Fedex Corporate Services, Inc.

Steven Benton

Ole-Petter Skaaksrud

Terence Hollahan

Methods and systems for context management of a wireless node network having at least a plurality of nodes and a server are described. The server identifies at least one of the nodes. The server determines what context data relates to an operating environment of the identified node as the identified node moves along a path within the operating environment. Based upon the determined context data (e.g., scan data, historic data, shipment data, and layout data), the server performs a management task related to the identified node (e.g., instructs the node to alter its operation, associate the node with the another node, locates the node, tracks and reports the location of the node) with an adjustment made to account for the determined context data.

Context management of a wireless node network

Methods, media, apparatus, and systems are described for improved and enhanced node location determination related to one of a plurality of nodes in a wireless node network. A first and second other node in the network are instructed to detect any message broadcast from the one node over a period of time. The server receives a first indication from the first other node, where the first indication relates to a characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the first other node during the time period. The server receives a second indication from the second other node, where the second indication relates to the characteristic of all messages broadcast from the one node that are detected by the second other node during the time period. The server then determines a location of the one node based upon a difference in the first and second indications.

Proximity node location using a wireless node network

Improved methods and apparatus are described for determining node locations using one or more associations of nodes in a wireless node network. In general, a first node (such as a master node) may broadcast one or more first messages at a first anticipated range distance. The first node identifies which nodes associated with the first node received at least one of the first messages, such as by reports from associated nodes that receives such message(s). The first node then broadcasts one or more second messages at a smaller anticipated range distance (e.g., with a lower output power level), and determines a location of those associated nodes that did not receive any second messages but received at least one of the first messages. Such a location is between the first anticipated range distance from the first node and the second anticipated range distance from the first node.

Determining node location using a lower level node association in a wireless node network

Determining node location using a master node association in a wireless node network

Improved methods and networks of components are described for dynamically changing an operational mode of node operations in a wireless node network having at least a plurality of master nodes and a server. A method begins with a first master node detecting an environmental change related to the first master node, such as when the first master node loses reception of a location signal due to surrounding structure. In response to the detected environmental change, changing an operational mode for the first master node to a temporary ID node mode where the first master node no longer can self-determine its location. The first master node operating in the temporary ID node mode then notifies the server that the first master nodes is operating in the temporary ID node mode, and associates with a second master node.

Methods and networks for dynamically changing an operational mode of node operations in a wireless node network

Methods and systems for association management within a wireless node network of nodes and a server are described. A method may identify a first node as a potential for associating with a second node based, for example, upon status information about the nodes. An association request is transmitted by the second node to the server. The server may determine the locations of the nodes, determine if associating the nodes is desired based on the locations, and record new association data if association should occur. Upon receiving a permissive response from the server, which may include one or more authorization credentials, the first node and second node may be associated. Then with authorization credentials, the first and second nodes may securely connect and share data. And once associated, responsibility for a task previously done by the first node may be shifted to the second node after the nodes are associated.

Association management in a wireless node network

Methods and systems for enhanced node location determination by varying a power characteristic of nodes in a wireless node network are described. At least one of the nodes is instructed by a managing element in the network to incrementally change the power characteristic (e.g., change output power level and/or node receiver sensitivity). As the power characteristic incrementally changes, nodes are identified that initially received a signal broadcast from a first of the nodes but no longer receive the broadcast signal. As the power characteristic continues to incrementally change, a node is identified as a last of the nodes that receives the broadcast signal before none of the other nodes can receive the broadcast signal. As such, the identified last of the other nodes is a closest node to the first node. Then, a location of the first node is determined based upon the closest node to the first node.

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Cordova, TN, United States of America

Steven Benton