Container Tracking IoT

Container Tracking IoT — Topics for IoT Students

Satellite-based positioning systems are extensively used to determine observational coordinates on land, sea, air, and space by leveraging artificial satellites. The term Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) encompasses all satellite-based global positioning systems, either as standalone systems or in combination with other augmentation systems. Container tracking systems utilize advanced technologies to monitor and trace the movement of cargo containers during maritime transportation. These systems enable companies to optimize supply chain management, reduce the risk of cargo loss or damage, and enhance shipment security. Additionally, customers benefit from greater visibility of the status and location of goods, allowing for more effective planning.

This study examines the operational framework of an Arduino-based Smart Container Tracker. The research followed a Research and Development (R&D) methodology which emphasized the systematic development and exploration of theoretical or practical applications through innovation.

Keywords: Smart container tracker, Container, GPS, Arduino

Introduction

Satellite-based positioning systems, commonly referred to as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), represent the technologies that enable location determination across land, sea, air, and space by utilizing artificial satellites. GNSS includes global positioning systems operated individually or in combination with augmentation systems. The positioning process is carried out through resection methods using distances or differences in distances from satellites, which yield accurate latitudes, longitudes, and elevation coordinates. This technology serves as a fundamental component in various applications such as navigation, mapping, and geospatial research.

Containers are standardized units used for transporting goods across multiple modes of transportation such as ships, trains, and trucks. Their primary advantages lie in the ease of intermodal transfer without the need to unload the contents, as well as their durability for temporary storage. In the context of modern logistics, the efficiency and security in managing containers are of utmost importance.

To support such efficiency, container tracking systems now utilize high-tech devices such as IoT sensors and GPS modules attached to the container units. These devices transmit real-time data on position, temperature, humidity, and even gas leakage risks to monitoring centers via cellular or satellite networks. In this research, the authors developed a prototype of an Arduino-based tracking device, which serves not only as a practical solution for container monitoring systems but also as an educational tool for students to understand tracking systems within the context of modern logistics.

Method

The software was designed based on an algorithm developed to process digital signals or data obtained from GPS and sensors, in order to generate output in the form of status and position reports. These reports were sent via SMS upon user request.

The program's operation consists of machine-language instructions arranged in a syntax pattern forming a sequence of commands. The software used in this study was developed through a procedural structure that sequentially processes data extraction from GPS and sensors. The logical sequence of steps included:

1. Checking GPS Status: The system checked whether or not the GPS is active (data available).
2. Reading GPS Data: The system read coordinate and time data.
3. Reading Break Sensor: The system detected whether the container has been opened prematurely or not.
4. Calculating GPS Data: Latitude and Longitude coordinates were processed.
5. Posting the Value: Extracted GPS data was sent to the cloud.
6. Replying to Requests: The system sent SMS responses to the user containing the location (map link), speed, and container status (opened/not opened).

The hardware design involves assembling electronic components necessary to support data communication and control between GPS, Arduino Leonardo, GSM SIM module, SD card module, and pilot lamp. A block diagram is structured to represent the system architecture. The core components include: BELTIAN BN-220 GPS Module, Arduino Leonardo microcontroller, SIM900A GSM Module, SD Card Module and relay systems.

Result and Discussion

A. Hardware Design Results

In the rapidly advancing era of digitalization, the demand for efficient and real-time tracking systems has become increasingly critical, particularly in the logistics and freight transportation industries. One emerging innovative solution is the Smart Container Tracker—a system specifically designed to monitor and trace containers in real-time through the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This design encompasses both hardware and software architectures. The core components integrated into the system include:

1. Arduino as the Main Microcontroller
The Arduino (Uno / Leonardo) is a microcontroller board based on the ATmega328P (or equivalent), functioning as the central processing unit of the container tracking system. This board manages data collection from various sensors and facilitates communication with other modules such as SIM and GPS. With its support for both digital and analog pins, the Arduino can interface with environmental sensors and communication modules to enable real-time container tracking.

2. GPS and SIM Modules for Location Tracking and Data Communication
The GPS module (e.g., GY-GPSV3 NEO-M8N) is employed to obtain accurate container location data, even in areas with weak GPS signals. This module plays a vital role in calculating the trajectory and speed of the container. Meanwhile, the SIM900A module facilitates real-time data transmission via cellular networks to a server or end-user. This integration allows for remote monitoring and immediate reporting of conditions or anomalies through SMS or email.

The schematic/wiring diagram serves as a reference during the installation phase, guiding the assembly of electronic components for each subsystem (power regulator, Arduino, SIM module, SIM tray, SD-card cut-off relay, GPS module).

B. Software Design Results

1. Implementation of Tracker Device Design and Flowchart
The utilization of wireless data acquisition in container tracking systems offers numerous advantages, including the elimination of manual data entry, reduction of human error, and provision of continuous monitoring. This system enables device testing to ensure data reliability under various conditions, while also reducing costs through the application of IoT-based solutions. By automating the data collection process and delivering real-time updates, the system assists companies in optimizing logistics operations, minimizing delays, and enhancing overall efficiency. The use of cost-effective components such as the Arduino module and SIM cards further contributes to the accessibility and affordability of the solution.

During the implementation phase, the design is transformed into program code and electronic circuitry. Referring to the previously developed flowchart, the code is then written in the Arduino IDE, following the sequence defined by the flowchart.

2. Data Server Setup
The server functions as a cloud-based storage system for positional data acquired from the GPS module. It enables the GPS device to securely store location data, which can be accessed at any time. The server subsequently organizes the data within a structured database, allowing it to be analyzed or utilized as required.

3. Web Monitor Programming Results
A website is utilized to display positional data (latitude and longitude) retrieved from the server onto a map interface using the Google Maps API. Within the website, the positional data is further processed to: calculate speed based on changes in position between two points; compute travel time and distance; and extract temperature and humidity data. The temperature and humidity data are then stored on an SD card and presented on the monitoring dashboard. The website is developed using HTML code following a series of procedural steps.

4. Server Data Testing
Testing was conducted to evaluate the successful transmission of GPS data from the Arduino-based tracking device via the SIM900A GSM module. This testing involved several steps, including ensuring a stable connection between the SIM900A module and the cellular network, verifying that the GPS data transmitted from the Arduino was accurately received by the server, and assessing the consistency and reliability of data transmission under various network conditions. Furthermore, the testing included simulation of real-world usage scenarios to evaluate device performance and identify potential areas for improvement.

5. Comprehensive System Testing
Comprehensive testing was conducted to ensure that the overall system operates effectively across several key aspects:

• Position Tracking: Verifying the device's ability to accurately track location.
• Data Storage on Server: Ensuring that the collected positional data can be transmitted and properly stored on the server.
• Website Display: Confirming that the data stored on the server can be accurately retrieved and displayed on the website.
• Data Log Storage: Evaluating the system's ability to consistently record and store data logs.

Testing confirmed that the system is capable of accurately tracking positions, storing data on the server, displaying data on the website, and reliably saving log data. GPS data from the Arduino-based tracking device was transmitted to the server via the SIM900A GSM module. The data received by the server was then stored and displayed on the website using the Google Maps API. This process also involved logging temperature and humidity data onto an SD card for further environmental monitoring.

Conclusions

The design and development of the Smart Container Tracker have been successfully completed. The main components of this tracker include the Arduino Leonardo as the primary microcontroller, a GPS module of type GY-GPSV3 NEO-M8N, and the SIM900A GPRS module for data transmission. In this study, a smart container tracking system based on Arduino Leonardo and integrated with the SIM900A GSM module was tested and implemented to transmit GPS position data in real-time. This system was designed to enhance efficiency and security in supply chain management. The main findings of this research are as follows:

a. Successful Position Tracking: The system effectively tracked the container's location and transmitted the position data (latitude and longitude) to the ThingSpeak server. The data received and stored on the server demonstrated consistency and accuracy.

b. Real-Time Data Transmission: The SIM900A GSM module successfully transmitted GPS position data from the tracking device to the server in real-time. Testing showed that the data was reliably received without significant loss or delay.

c. Website Integration: The data collected and stored on the server could be retrieved and efficiently displayed on a website using the Google Maps API. The website was also capable of processing data to calculate speed, travel time, distance, and to display temperature and humidity information.

d. Data Logging: In addition to transmitting data to the server, the system also stored temperature and humidity logs on an SD card, enabling environmental monitoring within the container.

e. Efficiency and Reliability: Testing indicated that the system is both efficient and reliable for real-world applications, with the ability to function under various network conditions.