Intermodal container tracking system and method

Abstract

Provided is an intermodal container tracking system 10 comprising at least one intermodal container 8 comprising an AIDC identifier 12 whereby container details of said container are obtainable via electronic interrogation. The AIDC identifier 12 further comprises a GNSS module 14 for determining a geographical position of the identifier 12, a transceiver 16 for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals, non- transitory data storage 18 for storing container details, and a controller 20 arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, said GNSS module, transceiver and data storage. The intermodal container tracking system 10 further includes a plurality of interrogators 22 arrangeable at a number of container handling facilities 24 and / or along container shipping routes, and a management computer system 26 arranged in signal communication with the plurality of interrogators 22 via a communications network 28, such as the internet. The management computer system 26 is configured to provide, on authorised request, a GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage 18 are editable on request, provide a GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 whereby the stored container details are viewable; on request, poll the controller 20 via the transceiver 16 to obtain a substantial real-time geographic position of the container 8 from the GNSS module 14; and automatically track, by means of the plurality of interrogators 22, the AIDC identifier 12 as said intermodal container 8 is handled at respective container handling facilities 24 and / or transported en route. In this manner, the geographic position and container details of said intermodal container are monitorable by the remote processing system 26 on an ad hoc basis.

Description

INTERMODAL CONTAINER TRACKING SYSTEM AND METHODTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates broadly to asset tracking, and more speci fically to an intermodal container tracking system and an associated method for tracking intermodal containers .BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art i s intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only . The discussion i s not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application .

[0003] Intermodal containers are well known in the art . These containers generally include standardi zed containers , also known as cargo or freight containers , ISO containers , shipping, sea or ocean containers , a container van or box, a Conex box, or the like . Such intermodal containers are typically a large metal crate designed and built for intermodal freight transport , meaning these containers can be used across di f ferent modes of transport - such as from ships to trains to trucks - without unloading and reloading their cargo .

[0004] Intermodal containers exist in many types and standardised si zes , but around 90 percent of the global container fleet is general purpose containers , being durable closed rectangular boxes , made of rust-retardant steel ; almostall 8 feet (2.44 m) wide, and of either 20 or 40 feet (6.10 or12.19 m) standard length, as defined by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 668:2020.

[0005] The International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) is a 1972 regulation by the Inter-governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation on the safe handling and transport of containers. It decrees that every container traveling internationally be fitted with a CSC Safety-approval Plate, or 'CSC plate' . This CSC plate holds essential information about the container, including age, registration number, dimensions and weights, as well as its strength and maximum stacking capability .

[0006] Tracking of intermodal containers is also known. Such conventional tracking approaches generally take the form of having a container number along with a shipping bill of lading, which is reference that can be used to track a container. This conventional tracking approach has been comprised in so-called automatic identification systems, which are systems of transponders that track ships and, by extension, the containers they are carrying. However, data from such ship tracking systems are not always readily available to regular users .

[0007] Additionally, conventional container tracking systems require tracking of a container-carrying vessel, such as a ship, with the presence of a particular container being recorded against the shipping manifest of such a vessel. Accordingly, this 'tracking by proxy' does not generally allow direct tracking of intermodal containers, but rather the carrying vessel with a recorded bill of lading against which the container is recorded. As a result, should a container beincorrectly recorded, or removed without updating of shipping details, then an intermodal container may go missing.

[0008] Accordingly, Applicant has identified a need in the art for more granular and improved tracking of intermodal containers and the present invention was conceived with this goal in mind.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference herein to an intermodal container generally includes broad reference to a standardised shipping container, cargo or freight container, ISO container, sea or ocean container, a container van or box, a Conex box, or the like, and includes broad reference to unit load devices (ULDs) and associated air freight containers. In addition, reference herein to 'GNSS' generally refers to any suitable Global Navigation Satellite System able to provide autonomous geo-spatial positioning, including the GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and other regional satellite systems.

[0010] The skilled addressee will further appreciate that reference herein to the phrase 'automatic identification and data capture' or 'AIDC' generally refers to any suitable technique or methodology for automatically and without user data entry, identifying an object and entering relevant data directly into a computer system, i.e. generally autonomous and without direct human involvement. Examples of AIDC technologies include Quick Response (QR) tags, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, Near-Field Communication (NFC) , data tags, magnetic stripes, bar codes, optical pattern recognition, etc.

[0011] It is also to be understood that reference herein to a 'GUI ' refer to a Graphical User Interface , being a user interface that allows a user to interact with an electronic device , such as a terminal , processing or computing system through manipulation of graphical icons , visual indicators , text-based typed command labels and / or text navigation, including primary and / or secondary notations , as is known in the art of computer science .

[0012] It is additionally to be appreciated that reference herein to ' substantial real-time ' is to be understood as meaning an instance of time that may include a delay typically resulting from processing, calculation and / or transmission times inherent in computer processing systems and communications networks . These transmission and calculations times , albeit of generally small duration, do introduce some measurable delay, i . e . typically less than a second or within milliseconds , but an output or related signal information is provided relatively quickly or within ' substantial real-time ' .

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an intermodal container tracking system comprising : at least one intermodal container comprising an AIDC identi fier whereby container details of said container are obtainable via electronic interrogation, said AIDC identi fier further comprising : i . a GNSS module for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; ii . a transceiver for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ;iii . non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and iv . a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; and a plurality of interrogators arrangeable at a number of container handling facilities and / or along container transport routes ; and a management computer system arranged in signal communication with the plurality of interrogators via a communications network, such as the internet , said management computer system configured to : a . on authorised request , provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage are editable ; b . on request, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby the stored container details are viewable ; c . on request , poll the controller via the transceiver to obtain a substantial real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module ; and d . automatically track, by means of the plurality of interrogators , the AIDS identi fier as said intermodal container is handled at respective container handling facilities and / or transported en route; wherein the geographic position and container detai ls of said intermodal container are monitorable by the remote processing system on an ad hoc basis .

[0014] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier comprises a Quick Response (QR) tag on a CSC plate of the intermodal container .

[0015] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier comprises an indicium realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink.

[0016] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or the like.

[0017] In an embodiment, the container details are selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of a size of the container, an origin, a destination, manufacturer details, date of build and contents of said container.

[0018] In an embodiment, the interrogator is selectable from a non-visible spectrum camera, e.g. infrared, ultraviolet, etc., an RFID scanner, a radio transceiver and an NFC scanner.

[0019] In an embodiment, the interrogator is arrangeable along container transport routes by comprising a mobile platform with GNSS functionality, such as a vehicle, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , a drone, an automated guided vehicle (AGV) , an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) , and / or the like .

[0020] In an embodiment, the GUI is realised by means of a software application executable by the remote processing system.

[0021] In an embodiment, the GUI is realised by means of a web portal accessible by the remote processing system.

[0022] In an embodiment, the remote processing system is selectable from a non-exclusive group consisting of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, a desktop or portable computer, and a terminal.

[0023] In an embodiment, the management computer system is configured to compare a geograph i_c position of an interrogator with a real-time geographic posi tion of the container from the GNSS module in order to confirn a veracity of the container details .

[0024] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier includes an energy supply for energising the controller, GNSS module, transceiver and data storage, such as a battery, a photovoltaic cell, or the like.

[0025] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier is configured to monitor unauthorised tampering with an intermodal container by means of a tamper sensor selectable from a group consisting of a container intrusion sensor, a shock sensor, a motion sensor, a magnetic seal sensor, an optical seal-breach sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a vibration sensor, a thermalcutting detector, an RF shielding detector and a GNSS jamming or spoofing detector.

[0026] In an embodiment, the AIDC identifier is configured, via the transceiver, for pairing with a control system of a vehicle transporting said intermodal container so that the management computer system is able to compare a geographic position of said vehicle and intermodal container for geographic position tracking redundancy.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an intermodal container comprising an AIDC identi fier whereby container details of said container are obtainable via electronic interrogation, said identi fier further comprising : i . a GNSS module for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; ii . a transceiver for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ; iii . non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and iv . a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; wherein, upon interrogation by an interrogator at a container handling facility and / or along container transport routes , a management computer system is able to compare a geographic position of an interrogator with a real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module when said container is handled at a container handling facility and / or transported en route in order to confirm a veracity of the container details .

[0028] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method for tracking an intermodal container in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, said method comprising the steps of : via a management computer system, by means of a plurality of interrogators arranged at a number of container handling facilities and / or along container transport routes , automatically track the AIDC identi fier as said intermodal container is handled at respective container handling facilities and / or transported en route;on authorised request , via the management computer system, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage are editable ; on request , via the management computer system, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby the stored container details are viewable ; on request , via the management computer system, poll the controller via the transceiver to obtain a substantial realtime geographic position of the container from the GNSS module ; wherein the geographic position and container detai ls of said intermodal container are monitorable on an ad hoc basis .

[0029] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an AIDC identi fier for an intermodal container, said AIDC identi fier comprising : a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink; a GNSS module configured for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; a transceiver configured for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ; non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; wherein the AIDC identi fier is interrogatable by an interrogator for monitoring the geographic position and container details of an intermodal container on an ad hoc basis .

[0030] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an intermodal container tracking system, an intermodal container and a method for tracking an intermodal container, substantially as herein described and / or illustrated .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which :Figure 1 is a diagrammatic broad overview representation of one embodiment of intermodal container tracking system, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;Figure 2 is a diagrammatic representation of one embodiment of an intermodal container tracking system of Figure 1 .Figure 3 is a diagrammatic overview representation of an example intermodal container handling facility including aspects of the intermodal container tracking system of Figure 2 ; andFigure 4 is a diagrammatic overview representation of an example AIDC identi fier of the intermodal container tracking system of Figure 1 .DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several nonlimiting embodiments thereof . This description is includedsolely for the purposes of exempli fying the present invention to the skilled addressee . It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above .

[0032] In the figures , incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments , like reference numerals are used to identi fy like parts throughout . Additionally, features , mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail , as such features , mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee .

[0033] Addit ionally, the accompanying figures do not represent engineering or design drawings , but provide a functional overview of the invention only . As a result , features and practical construction details required for various embodiments may not be indicated in each figure , but such construction requirements will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee and in accordance with the principle of mechanical equivalence .

[0034] Broadly, the present invention comprises an intermodal container tracking system 10 which is able to track intermodal containers 8 during shipping and transport , as well as on an ad hoc or on-demand basis , as described in more detail below . Typically, the intermodal container tracking system 10 comprises a plurality of intermodal containers 8 , each having an AIDC identi fier 12 , as well as a plurality of interrogators 22 arranged at a number of container handling facilities 24 , or arrangeable along container routes , as broadly shown in Figure 1 . Such container handling facilities 24 may take a variety of forms , such as a container storage yard, a transportvessel for containers , such as a ship or train, a container handler, such as a gantry crane at a port facility, an airport cargo handling facility, and / or the like .

[0035] In one embodiment, intermodal container tracking system 10 also generally includes a plurality of interrogators 22 arrangeable at a number of container handling facilities 24 and / or arrangeable along container transport routes . Typically, a geographic position of an interrogator 22 is known from an installation site thereof , typically when installed at a container handling facility 24 , but of course an interrogator 22 may include GNSS functionality . In one embodiment , an interrogator 24 may include any suitable AIDC scanner, including a non-visible spectrum camera, e . g . infrared, ultraviolet , etc . , an RFID scanner, a radio transceiver and an NFC scanner . Of course , variations hereon are possible and expected .

[0036] In one embodiment , the interrogator 22 is arrangeable along container transport routes by comprising a mobile platform with GNSS functionality, such as a vehicle , an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) , a drone , an automated guided vehicle (AGV) , an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) , and / or the like . In this manner, a mobile interrogator may be dispatched to interrogate a container' s AIDC identi fier 12 anywhere along a transport or shipping route as said container is en route . Accordingly, via these stationary interrogators 22 typically arranged at container handling facilities 24 as well as mobile interrogators 22 arrangeable as required along container shipping routes , a real-time geographic position of the container may be determined whenever a container 8 is interrogated, e . g . handled or en route, such as on ships , trucks , semi-trailers , rail wagons , cargo aircraft , autonomousvehicles, drones, port AGVs, inland, waterways, warehouse robotics, and the like.

[0037] In general, each intermodal container 8 comprises an AIDC identifier 12 whereby container details of said container are obtainable via electronic interrogation. In one embodiment, the AIDC identifier 12 comprises a Quick Response (QR) tag 12.1 on a Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) plate of the intermodal container, but of course variations hereon are possible and anticipated. For example, in one embodiment, the AIDC identifier 12 comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 12.2, or the like. The AIDC identifier 12 may be embedded into, integrated with or bonded onto a CSC plate of the container 8, as part of a container door, a container frame, a container interior surface, or the like .

[0038] In one embodiment, the AIDC identifier 12 comprises an indicium realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink so that said indicium is not readily locatable by the naked eye. For example, a Quick Response (QR) tag 12.1 realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink. Similarly, the container details are legion and may include a size of the container, an origin, a destination, manufacturer details, date of build and contents of said container, a planned route from origin to destination, or the like.

[0039] In this manner, a plurality of interrogators 22 may be located at, or associated with, container handling facilities, transport vehicles, warehouses, customs checkpoints, or storage yards, with each interrogator 22 configured to detect, interrogate, or communicate with the AIDC identifier 12 using, for example, infrared, ultraviolet,non-visible ink pattern recognition, RFID, NFC, BLE, UWB, satellite communication, optical recognition, etc.

[0040] Importantly, an example of which is shown in Figure 4, the AIDC identifier 12 further comprises a GNSS module 14 for determining a geographical position of the identifier 12, a transceiver 16 for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals, non-transitory data storage 18 for storing the container details, and a controller or processor 20 arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control, said GNSS module 14, transceiver 16 and data storage 18. In one embodiment, the AIDC identifier 12 further includes an energy supply (not shown) for energising the controller 20, GNSS module 14, transceiver 16 and data storage 18, such as a battery, a photovoltaic call, or the like. In one embodiment, the transceiver 16 may be configured to communicate with low- Earth-orbit (LEO) , medium-Earth-orbit (MEO) , geostationary (GEO) satellites or satellite-based loT networks, or the like.

[0041] The AIDC identifier 12 generally includes at least one controller or processor 20, or processing unit or plurality of processors, memory 44, at least one input / output device 48, coupled together via a bus or group of buses 42. Typically, the processor 20 comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and / or non-transitory electronic storage, such as memory 44 and storage device or data storage unit 18, or the like.

[0042] An interface is also generally provided for coupling the controller or processor 20 to one or more peripheral devices, such as communications network 28, GNSS module 16,transceiver 16, and the like. The memory 44 can be any form of memory device, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, solid state storage devices, magnetic devices, etc. The processor 20 could include more than one distinct processing device, for example to handle different functions, or the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the AIDC identifier 12 is configured to monitor unauthorised tampering with the intermodal container associated with such AIDC identifier 12 by means of a tamper sensor 36 which may comprise a container intrusion sensor, a shock sensor, a motion sensor, a magnetic seal sensor, an optical seal-breach sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a vibration sensor, a thermal-cutting detector, an RF shielding detector and a GNSS jamming or spoofing detector. In such a manner, the AIDC identifier 12 may include a tamper sensor 36 such as a conductive grid, a thermal sensor detecting cutting or welding operations, a pressure-sensitive seal, an optical beam break sensor at door edges, a gas sensor for detecting illicit cargo or human presence, an electromagnetic shielding detector, or the like. In this manner, a tamper event may trigger, for example, an encrypted emergency transmission via satellite, mesh network, or high- priority cellular channels, or the like.

[0044] The intermodal container tracking system 10 further comprises a management computer system 26 arranged in signal communication with the plurality of interrogators 22 via a communications network 28, such as the internet. The management computer system 26 is configured, on authorised request, to provide a GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 hereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage 18 of the AIDC identifier are editable. For example, such an authorised request generally comprises authorised access, e.g.secure access available only to authorised users who are allowed to access and edit container details. For example, owners of cargo shipped inside a container may edit such container details, or a transport authority may edit container details, or the like.

[0045] The remote processing system 30 may take a variety of forms. For example, a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, a desktop or portable computer, a terminal, or the like. Similarly, the GUI 32 is generally realised by means of a software application or 'app' executable by the remote processing system 30. Alternatively, or additionally, in one embodiment, the GUI 32 is realised by means of a web portal accessible by the remote processing system 30, or the like.

[0046] The management computer system 26 is further configured, on request, to provide a GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 whereby the stored container details are viewable. For example, a general user without authorised access for editing container details may view the container details, such as a geographic position thereof, or the like. Of course, certain container details may be restricted for general viewing, or the like.

[0047] The management computer system 26 is further configured, on request, to poll the controller 20 via the transceiver 16 to obtain a substantial real-time geographic position of the container 8 from the GNSS module 14, making use of conventional GNSS systems 34, as known in the art. The management computer system 26 is further configured automatically to track, by means of the plurality of interrogators 22, the AIDS identifier 12 as said intermodal container 8 is handled at the respective container handlingfacilities 24 and / or transported en route . In this manner, the real-time geographic position and container details of said intermodal container 8 are monitorable by the remote processing system 30 on an ad hoc basis .

[0048] In one embodiment , the management computer system 26 is configured to compare a geographic position of an interrogator 22 at a container handling facility 24 or along a transport route with a real-time geographic position of the container 8 from the GNSS module 14 when said container 8 is handled at said container handling facility and / or transported en route in order to confirm a veracity of the container details .

[0049] In one embodiment , the AIDC identi fier 12 may also be configured, via the transceiver 16 , for pairing with a control system of a vehicle transporting said intermodal container 8 so that the management computer system 26 is able to compare a geographic position of said vehicle and intermodal container for geographic position tracking redundancy . In such a manner, the management computer system 26 may automatically generate a dynamic pairing between the container' s AIDC identi fier 12 and a transport vehicle to enable synchronised geolocation, veri fication and custody linkage .

[0050] Variations and other functionalities are also possible in light of the above broad disclosure . For example , the system 10 may be configured to analyse collected data using arti ficial intelligence , machine learning and sensor fusion algorithms to detect anomalies , predict risks , or validate transport events . The system 10 may also maintain a secured and blockchain-based audit trail of container movements , custody changes , access-right changes and anomaly events toallow the system 10 to track the geographic position, custody state, security state and transport-mode state of a container continuously and on an ad-hoc basis from origin to destination independent of the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, tracking events, custody changes and tamper logs are hashed and written to a distributed ledger or blockchain for immutable verification .

[0051] For example, the management computer system 26 may use artificial intelligence or machine learning techniques to detect anomalies such as container route deviation, unexpected stationary delays, abnormal shock signatures, door-open events, container intrusion patterns, GNSS signal spoofing, jamming, or RF shielding. The system 10 may be configured to detect GNSS spoofing or jamming using cross-comparison of sensor data, signal-strength patterns, inertial sensor data and historical route predictions. The system 10 may be configured to detect partial unloading, unauthorized unloading or premature removal of a subset of cargo using internal or external sensors and Al event classification.

[0052] Other variations are also possible, such as the management computer system 26 configurable to perform predictive analytics to forecast theft events, tampering probability, delivery times, container rerouting needs or customs risks. The system 10 may also make use of sensor fusion to integrate data from GNSS, inertial sensors, environmental sensors, cellular signals, satellite signals, short-range radio signals, interrogator inputs and Al-classi f led events. In one embodiment, the system 10 may further employ a store- and-forward architecture that logs events during communication outages and uploads such events upon reconnection.

[0053] In situations where a container 8 comprises multiple cargo owners or stakeholders , the management computer system 26 may assign di f ferent data access levels based on authenticated user identity or cargo partition . The management computer system 26 may maintain a digital custody chain wherein access rights , edit permissions or tracking visibility are automatically trans ferred during handovers , consolidations or splits of shipments . The management computer system 26 may also expose an API for integration with customs , port management systems , AIS ship tracking, rail logistics systems , air cargo software , insurer systems or freight forwarder platforms . In such an example , smart contracts may be implemented automatically to release customs data, authori se delivery, initiate payments , or trigger compliance checks based on veri fied container events .

[0054] In a further embodiment , a plurality of AIDC identi fiers 12 on respective containers 8 may be configured to form a mesh network to propagate tracking data between containers when direct communication to the management computer system 26 is unavailable . The system 10 may also employ dead-reckoning techniques using accelerometers , gyroscopes and historical route data when GNSS signals are unavailable .

[0055] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the present invention includes an associated method for tracking an intermodal container, said method broadly comprising the steps of : via the management computer system 26 , by means of the plurality of interrogators 22 arranged at a number of container handling facilities 24 and / or along container transport routes , automatically track the AIDC identi fier 12 as saidintermodal container 8 is handled at respective container handling facilities 24 and / or en route; on authorised request , via the management computer system 26 , provide the GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage 18 are editable ; on request , via the management computer system 26 , provide the GUI 32 to a remote processing system 30 whereby the stored container details are viewable ; and on request , via the management computer system 26, poll the controller 20 via the transceiver 16 to obtain a substantial real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module 14 ; wherein the geographic position and container detai ls of said intermodal container 8 are monitorable on an ad hoc basis .

[0056] Of course , similar variations on this broad method are possible and apposite . For example , in one embodiment , the method may comprise steps of attaching an AIDC identi fier 12 to a container 8 ; receiving GNSS data, sensor data and tamper data from the AIDC identi fier 12 ; wirelessly communicating with interrogators 22 at multiple transport stages ; performing multi-modal continuous tracking independent of the carrying vehicle ; performing Al-driven anomaly detection and predictive analytics ; logging events in an immutable or blockchain-based audit trail ; and enabling multi-tenant access and custody trans fer management through a graphical user interface .

[0057] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for the intermodal container tracking system 10 and an associated method whereby a realtime , end-to-end, multi-modal , continuous tracking of a geographic position of an intermodal container 8 is facilitatedvia a remote processing system 30, as described above. The intermodal container tracking system 10 allows ongoing monitoring of a geographic position of an intermodal container 8 as the container passes through container handling facilities and en route on an ad hoc basis.

[0058] In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee. Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features. Where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth .

[0059] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and / or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise .

[0060] Variations (e.g. modifications and / or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0061] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and / or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter .

[0062] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An intermodal container tracking system comprising : at least one intermodal container comprising an AIDC identi fier whereby container details of said container are obtainable via electronic interrogation, said AIDC identi fier further comprising : i . a GNSS module for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; ii . a transceiver for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ; iii . non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and iv . a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; and a plurality of interrogators arrangeable at a number of container handling facilities and / or along container transport routes ; and a management computer system arranged in signal communication with the plurality of interrogators via a communications network, such as the internet , said management computer system configured to : a . on authorised request , provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage are editable ; b . on request, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby the stored container details are viewable ; c . on request , poll the controller via the transceiver to obtain a substantial real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module ; andd. automatically track, by means of the plurality of interrogators, the AIDC identifier as said intermodal container is handled at respective container handling facilities and / or transported en route; wherein the geographic position and container details of said intermodal container are monitorable by the remote processing system on an ad hoc basis.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the AIDC identifier comprises a Quick Response (QR) tag on a CSC plate of the intermodal container.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the AIDC identifier comprises an indicium realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink.

4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AIDC identifier comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag .

5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the container details are selectable from a group consisting of a size of the container, an origin, a destination, manufacturer details, date of build and contents of the container.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the interrogator is selectable from a non-visible spectrum camera, an RFID scanner, a radio transceiver and an NFC scanner.

7. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the interrogator is arrangeable along container transport routes by comprising a mobile platform with GNSS functionality.8 . The system of any of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the GUI is realised by means of a software application executable by the remote processing system and / or a web portal accessible by the remote processing system, the remote proces sing system selectable from a group consisting of a mobile device , such as a mobile phone or tablet , a desktop or portable computer, and a terminal .9 . The system of any of claims 1 to 8 , wherein the management computer system is configured to compare a geographic position of an interrogator with a real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module in order to confirm a veracity of the container details .10 . The system of any of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the AIDC identi fier is configured to monitor unauthorised tampering with an intermodal container by means of a tamper sensor selectable from a group consisting of a container intrusion sensor, a shock sensor, a motion sensor, a magnetic seal sensor, an optical seal-breach sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope , a vibration sensor , a thermal-cutting detector, an RF shielding detector and a GNSS j amming or spoofing detector .11 . The system of any of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the AIDC identi fier is configured, via the transceiver, for pairing with a control system of a vehicle transporting said intermodal container so that the management computer system is able to compare a geographic position of said vehicle and intermodal container for geographic position tracking redundancy .12 . An intermodal container comprising an AIDC identi fier whereby container details of said container areobtainable via electronic interrogation, said AIDC identi fier comprising : i . a GNSS module for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; ii . a transceiver for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ; iii . non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and iv . a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; wherein, upon interrogation by an interrogator at a container handling facility and / or along container transport routes , a management computer system is able to compare a geographic position of an interrogator with a real-time geographic position of the container from the GNSS module when said container is handled at a container handling facility and / or transported en route in order to confirm a veracity of the container details .13 . A method for tracking the intermodal container of claim 12 , said method comprising the steps of : via a management computer system, by means of a plurality of interrogators arranged at a number of container handling facilities and / or along container transport routes , automatically track the AIDC identi fier as said intermodal container is handled at respective container handling facilities and / or transported en route; on authorised request , via the management computer system, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby said container details stored on the non-transitory data storage are editable ;on request , via the management computer system, provide a GUI to a remote processing system whereby the stored container details are viewable ; on request , via the management computer system, poll the controller via the transceiver to obtain a substantial realtime geographic position of the container from the GNSS module ; wherein the geographic position and container detai ls of said intermodal container are monitorable on an ad hoc basis .14 . An AIDC identi fier for an intermodal container, saidAIDC identi fier comprising : a Quick Response ( QR) tag realised in non-visible electromagnetic spectrum ink; a GNSS module configured for determining a geographical position of the identi fier ; a transceiver configured for sending and receiving electromagnetic wave signals ; non-transitory data storage for storing container details ; and a controller arranged in signal communication with, and configured to control , said GNSS module , transceiver and data storage ; wherein the AIDC identi fier is interrogatable by an interrogator for monitoring the geographic position and container details of an intermodal container on an ad hoc basis .

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