Cargo Visibility

Motion Sensing

To enable cargo visibility via the detection of physical activity initiation and termination, the CargoWatch Container DataGate (CDG) is equipped with an internal motion sensor. Depending on its operating state, the CDG can be programmed to respond to the presence or absence of motion. For example, if a physical shock is sensed (such as one generated when a container is dropped onto a chassis or railcar), it awakens the CDG, which checks its sensors, checks the GPS, determines what action has taken place, and reports the action to the Network Operations Center (NOC).

Security Surveillance

Depending on its operating scenario, the CDG will awaken and interrogate the ALLSET Container Security Device (CSD) to determine its status. These security checks can be triggered by any temporal schedule; a physical event (e.g., trip start); or an NOC request. Based on the response received from the ALLSET CSD and the particular operating scenario the CDG is working under, the information is processed and, if necessary, reported to the NOC. Therefore, cargo visibility is ensured.

Remote Programmability

Authorized staff within the NOC are able to make parametric adjustments to control the operational characteristics of the CDG. These parameters include, but are not limited to, the following: Reporting Intervals (the temporally based schedule of automatic checks and reports that are performed throughout the day); Security Checks (the scheduled rate of security checks, how they are processed, and the various actions to be taken); Operational Checks (the distances and times followed in the triggering events such as Move Begin/End and Reposition); and Event Filtering (events that should be ignored and not processed by the CDG). When parametric changes are transmitted to the CDG, the unit responds with a complete list of all of its parameters as an indication to the NOC that the action was successfully completed and cargo visibility is guaranteed.

Container Security and Safety Sensors

The CDG to be utilized for this program is equipped with an RS232 port to enable it to connect to a variety of sensors that are currently available or under development. In the CDG design, the RS232 port drives an expansion bus that can accept a number of compliant sensors that can provide cargo visibility by surveilling the container and utilizing the CDG as a portal to the outside word. This approach permits a high degree of flexibility and adaptability in developing cargo visibility and scenario specific solutions.

For more information, contact John Sammon III at (800) 448-6505, ext. 589