# US 11,122,126 B2 · Systems, apparatus, and methods for detecting an environmental anomaly and initiating an enhanced automatic response using elements of a wireless node network using ID nodes and environmental threshold conditions per ID node

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- Number: US 11,122,126 B2
- Document ID: US11122126B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/988,795
- Filed: 2020-08-10
- Published: 2021-01-14
- Granted: 2021-09-14
- Earliest claimed: 2018-09-22
- Assignees: Fedex Corporate Services, Inc.
- Applicants: Fedex Corporate Services, Inc.
- Inventors: Ole-Petter Skaaksrud
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11122126B2

## CPC

- G01N 33/004: {CO or CO2}
- A62C 3/002: {for warehouses, storage areas or other installations for storing goods}
- A62C 3/07: in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles
- A62C 3/08: in aircraft {(A62C3/0207 takes precedence)}
- A62C 3/10: in ships {(A62C3/0207 takes precedence)}
- A62C 3/16: in electrical installations, e.g. cableways
- A62C 31/22: specially adapted for piercing walls, heaped materials, or the like
- A62C 37/04: {with electrically-controlled release}
- A62C 37/40: with electric connection between sensor and actuator
- A62C 37/44: only the sensor being in the danger zone
- B60C 9/00: Reinforcements or ply arrangement of pneumatic tyres (inserts having reinforcing means B60C5/08; bead structure, e.g. turnup or overlap construction, B60C15/00)
- B60Q 9/00: Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 {, e.g. haptic signalling}
- B64D 9/00: Equipment for handling freight; Equipment for facilitating passenger embarkation or the like
- B64D 9/003: {Devices for retaining pallets or freight containers}
- B64D 25/00: Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
- B64D 45/00: Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for
- B65D 25/02: Internal fittings (of containers made by folding or erecting blanks made of paper B65D5/44)
- B65D 90/06: Coverings, e.g. for insulating purposes
- B65D 90/22: Safety features
- B65D 90/48: Arrangements of indicating or measuring devices
- G01C 5/06: by using barometric means
- G01J 5/0014: {for sensing the radiation from gases, flames}
- G01J 5/0066: {for hot spots detection}
- G01J 5/025: {Interfacing a pyrometer to an external device or network; User interface}
- G01K 3/005: {Circuits arrangements for indicating a predetermined temperature (fire detection G08B17/00)}
- G01K 3/10: in respect of time, e.g. reacting only to a quick change of temperature
- G01N 33/0075: {for multiple spatially distributed sensors, e.g. for environmental monitoring}
- G01T 1/17: Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular type of detector {(pulse-selection circuits H03K, G01R)}
- G06K 19/0702: {the arrangement including a battery}
- G06K 19/0717: {the sensor being capable of sensing environmental conditions such as temperature history or pressure}
- G06K 19/07758: {arrangements for adhering the record carrier to further objects or living beings, functioning as an identification tag}
- G06Q 10/083: Shipping
- G06Q 10/0832: Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
- G06Q 10/0833: Tracking
- G08B 17/06: Electric actuation of the alarm, e.g. using a thermally-operated switch
- G08B 17/10: Actuation by presence of smoke or gases {, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means}
- G08B 21/182: {Level alarms, e.g. alarms responsive to variables exceeding a threshold}
- G08B 23/00: Alarms responsive to unspecified undesired or abnormal conditions
- G08B 25/001: {Alarm cancelling procedures or alarm forwarding decisions, e.g. based on absence of alarm confirmation}
- G08B 25/009: {Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range}
- G08B 25/10: using wireless transmission systems {(G08B25/009 takes precedence)}
- H02J 7/44: between battery management systems and power sources
- H02J 7/80: including monitoring or indicating arrangements
- H04L 41/04: Network management architectures or arrangements
- H04L 41/06: Management of faults, events, alarms or notifications
- H04L 67/04: specially adapted for terminals or networks with limited capabilities; specially adapted for terminal portability
- H04L 67/12: specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
- H04L 67/52: specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
- H04L 67/53: using third party service providers
- H04L 69/28: Timers or timing mechanisms used in protocols
- H04Q 9/00: Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
- H04Q 9/02: Automatically-operated arrangements
- H04W 4/021: Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
- H04W 4/35: for the management of goods or merchandise
- H04W 4/38: for collecting sensor information
- H04W 8/005: {Discovery of network devices, e.g. terminals}
- H04W 12/009: {specially adapted for networks, e.g. wireless sensor networks, ad-hoc networks, RFID networks or cloud networks}
- H04W 12/06: Authentication
- H04W 12/10: Integrity
- H04W 12/108: Source integrity
- H04W 24/08: Testing, {supervising or monitoring} using real traffic
- B60Y 2200/14: Trucks; Load vehicles, Busses
- B60Y 2200/30: Railway vehicles
- B60Y 2200/50: Aeroplanes, Helicopters
- B65D 2203/10: Transponders
- B65D 2590/0083: Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems
- B65G 2201/0235: Containers
- B65G 2203/0216: Codes or marks on the article
- G01J 5/48: Thermography; Techniques using wholly visual means
- G06K 19/07766: {comprising at least a second communication arrangement in addition to a first non-contact communication arrangement}
- G06Q 10/087: Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
- G08B 19/00: Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
- H04Q 2209/40: using a wireless architecture
- H04Q 2209/823: where the data is sent when the measured values exceed a threshold, e.g. sending an alarm
- H04Q 2209/826: where the data is sent periodically
- H04W 84/18: Self-organising networks, e.g. ad-hoc networks or sensor networks
- H04W 88/18: Service support devices; Network management devices
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)
- A62C: FIRE-FIGHTING (fire-extinguishing compositions, use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires A62D1/00; spraying, applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces in general B05; alarm arrangements G08B, e.g. fire alarms actuated by smoke or gases G08B17/10)
- B60C: VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60Q: ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B64D: EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- G01C: MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY (measuring liquid level G01F; radio navigation, determining distance or velocity by use of propagation effects, e.g. Doppler effects, propagation time, of radio waves, analogous arrangements using other waves G01S)
- G01J: MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY (light sources F21, H01J, H01K, H05B; investigating properties of materials by optical means G01N)
- G01K: MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (radiation pyrometry G01J5/00)
- G01T: MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION (radiation analysis of materials, mass spectrometry G01N23/00; tubes for determining the presence, intensity, density or energy of radiation or particles H01J47/00)
- G06K: GRAPHICAL DATA READING (image or video recognition or understanding G06V); PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06Q: INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G08B: SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H04L: TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION (arrangements common to telegraphic and telephonic communication H04M)
- H04Q: SELECTING (switches, relays, selectors H01H; wireless communication networks H04W)
- H04W: WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS (broadcast communication H04H; communication systems using wireless links for non-selective communication, e.g. wireless extensions H04M1/72)
- B60Y: INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B65G: TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS (packaging B65B; handling thin or filamentary materials, e.g. paper sheets or thread, B65H; cranes B66C; portable mobile or lifting or hauling appliances, e.g. hoists, B66D; devices for lifting or lowering goods for loading or unloading purposes, e.g. fork-lift trucks, B66F9/00; emptying bottles, jars, casks, barrels or similar containers, not otherwise provided for, B67C9/00; delivering or transferring liquids B67D; filling or discharging vessels for liquefied, solidified or compressed gases F17C; pipe-line systems for fluids F17D)

## Abstract

Systems and methods are described for monitoring, detecting, and initiating a response to an environmental anomaly within a shipping container of packages involves sensor-based ID nodes, a command node and an external transceiver on a transit vehicle. Each ID node generates and broadcasts sensor data on environmental conditions proximate the respective ID node within the shipping container. The command node detects the sensor data from each ID node and compares it with locally maintained context data (an environmental threshold condition) for that ID node to detect the environmental anomaly when sensor data exceeds a respective threshold condition. The command node then generates a layered alert notification related to the environmental anomaly identifying a targeted mediation recipient and targeted mediation action, and establishing a mediation response priority. The command node initiates a mediation response related to the targeted mediation action by transmitting the layered alert notification transmitted to the external transceiver.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An improved monitoring system for detecting an environmental anomaly in a shipping container that maintains a plurality of packages and for reporting a layered alert notification related to the environmental anomaly to an external transceiver associated with a transit vehicle transporting the shipping container, the system comprising:
a plurality of ID nodes disposed within the shipping container, wherein each of the ID nodes comprising
an ID node processing unit,
an ID node memory coupled to the ID node processing unit, the memory maintaining at least an ID node monitoring program code,
at least one environmental sensor configured to generate sensor data related to an environmental condition proximate the respective ID node as disposed within the shipping container,
a wireless radio transceiver coupled to the ID node processing unit, the wireless radio transceiver being configured to access the sensor data generated by the at least one environmental sensor and broadcast the sensor data in response to a report command from the ID node processing unit when the ID node processing unit executes the ID node monitoring program code; and
a command node comprising a mobile master node disposed with the shipping container, the command node further comprising
a command node processing unit,
a command node memory coupled to the command node processing unit, the command node memory maintaining at least command node container management program code and context data related to each of the ID nodes, the context data including at least a plurality of environmental threshold conditions respectively corresponding to each of the ID nodes,
a first communication interface coupled to the command node processing unit, the first communication interface being configured to communicate with each of the ID nodes using a first wireless communication format compatible with the wireless radio transceiver on each of the ID nodes,
a second communication interface coupled to the command node processing unit, the second communication interface being configured to communicate with the external transceiver associated with a transit vehicle using a second wireless communications format;
wherein the command node processing unit is programmatically configured, when executing the command node container management program code, to be operative to
detect the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes using the first communication interface;
compare the detected sensor data from each of the ID nodes and the context data related to each of the ID nodes;
detect the environmental anomaly for the shipping container when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates an environmental condition for at least one of the ID nodes exceeds its respective environmental threshold condition;
generate a layered alert notification related to the environmental anomaly for the shipping container in response to detecting the environmental anomaly, wherein the layered alert notification identifies a targeted mediation recipient, identifies a targeted mediation action, and establishes a mediation response priority based upon the comparison of the received sensor data and the context data; and
cause the second communication interface to transmit the layered alert notification to the external transceiver to initiate a mediation response related to the targeted mediation action.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to detect the environmental anomaly for the shipping container when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates a relative change in the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds its respective environmental threshold condition.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to compare the detected sensor data and the context data by comparing a relative change in the detected sensor data from each of the ID nodes and the context data for each of the ID nodes, wherein the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes comprising a threshold relative environmental change condition that when exceeded is indicative of the environmental anomaly for the shipping container; and
wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to detect the environmental anomaly for the shipping container when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the threshold relative environmental change condition.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature sensor and the environmental sensor for a second of the ID nodes comprises a barometric pressure sensor.

### Claim 5 (depends on 4)

The system of claim 4, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to detect the environmental anomaly when
(a) the sensor data detected from the first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature value;
(b) the sensor data detected from the second of the ID nodes comprises a barometric pressure value;
(c) the temperature value indicates the environmental condition of the first of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the first ID node according to the context data for the first ID node; and
(d) the barometric pressure value indicates the environmental condition of the second of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the second ID node according to the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The system of claim 5, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a fire within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the command node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value exceeds a pressure threshold maintained within the command node as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The system of claim 5, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises an explosion within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the command node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value is below a pressure threshold maintained within the command node memory as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The system of claim 5, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises an explosion within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the command node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value drops faster than a pressure drop threshold maintained within the command node memory as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature sensor and the environmental sensor for a second of the ID nodes comprises one from a group consisting of a barometric pressure sensor, a radiation sensor, and a chemical sensor.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a plurality of sensor elements, the sensor elements comprising at least a temperature sensor element and a barometric pressure sensor element.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to detect the environmental anomaly when
(a) the sensor data detected from the first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature value;
(b) the sensor data detected from the second of the ID nodes comprises an environmental condition value of one of a sensed barometric pressure level by the barometric sensor, a detected radiation level by the radiation sensor, or a detected chemical by the chemical sensor;
(c) the temperature value indicates the environmental condition of the first of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the first ID node according to the context data for the first ID node; and
(d) the environmental condition value indicates the environmental condition of the second of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the second ID node according to the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The system of claim 11, wherein the detected chemical is indicative of an explosive.

### Claim 13 (depends on 11)

The system of claim 11, wherein the detected chemical is indicative of a fire.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The system of claim 13, wherein the detected chemical comprises one of either CO or CO2.

### Claim 15 (depends on 11)

The system of claim 11, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a detected chemical related fire within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the command node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the detected chemical matches a predetermined chemical profile maintained within the command node memory.

### Claim 16 (depends on 11)

The system of claim 11, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a radiation leak within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the command node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the detected radiation matches a predetermined radiation profile maintained by the command node.

### Claim 17 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein each of the ID nodes broadcasts the generated sensor data according to a broadcast profile maintained by each of the ID nodes, the broadcast profile defining a first messaging rate used to regulate how often the generated sensor data is transmitted to the command node, the first messaging rate being higher than a default messaging rate; and
wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to instruct each of the ID nodes to broadcast future generated sensor data at a second messaging rate that exceeds the first messaging rate after the second communication interface transmits the layered alert notification to the external transceiver.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The system of claim 17, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to instruct each of the ID nodes to change from the default messaging rate to the first messaging rate.

### Claim 19 (depends on 17)

The system of claim 17, wherein the first messaging rate for the ID nodes comprises an initial value correlated to an environmental risk associated with a package within the shipping container.

### Claim 20 (depends on 9)

The system of claim 9, wherein the second messaging rate for the ID nodes comprises a predetermined messaging rate based upon a type of material existing within the package within the shipping container.

### Claim 21 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the targeted mediation recipient is automatically selected by the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 22 (depends on 21)

The system of claim 21, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a triggered fire suppression system on the transit vehicle that is operative to automatically respond to the detected environmental anomaly based upon receipt of the layered alert notification.

### Claim 23 (depends on 21)

The system of claim 21, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises an operator of the transit vehicle that can alter movement of the transit vehicle.

### Claim 24 (depends on 21)

The system of claim 21, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a logistics crew member of the transit vehicle that can inspect the shipping container.

### Claim 25 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the targeted mediation action is automatically selected by the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 26 (depends on 25)

The system of claim 25, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises an automatic response by a triggered fire suppression system on the transit vehicle.

### Claim 27 (depends on 25)

The system of claim 25, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a request to change course of the transit vehicle from an existing travel path of the transit vehicle.

### Claim 28 (depends on 25)

The system of claim 25, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a request to investigate the shipping container.

### Claim 29 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon what is loaded within the shipping container as indicated by shipping information maintained in the command node memory.

### Claim 30 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon an excess condition on how many of the ID nodes have their detected sensor data and their context data indicating that their respective environmental condition exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the respective ID node.

### Claim 31 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to receive vehicle status data from the external transceiver of the transit vehicle using the second communication interface and maintain the vehicle status data in the command node memory; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the transit vehicle as indicated by the vehicle status data.

### Claim 32 (depends on 31)

The system of claim 31, wherein the state of the transit vehicle comprises one from the group of a takeoff vehicular status, a cruising vehicular status, a landing vehicular status, and an on-the-ground vehicular status.

### Claim 33 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node memory further maintains container status data corresponding to the shipping container; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the shipping container as indicated in the container status data.

### Claim 34 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node further comprises location circuitry coupled to the command node processing unit, the location circuitry being operative to detect geolocation data related to a current location of the shipping container within the transit vehicle; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified in the layered alert notification depends upon the current location of the shipping container as indicated in the geolocation data.

### Claim 35 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node memory further maintains loading plan data indicating the relative location of shipping container within the transit vehicle; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon the relative location of the shipping container within the transit vehicle as indicated in the loading plan data.

### Claim 36 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node memory further maintains facility status data associated with a storage facility for the shipping container; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the storage facility as indicated in the facility status data.

### Claim 37 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the mediation response priority is automatically selected by the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 38 (depends on 37)

The system of claim 37, wherein the mediation response priority established by the command node as part of the layered alert notification comprises a high priority level indicating further travel by the transit vehicle is to be at least minimized when responding to the detected environmental anomaly.

### Claim 39 (depends on 37)

The system of claim 37, wherein the mediation response priority established by the command node as part of the layered alert notification comprises an intermediate priority level indicating further travel by the transit vehicle is permissible when responding to the detected environmental anomaly.

### Claim 40 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the transit vehicle comprises an aircraft.

### Claim 41 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the transit vehicle comprises one from the group consisting of a railway conveyance, a maritime vessel, and a roadway conveyance.

### Claim 42 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein each of the ID nodes are associated with different ones of the packages disposed within the shipping container.

### Claim 43 (depends on 42)

The system of claim 42, wherein each of the ID nodes travel with respective ones of the packages.

### Claim 44 (depends on 42)

The system of claim 42, wherein at least one of the ID nodes is affixed to the outside of one of the packages.

### Claim 45 (depends on 42)

The system of claim 42, wherein at least one of the ID nodes is integrated as part of one of the packages.

### Claim 46 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein each of the ID nodes are disposed on an internal surface of the shipping container.

### Claim 47 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein a first group of the ID nodes are disposed on the shipping container and wherein a second group of the ID nodes are associated with different ones of a plurality of packages disposed within the shipping container.

### Claim 48 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to select each of the ID nodes from a larger group of network elements being loaded into the shipping container, the ID nodes that are selected providing the gathered sensor data for use in detecting the environmental anomaly for the shipping container.

### Claim 49 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to identify each of the ID nodes selected based upon loading scheme for the shipping container, the loading scheme being maintained within the command node memory as loading plan data.

### Claim 50 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured to receive an update for the environmental threshold conditions for at least one of the ID nodes using the second communication interface.

### Claim 51 (depends on 50)

The system of claim 50, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is received by the second communication interface from the external transceiver.

### Claim 52 (depends on 51)

The system of claim 51, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is defined by an operator of the transit vehicle using the external transceiver.

### Claim 53 (depends on 51)

The system of claim 51, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is defined by a logistics crew member of the transit vehicle using the external transceiver.

### Claim 54 (depends on 51)

The system of claim 51, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is generated by a remote control center that provides the update to the external transceiver.

### Claim 55 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the command node processing unit is further programmatically configured so as to detect the sensor data using the first communication interface by being operative to:
(a) receive the sensor data broadcasted from a first of the ID nodes using the first communication interface;
(b) confirm the validity of the received sensor data;
(c) repeat (a) and (b) for the remainder of the sensor data received from any of the remaining ones of the ID nodes using the first communication interface; and
(d) selectively compile the detected sensor data using only the received sensor data confirmed to be valid in (b).

### Claim 56 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the command node processor is programmatically configured to confirm the validity of the received sensor data by being further operative to:
cause the first communication interface to send an authentication request to the first of the ID nodes; and
receive a validation response from the first of the ID nodes via the first communication interface, wherein the validation response authenticates the sensor data broadcasted from the first of the ID nodes.

### Claim 57 (depends on 55)

The system of claim 55, wherein the command node processor is programmatically configured to confirm the validity of the received sensor data by being further operative to:
access a validation sequence for the first of the ID nodes, the validation sequence being maintained by the command node memory and characterizing expected broadcasts from the first of the ID nodes; and
determine if the received sensor data from the first of the ID nodes matches a predetermined one of the expected broadcasts from the first of the ID nodes according to the validation sequence stored within the command node memory.

### Claim 58 (depends on 57)

The system of claim 57, wherein the predetermined one of the expected broadcasts comprises a rotating value previously received by the command node for the first of the ID nodes.

### Claim 59 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes depends upon where each of the ID nodes is located within the shipping container.

### Claim 60 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes depends upon what is placed next to each of the ID nodes according to a loading scheme for the shipping container, the loading scheme being maintained in the command node memory as loading plan data.

### Claim 61 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes as indicated by the context data comprises a dynamic value that changes when what is placed next to each of the ID nodes within the shipping container changes.

### Claim 62 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile master node is permanently mounted to the shipping container.

### Claim 63 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile master node is integrated as part of the shipping container.

### Claim 64 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile master node is implemented separately from the shipping container and temporarily mounted to the shipping container.

### Claim 65 (depends on 64)

The system of claim 64, wherein the mobile master node is temporarily mounted to the shipping container within a shipment pouch disposed on the shipping container.

### Claim 66 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile master node comprises location circuitry that allows the mobile master node to self-locate.

### Claim 67 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, and an orientation sensor.

### Claim 68 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a light sensor and a humidity sensor.

### Claim 69 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

### Claim 70 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least two from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, an orientation sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

### Claim 71

An improved method for monitoring a shipping container and responding to an environmental anomaly using a wireless node network having at least a plurality of ID nodes disposed within the shipping container and a command node implemented by a mobile master node disposed with the shipping container, wherein the shipping container maintaining a plurality of packages, wherein each of the ID nodes having at least one environmental sensor, and wherein the command node being operative to communicate with each of the ID nodes and an external transceiver associated with a transit vehicle, the method comprising:
generating, by the environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes, sensor data related to an environmental condition proximate the respective ID node as disposed within the shipping container;
broadcasting, by each of the ID nodes, the generated sensor data;
detecting, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the sensor data broadcasted from the ID nodes;
comparing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the detected sensor data from each of the ID nodes and locally maintained context data related to each of the ID nodes, the context data including at least a plurality of environmental threshold conditions respectively corresponding to each of the ID nodes;
detecting, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the environmental anomaly for the shipping container when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates an environmental condition for at least one of the ID nodes exceeds its respective environmental threshold condition;
generating, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, a layered alert notification related to the environmental anomaly for the shipping container in response to detecting the environmental anomaly, wherein the layered alert notification identifies a targeted mediation recipient, identifies a targeted mediation action, and establishes a mediation response priority based upon the comparison of the received sensor data and the context data; and
transmitting, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the layered alert notification to the transceiver unit to initiate a mediation response related to the targeted mediation action.

### Claim 72 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of detecting the environmental anomaly for the shipping container occurs when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates a relative change in the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds its respective environmental threshold condition.

### Claim 73 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of comparing the detected sensor data and the context data further comprises comparing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, a relative change in the detected sensor data from each of the ID nodes and the locally maintained context data for each of the ID nodes, wherein the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes comprising a threshold relative environmental change condition; and
wherein the step of detecting the environmental anomaly for the shipping container occurs when the comparison of the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the threshold relative environmental change condition.

### Claim 74 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of generating the sensor data further comprises incrementally generating, by the environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes, the sensor data over a time period;
wherein the step of detecting the generated sensor data broadcasted from each of the ID nodes comprises incrementally monitoring, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the generated sensor data from each of the ID nodes over the time period to identify relative changes in the generated sensor data over the time period;
wherein the comparing step comprises comparing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data and locally maintained context data related to those of the ID nodes that are related to the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data, the context data including at least a plurality of environmental threshold conditions respectively corresponding to each of the ID nodes;
wherein the step of detecting the environmental anomaly for the shipping container occurs when the comparison of the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data and locally maintained context data related to those of the ID nodes associated with the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data indicates an environmental condition for at least one of the ID nodes exceeds its respective environmental threshold condition; and
wherein the mediation response priority is based upon the comparison of the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data and the locally maintained context data related to those of the ID nodes that correspond to the identified relative changes in the generated sensor data.

### Claim 75 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature sensor and the environmental sensor for a second of the ID nodes comprises a barometric pressure sensor.

### Claim 76 (depends on 75)

The method of claim 75, wherein the step of detecting the environmental anomaly further comprises detecting the environmental anomaly when
(a) the sensor data detected from the first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature value;
(b) the sensor data detected from the second of the ID nodes comprises a barometric pressure value;
(c) the temperature value indicates the environmental condition of the first of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the first ID node according to the context data for the first ID node; and
(d) the barometric pressure value indicates the environmental condition of the second of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the second ID node according to the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 77 (depends on 76)

The method of claim 76, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a fire within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value exceeds a pressure threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 78 (depends on 76)

The method of claim 76, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises an explosion within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value is below a pressure threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 79 (depends on 76)

The method of claim 76, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises an explosion within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the barometric pressure value drops faster than a pressure drop threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 80 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature sensor and the environmental sensor for a second of the ID nodes comprises one from a group consisting of a barometric pressure sensor, a radiation sensor, and a chemical sensor.

### Claim 81 (depends on 80)

The method of claim 80, wherein the step of detecting the environmental anomaly further comprises detecting the environmental anomaly when
(a) the sensor data detected from the first of the ID nodes comprises a temperature value;
(b) the sensor data detected from the second of the ID nodes comprises an environmental condition value of one of a sensed barometric pressure level by the barometric sensor, a detected radiation level by the radiation sensor, or a detected chemical by the chemical sensor;
(c) the temperature value indicates the environmental condition of the first of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the first ID node according to the context data for the first ID node; and
(d) the environmental condition value indicates the environmental condition of the second of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the second ID node according to the context data for the second ID node.

### Claim 82 (depends on 81)

The method of claim 81, wherein the detected chemical is indicative of an explosive.

### Claim 83 (depends on 81)

The method of claim 81, wherein the detected chemical is indicative of a fire.

### Claim 84 (depends on 83)

The method of claim 83, wherein the detected chemical comprises one of either CO or CO2.

### Claim 85 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental sensor for a first of the ID nodes comprises a plurality of sensor elements, the sensor elements comprising at least a temperature sensor element and a barometric pressure sensor element.

### Claim 86 (depends on 85)

The method of claim 85, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a detected chemical related fire within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the detected chemical matches a predetermined chemical profile maintained by the mobile master node.

### Claim 87 (depends on 85)

The method of claim 85, wherein the detected environmental anomaly for the shipping container comprises a radiation leak within the shipping container when the temperature value exceeds a temperature threshold maintained by the mobile master node as part of the context data for the first ID node and when the detected radiation matches a predetermined radiation profile maintained by the mobile master node.

### Claim 88 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of broadcasting the generated sensor data by the ID nodes comprises transmitting, by each of the ID nodes, the generated sensor data according to a broadcast profile maintained by each of the ID nodes, the broadcast profile defining a first messaging rate used to regulate how often the generated sensor data is transmitted to the command node, the first messaging rate being higher than a default messaging rate; and
further comprising the step of instructing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, each of the ID nodes to broadcast future generated sensor data at a second messaging rate that exceeds the first messaging rate after transmitting the layered alert notification to the transceiver unit.

### Claim 89 (depends on 88)

The method of claim 88 further comprising instructing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, each of the ID nodes to change from the default messaging rate to the first messaging rate.

### Claim 90 (depends on 88)

The method of claim 88, wherein the first messaging rate for the ID nodes comprises an initial value correlated to an environmental risk associated with a package within the shipping container.

### Claim 91 (depends on 90)

The method of claim 90, wherein the second messaging rate for the ID nodes comprises a predetermined messaging rate based upon a type of material existing within the package within the shipping container.

### Claim 92 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the targeted mediation recipient is automatically selected by the mobile master node operating as the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 93 (depends on 92)

The method of claim 92, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a triggered fire suppression system that is operative to automatically respond to the detected environmental anomaly based upon receipt of the layered alert notification.

### Claim 94 (depends on 92)

The method of claim 92, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises an operator of the transit vehicle that can alter movement of the transit vehicle.

### Claim 95 (depends on 92)

The method of claim 92, wherein the targeted mediation recipient identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a logistics crew member of the transit vehicle that can inspect the shipping container.

### Claim 96 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the targeted mediation action is automatically selected by the mobile master node operating as the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 97 (depends on 96)

The method of claim 96, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises an automatic response by a triggered fire suppression system on the transit vehicle.

### Claim 98 (depends on 96)

The method of claim 96, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a request to change course of the transit vehicle from an existing travel path of the transit vehicle.

### Claim 99 (depends on 96)

The method of claim 96, wherein the targeted mediation response identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification comprises a request to investigate the shipping container.

### Claim 100 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon what is loaded within the shipping container as indicated by shipping information maintained on the command node.

### Claim 101 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon an excess condition on how many of the ID nodes have their detected sensor data and their context data indicating that their respective environmental condition exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the ID node.

### Claim 102 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of receiving, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, vehicle status data from the external transceiver associated with the transit vehicle; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the transit vehicle as indicated by the vehicle status data.

### Claim 103 (depends on 102)

The method of claim 102, wherein the state of the transit vehicle comprises one from the group of a takeoff vehicular status, a cruising vehicular status, a landing vehicular status, and an on-the-ground vehicular status.

### Claim 104 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of accessing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, container status data maintained by the mobile master node and associated with the shipping container; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the shipping container as indicated in the container status data.

### Claim 105 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of detecting, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, geolocation data related to a current location of the shipping container within the transit vehicle; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon the current location of the shipping container as indicated in the geolocation data.

### Claim 106 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of accessing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, loading plan data maintained by the command node, the loading plan data indicating a relative location of the shipping container within the transit vehicle; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon the relative location of the shipping container within the transit vehicle as indicated in the loading plan data.

### Claim 107 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of accessing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, facility status data maintained by the command node and associated with a storage facility for the shipping container; and
wherein the targeted mediation action identified by the mobile master node operating as the command node in the layered alert notification depends upon a state of the storage facility as indicated in the facility status data.

### Claim 108 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the mediation response priority is automatically selected by the mobile master node operating as the command node based upon an excess condition on how much the detected sensor data and the context data indicates the environmental condition for the at least one of the ID nodes exceeds the environmental threshold condition for the at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 109 (depends on 108)

The method of claim 108, wherein the mediation response priority established by the mobile master node operating as the command node and as part of the layered alert notification comprises an immediate priority level.

### Claim 110 (depends on 108)

The method of claim 108, wherein the mediation response priority established by the mobile master node operating as the command node and as part of the layered alert notification comprises an intermediate priority level indicating further travel by the transit vehicle is permissible when responding to the detected environmental anomaly.

### Claim 111 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the transit vehicle comprises an aircraft.

### Claim 112 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the transit vehicle comprises one from the group consisting of a railway conveyance, a maritime vessel, and a roadway conveyance.

### Claim 113 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein each of the ID nodes are associated with different ones of the packages disposed within the shipping container.

### Claim 114 (depends on 113)

The method of claim 113, wherein each of the ID nodes travel with respective ones of the packages.

### Claim 115 (depends on 113)

The method of claim 113, wherein at least one of the ID nodes is affixed to the outside of one of the packages.

### Claim 116 (depends on 113)

The method of claim 113, wherein at least one of the ID nodes is integrated as part of one of the packages.

### Claim 117 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein each of the ID nodes are disposed on an internal surface of the shipping container.

### Claim 118 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein a first group of the ID nodes are disposed on the shipping container and wherein a second group of the ID nodes are associated with different ones of a plurality of packages disposed within the shipping container.

### Claim 119 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising the step of selecting, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, each of the ID nodes from a larger group of network elements being loaded into the shipping container, the ID nodes that are selected providing the gathered sensor data for use in detecting the environmental anomaly for the shipping container.

### Claim 120 (depends on 119)

The method of claim 119, wherein the ID nodes selected are identified for selection by the mobile master node operating as the command node based upon a loading scheme for the shipping container, the loading scheme being maintained in memory of the command node as loading plan data.

### Claim 121 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71 further comprising receiving, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, an update for the environmental threshold conditions for at least one of the ID nodes.

### Claim 122 (depends on 121)

The method of claim 121, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is received from the external transceiver.

### Claim 123 (depends on 122)

The method of claim 122, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is defined by an operator of the transit vehicle using the external transceiver.

### Claim 124 (depends on 122)

The method of claim 122, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is defined by a logistics crew member of the transit vehicle using the external transceiver.

### Claim 125 (depends on 122)

The method of claim 122, wherein the update for the environmental threshold conditions is provided to the external transceiver from a remote control center in communication with the external transceiver.

### Claim 126 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the step of detecting the sensor data further comprises:
(a) receiving, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the sensor data broadcasted from a first of the ID nodes;
(b) confirming, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, the validity of the received sensor data;
(c) repeating steps (a) and (b), by the mobile master node operating as the command node, for the remainder of the sensor data received from any of the remaining ones of the ID nodes; and
(d) compiling the detected sensor data using only the received sensor data confirmed to be valid in step (b).

### Claim 127 (depends on 126)

The method of claim 126, wherein the step of confirming the validity of the received sensor data further comprises:
sending, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, an authentication request to the first of the ID nodes; and
receiving, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, a validation response from the first of the ID nodes that authenticates the sensor data broadcasted from the first of the ID nodes.

### Claim 128 (depends on 126)

The method of claim 126, wherein the step of confirming the validity of the received sensor data further comprises
accessing, by the mobile master node operating as the command node, a validation sequence for the first of the ID nodes, the validation sequence being maintained by the mobile master node and characterizing expected broadcasts from the first of the ID nodes; and
determining if the received sensor data from the first of the ID nodes matches a predetermined one of the expected broadcasts from the first of the ID nodes according to the validation sequence stored within the command node.

### Claim 129 (depends on 128)

The method of claim 128, wherein the predetermined one of the expected broadcasts comprises a rotating value previously received by the command node for the first of the ID nodes.

### Claim 130 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes depends on where each of the ID nodes is located within the shipping container.

### Claim 131 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes depends on what is placed next to each of the ID nodes according to a loading scheme for the shipping container, the loading scheme being maintained in memory of the command node as loading plan data.

### Claim 132 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the environmental threshold condition for each of the ID nodes as indicated by the context data comprises a dynamic value that changes when what is placed next to each of the ID nodes within the shipping container changes.

### Claim 133 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the mobile master node is permanently mounted to the shipping container.

### Claim 134 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the mobile master node is integrated as part of the shipping container.

### Claim 135 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the mobile master node is implemented separately from the shipping container and temporarily mounted to the shipping container.

### Claim 136 (depends on 135)

The method of claim 135, wherein the mobile master node is temporarily mounted to the shipping container within a shipment pouch disposed on the shipping container.

### Claim 137 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the mobile master node comprises location circuitry that allows the mobile master node to self-locate.

### Claim 138 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, and an orientation sensor.

### Claim 139 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a light sensor and a humidity sensor.

### Claim 140 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least one from a group consisting of a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.

### Claim 141 (depends on 71)

The method of claim 71, wherein the at least one environmental sensor on each of the ID nodes comprises at least two from a group consisting of a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a movement sensor, an acceleration sensor, an altitude sensor, an attitude sensor, an orientation sensor, a light sensor, a humidity sensor, a chemical sensor, a radiation sensor, and a magnetic field sensor.