Development of an Intermodal Container Load Status and Security Monitoring System

There is increasing concerns regarding national security risks associated with international freight and cargo shipments. The existing container/trailer security monitoring systems for transportation logistics use conventional methods and technologies such as video cameras, infrared sensors and ultrasonic proximity sensors (line of sight configuration). However high cost, failures owing to adverse weather conditions, inaccurate detection of cargo condition due to variable material/configurations encountered in freight transport are some of the reasons for the limited success of conventional monitoring systems. This research applies signal processing techniques to the analysis of acoustical responses which contributes toward the development of an intermodal container load status and security monitoring system. In this manner, the drawbacks of the existing conventional methods are reduced by incorporating the recent advances in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and acoustical signature monitoring (ASM). Experimental results are given demonstrating that the concept of ASM is an effective technique for improved monitoring and load status assessment of intermodal containers and trailers.

• Record URL:
  http://www.uark.edu/rd_engr/MBTC/MBTC_-_2084(1).pdf
• 
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This research was funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, University Transportation Centers Program.
• Corporate Authors:

  Mack-Blackwell Transportation Center

  University of Arkansas, 4190 Bell Engineering Center
  Fayetteville, AR  United States  72701

  Research and Special Programs Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • McCann, Roy
• Publication Date: 2008-6-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 107p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic signature; Cargo handling; Container traffic; Freight handling; Freight traffic; Freight transportation; Infrared detectors; Intermodal transportation; International trade; Monitoring; Radio frequency identification; Sensors; Tractor trailer combinations
• Subject Areas: Freight Transportation; Highways; Motor Carriers; Planning and Forecasting; Railroads; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01108771
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: MBTC 2084
• Files: UTC, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 20 2008 9:07AM