding a destination location of a leg of the shipping itinerary, that a threshold amount of time has elapsed, or that a user has activated a button to toggle through multiple electronic image files. When the electronic shipping label 100 receives the second electronic image file, it can indicate to the electronic shipping label 100 that the electronic device 202 has left a geofence surrounding a destination location of a leg of the shipping itinerary.

[0059]

[0074] The electronic shipping label 100 displays the second electronic image file (block 510). When the electronic shipping label 100 receives a signal or a second electronic image file from the electronic device 202, the electronic shipping label 100 can responsively update the first electronic image file with the second electronic image file. This allows the display 116 of the electronic shipping label 100 to be updated with new information in the second electronic image file, e.g., shipping data sets, sensor data, and / or other shipping information, such as handling / loading instructions, for the next leg of the shipping itinerary. In some implementations, the electronic shipping label 100 switches to the second electronic image file in response to receiving an actuation of a button that toggles through multiple electronic image files.

[0060]

[0075] When the electronic shipping label 100 displays the second electronic image file and the second electronic image file does not display shipping data for the leg of the shipping itinerary, the electronic shipping label 100 can switch back to the electronic image file showing the shipping data set for the leg of the shipping itinerary after a threshold amount of time, for example, about 30 seconds. This ensures that the electronic image file showing the shipping data set for the current leg of the shipping itinerary is displayed during delivery.

[0061]

[0076] 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 600 for accessing a shipping container through an electronic shipping label 100. One or more computers or one or more data processing devices, such as one or more processors 104 of the electronic shipping label 100 of the shipping and logistics system 200 of FIG. 2, suitably programmed, can implement the process 600. The following discussion of the embodiment of FIG. 6 will include periodic references to the embodiments of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 as well.

[0062]

[0077] The electronic shipping label 100 displays the electronic image file on the display 116 (block 602), which includes a keypad 302. The keypad 302 has a plurality of user interface elements 304a-j, each of which is touch sensitive and can be associated with an identifier, such as an alphanumeric value. The plurality of user interface elements 304a-j can be arranged as a number pad, a traditional keyboard, or in any other arrangement.

[0063]

[0078] The electronic shipping label 100 obtains one or more selections of the plurality of user interface elements 304a-j in the entered sequence (block 604). When a user touches, presses, or otherwise interacts with one of the plurality of user interface elements 304a-j, the electronic shipping label 100 remembers the entered sequence of identifiers and the order in which the identifiers are entered.

[0064]

[0079] The electronic shipping label 100 compares the entered sequence of one or more selections of the plurality of user interface elements 304a-j to a passcode sequence (block 606). The passcode sequence is an ordered sequence of pre-configured or pre-stored user-configured sequences of identifiers that authenticate the entered sequence to toggle the state of a locking mechanism to access or lock a shipping container. In various embodiments, the comparing is a comparison performed locally within the memory of the electronic shipping label 100. In further embodiments, the comparing is a process that is performed remotely or at least partially performed remotely utilizing the network 206 such that the passcode sequence is not maintained within the electronic shipping label 100 but is maintained in a separate location.

[0065]

[0080] The electronic shipping label 100 locks, unlocks, or toggles the state of the locking mechanism to allow or deny access to the shipping container based on the comparison (block 608). If the entered sequence of selections matches the passcode sequence, the electronic shipping label 100 may unlock the locking mechanism 220, for example, by sending a signal to the locking mechanism 220 that allows access to the shipping container. In some implementations, when the entered sequence of selections matches the passcode sequence, the electronic shipping label 100 may toggle the state of the locking mechanism 220, for example, from locked to unlocked or from unlocked to locked. If the entered sequence of selections does not match the passcode sequence, the electronic shipping label may display a failure notice on the display 116 or otherwise notify the user.

[0066]

[0081] The electronic shipping label 100 may display additional information when the state of the locking mechanism 220 changes (block 610). For example, when the locking mechanism 220 is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state, the electronic shipping label 100 may display additional information, such as loading / unloading information, in response to the state switch. In another example, when the locking mechanism 220 is switched from an unlocked state to a locked state, the electronic shipping label 100 may display an electronic image file having the next set of shipping data, including the next destination location, sensor data, or other shipping information, such as a "handle with care" notice.

[0067]

[0082] 8 and 9 show a system 700 for monitoring the shipment of a shipping container 702. The system 700 can include a shipping container 702, one or more sensors 703, an electronic device 704, and a web portal 706. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors 703 are one or more sensors 214 (see FIG. 2) and / or one or more sensors 110 (see FIG. 1B). In various embodiments, the electronic device 704 is electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2). In various embodiments, the electronic device 704 is electronic shipping label 100. In various embodiments, the web portal 706 is web portal 204 (see FIG. 2).

[0068]

[0083] The shipping container 702 can include a basic containment section 708. The basic containment section 708 can have a payload area 710. The payload area 710 can receive a payload and maintain the temperature of an environment surrounding the payload. The temperature can be maintained by using a frozen material (e.g., liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, carbon dioxide) and / or a phase change material (e.g., ice, dry ice). In some embodiments, the exposure of the payload area 710 to the frozen material can be controlled remotely and / or automatically. The basic containment section 708 can be enclosed by a lid 712 coupled to the basic containment section 708. The lid 712 can be capable of opening and closing. The shipping container 702 can have a hardened exterior capable of withstanding impact and shear forces. The hardened exterior can improve the durability of the shipping container 702 and reduce or prevent physical damage to the payload. In some embodiments, the shipping container 702 can be water resistant or waterproof. The shipping container 702 can have a rectangular or cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the shipping container 702 may be a dewar.

[0069]

[0084] The one or more sensors 703 can measure or detect at least one parameter associated with the shipping container 702. For example, the at least one parameter may be a shock endured by the shipping container 702, measured or detected by a shock sensor, and / or an orientation of the shipping container 702, measured or detected by a tilt sensor. In such an embodiment, the one or more sensors 703 can be positioned on the shipping container 702, on the outside of the shipping container 702, or below an exterior surface of the shipping container 702. For example, the one or more sensors 703 can be on the base containment 708 and / or the lid 712, embedded between an inner wall 714 and an outer wall 716 of the base containment 708, or embedded between an inner surface 718 and an outer surface 720 of the lid 712. In other examples, the at least one parameter may be a temperature in the payload area 710, measured by a temperature sensor, and / or humidity, measured by a humidity sensor. In such an embodiment, the one or more sensors 703 can be positioned within the payload area 710. For example, the one or more sensors 703 may be attached to an interior wall 714 or an interior surface 718. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 703 may have the specifications of sensor 110 (see FIG. 1B) and / or sensor 214 (see FIG. 2). The one or more sensors 703 may be coupled to and in communication with an electronic device 704. The communication may be a wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, cellular) connection.

[0070]

[0085] The electronic device 704 may include one or more components of the electronic shipping label 100 (see FIG. 1B). For example, the electronic device 704 may have a memory, a processor, a user interface, a communication device, and a power source with the same specifications of the memory 102, the processor 104, the user interface 106, the communication device 108, and the power source 112, respectively. The electronic device 704 may have a power button 722 to turn the electronic device 704 on and off. In some embodiments, the electronic device 704 may be a data logger. In some embodiments, the electronic device 704 may be a remote device that is removably attached to the shipping container 702, which will be further described when discussing FIGS. 11A-15. In some embodiments, the electronic device 704 may be an integrated component of the shipping container 702 that is not detachable from the shipping container 702. The electronic device 704 may receive at least one parameter from one or more sensors 703 via the communication device. The electronic device 704 may store at least one parameter by means of the memory. The electronic device 704 can transmit the at least one parameter to the web portal 706 via a communication device. In some embodiments, the transmission can occur via a cellular connection. Thus, the electronic device 704 can include a SIM card that holds information and enables a connection with a cellular network. The communication device of the electronic device 704 can transmit the at least one parameter in the form of a signal to a cell tower 724. The cell tower 724 can then communicate with a server 726 that hosts the web portal 706 to transmit the at least one parameter to the server 726.

[0071]

[0086] The web portal 706 can display the at least one parameter received on the user interface 728. The user interface 728 can have sections, tabs, windows, or pages, with each section, tab, window, or page displaying a parameter of the at least one parameter. For example, the user interface 728 can display temperature, orientation, humidity, and impact. The user interface 728 can store at least one parameter from the past on the server 726 for displaying and observing the at least one parameter in real time. The at least one parameter can be stored and observed every second, minute, hour, week, etc. throughout the duration of the transport. The web portal 706 can compile the at least one parameter received for a desired duration within the duration of the transport or for the entire duration of the transport and generate one or more trend graphs (e.g., line graph, bar graph) that are displayed on the user interface 728. The web portal 706 may be accessible on any device with an internet connection and a web browser. In some embodiments, the web portal 706 may be embodied in a mobile operating system application. The user interface 728 may be navigated using a mouse, keyboard, touch screen, and / or the like, based on the features of the device on which the user interface 728 is displayed. In some embodiments, the web portal 706 may have the specifications of the web portal 204 (see FIG. 2).

[0072]

[0087] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a shipping container 702 in an open configuration, according to one aspect of the disclosure. A lid 712 is positioned to allow access to a payload 710. The lid 712 may be attached to a base storage portion 708 with a hinge 730 that allows the lid 712 to be opened and closed as shown in Figure 9. In some embodiments, the lid 712 may be completely removed from the base storage portion 708 or may be slid over the base storage portion 708 to be opened and closed.

[0073]

[0088] In embodiments where communication between the one or more sensors 703 and the electronic device is not wireless, the one or more sensors 703 may be electronically coupled to the electronic device 704 using wires 732. In some embodiments, the wires 732 may be unplugged to completely open the shipping container 702. The wires 732 may be managed by hiding the wires 732 in or through holes, grooves, or channels in the shipping container 702, as well as using conventional cable management tools, such as cable ties.

[0074]

[0089] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a system 800 for locking and unlocking a shipping container 802. The shipping container 802 may be the shipping container 702 (see FIG. 9). The shipping container 802 may include a basic containment section 804. The basic containment section 804 may have a payload area with the same specifications of the payload area 710 (see FIG. 9). The payload area may receive a payload and maintain the temperature of the environment surrounding the payload. The temperature may be maintained by using a frozen material (e.g., liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, carbon dioxide) or a phase change material (e.g., ice, dry ice). In some embodiments, the exposure of the payload area to the frozen material may be controlled remotely and / or automatically. The basic containment section 804 may be enclosed by a lid 806 coupled to the basic containment section 804. The lid 804 may be capable of opening and closing. The shipping container 802 may have a hardened exterior capable of withstanding impact and shear forces. The hardened exterior can improve the durability of the shipping container 802 and reduce or prevent physical damage to the payload. In some embodiments, the shipping container 802 can be water resistant or waterproof. The shipping container 802 can have a rectangular or cylindrical shape. In some embodiments, the shipping container 802 can be a dewar.

[0075]

[0090] The system 800 can include a locking mechanism 808, an electronic device 810, and a display 812. The locking mechanism 808 can be the locking mechanism 220 (see FIG. 2). The electronic device 810 can be the electronic device 704 (see FIG. 9), the electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2), and / or the electronic shipping label 100 (see FIG. 1B). The locking mechanism 808 can provide access to the payload area in an unlocked configuration and prevent access to the payload area in a locked configuration. For example, the locking mechanism 808 can include one or more latches that fasten the lid 806 (e.g., the lid 712 of FIG. 9) on the base housing 804 (e.g., the base housing 708 of FIG. 9), as shown in FIG. 10. In another example, the locking mechanism 808 can include a hook and clasp engagement. In yet another example, the locking mechanism 808 can include a barrel lock. The locking mechanism 808 can be controlled by an electronic device 810 to switch the locking mechanism 808 between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration.

[0076]

[0091] The electronic device 810 may be coupled to or in electronic communication with the locking mechanism 808. The electronic communication may be wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, cellular). The locking mechanism 808 may include a motor, and the electric device 810 may send a signal to the motor to activate the motor. The electric device 810 may include one or more components of the electronic shipping label 100 (see FIG. 1B). For example, the electronic device 810 may have a memory, a processor, a user interface, a communication device, and a power source having the same specifications of the memory 102, the processor 104, the user interface 106, the communication device 108, and the power source 112, respectively. In some embodiments, the electronic device 810 may have the specifications of the electronic device 704 and / or the electronic device 202 (see FIG. 2). The electronic device 810 may have a power button 814 to turn the electronic device 810 on and off. In some embodiments, the electronic device 810 may be a data logger. In some embodiments, the electronic device 810 may be a remote device that is removably attached to the shipping container 802, which will be further described when discussing Figures 11A-15. In some embodiments, the electronic device 810 may be a native component of the shipping container 802 that is not detachable from the shipping container 802. The electronic device 810 may control the locking mechanism 808 based on user input.

[0077]

[0092] The user input may be received by a display 812 coupled to or in electronic communication with the electronic device 810. The display 812 may be in the form of or the same as the user interface 216 (see FIG. 2) or the user interface 106 (see FIG. 1B). The electronic communication may be wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, cellular). The display 812 may communicate the received user input to the electronic device 810. The user input may be a selection between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration. The user input may include a code or password. In some embodiments, the display 812 may ask for a code or password before prompting the option to select the unlocked configuration. In some embodiments, the display 812 may ask for a code or password after selecting the unlocked configuration. The code or password may include alphanumeric characters or symbols.

[0078]

[0093] The display 812 may be a touch screen. In some embodiments, the display 812 may be an e-ink display. A code or password may be entered using one or more fingers or a stylus. For example, a virtual keyboard or keypad may be displayed on the touch screen display 812, and the user may press keys on the virtual keyboard or keypad to enter a code or password. In some embodiments, the user may be prompted to draw a shape or connect a series of dots in a particular sequence instead of a code or password. In some embodiments, a biometric sensor 816 may be coupled to the display 812. The biometric sensor 816 may detect user input in the form of biometric information. The biometric sensor 816 may be, by way of example, a camera, a fingerprint sensor, or a microphone. The biometric sensor 816 may be capable of facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, voice recognition, retina scan, iris recognition, keystroke dynamic recognition, or signature recognition. A memory of the electronic device 810 may store authentication information to authenticate a code, password, or any other security credential.

[0079]

[0094] Once the processor of the electronic device 810 has finished the authentication, the electronic device 810 may display a notification of successful authentication on the display 812. The electronic device 810 may also send a signal to activate a motor of the locking mechanism 808 to place the locking mechanism 808 in an unlocked configuration, in which the lid 806 is free to move and the shipping container 802 may be opened or closed.

[0080]

[0095] Display 812 may perform further tasks, such as displaying one or more electronic image files (see FIG. 1 ) associated with one or more legs of a shipping itinerary or data measured or detected by one or more sensors 703 positioned within payload area 710 (see FIG. 9 ). The electronic image files and / or data may be stored in a memory of electronic device 810.

[0081]

[0096] 11A and 11B each show an exploded view of a tray 900 configured to receive a remote device 902 and removably attach to a shipping container. The shipping container may be a shipping container 702 (see FIG. 8) or a shipping container 802 (see FIG. 10). In some embodiments, the remote device 902 may be housed in a cavity 705 defined by an outer surface 720 of the lid 712 together with the tray 900 (see FIG. 8). In some embodiments, the remote device 902 may be housed in a cavity 805 defined by an outer wall 807 of the base enclosure 804 (see FIG. 10). The remote device 902 may be an electronic device 704, 810, a display 812, or another mobile device such as a data logger. The remote device 902 shown in FIG. 11A is a display that may be, for example, an e-ink display.

[0082]

[0097] The remote device 902 can have a screen 904. The screen 904 can be in the form of or the same as the display 812 (see FIG. 10), the user interface 216 (see FIG. 2), or the user interface 106 (see FIG. 1B). The screen 904 can be attached to a backing 906 having a rear surface 908 of the screen 904 facing towards the backing 906. Attachment can be facilitated by conventional fasteners such as clips 910 shown in FIG. 11A, screws, and / or the like. The backing 906 can be further attached to a case 912 having a rear surface 914 of the backing 906 facing towards the case 912. Attachment can be facilitated by conventional fasteners such as screws 917 shown in FIG. 11A, clips, and / or the like. The backing 906 can be further attached to the tray 900 by conventional fasteners such as screws 916. Between the backing 906 and the case 912 there can be a processor 918. The processor 918 can have the same specifications as the processor 104 (see FIG. 1B) and / or the processor 210 (see FIG. 2). The screen 904 can be coupled to the processor 918 or in electronic communication with it. The backing 906 can have holes 920 that create paths for wires 922 of the screen 904 that connect to the processor 918.

[0083]

[0098] The case 912 can have a slot 924. The slot 924 can receive a cable holder 926. The cable holder 926 can securely hold and organize one or more cables 928. In some embodiments, the cable 928 can connect one or more sensors located on or within the shipping container, such as one or more sensors 110 (see FIG. 1B), one or more sensors 214 (see FIG. 2), or one or more sensors 703 (see FIG. 9), to the processor 918. In some embodiments, the cable 928 can connect an electronic device, such as electronic device 810 (see FIG. 10), to the processor 918. The cable holder 926 can have a backplane 930 attachment that holds the cable 928 from a rear 932 of the cable holder 926. The backplate 930 can be attached to the cable holder 926 by conventional fasteners, such as screws 934. The cable holder 926 can be attached to the case 912 or the backing 906 by conventional fasteners, such as clips or screws 936. The tray 900 may have holes 946 that guide the cables 928 out of the tray 900 .

[0084]

[0099] The tray 900 can have a housing 938 configured to receive the remote device 902. The remote device 902 can be securely attached to the housing 938 such that a front surface 940 of a screen 904 capable of displaying a picture is visible and faces away from the tray 900. The housing 938 can conform to the shape of the remote device 902. The screen 904 can be flush with an outer edge 942 of the tray 900 when the remote device 902 is received by the housing 938. In some embodiments, the remote device 902 can be attached to the housing 938 by a snap fit. The tray 900 can be attached to the cavity 705, 805 by conventional fasteners such as fasteners 944. The front surface 940 of the remote device 902 can be flush with the outer surface 720 of the lid 712 when the remote device 902 is housed in the cavity 705 (see FIG. 8), or with the outer wall 807 of the basic storage section 804 when the remote device 902 is housed in the cavity 805 (see FIG. 10).

[0085]

[0100] The tray 900 may be molded from plastic. In some embodiments, the tray 900 may be metal or wood. The tray 900 may have a unitary structure or may have multiple parts. The tray 900 may have a hardness that may protect the remote device 902 from physical damage. In some embodiments, the tray 900 may be coated with a coating material (e.g., epoxy, polyurethane) for improved durability.

[0086]

[0101] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the lid 1002 of the dewar 1000, and FIG. 13 shows a top view of the dewar 1000. The lid 1002 can have a cavity 1004 that accommodates a remote device 1006. The remote device 1006 can be an electronic device 704 (see FIG. 8), 801 (see FIG. 10), a display 812 (see FIG. 10), or another device. FIG. 12 shows a data logger as the remote device 1006, as an example. The cavity 1004 can be defined by an insert 1008. The insert 1008 can be inserted into a recess 1010 defined by the lid 1002. The recess 1010 can be shaped and sized such that the recess 1010 conforms to the shape of the insert 1008 and the insert 1008 snaps into the recess 1010. In some embodiments, the insert 1008 may be fastened to the recess 1010 by conventional fasteners such as screws or adhesives.

[0087]

[0102] A front surface 1020 of the remote device 1006 can be flush with an outer surface 1022 of the insert 1008 when the remote device 1006 is received by the cavity 1004. The remote device 1006 can directly contact one or more walls 1024 of the cavity 1004.

[0088]

[0103] The insert 1008 can have one or more channels 1012 or grooves extending from the cavity 1004. The one or more channels 1012 can receive wires 1014 for electronically coupling the remote device 1006 to one or more sensors 1016 (see FIG. 15). In embodiments where the remote device 1006 is a display 812, the wires 1014 can electronically couple the remote device 1006 to a data logger.

[0089]

[0104] In some embodiments, the insert 1008 can have a unitary structure. In some embodiments, the insert 1008 can have multiple removable pieces 1018a, 1018b to accommodate receipt of remote devices of different sizes and / or shapes. The removable pieces 1018a, 1018b can have different sizes and / or shapes.

[0090]

[0105] The lid 1002 can be opened and closed on the base housing 1026. The lid 1002 can be twisted, slid, lifted, and / or the like to be opened. In some embodiments, the lid 1002 can be attached to the base housing 1026 by a hinge.

[0091]

[0106] 14 shows an isolated view of the insert 1008 that defines the cavity 1004. The insert 1008 can have a circular shape, by way of example. In other examples, the insert 1008 can be any other shape. In some embodiments, the shape can match or complement the shape of the lid 1002. The insert 1008 can be plastic, metal, or wood, by way of example. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the insert 1008 is foam. The foam can be synthetic or natural (e.g., derived from sea sponge).

[0092]

[0107] 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a dewar 1000. The dewar 1000 can have a cylindrical shape. The basic containment section 1026 can have a payload area 1028. The payload area 1028 can receive a payload and maintain the temperature of the environment surrounding the payload. The temperature can be maintained by using a frozen material (e.g., liquid nitrogen, liquid oxygen, carbon dioxide) or a phase change material (e.g., ice, dry ice). In some embodiments, the exposure of the payload area 1028 to the frozen material can be controlled remotely and / or automatically.

[0093]

[0108] The one or more sensors 1016 can be located within the payload area 1028 as shown in FIG. 15. In other embodiments, the one or more sensors 1016 can be located outside the dewar 1000 or within the walls 1030a-c and / or layers of the base containment section 1026. The one or more sensors 1016 can have the same specifications as the one or more sensors 110 (see FIG. 1B), the one or more sensors 214 (see FIG. 2), or the one or more sensors 703 (see FIG. 9). The one or more sensors 1016 can measure or detect parameters such as temperature, humidity, shock, and / or orientation. For example, one of the one or more sensors 1016 may be a thermocouple. The one or more sensors 1016 electronically communicate with the remote device 1006 via a wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, infrared, cellular) connection. In embodiments where communication between the one or more sensors 1016 and the remote device 1006 is not wireless, the one or more sensors 1016 may be electronically coupled to the remote device 1006 using wires 1014. The wires 1014 may extend down through holes in the lid 1002 to the payload area 1028. In some embodiments, the wires 1014 may be unplugged to fully open the dewar 1000. The wires 1014 may be managed by hiding the wires 1014 in or through holes, grooves, or channels in the dewar 1000 and using conventional cable management tools such as cable ties.

[0094]

[0109] Exemplary embodiments of the method / system have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Thus, the terms used throughout should be read in a non-limiting manner. Minor modifications to the teachings of this specification will occur to those skilled in the art, but it is understood that what is intended to be limited within the scope of the patent granted for such modifications are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art contributed thereby, and that the scope is not to be limited except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A system for monitoring a shipment of shipping containers, comprising: one or more sensors positioned on or within the shipping container, the one or more sensors configured to measure or detect at least one parameter associated with the shipping container; an electronic device in communication with the one or more sensors, the electronic device configured to receive, store, and transmit the at least one parameter from the one or more sensors; a web portal in communication with the electronic device, the web portal configured to receive the at least one parameter from the electronic device and to display the at least one parameter on a user interface; A system comprising:

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are positioned within a payload area of ​​the shipping container, the payload area configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload, and the at least one parameter is at least one of humidity and temperature within the payload area.

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one parameter is at least one of an impact sustained by the shipping container or an orientation of the shipping container.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device and the web portal communicate over a cellular connection.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device is a remote device configured to be removably attached to the shipping container.

6. 1. A system for locking and unlocking a shipping container, comprising: a locking mechanism configured to provide access to a payload area of ​​the shipping container in an unlocked configuration and to prevent access to the payload area in a locked configuration; an electronic device coupled to the locking mechanism, the electronic device configured to control the locking mechanism to switch the locking mechanism between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration based on a user input; a display coupled to the electronic device and configured to receive the user input and communicate the user input to the electronic device, the user input being a selection between the unlocked configuration and the locked configuration; A system comprising:

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the user input comprises a code or password including alphanumeric or symbolic characters.

8. The system of claim 6 , further comprising a biometric sensor coupled to the display, the biometric sensor configured to detect biometric information, and the user input includes the biometric information.

9. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism comprises one or more latches configured to fasten a lid of the shipping container over a base containment section of the shipping container, the base containment section housing the payload area.

10. The system of claim 6 , wherein the electronic device is a power source for the display.

11. 1. A modular shipping container comprising: a lid configured to open and close; a basic containment section coupled to the lid and having a payload area, the payload area configured to receive a payload and maintain a temperature of an environment surrounding the payload; Equipped with An outer surface of the lid or an outer wall of the basic enclosure defines a cavity configured to accommodate a remote device.

12. 12. The modular shipping container of claim 11, further comprising a tray removably attached to the cavity, the tray configured to receive the remote device.

13. 13. The modular shipping container of claim 12, wherein the tray includes a housing configured to receive the remote device, the housing conforming to a shape of the remote device, and the remote device is attachable to the housing by a snap fit.

14. 13. The modular shipping container of claim 12, wherein the remote device is a display configured to display one or more electronic image files associated with one or more legs of a shipping itinerary or data measured or detected by one or more sensors positioned within the payload area.

15. 15. The modular shipping container of claim 14, wherein the one or more sensors include a thermocouple.

16. 15. The modular shipping container of claim 14, wherein the tray includes wiring configured to electronically couple the display to a data logger configured to receive, store, and transmit the data from the one or more sensors.

17. 12. The modular shipping container of claim 11, wherein a front surface of the remote device is flush with the outer surface of the lid or the outer wall of the base containment section when the remote device is housed within the cavity.

18. 12. The modular shipping container of claim 11, wherein the remote device is a data logger configured to receive, store, and transmit data from one or more sensors positioned within the payload area.

19. 20. The modular shipping container of claim 18, wherein one or more channels extend from the cavity, the one or more channels configured to receive wires to electronically couple the data logger to the one or more sensors.

20. 12. The modular shipping container of claim 11, wherein the cavity is foam.

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