Patent attributes
A cargo detection apparatus installed within a cargo container includes multiple distance sensors and one or more processors in communication with the distance sensors. The distance sensors, which are configured for mounting on or adjacent to a ceiling of the cargo container, generate distance signals. Each distance signal indicates a distance between a corresponding one of the distance sensors and a surface within the interior space of the cargo container. The one or more processors are operable to execute instructions to compare the distance indicated by each of the distance signals to a distance threshold, and generate a cargo-present indication if the distance is less than the distance threshold. The distance sensors may be laser-ranging time-of-flight sensors or ultrasonic sensors.
