Ad-Hoc Wireless Relay Network for Cargo Container Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container tracking systems fail to ensure the integrity of container contents and provide reliable communication, especially when satellite or cellular channels are obstructed or unavailable, leading to compromised monitoring and security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a short-range wireless connection for ad-hoc networking between containers to establish a dynamic and efficient communication path to a central monitoring station, using algorithms to determine the best communication route and ensuring redundancy in case of channel failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If satellite or cellular communication channels are used for container monitoring, then communication range and coverage are improved, but reliability deteriorates when channels are obstructed or unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary containers that act as relay nodes between containers without direct satellite/cellular access and the central monitoring station. These intermediary containers receive data from isolated containers via short-range wireless communication and forward it through available satellite or cellular channels, thereby mediating the communication path and ensuring data delivery even when direct channels are obstructed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication network into multiple independent paths by distributing communication capabilities across multiple containers. Instead of relying on a single direct channel from each container to the central station, the system divides the communication task into segments where multiple containers can serve as potential relay nodes, creating redundant communication paths that improve overall system reliability.
2Speed
If direct satellite or cellular communication is implemented for each container, then communication speed is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring communication equipment in every container
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges communication functions by allowing containers to share communication resources. Instead of each container requiring independent satellite or cellular communication equipment, multiple containers can share the communication capabilities of intermediary containers that do have direct access to central monitoring stations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication speed through efficient relay mechanisms.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of all containers is implemented, then security and integrity monitoring is improved, but loss of time increases due to inability to inspect all containers at transit points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of container contents throughout the entire transit journey by maintaining persistent communication links between containers and the central monitoring station. Data is transmitted continuously or at regular intervals as containers move through the supply chain, eliminating the need for discrete inspection events at transit points and thereby achieving comprehensive security monitoring without time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for communications between a plurality of shipping containers using a short range or local area wireless communication device is provided. The system also contains a cellular communications device, a satellite communications device, or both, which are used to transmit information to, and receive commands from remote central monitoring station. The system includes a method which creates dynamic links between the containers using the short range channel. Containers are organized in networks and sub networks, and have built in redundancy features.