Communication elements, communication systems, time-of-use tracking elements, methods of communicating, and methods of controlling communication of information regarding assets

Abstract

A communication element, comprising a communication element transceiver, a sensor (configured to detect jerking motion), and an electronic storage device, the communication element configured to: [A] repeat a sequence comprising a broadcast mode in which is sends broadcast signals followed by a sleep mode in which it does not send any broadcast signal, [B] discontinue the sequence and enter a communication mode (in which stored information regarding an asset, e.g., a heavy-duty attachment, is transmitted to a controller, e.g., in a heavy-duty vehicle, upon request) upon receiving (during the broadcast mode or within a set time span after detecting a jerking motion). Also, communication systems comprising one or more such communication elements and one or more controllers, and methods of broadcasting and, upon specific conditions being met, communicating. Also, an element for cumulatively tracking time that an element has been in use.