 |
Transportation
telematics in the United States. With regard to cargo
transport, this concept has been largely defined over the years by
the need to deter theft. After September 11, 2001, cargo
security has taken on an entirely new dimension. Originally
conceived to maximize just in time inventory management efficiencies
and minimize cargo losses, Loran Technologies, Inc. is in the
process of testing a comprehensive cargo tracking system (“CTS”)
that enables government and private enterprise to exploit existing
GPS technology by allowing for the real-time monitoring and tracking
of cargo from its point of origin to its final destination.
CTS can pinpoint cargo anytime, anywhere in the world and, with the
use of a non-intrusive electronic scanner, CTS can detect and
prevent the unauthorized transportation of goods or personnel
through ports of entry, border checkpoints and across the country.
Armed with this information, federal, state and local governments
can determine whether goods being transported promote commerce or
pose a threat.
THE
TECHNOLOGY
CTS
consists of software that permits the interface of and data
management generated by four hardware products:
a
tamper proof RFID transponder device affixed to a pallet or
product (a “Tag”);
The
ingenuity of CTS is best illustrated by it simplicity of operation:
a product or pallet of cargo with a secured Tag that is numerically
encoded is entered into a database and approved for shipment at a
point of origin (i.e. manufacturer’s plant). As the pallet
or product exits the facility, the Tag is read by the Portal Scanner
located at access points. The scanner wirelessly transmits
data concerning the Tag’s movement to a base unit at the
manufacturer’s facility which communicates with a network linked
to a central database. When the product or pallet is loaded
into a trailer or container, the Tags are read by the Portal Scanner
situated near the trailer or container doors. The scanner
transmits this data to and is logged in by a GPS unit installed in
the cab of the trailer or container. Once the trailer or
container is fully loaded, the Seal locks the doors which cannot be
opened until the trailer or container arrives at a pre-authorized
location as confirmed by the GPS unit. In addition to ensuring
the transport of sealed containers which may be globally tracked on
a real-time basis, CTS minimizes cargo theft by GPS transmitted
alarms whenever the seal is broken, a Tag removed or the location of
the trailer or container exceeds the perimeter of a specified route
or area (geo-fencing).
The
GPS unit can also be programmed to transmit a signal at specified
intervals (e.g., every five seconds) to determine the presence of
all of the Tags loaded into the trailer or container. Should a
Tag not respond, an alarm is triggered. The Portal Scanner has
several remarkable features including the ability to detect the
direction of a Tag (i.e. determining whether a Tag has been moved in
or out of a warehouse or container) and can transmit an alarm if
something passes through the defined zone without a Tag. The
Portal Scanner also incorporates biometrics and can therefore not
only authenticate the personnel loading the cargo but identify
whether an untagged item passing through the portal was a person as
compared to a product thereby detecting and preventing unauthorized
products and/or persons from being transported.
THE
APPLICATION
In
addition to enhancing productivity through just in time inventory
management efficiencies and deterring cargo theft which costs U.S.
companies and their insurers billions of dollars each year, CTS
enhances homeland security by preventing the smuggling of
unauthorized persons or materials into the United States.
Border crossings can be streamlined by creating “fast-track”
lanes for tractor-trailers carrying tagged cargo, the data of which
can be transmitted by Loran’s GPS unit to a scanning station
operated by U.S. Customs. Integrating CTS will empower
appropriate federal agencies to monitor and can track not only every
tractor-trailer entering the United States,
CTS can also
identify what is contained inside the container. This
technology can be implemented without the need for extremely
expensive x-ray equipment which is the current limited capability in
effect. CTS can also be seamlessly integrated at ports of
entry consistent with the mandates of the Port and Maritime Security
Act of 2001.
PATENTS
Patent No.:
6,726,636 - BREATHALYZER WITH VOICE RECOGNITION
Patent No.:
7,034,683
- ELECTRONIC VEHICLE PRODUCT AND
PERSONNEL
MONITORING
Patent No.:
7,100,052 - PORTAL SCANNER ELECTRONIC
VEHICLE PRODUCT
AND PERSONAL MONITORING
|