EVENT-DRIVEN MOBILE HAZMAT MONITORING

• US 20100214059A1
• Filed: 05/05/2010
• Published: 08/26/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: TWITCHELL, Robert W. JR.
• Application Number:
  US12/774,586
• Publication Number:
  US 20100214059A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.700
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/40 using a wireless architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/883 where the sensing device enters an active or inactive mode
• CPC Class Codes: 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

Abstract

A HAZMAT monitoring system detects a plurality of different hazardous materials and includes first and second pluralities of RSIs. Each RSI of the first plurality forms a node in a first wireless sensor network and is associated with a mobile container and with at least one sensor that is configured to acquire data for detecting a first hazardous material. Each RSI further is configured to receive the sensor data and wirelessly transmit, over the first wireless sensor network, data relating to the received sensor data pertaining to the detection of the first hazardous material. Each RSI of the second plurality is similarly associated and configured. Communications within a respective wireless sensor network do not result in communications within the another wireless sensor network. A gateway is configured to independently communicate with each respective wireless sensor network.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identity affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identity and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identity and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identity and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

3. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the RFID device comprises a transmitter for communicating the first and second identity and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

4. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of presence of the second RFID device.

5. A system in accordance with claim 4 wherein the measurable parameter comprises detection of absence of the second RFID device.

6. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first RFID device further comprises a communication device for communicating the first and second identity to an RFID reader.

7. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first RFID device comprises an active RFID device.

8. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the second RFID device comprises a passive RFID device.

96. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first remote sensor interface further comprises a communication device for communicating the first and second identification to an RFID reader.

97. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the first remote sensor interface comprises an active RFID device.

98. A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein the second remote sensor interface comprises a passive RFID device.

9. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification symbol to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having a second identification symbol to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second identification symbol including behavior information indicating whether the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked; and

communicating the second identification symbol to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

10. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

11. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

12. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

13. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

14. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

15. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

16. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

17. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

18. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

19. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

20. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

21. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

22. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

23. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

24. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

25. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

26. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

27. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

28. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

29. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

30. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

31. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

32. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the device comprising an RFID reader.

33. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the device comprising an RFID reader.

34. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the device comprising an RFID reader.

35. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

36. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

37. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the device comprising an RFID reader.

38. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

39. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

40. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to the device comprising an RFID reader.

41. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

42. A system for tracking an asset using a device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the device comprising an RFID reader.

43. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to a device comprising an RFID reader.

44. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to a device comprising an RFID reader.

45. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to a device comprising an RFID reader.

46. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

47. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

48. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed proximate the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to a device comprising an RFID reader.

49. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

50. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

51. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and a measurable parameter indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the measurable parameter from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the measurable parameter to a device comprising an RFID reader.

52. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

53. A system for tracking an asset, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed on the mechanism and comprising a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to a device comprising an RFID reader.

54. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the mechanism and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

55. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the door and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

56. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the door and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

57. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the door and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

58. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the door and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

59. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the door and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

60. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the door and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

61. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the door and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

62. A system for tracking an asset using an electronic device comprising an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a door of the asset configured to allow access to the asset when the door is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the door is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the door and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the door is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the electronic device comprising an RFID reader.

63. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

79. The method of any of claims 63-78, wherein the seal comprises a magnetic seal.

80. The method of any of claims 63-78, wherein the seal comprises an electronic seal.

64. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

65. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

66. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first RFID device having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second RFID device disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first RFID device receives the second identification and the event data from the second RFID device and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

67. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

68. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

69. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

70. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

71. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

72. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

73. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

74. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

75. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

76. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

77. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

78. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first state and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second state;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second state, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

81. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when a mechanism of the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

87. The method of any of claims 81-86, wherein the seal comprises a magnetic seal.

88. The method of any of claims 81-86, wherein the seal comprises an electronic seal.

82. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a remote sensor interface including a seal disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data from the seal indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identification and the measurable parameter to the RFID reader.

83. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a remote sensor interface including a seal disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data from the seal indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identification and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

84. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the event data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

85. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

86. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first wireless reader tag having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second wireless reader tag disposed with the seal and including a second identification and event data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first wireless reader tag receives the second identification and the event data from the second wireless reader tag and communicates the first and second identifications and the event data to the RFID reader.

89. A system for tracking an asset by an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a gateway having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a remote sensor interface comprising a seal disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the gateway receives the second identification and the sensor data from the remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identification and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

90. A system for tracking an asset by a device including an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a mechanism disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the mechanism is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the mechanism is in a second position;

a gateway having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a remote sensor interface comprising a seal disposed with the mechanism and comprising a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the mechanism is in the first or second position, wherein the gateway receives the second identification and the sensor data from the remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identification and the sensor data to the device including an RFID reader.

91. The system of claim 90, wherein the device including an RFID reader is another gateway.

92. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

95. A system in accordance with claim 92 wherein the second remote sensor interface comprises a transmitter for communicating the first and second identification and the sensor data to the RFID reader.

93. A system for tracking an asset using an RFID reader of a device, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the RFID reader of the device.

94. A system for tracking an asset using a wireless reader tag of a device, the system comprising:

a seal disposed on the asset to allow access to the asset when the seal is in a first position and to deny access to the asset when the seal is in a second position;

a first remote sensor interface having a first identification affixable to the asset; and

a second remote sensor interface disposed with the seal and including a second identification and sensor data indicating whether the seal is in the first or second position, wherein the first remote sensor interface receives the second identification and the sensor data from the second remote sensor interface and communicates the first and second identifications and the sensor data to the wireless reader tag of the device.

99. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having first information to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having second information to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second information including behavior information indicating whether the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked; and

communicating the a second identification symbol to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

100. The method of claim 99, wherein the first information includes an identification.

101. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having first information to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having second information to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second information including information indicating whether the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked; and

communicating the second information to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

102. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having a second identification to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second identification including behavior information indicating whether the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked; and

communicating the second identification to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

103. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having a second identification to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second identification including behavior information indicating a state condition of the locking mechanism; and

communicating the second identification to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

104. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having a second identification to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the second identification including behavior information indicating an open/closed state of the locking mechanism; and

communicating the second identification to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

105. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a first RFID device having a first identification to an asset;

affixing a second RFID device having a second identification to a locking mechanism of the asset, the second identification including behavior information indicating an open/closed state of the locking mechanism; and

communicating the second identification to the first RFID device for subsequent transmission to the reader.

106. A method for asset tracking by a reader comprising the steps of:

affixing a remote sensor interface having a first identification to an asset;

affixing a seal to a locking mechanism affixed to the asset, the seal including sensor data indicating whether the locking mechanism is locked or unlocked; and

communicating the sensor data to the remote sensor interface for subsequent transmission to the reader.