Method for establishing a secure protocol for pairing an RFID tag and asset monitoring device within a container suite

• US 9,058,582 B1
• Filed: 05/02/2012
• Issued: 06/16/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Globaltrak LLC (ORBCOMM Incorporated)
• Inventors: Meyers, Richard C.
• Primary Examiner(s): BEE, ANDREW W.
• Application Number:
  US13/462,771
• Time in Patent Office: 1,140 Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/173 using an interconnection network, e.g. matrix, shuffle, pyramid, star, snowflake
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/0092 for cargo, freight or shipping containers and applications therefore in general

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for automatically pairing a first container monitoring device equipped with a RFID reader and a second container in which stored data is embedded within an RFID tag or data storage device. The present invention provides a protocol for secure and supervised access between the first container monitoring device and the second container monitoring device as prescribed from an authorizing remote monitoring station.

Claims

1. A method for establishing a secure protocol for allowing communications between at least a first container monitoring device and a second container with stored embedded data and a container monitoring device, the method comprising:

reading stored embedded data pertaining to the second container;

transmitting a first message from the first container monitoring device to a remote monitoring station requesting pairing with the second container based on information collected from embedded data pertaining to the second container;

verifying identity and location of the second container;

determining the level of authorized access between containers;

authenticating the protocol for communicating with the second container;

sending protocol procedures for pairing to the first container;

implementing protocol procedures between devices;

establishing communication between the first container monitoring device and the second container monitoring device;

receiving a responsive signal and a message from the second container;

relaying the message to the remote monitoring station; and

applying back-end analysis to data.

2. The method of claim 1, where the stored embedded data is located on an RFID tag.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first container monitoring device acts as a relay node for transmitting a signal and a message from the second container monitoring device to remote monitoring station.

4. In a system including a first container monitoring device for monitoring the status of a first container, a second container monitoring device for monitoring the status of a second container, and a remote monitoring station for communicating with the first and second containers, a container monitoring device comprising:

a sensor for detecting and reading stored embedded data;

a transmission element, wherein the transmission element is configured to transmit a first message from the first container monitoring device to the remote monitoring station; and

further wherein the transmission element is configured to transmit messages between the second container monitoring device and the remote monitoring station; and

a processing element wherein the processing element is configured to initiate a message to the remote monitoring station based on the data received from the detected embedded data and further wherein the processing element is further configured to implement a protocol prescribed by the remote monitoring station for communicating with the second container monitoring device.

5. An apparatus for establishing a secure protocol for allowing communications between at least a first container monitoring device and a second container with stored embedded data and a container monitoring device, the apparatus comprising:

a sensing element for reading stored embedded data;

a transmitting element for transmitting a first message from the first container monitoring device to a remote monitoring station requesting pairing with the second container based on information collected from embedded data pertaining to the second container;

a processing element wherein the processing element is configured to initiate a message to the remote monitoring station based on the data received from the detected embedded data and further wherein the processing element is further configured to implement a protocol prescribed by the remote monitoring station for communicating with the second container monitoring device;

a communication element for establishing communication between the first container monitoring device and the second container monitoring device; and

a receiving element for receiving a responsive signal and message from the second container.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the processing element is further configured to preempt the processing system of the second container'"'"'s monitoring device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, where the stored embedded data is located on an RFID tag.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first container monitoring device acts as a relay node for transmitting a signal and a message from the second container monitoring device to a remote monitoring station.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second container monitoring device acts as a relay node for transmitting a signal and a message from the first container monitoring device to another container monitoring device and/or remote monitoring station.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first container monitoring device preempts the processing element of the second container monitoring device.