Abstract: An asset tracking system that utilizes a wireless network system and which includes primary (active) and secondary (passive) tracking devices. The primary tracking device acts as a coordinator and the secondary devices surrounding the coordinator act as end-devices. Each secondary device can communicate only with the primary device. The primary device passes messages (data) from the secondary devices to the remote host transparently. Each secondary device only sends its data when it triggered by a ‘ping’ from the primary device. When a ping event occurs, the primary device broadcasts a main data packet, in some embodiments followed by two additional data packets. Within this time span of the primary data packet, the secondary devices send their data packets to the primary device, in some embodiments, as two small data packets.

Abstract: An RF asset-tracking device that has an extended operational life, thus increasing the duration between battery replacement or maintenance. The asset-tracking device is provided with an electro-mechanical energy-harvesting device to supplement the battery. The energy-harvesting device provides additional power to augment the battery on a temporary basis, when the battery level is low, until the battery can be replaced. In one particular embodiment, the tracking device has a power management system, a battery power source and a battery monitor, and an electro-mechanical energy-harvesting device and a high capacity supercapacitor operably connected to the power management system.

Abstract: An RF asset tracking device for cargo containers that has an extended operational life, due to a power management system and multiple power sources. The device has a solar cell and high capacity supercapacitor as a principal power source and a rechargeable battery as an auxiliary power source. Control circuitries manage and regulate the usage of the primary and secondary sources. Together, these power sources provide sufficient power for the tracking device to operate for an extended period of time, thus increasing the period between needed maintenance and decreasing downtime and thus cost.

Abstract: A tracking system that includes equipment and methodology to determine when the tracked container is in close proximity to an aircraft. In general, the tracking device is deactivated while the aircraft container is close to or on board of the aircraft, and the tracking device is activated while the aircraft container is outside the aircraft. The tracking system includes multiple machine vision sensors associated with the tracking device positioned on the container to identify the curvature associated with the container's surroundings. Activation and deactivation of the tracking device is associated with the information transmitted and received by the tracking device, based on various features of the geographic position of the container.

Abstract: A protocol and methodology that extends the battery power in a remote asset tracking device by storing location data more than once (i.e., “n” times), yet transmitting that data only once to a server. In other words, multiple data points are transmitted simultaneously. Devices and systems incorporating the protocol are also provided.

Abstract: An asset tracking system that optimizes the value per ping by tying the ping to a pattern of movements of the asset. The asset tracking device will send a ping to a remote host (i.e., receiver) when predetermined qualified event is detected by the device. In such a manner, the value per ping is optimized, leading to increased battery life and decreased operational cost. To satisfy these conditions, the asset tracking device is equipped with appropriate sensors, actuators, and trigger mechanism(s). A four-phase methodology or algorithm used to detect and determine when detected motions and movements warrant triggering the data ping.

Abstract: Asset tracking system that utilizes a time-based ping in which the ping rate and the ping period are based on a predetermined event. Over the period of use of the system and device, the ping rate and ping period are adjusted based on the expected occurrence of an event. The system has lower operational cost, particularly battery maintenance cost, than conventional active ping systems that have a set ping rate or a random ping rate.

Abstract: An asset tracking system that optimizes the value per ping by tying the ping to a pattern of movements of the asset. The asset tracking device will send a ping to a remote host (i.e., receiver) when pre-determined condition(s) regarding the movement are met, conditions such as the pattern of movement, and number of movements within a time period. In such a manner, the value per ping is optimized, leading to increased battery life and decreased operational cost. To satisfy these conditions, the asset tracking device is equipped with appropriate sensors, actuators, and trigger mechanism(s). The sensors and actuators detect movements and/or confirm or recognize a sequence of movements. When the detected movements and/or sequence of movements match a predetermined, recognized pattern or condition, the trigger mechanism is activated, after which a data ping is sent.

Abstract: An asset tracking system that optimizes the value per ping by tying the ping to movement of the asset. The asset tracking device will send a ping to a remote host (i.e., receiver) when pre-determined condition(s) regarding the movement are met, conditions such as time between movements, the pattern of movement, and number of movements within a time period. In such a manner, the value per ping is optimized, leading to increased battery life and decreased operational cost. To satisfy these conditions and exception events, the asset tracking device is equipped with appropriate sensors, actuators, and trigger mechanism(s). The sensors and actuators detect movements and/or confirm or recognize a sequence of movements. When the detected movements and/or sequence of movements match a predetermined, recognized pattern or condition, the trigger mechanism is activated, after which a data ping is sent.