System and method for collaborative resource tracking

A method of tracking a location of an associated target mobile asset that is moveable, along with other mobile assets, within a multi-dimensional region, the method comprising:

• associating a wireless sensor with the target mobile asset, wherein the wireless sensor comprises a processor;
• exchanging data, by the wireless sensor, with, when in range, a plurality of other wireless sensors that are each configured to transmit and receive data wirelessly, wherein the plurality of other wireless sensors comprises:
• a plurality of mobile wireless sensors that are each associated with one of the other mobile assets;
• and
• a plurality of known-location wireless sensors that are located at separate, known locations such that the plurality of known-location wireless sensors cover the multi-dimensional region;
• and
• determining, by the processor of the wireless sensor, an updated location of the wireless sensor affixed the target mobile asset using an iterative localization algorithm and based on at least one of (i) data exchanged with a subset of the plurality of other wireless sensors that are nearby to the target mobile asset and (ii) the known locations of the plurality of known-location wireless sensors.

A system for tracking the locations of mobile assets that are moveable within a multi-dimensional region, the system comprising:

• a first plurality of wireless sensors that located at separate, known locations such that the first plurality of wireless sensors cover the multi-dimensional region;
• and
• a second plurality of wireless sensors wherein each of the second plurality of wireless sensors is associated with a separate one of the mobile assets to be tracked, wherein each of the second plurality of mobile sensors comprise:
• a two-way wireless communication module for two-way wireless communication with, when in range, other wireless sensors in the first and second pluralities of wireless sensors;
• and
• a processor that is programmed to determine an updated location of the associated mobile asset using an iterative localization algorithm and based on at least one of (i) data exchanged with a subset of the other wireless sensors that are nearby and (ii) the known locations of the first plurality of wireless sensors.