System and method for tracking shipping containers
OwnerAlfonso Llanesinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for tracking shipping containers uses QR codes that are affixed to each container providing extensive data that is particular to each container, including the size of the container, the weight of the container, as well as the location of the container upon scanning the QR code with a QR scanning device, such as a smartphone. The system and method of the present invention further incorporates the use of a website and software that allows for a setup of automated emails and notifications, as well as communication with the devices that scan the QR code on each container.
Claims6
A method for worldwide tracking of shipping containers comprising the steps of:
- obtaining specifications of each of a plurality of shipping containers including information on a CSC plate attached to each of the plurality of containers;
- generating a QR code specific to each of the plurality of shipping containers and each generated QR code containing specific identifying information concerning a particular shipping container among the plurality of shipping containers, and the identifying information including the specifications and the information on the CSC plate for the particular container;
- placing the QR code on an exterior of the particular shipping container to provide a low profile, easily accessible tracking device that does not require electric power and which is resistant to damage or separation from the shipping container;
- scanning the QR code with a GPS-enabled portable electronic computer device at a point of shipping origin;
- determining the geographic location of the particular shipping container at the time of scanning the QR code using GPS location technology provided via the GPS-enabled portable electronic computer device;
- capturing data including the specific identifying information from the scanned QR code and the determined geographic location of the particular shipping container at the time of scanning the QR code;
- transmitting the scanned and captured data and geographic location to a computer database server supporting one or more container management websites with asset tracking software installed;
- allowing a first user on a first computer server device to access the database server via the one or more container management websites and obtain the identifying information and location tracking information of the plurality of shipping containers including the particular shipping container;
- allowing a second user on a second user computer device to access the first user computer server and search for the current geographic location of one or more of the plurality of shipping containers, as well as the identifying information of each of the one or more plurality of shipping containers;
- and
- performing a search in the database server until a match is made for the one or more shipping containers and sending an automated email notification to at least the second user when the particular shipping container is identified, including the current geographical location of the shipping container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.