The Nature of the MachineTalker Concept

Unlike LANs, MachineTalker networks have nodes that are selfconfiguring meaning they can enter or leave the network seamlessly and at will. There is no setup since MachineTalker elements can learn about their function from their neighbors or by examining their own internal programming. The collective nature of a MachineTalker network allows its members to form communities where there may be a similarity of purpose. For example, a group of pallets in a warehouse, each having a wireless Talker, may form a small network community if each pallet has similar inventory, ownership or final destination. If a pallet is removed, this information is transferred to the rest of the community or to a central location. Since all members of the networked community are in contact, there is no single point of failure. MachineTalker networks form distributed computing environments where intelligence and decision making resides in small, low power computers with sensors or actuators and not in a central processor. Each MachineTalker node can perform a different function. They can collect data like temperature, vibration, pressure, gas, timing, switches, and valves; and since installation is wireless, the low cost and reliability compared to wired installation is dramatic. Applications for MachineTalker wireless networks are widespread. They include supply chain management, building automation, security, National Defense, industrial control, automotive, aerospace, biomedical monitoring and a host of other applications.

Important Attributes
MachineTalkers may be thought of as purpose-specific peripheral controllers that automatically become part of a wireless mesh network. They can be made to service all types of sensors and detectors and to carry out processes in real time. They can be made to report events of interest or maintain a history of such events for later review. The essential difference between these Talkers and other control systems is the added layer of intelligence that the MachineTalker network contributes and the ease of using these programmed devices to simplify configuration, modification and operation of a particular coordinated process. MachineTalkers create a self-coordinated network among peers that come into proximity with each other via a wireless mesh network infrastructure and are configured to share information related to common applications. Any Talkers that pass near the network infrastructure are configured to join in. A Talker that "disappears" or powers down or otherwise leaves the group is checked off the list that is maintained by each member of the "Community" and the time of this event is recorded. Adapting MachineTalker devices to processes of interest dramatically increases the amount of information available at the remote site or as transmitted to some central facility; both actions will make operations more efficient. Although, for differing applications the hardware and software design remains unchanged, the physical package can be configured for the chosen task.

Security of Shipping Containers

The commercial MachineTalker product is a battery-powered microcomputer with radio, useful for mounting within a shipping container. Its purpose in this application is to maintain and communicate the identity of the shipping container, detect events that impinge upon security, communicate with adjacent shipping containers to facilitate redundancy, and to report its location when asked or upon transition. Some relevant features are listed below.

1. Freight Manifest - An on-board Talker can contain and report on the entire shipping manifest including: Source, Destination, Content, Ownership, Special Handling Procedures, Routing (if known), Time Loaded, Time Sealed, and any other downloaded information. 2. Event Detection, Qualification and Reporting - Talkers can monitor detectors and sensors for intrusion, biohazard, temperature, humidity, atmosphere, gases, and the like. They can be instructed to measure parameters for comparison to a norm and to report or raise the alarm, through its radio, if there is any event or change. 3. External Network Connection - Through its radio it coordinates its presence with nearby Talkers in other shipping containers. Together, a number of Talkers inside containers automatically interact to form a "community" to maintain awareness among themselves of all changes or events that may take place in any one of them. 4. Reporting By Radio - The on-board Talker maintains a record of all events experienced by its own container with time of occurrence and relative importance. It can be interrogated through its radio by an authorized person or controlling computer service.

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