Integrated air logistics system
OwnerMark Stephen De Rocheinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An autonomous cargo tracking system and method of using same are provided. The system is comprised of communication and sensor unit that is affixed to the container to be tracked, a ground system that coordinates communications between the unit and the users, and one or more satellite systems that provide communication capabilities as well as position information. The system can operate either as a unidirectional system or as a bi-directional system. As a unidirectional system data is sent either directly to the users or, more preferably, sent indirectly to the users via the ground system. As a bi-directional system users are able to both request and receive data from the unit, either directly or indirectly through the ground system. Preferably users communicate with the ground system using an Internet Web site.
Claims50
A method of providing container status information to a user, the method comprising of the steps of:
- attaching an electronic communications unit to a shipping container;
- generating a transaction identification code, wherein said transaction identification code is specific to said shipping container and specific to at least one user transaction;
- initiating a status inquiry utilizing said transaction identification code, wherein said user performs said initiating step;
- receiving said status inquiry by a ground communications system;
- transmitting said status inquiry to said electronic communications unit by said ground communications system;
- obtaining a status information response by said electronic communications unit;
- transmitting said status information response to said ground communications system by said electronic communications unit;
- and
- forwarding said status information response to said user by said ground communications system.
A method of providing container status information to a user, the method comprising of the steps of:
- attaching an electronic communications unit to a shipping container;
- generating a transaction identification code, wherein said transaction identification code is specific to said shipping container and specific to at least one user transaction;
- monitoring at least one shipping container status indicator with said electronic communications unit;
- updating shipping container status information in response to a change in said at least one monitored shipping container status indicator;
- transmitting said updated shipping container status information to a ground communications system by said electronic communications unit;
- and
- forwarding said updated shipping container status information to said user by said ground communications system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.