Abstract: A data processing system and method integrates speed or transactional sensor data processing with batch level processing of sensor data using a hybrid-Lambda network architecture. In such a hybrid-Lambda network architecture, speed or transactional processing is performed, batch level processing is performed, and batch level processing results can be combined and integrated with the transactional processing events, and visa-versa, such that real time results can be influenced by long term analytics, and long term analytics can be influenced by real time events. For such processing, both speed or transactional and batch level, can occur as result of any type of sensor data being received, processed, and substantially immediately stored in immutable storage locations, for later retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A data processing system and method integrates speed or transactional sensor data processing with batch level processing of sensor data using a hybrid-Lambda network architecture. In such a hybrid-Lambda network architecture, speed or transactional processing is performed, batch level processing is performed, and batch level processing results can be combined and integrated with the transactional processing events, and visa-versa, such that real time results can be influenced by long term analytics, and long term analytics can be influenced by real time events. For such processing, both speed or transactional and batch level, can occur as result of any type of sensor data being received, processed, and substantially immediately stored in immutable storage locations, for later retrieval and analysis.

Abstract: A tag has a transmitter for transmitting first wireless signals, and a receiver for receiving second wireless signals from which the tag can determine its current physical location. A different embodiment includes a tag having a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, and a reader having a receiver for receiving the wireless signals, the receiver in the reader being an ultra-sensitive receiver.

Abstract: A part can receive a communication that originates externally of the part, that conforms to a predetermined communications protocol, and that contains payload information consistent with the protocol but subject to a security provision supplemental to the protocol. The part extracts the payload information from the security provision.

Abstract: A tag has a transmitter for transmitting first wireless signals, and a receiver for receiving second wireless signals from which the tag can determine its current physical location. A different embodiment includes a tag having a transmitter for transmitting wireless signals, and a reader having a receiver for receiving the wireless signals, the receiver in the reader being an ultra-sensitive receiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.

Abstract: An electronic security seal (e-Seal) is disclosed. The e-Seal monitors security of shipments including intermodal containers, reports tampers in real-time, monitors environmental status of goods and reports exceptions in real-time, and reports the location of the shipment with high frequency. The security monitoring complies with the ISO 17712 standard, adding electronic real-time reporting of tamper time and location and LED tamper indication. The e-Seal can be manufactured and operated at low cost due to diagnostic and logistic features. The e-Seal supports low cost upgrades due to a modular architecture allowing a plug-in update of separate functions. The e-Seal allows flexible usage across supply chain tradelanes, due to highly programmable operation including over-the-air remote programming via wireless communications. The e-Seal provides low power operation to save battery usage and lower costs.

Abstract: A security electronic seal is described. The electronic seal uses a first shaft to lock an asset, and a second inexpensive consumable shaft to lock the first shaft. These shafts provide an electronic means of monitoring the security of the seal. The seal can detect tampering of the asset secured by the device, and in some implementations provides a wireless notification.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that receives a wireless signal containing a message type conforming to an extension of a standard communication protocol and having an extended services segment, the tag then transmitting the extended services segment through an extended services interface. According to a different aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that stores data which includes respective information regarding each of multiple extended services, and that responds to receipt of a wireless signal which is an extension to a standard protocol by transmitting a further wireless signal which is an extension to the protocol and contains at least part of the data. According to yet another aspect, a method and apparatus involve a radio frequency identification tag that responds to receipt of one wireless signal by transmitting a further wireless signal containing information regarding multiple sensors.

Abstract: A part can receive a communication that originates externally of the part, that conforms to a predetermined communications protocol, and that contains payload information consistent with the protocol but subject to a security provision supplemental to the protocol. The part extracts the payload information from the security provision.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring and tracking assets and providing notifications to users are disclosed. In one aspect, a request to track an asset and enterprise data describing the asset are received, a tag is selected to associate with the asset, an event notification is received from the tag, and a user notification is generated from the event notification and the enterprise data. In another aspect, a request for a tag is received, a tag is selected in response to the request, a tag is routed to the origin location for the tag, a notification is received that the tag has arrived at a destination location, and the tag is routed from the destination location to a tag pool.

Abstract: An electronic security seal (e-Seal) is disclosed. The e-Seal monitors security of shipments including intermodal containers, reports tampers in real-time, monitors environmental status of goods and reports exceptions in real-time, and reports the location of the shipment with high frequency. The security monitoring complies with the ISO 17712 standard, adding electronic real-time reporting of tamper time and location and LED tamper indication. The e-Seal can be manufactured and operated at low cost due to diagnostic and logistic features. The e-Seal supports low cost upgrades due to a modular architecture allowing a plug-in update of separate functions. The e-Seal allows flexible usage across supply chain tradelanes, due to highly programmable operation including over-the-air remote programming via wireless communications. The e-Seal provides low power operation to save battery usage and lower costs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involve a plurality of first devices, and a second device movable relative thereto. According to one aspect, the first and second devices respectively transmit first information and second information containing unique identification codes, the first information also containing position information. The devices collectively include circuitry that estimates distances therebetween, one of the first and second information including the estimate. According to a different aspect, one of the second device and each first device transmits its identification code, and the devices collectively include circuitry that determines two successive sets of estimates representing respective distances between the second device and each first device. One of the second device and each first device transmits information that includes both estimates for that first device, and identification codes for the second device and that first device.

Abstract: Techniques for monitoring and tracking assets and providing notifications to users are disclosed. In one aspect, a request to track an asset and enterprise data describing the asset are received, a tag is selected to associate with the asset, an event notification is received from the tag, and a user notification is generated from the event notification and the enterprise data. In another aspect, a request for a tag is received, a tag is selected in response to the request, a tag is routed to the origin location for the tag, a notification is received that the tag has arrived at a destination location, and the tag is routed from the destination location to a tag pool.

Abstract: A tag has a circuit portion that functions as a reader capable of wireless communication with other tags. According to a different aspect, a tag has a circuit portion with first and second modes, the circuitry consuming less power in the second mode than the first mode, and exiting the second mode only in response to an act by a human. According to yet another aspect, a tag can receive wireless communications conforming to one of a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol. The tag responds to receipt of a predetermined wireless signal conforming to the one protocol by carrying out one of first action that includes causing the tag to enter an electronically secure state, or a second action that includes causing the tag to exit the electronically secure state.

Abstract: A tag can communicate according to a cellular telephone network communication protocol, and includes one of: passive circuitry, semi-passive circuitry, or circuitry capable of communicating according to a radio frequency identification communication protocol or a satellite communication protocol. According to a different aspect, a tag can receive satellite signals containing positioning information, and can transmit according to one of a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol. According to yet another aspect, a tag can transmit according to each of first and second communication protocols that are each one of a radio frequency identification communication protocol, a cellular telephone network communication protocol, a satellite communication protocol, and a wireless computer network communication protocol.

Abstract: Techniques for tracking physical assets are described. In one aspect, input indicating that an asset has been loaded on a conveyance is received. When a tag attached to the asset is unable to transmit position fix data describing a location of the asset to a server, alternative position fix data (e.g., from the conveyance or another tag coupled to another asset on the conveyance) is used to indicate the position of the asset and tag. In another aspect, a relay component is used to receive the tag position fix data from the tag and forward it to the server.

Abstract: A system for collecting information from one or more radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags is provided. The system includes one or more RFID tags and a first interrogator device. The first interrogator device may be configured to perform interrogator functions in a first wireless network and perform tag functions in a second wireless network. The interrogator functions include transmitting a wake-up signal and a collection request command to the one or more RFID tags, and the tag functions include responding to a wake-up signal and transmitting a collect response message in response to a received collection request command. The system also includes a second interrogator device configured to perform interrogator functions in the second wireless network that include creating the second wireless network, transmitting a wake-up signal and a collection request command to the first interrogator when the first interrogator is in the second wireless network.

Abstract: A tag can receive first and second wireless signals respectively defining first and second transmission fields that overlap. When the tag moves from the first field to the second field through the region of overlap, the apparatus transitions only once from recognizing the tag is in the first field to recognizing the tag is in the second field. According to another aspect, first and second signposts are supported at spaced locations in the region of a crane, and respectively transmit first and second wireless signals that are different, and that respectively define first and second fields of transmission. According to yet another aspect, a signpost transmits wireless signals having a transmission field, and a system senses positional information regarding a tag movable relative to the signpost, the system using the positional information to determine a location of the tag in relation to the transmission field.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a carrier, and a system that is responsive to wireless signals transmitted by tags on items carried by the carrier for maintaining a local inventory of items carried by the carrier. A different apparatus involves a carrier having a container with an interior, a sensor for detecting a condition externally of the container that can be related to an environment within the container, and a system that handles information from the sensor in a manner facilitating an evaluation of the likelihood that a problem exists within the container. Another apparatus involves a carrier for a plurality of items, and a system that is responsive to wireless signals received from a remote location for determining a current location of the carrier and for evaluating whether the carrier is proceeding along an intended route.