Cargo tracking and visibility system and method

US8095304B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• W. Brendan Blanton · Wilmington, US
• Javier Cortez · Glen Carbon, US
• Gary D. Koval · Glen Carbon, US
• Lester L. Houston, III · Chesterfield, US
• Leroy Elleby, Jr. · Fairview Heights, US
• Herbert D. Thompson · Landenberg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 30, 2008
• Grant date: Jan 10, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 2, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/04
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A cargo load and visibility system and method as well as an associated delivery vehicle tracking system are provided to permit cargo to be tracked, both as the cargo is loaded upon the delivery vehicle and throughout the delivery process, thereby increasing the visibility of the shipping operations including the last stage of the shipping operations in which the goods are delivered to their intended or ultimate destination. The cargo load and visibility system and method may be configured to permit redirection of the delivery vehicle while in route in instances in which the intended destination, such as a military unit, has changed position if such redirection can be performed in a manner that is safe for the delivery vehicle.