Abstract: An energy-constrained wireless mesh network is disclosed suitable for unattended sensor devices in rural or off-grid areas. The mesh network can be used in both a secure and insecure mode as desired. A series of rounds is used to communicate synchronously between a base station and wireless devices that are multiple hops away from the base station. Adaptive data rate techniques may be used to optimize data exchanges between networked devices.

Abstract: An ephemeral secure wireless ad hoc network for programmable devices uses a technique for reading an encoded identification value disposed with a housing of the programmable device. A software application uses the read encoded identification value to configure the programmable device for use in the network. When the network is shut down, all network session information is erased for security purposes.

Abstract: A contactless gate position sensor includes an optical time-of-flight sensor positioned within a predetermined proximity of a gate for detecting a closed position of the gate and an open position of the gate. The optical time-of-flight sensor has a predetermined field of view. When a predetermined portion of the gate is within the predetermined field of view, a status of the gate is set to a closed status. When the predetermined portion of the gate is outside the predetermined field of view, the status of the gate is set to an open status. The status is detected by the optical time-of-flight sensor and transmitted using a data communication network.

Abstract: An energy-constrained wireless mesh network is disclosed suitable for unattended sensor devices in rural or off-grid areas. The mesh network can be used in both a secure and insecure mode as desired. A series of rounds is used to communicate synchronously between a base station and wireless devices that are multiple hops away from the base station. Adaptive data rate techniques may be used to optimize data exchanges between networked devices.

Abstract: A solar-powered remote monitoring tag for beef cattle and other animals typically inhabiting outdoor environments combines animal health and activity monitoring with geolocation information. The tags communicate with a base station using radio communications, which in turn uses satellite internet services to communicate with a remote computing server. The remote computing server provides a user interface, such as a mobile app, that provides geospatially enabled information involving the health, activity, and location of monitored animals, thus providing timely and evidence-based decision support to the end user. The remote monitoring tags may also provide for close range communication using a near field communication transponder.