The invention relates to a lock bar, suitable for attachment to a transport container for air cargo, comprising at least at one end locking means for locking the transport container, wherein the lock bar comprises a transceiver, a control- ler, a data storage and a battery, and wherein the transmitter is suitable for transmitting an identification code that is unique for the lock bar. The invention also relates to a system for securing and tracing transport containers .

International patent application WO 2004/078601 describes a lock bar with a passive transceiver that is connected to a data storage module. Passive transceivers however have the drawback that they have to be activated with a considerable amount of transmission power. When also there are a number of passive transmitters in close vicinity to each other, this problem is aggravated because the various passive transceivers each do consume transmitted power. In addition it appears that passive transceivers are sensitive to malfunctioning and do not function reliably especially in an environment where also other radio frequencies are used. In addition surrounding elements such as water and iron can have a disturbing influence.

WO 2004/078601 describes a system for tracing transport containers for air cargo, wherein the transport container is equipped with an active transmitter that can be switched off when the container is placed on supports that comprise means for switching off the transmitter. This however has the drawback that when the container is not placed on these special supports, the container will exhaust the power supply rather quickly by regular transmissions . Further the means for switching off are especially meant for use by air cargo in aircrafts, where transmissions are not allowed. This means that when these containers are used in aircrafts, these aircrafts always have to be equipped with the special supports . This brings about considerable logistic complications and consequently, in addition to a probability for mistakes, also considerable costs. The above- mentioned drawbacks are equally valid for the system for tracing transport containers for air cargo. US patent application No. US 2005/0046567 Al describes a container and a system for monitoring the contents of the container of the type described in the above introduction, comprising amongst others a transceiver, but with the exception that in US 2005/0046567 A it concerns specifically metal containers, that are not transparent for radio waves. The container and the system according to US 2005/0046567 Al however has the drawback that the risk remains that the described container starts transmitting in an aeroplane. In an aeroplane many signals are gener- ated, such as control signals and communication signals. The possibility that such a container responds to one of these sig ^¬ nals cannot be neglected. Naturally there is a high probability that the response signal will not be recognized and there will most probably be no unintended communication, but it remains that transmitting by a container as described in US 2005/0046567 Al in an aeroplane will not be prevented.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid the above-mentioned drawbacks.

This aim is reached by a lock bar according to claim 1 and a system for securing and tracing transport containers according to claim 13. First of all use is made of an active transceiver, so that the draw backs of a passive transceiver do not occur. When the transmitter of a lock bar only transmits after receipt of an activating signal, also the energy supply will not be exhausted unnecessarily. Also the transmitter will not transmit when the transmitter is in an aeroplane, because in an aeroplane no activating signal can be transmitted. Since the activating signal comprises predetermined unique characteristics, which characteristics are identifiable by the lock bar, the ac- tivating signal can be determined in advance to be such that these characteristics will not all by coincidence be present in another signal then the activating signal for the lock bar and thus will not occur in an aeroplane. This guarantees that the container with a lock bar according to the invention will not transmit in an aeroplane. The predetermined unique characteristics of the activating signal can relate to all properties and combinations of properties of a signal such as carrier frequency, pulse length, modulations, package content, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention this is re- alized because the transmitter of the lock bar is blocked as a rule, so that transmission is not possible. This blockade will be relieved for a predetermined period of time after receipt and recognition of the activating signal, so that during this period of time the transmitter of the lock bar can transmit. When the predetermined period of time has elapsed the blockade becomes active again.

It is also possible that the lock bar is an integral part of the transport container and is executed as a lock bar such as is described in PCT Application No. WO 03/035492.

In a advantageous embodiment of the invention after re- ceipt and recognition of the activating signal, the transmitter transmits the unique identification code of the lock bar. This is notably advantageous when there are many containers in the immediate neighbourhood, that comprise a lock bar according to the invention. This makes the container directly traceable. For increasing the flexibility it is advantageous when the transmitter, after receipt of the activating signal, transmits the unique identification code for the lock bar during a predetermined period of time and with a predetermined interval . In a preferred embodiment of the lock bar according to the in- vention this period of time and this interval are adjustable.

The security of a transport container equipped with a lock bar according to the invention is considerable increased when the control unit, locks respectively unlocks the locking means, depending on a signal received by the receiver. The lock bar can then only be opened by means of a suitable external transmitter. Consequently there are no means for admission at the exterior of the lock bar that are sensitive for unauthorized use, such as would be the case with a lock that is operated with a key for instance . The security is considerably increased when the control unit in the lock bar at the time of locking generates a security code, that governs the unlocking, and the security code is transmitted by the transmitter. Only persons in possession of both a suitable transmitter as well as the security code for the container concerned are able to open the container.

When the container is secured by a security code against unauthorized opening, it can be advantageous in certain cases, for instance during malfunctioning of a transmitter for communication with the receiver in the lock bar, when at the ex- terior the lock bar comprises means for hand operated input, for inputting the security code and the signal for unlocking. This is also useful in situations where there is no transmitter available for communication with the receiver in the lock bar. It is then sufficient when a person authorized to open the container is informed one way or another (e-mail, telephone, etc.) about the security code.

During the transport of certain goods it is advantageous when the lock bar comprises a sensor, for instance a temperature sensor a humidity sensor, a shock sensor or a combination of these, and that the signal that is generated by the sen- sor or sensors is stored in the memory. This enables for instance during transport by the transport container of perishables, where the environmental conditions can influence the transported goods during transport, that these conditions are being monitored and recorded. It is also possible to register if attempts have been made to get admission to the container by means of force, through a shock sensor. Then these data can together with the time of occurrence, which can be supplied by the control unit, be stored in the memory.

In a especially preferred embodiment the lock bar ac- cording to the invention comprises means for giving a signal, such as a LED. This enables making visible at the exterior, for instance when there is communication going on with the container of which the lock bar is an integral part, or a alarm signal can be given in case an undesirable environmental condition has oc- curred, such as too high temperature or humidity, or a combination thereof.

A transport container comprising a lock bar according to one of the claims 1 to 12 enables a simple and effective system for securing and tracing transport containers, when the sys- tern contains not only at least one, but preferably many transport containers comprising such a lock bar and at least one mobile communication unit, comprising a transceiver, a memory, a controller, an input member and a display, wherein the mobile communication unit is arranged for communication with the trans- ceiver of the lock bar. In such a communication the requirement remains that the transmitter of the lock bar only transmits after receipt and verification of the activating signal by the lock bar. After receipt and verification the lock bar can transmit during a predetermined period of time. This makes it possi- ble to identify, open and close in a safe and secure way for instance incoming and leaving transport containers in a terminal. Only with such a mobile communication unit is this possible, so that unauthorized access to the content of one of these transport containers is made very difficult while the identification of these containers is possible on a reasonable distance, so that there is no need to use printed identification means, which need to be approached close to it to be read and that can easily be damaged during transport.

In order to be able to communicate with a specific transport container by means of the mobile communication unit, when at the same time many transport containers are present, it is of advantage when the mobile communication unit for communication with the lock bar comprises a direction sensitive transmitter and more so when in addition the transmitter has a maximum range of 5 m. This enables to communicate selectively with a specific container.

The system for securing and tracing transport containers according to the invention can be used over large distances and even worldwide when the system comprises a central computer with a data base, in which data concerning all transport con- tainers that are part of the system are being stored, wherein these data at least comprise:

- identification code, and

- in case of a closed container, security code, and wherein the mobile communication unit and the central com- puter are equipped for mutual communication. With such a central computer as part of the system, data for identification of containers and related security code can be stored independent of the location of the containers and be sent to and from mobile communication units. This, for example, makes it possible to load and lock a container at a location anywhere in the world, subsequently transport the container to another location, where the container can be opened with another mobile communication unit, for example for inspection by customs, be closed again and be reopened at the final destination to be unloaded. For in- stance, there can be communication between mobile communication units and the central computer via Internet, via radio communication such as GSM, via satellite communication or a combination thereof, or via any other suitable communication means. Of course the central computer can also comprise a computer network with nodes spread anywhere in the world. In a central computer of a system for securing and tracing transport containers according to the invention the data of the transport containers that belong to the system and that are stored in the data base can comprise also personal identifi- cation codes of persons, and by means of these codes the related transport containers can be opened, closed, data can be stored in those, as well as data can be read out of those. Because of this, different rights can be assigned to different persons for each container, with respect to the operations to be executed on the container.

In a system according to the invention the identification of container and its content can be coupled to each other when the data of the transport containers belonging to the system that is stored in the data base, also comprise data relating to the content, origin and destination of the cargo. For instance checking by customs can considerably be simplified by this.

The possibilities for use of the system according to the invention are further extended, when the data recorded in the data base of the transport containers that belong to the system, also comprise time and position data of the container. This not only gives direct insight into the last known position of the container, but also data relating to the journey are available. In areas where many containers arrive and/or depart at the same time, it is advantageous when the system comprises a fixed communication unit specifically for localizing containers belonging to the system, wherein the communication unit comprises a transceiver for sending an activating signal, receiving an identification code of a container that is located in de proximity of the fixed communication unit and for sending the identification code received and a position code to the central computer. Such a fixed communication unit is for instance connected to an entrance or an exit of a terminal, so that incoming or outgoing containers can be observed and registered without a necessity of a mobile communication unit, with the operator to operate it. Monitoring the containers is thus fully automated and the mobile communication unit can mainly be used for supporting and performing personal activities. Of course it is also possible to assign more rights to a fixed communication unit, for instance reading of the sensor data or opening all incoming containers, closing all departing containers, etc.

It is of course also possible that a security code is generated in the mobile communication unit or in the central computer, and subsequently is transmitted to the lock bar concerned and also the central computer or the mobile communication unit, if applicable.

The invention will now be explained using a description of an example of an embodiment, using the enclosed drawing, in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a lock bar according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a mobile communication unit and a container with the lock bar of fig. 1, Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of a system for securing and tracing transport containers according to the invention, and

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a container terminal, being part of the system of fig. 3.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a container 10 com- prising a lock bar 1. The container 10 is lockable by lock bar 1. Lock bar 1 is shown in more detail in a schematic view in fig. 1. Lock bar 1 comprises at one end locking means 2. Locking means 2 are movably disposed in lock bar 1 and are movable by control unit 4 from a locking position, in which the container 10 is locked, to a releasing position, in which the container can be opened and vice versa. In addition to controller 4, lock bar 1 comprises a transceiver 3, a memory or data storage 5, a battery 6, a key board 7, that is located at the exterior of lock bar 1 and can be operated from the outside of the container 10, a LED 8, also placed at the exterior of lock bar 1, and a sensor set 9 for measuring temperature and humidity of the interior of the container. Controller 4 is connected to all said components 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 of lock bar 1 and although fig. 1 only shows one connection from battery 6 with controller 4, the battery 6 also shows as energy supply to the other components.

In memory 5 also control programs are stored as well as a unique identification code for the lock bar. In addition memory 5 comprises space for storing one or more security codes and for measurement data of sensor set 9 together with the related measuring times. The times are supplied by an internal clock which is part of the controller 4. The functioning of the vari- ous parts mentioned of lock bar 1 of container 10 will be further explained below.

In fig. 3 a system 100 for securing and tracing transport containers is schematically represented. System 100 com- prises a central computer 110, that can also be embodied in multiple mutually coupled computers. System 100 comprises further a multitude of transport containers 10, that all comprise a lock bar 1 according to the present invention. Furthermore system 100 comprises a multitude of mobile communication units 20 and a multitude of fixed communication units 30, which both will be described in more detail below. Fixed communication units 30 are located at fixed positions in various locations A, B, C. Mobile communication units 20 usually also are located in a location A, B and C and are usually portable. There are no limitations to the position or to the number of locations A, B, C.

Central computer 110 comprises a data base where for each of the transport containers that belongs to the system 100 the following data are stored:

- identification code - present security code

- personal data with respective personal identification code of persons that are authorized for access to the pertaining container, or for access to the data belonging to the pertaining container. - list of goods contained in the container, as well as data relating to origin and destination

- list of time-position data of the container.

Central computer 110 is connected to each of the fixed 30 and mobile 20 communication units and via this connection data can be transmitted from the communication units 20, 30 to the central computer 110 and vice versa.

Fig. 2 shows schematically a container 10 with lock bar 1 according to the invention as well as mobile communication unit 20. Mobile communication unit 20 comprises a direction sen- sitive transceiver 21 with can be set to a range of about 5m, an alpha-numeric keyboard as an input member 22, a display 23 and a memory and control unit that are not displayed. Mobile communication unit 20 is able to communicate by means of its transceiver 21 with transceiver 3 of transport container 10. An op- erator, that operates mobile communication unit 10, now communicates as follows with container 10. The operator is pointing mo- bile communication unit 20 with its transceiver 21 to container 10 and sends with its transceiver 21 an activating signal to container 10. By the direction sensitivity and the limited range of the transceiver 21, this activating signal is only received by container 10 to which the operator pointed its mobile communication unit. In response to this activating signal container 10 checks the activating signal for predetermined unique characteristics of the activating signal. If all required characteristics are present, the transmitter is released for the predeter- mined period of time to transmit and the lock bar of container 10 transmits his unique identification code and this is received by the receiver of transceiver 21 of mobile communication unit 20. When container 10 is the container 10 as desired by the operator, further communication can take place by the operator by means of the mobile communication unit 20 and container 10. When container 10 (NB each time preceded by receipt and verification of an activating signal) communicates with communication unit 20, LED 8 of container 10 lights up. This makes it visible for the operator which container he/she communicates with. This com- munication takes place via a secured protocol which will not be further described here but which is obvious for a person skilled in the art. This communication can comprise comments such as opening or closing the container, starting or stopping of a series of measurements by sensor set 9 or transfer of data such as a security code generated during locking (will be described later in more detail) or a stored set of measurement data. Certain commands can only be executed when the command is accompanied by a security code. This is for instance the case with a command for opening a container 10. This to prevent an author- ized opening of a container 10. It is also possible to set parameters in lock bar 1 by means of mobile communication unit 20, such as duration and interval of sending by transmitter 3 of lock bar 1 of container 10 (of the identification and/of other data) after receipt and verification by receiver 3 of the acti- vating signal.

Via communication means which is not shown, the mobile communication unit 20 can communicate with the central computer 110. If the operator wants to open container 10, the operator enters a personal identification code via keyboard 21 and sends its personal identification code together with the identification code of container 10 to central computer 110. It is checked in the central computer if this operator is authorized to open this container. If this operator is authorized, the security code that belongs to this container is transmitted by the central computer to the mobile communication unit 20, after which the operator can send the command to unlock container 10 to container 10, together with the security code received. Control unit 4 of container 10 checks if the security code received is the same as the security code stored and if so, control unit 4 operates locking means 2 to move to the unlocked position. When an operator orders a container 10 to lock with a mobile communication unit 20, control unit 4 of the related container 10 generates a new random security code and this is stored in memory 5 and also transmitted by transceiver 3 to mobile communication unit 20 and via this to central computer 110 where this security code is stored in the data base. The sending of the security code generated at locking by sender 3 of lock bar 1 of container 10 in a preferred embodiment of the invention takes place with low power, so that the code is only received by receiver 21 of mobile communication unit 10 that that has trans- mitted the locking command.

Fig. 4 shows in more detail an example of a location A that belongs to the system 100 for securing and tracing containers 10. Location A is in this case a container terminal with an entrance 40, an exit 60 and a storage space 50 for containers 10. A fixed communication unit 30 is attached to the ceiling of both the entrance 40 and the exit 60. A multitude of fixed communication units 30 is attached to the ceiling, distributed over the storage space 50. Fixed communication units 30 are composed similarly to mobile communication units 20, with the exception that they do not comprise a keyboard .and a display. Fixed communication units 30 can transmit an activating signal for containers 10, by which these transmit their identification code which is then being received by the fixed communication unit 30. Fixed communication unit 30 subsequently sends a notification to the central computer 110 about the presence of the just identified container 10. The central computer registers time, identification of container 10 and the known position of the fixed communication unit, by which the position of container 10 is being recorded. In container terminal A can in such a way be registered which containers 10 are coming in through entrance 40, in which segment of storage space 50 each container 10 is being stored, and which containers 10 have left location A via exit 60. Fig. 4 also shows that an operator inspects container 10 by means of a mobile communication unit 20. Mobile communication unit 20 can for instance be embodied in a PDA (personal digital assistant), a laptop computer or also a mobile telephone.

In addition to the example described above, where a fixed communication unit 30 only executes the function of identification of containers 10, they of course can also be author- ized to execute other functions. For instance it is conceivable that a location B, where in an secure environment all incoming containers are being opened by a suitably equipped fixed communication unit 30, or all leaving containers are being closed. The respective fixed communication unit 30 is of course author- ized by central computer 110 to do this, in a way that is described before with a mobile communication unit 10.

In a variant of an embodiment of the invention a security code is not generated in the lock bar each time when a transport container is closed. Instead when the container is brought into use a set of a fixed number of security codes, for instance five, are generated by the central computer and stored in its memory. These codes are being transmitted {via mobile or fixed communication unit) to the lock bar and also stored in memory there. At that moment a first security code of the set of five is valid. As soon as a container has been opened with the security code, this code is no longer valid and the next code of the set becomes valid. When all security codes are used it is no longer possible to close the container without that a new set of security codes has been generated and are being transferred to the memory of the lock bar.

In another variant of an embodiment of the invention the lock bar comprises also a position determining system such as a GPS receiver. By this the position can be determined at any moment and can be stored in the memory of the lock bar with pre- determined time intervals, together with the time of the respective position determination. This makes it possible to read out these positions in time for instance with a mobile communication unit, possibly together with other parameters. Further a certain activity from the lock bar can be blocked or can be activated, depending on the position. For instance, transmitter and receiver can be switched off in predetermined area, such as cer- tain parts of airport and above certain heights above the surface of the earth .

In again another variant the lock bar is equipped with a GPRS interface, so that remote communication is possible, of course maintaining the blocking of transmission, unless an activating signal has been received.

Many other variants are conceivable that all fall within the invention such as defined by the following claims.

List of reference numbers

1 Lock bar

2 Locking means

3 Transceiver

4 Controller

5 Memory

6 Battery

7 Key board

8 LED

9 Sensor

10 Container

20 Mobile communication unit

21 Transceiver of 20

22 Input member of 20

23 Display of 20

30 Fixed communication unit

40 Entrance

50 Storage space

60 Exit

100 System

110 Central computer

A Container terminal