Open Architecture Sensor Controller for Container Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container security systems face challenges in accurately tracking and monitoring shipping containers due to the complexity and cost of integrating multiple sensors, as well as the lack of a standard interface for seamless sensor integration, making it difficult to detect tampering and threats effectively.
Innovation Solution
A standards-based open architecture sensor communication system that allows sensors to be automatically commissioned into the system using a sensor controller with a short-range wireless communications device, employing a standard radio frequency interface and predetermined protocol for quick and cost-effective integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to enhance monitoring capability, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface standard that allows multiple sensor types (temperature, motion, door, etc.) to be integrated into a single monitoring system through standardized wireless communication protocols. This enables the system to accommodate diverse sensors without requiring custom integration for each sensor type, thereby improving detection accuracy while controlling system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between sensors and the monitoring system. This standardized interface acts as a mediator that handles the complexity of sensor integration, allowing sensors to be added without increasing overall system complexity. The wireless interface standardizes the connection method, enabling easy integration of multiple sensor types.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are integrated wirelessly to simplify installation, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wiring connections with wireless communication interfaces to simplify sensor installation. Instead of requiring physical wires to be routed to each sensor, the system uses standardized wireless protocols (such as WiFi, Bluetooth, or other radio frequency communications) to connect sensors. This substitution eliminates the mechanical complexity of wiring while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of wireless communication parameters before sensor integration. By pre-establishing the wireless interface standards and communication protocols, the system enables sensors to be automatically integrated without requiring complex real-time configuration. This preliminary setup simplifies installation while managing the complexity through standardized pre-configured interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized interface is implemented to simplify sensor integration, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability to different sensor types may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor interface standard designed to accommodate multiple sensor types through a single standardized protocol. This universal interface enables sensors from different manufacturers and with different functionalities (temperature, motion, door, etc.) to be integrated into the same system without requiring custom solutions. The standardization process maintains adaptability by designing the interface to be multi-functional rather than single-purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized communication protocols and interface specifications that can be copied and applied across different sensor types. Instead of creating custom integration solutions for each sensor, the system uses replicated standardized interfaces that work universally. This copying approach maintains adaptability by allowing the same standardized interface to be applied to various sensor types without requiring redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for interfacing with sensors using an open architecture and standards based approach is provided. A sensor controller located on each container and any variety of one or more sensors are equipped with complementary short range wireless communications devices. The sensor may adhere to a predefined interface specification such that it may be automatically commissioned into, and operation in conjunction with the sensor controller and the container security system.