IP Library › Patent Application 18479037

Patent Application

App. No. 18/479,037

Apparatus, Systems, and Methods for Monitoring and Initiating a Logistics Response Related to a Node-enabled Logistics Receptacle to be Serviced by a Logistics Asset

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App. No.: 18/479,037

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Abstract

An improved method and system for monitoring and initiating a logistics response related to a node-enabled logistics receptacle to be serviced by a logistics asset. A sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle detects movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle. The sensor-based node transmits an alert notification to a backend server, the alert notification identifying the node-enabled logistics receptacle and informing the backend server of the movement in response to detecting the movement. The backend server alerts the logistics asset about the detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter a dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

Claims (242)

1 . An improved method for monitoring and initiating a logistics response related to a node-enabled logistics receptacle to be serviced by a logistics asset, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting, by a sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle;

alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter a dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting, by at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node, motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by a tilt sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

4 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by an inertial sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

5 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the motion comprises an acceleration detected by an accelerometer sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

6 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by an externally focused motion sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting, by the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node, a location change of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the location change comprises a change in physical location as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the location change comprises a change in proximity to at least one object disposed external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the location change comprises a change in location coordinates as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

11 . The method of claim 111 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting, by at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node, a position change of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the position change of the logistics receptacle comprises a change in orientation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

13 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the position change is detected by a wireless communication sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the position change is detected by a wireless communication interface of the sensor-based node.

15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the position change is detected by at least one millimeter wave sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor.

16 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the movement as

(a) the motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node, and

(b) a change in location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by a tilt sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

18 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by an inertial sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

19 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the motion comprises an acceleration detected by an accelerometer sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

20 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by an externally focused motion sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

21 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the location change comprises a change in location as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

22 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in proximity to at least one object disposed external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle by a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

23 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in location coordinates by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

24 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting the movement as at least one of

(a) motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node;

(b) a change in location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node; and

25 . The method of claim 2 further comprising, after the detecting step, the steps of:

detecting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle after no longer detecting the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

26 . The method of claim 25 , wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

27 . The method of claim 1 further comprising, after the transmitting step, the steps of:

detecting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle after transmitting the alert notification and no longer detecting the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

28 . The method of claim 27 , wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

29 . The method of claim 1 further comprising, after the detecting step, the step of detecting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle after transmitting the alert notification and no longer detecting the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

wherein the step of transmitting the alert notification comprises transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the alert notification to the backend server, the alert notification comprising

(a) first notification data providing an identifier corresponding to the node-enabled logistics receptacle,

(b) second notification data informing the backend server of the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle, and

wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

30 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle relates to preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

31 . The method of claim 30 further comprising, after the step of transmitting the alert notification, the step of confirming, by the backend server, that the detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle relates to the preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle as identified in the alert notification.

32 . The method of claim 30 further comprising, after the step of detecting the movement, the step of changing, by the sensor-based node, a current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

33 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the changing step further comprises changing, by the sensor-based node, the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle once the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle detects a cessation of movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle corresponding to an end of the preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

34 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a new location.

35 . The method of claim 34 , wherein the new location comprises a predetermined address associated with the preplanned movement.

36 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a new location as confirmed by the backend server to the sensor-based node.

37 . The method of claim 32 , further comprising the steps of

detecting, by the sensor-based node, a cessation of movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle corresponding to an end of the preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle;

reporting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location to the backend server; and

receiving, by the sensor-based node, a confirmation message from the backend server that the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle is a predetermined new location for the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at the predetermined new location.

38 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

39 . The method of claim 32 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle once the sensor-based node has detected the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

40 . The method of claim 39 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a low-power operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

41 . The method of claim 39 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a non-operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

42 . The method of claim 39 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a non-operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at a maintenance location for refurbishment.

43 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, a replacement movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the movement; and

further comprising, after the step of detecting the replacement movement, the step of changing, by the sensor-based node, a current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle, wherein the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a newly commissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

44 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the step of detecting the replacement movement associated with the node-enabled locations receptacle comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, the replacement movement prior to reaching a predetermined location.

45 . The method of claim 44 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a prior location of a second node-enabled logistics receptacle before the second node-enabled logistics receptacle was moved away from the prior location.

46 . The method of claim 44 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a geolocation associated with a previous location of a currently decommissioned node-enabled logistics receptacle being replaced by the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

47 . The method of claim 43 , wherein the step of detecting the replacement movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, the replacement movement prior to reaching a geofence perimeter relative to a predetermined location that was previously associated with a second node-enabled logistics receptacle prior to when the second node-enabled logistics receptacle was decommissioned.

48 . The method of claim 44 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode comprises changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon arrival at the predetermined location.

49 . The method of claim 47 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode comprises changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon detecting the node-enabled logistics receptacle is within the geofence perimeter relative to the predetermined location.

50 . An improved monitoring and logistics response system, the system comprising:

a backend server;

a logistics receptacle for receiving and temporarily maintaining a delivery item being shipped, the receptacle having an entrance opening through which the delivery is received and a temporary storage area where the delivery item is temporarily and securely maintained until an authorized pickup to be conducted by a logistics asset; and

a sensor-based node disposed on the logistics receptacle, the sensor-based node further comprising:

a node processor,

a node memory storage coupled to the node processor, the node memory storage maintaining management code for execution by the node processor, and

a communication interface coupled to the node processor, the communication interface being operative to communicate with a backend server, and

at least one sensor coupled to the node processor, the at least one sensor being operative to generate sensor data related to movement associated with the logistics receptacle;

wherein the node processor, when executing the management code maintained on the node memory storage, is operative to

detect movement associated with the logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data, and

transmit an alert notification to a backend server over the communication interface, the alert notification identifying the logistics receptacle and informing the backend server of the detected movement; and

wherein the backend server being operative to alert the logistics asset about the detected movement associated with the logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter a dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the logistics receptacle.

51 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the movement by being further operative to detect motion associated with the logistics receptacle using the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor.

52 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a tilt sensor; and

wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by the tilt sensor.

53 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises an inertial sensor; and

wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by the inertial sensor.

54 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises an accelerometer; and

wherein the motion comprises an accelerated movement detected by the accelerometer.

55 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises an external motion sensor focused externally with respect to the logistics receptacle; and

wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the logistics receptacle as detected by the external motion sensor.

56 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the movement by being further operative to detect a location change of the logistics receptacle using the sensor data generated by the at least one sensor.

57 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises location circuitry; and

wherein the location change comprises a change in physical location of the logistics receptacle as detected by the location circuitry.

58 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a proximity sensor; and

wherein the location change comprises a change in proximity of the logistics receptacle relative to at least one object disposed external to the logistics receptacle as detected by the proximity sensor.

59 . The system of claim 56 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises location circuitry; and

wherein the location change comprises a change in location coordinates as detected by the location circuitry.

60 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the movement by being further operative to detect a position change of the logistics receptacle.

61 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the position change of the logistics receptacle comprises a change in orientation of the logistics receptacle.

62 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a wireless communication sensor; and

wherein the position change is detected by the wireless communication sensor.

63 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the at least one sensor is operatively implemented in the communication interface; and

wherein the position change is detected by the communication interface.

64 . The system of claim 60 , wherein the at least one sensor comprises a millimeter wave sensor element operatively implemented in the communication interface; and

wherein the position change is detected by the millimeter wave sensor element.

65 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the movement by being further operative to detect the movement as

(a) motion associated with the logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node; and

(b) a change in location of the logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

66 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by a tilt sensor as the first sensor.

67 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by an inertial sensor as the first sensor.

68 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the motion comprises an acceleration movement detected by an accelerometer as the first sensor.

69 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the logistics receptacle as detected by an external motion sensor focused externally with respect to the logistics receptacle as the first sensor.

70 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the location change comprises a change in location as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor.

71 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in proximity to at least one object disposed external to the logistics receptacle by a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor.

72 . The system of claim 65 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in location coordinates by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor.

73 . The system of claim 51 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the movement by being further operative to detect the movement as at least one of:

(a) motion associated with the logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node;

(b) a change in location of the logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node; and

74 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor is further operative to detect an updated location of the logistics receptacle after no longer detecting the movement associated with the logistics receptacle, and transmit the updated location of the logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

wherein the backend server is operative to alert the logistics asset by being further operative to alert the logistics asset about the updated location of the logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the logistics receptacle.

75 . The system of claim 74 , wherein the backend server is operative to alert the logistics asset by being further operative to alert the logistics asset about (a) the movement associated with the logistics receptacle and (b) the updated location of the logistics receptacle, wherein (a) and (b) causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the logistics receptacle.

76 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor, after transmitting the alert notification, is further operative to (a) detect an updated location of the logistics receptacle after transmitting the alert notification and no longer detecting the movement associated with the logistics receptacle, and (b) transmit the updated location of the logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

77 . The system of claim 76 , wherein the backend server is further operative to alert the logistics asset by being further operative to alert the logistics asset about the movement associated with the logistics receptacle and the updated location of the logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the logistics receptacle.

78 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor, after detecting the movement, is further operative to detect an updated location of the logistics receptacle after transmitting the alert notification and no longer detecting the movement associated with the logistics receptacle; and

wherein the node processor is operative to transmit the alert notification by being further operative to transmit the alert notification to the backend server, where the alert notification comprises

(a) first notification data providing an identifier corresponding to the logistics receptacle,

(b) second notification data informing the backend server of the movement associated with the logistics receptacle, and

wherein the backend server is operative to alert the logistics asset by being further operative to alert the logistics asset about the movement associated with the logistics receptacle and the updated location of the logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the logistics receptacle.

79 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle relates to preplanned movement associated with the logistics receptacle.

80 . The system of claim 79 wherein the node processor, after transmitting the alert notification, is further operative to receive a confirmation from the backend server that the detected movement associated with the logistics receptacle relates to the preplanned movement associated with the logistics receptacle as identified in the alert notification.

81 . The system of claim 79 wherein the node processor, after detecting the movement, is further operative to cause a change from a current operational mode to a secondary operational mode.

82 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the node processor is operative to cause the change from the current operational mode to the secondary operational mode after detecting a cessation of movement associated with the logistics receptacle corresponding to an end of the preplanned movement associated with the logistics receptacle.

83 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the secondary operational mode comprises normal operation of the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle at a new location.

84 . The system of claim 83 , wherein the new location comprises a predetermined address associated with the preplanned movement.

85 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the secondary operational mode comprises normal operation of the sensor-based node disposed within logistics receptacle at a new location as confirmed by the backend server to the sensor-based node.

86 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the node processor is further operative to

detect, based upon further sensor data, a cessation of movement associated with the logistics receptacle corresponding to an end of the preplanned movement associated with the logistics receptacle;

report an updated location to the backend server; and

receive a confirmation message from the backend server that the updated location of the logistics receptacle is a predetermined new location for the logistics receptacle; and

wherein the secondary operational mode comprises normal operation of the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle at the predetermined new location.

87 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the secondary operational mode comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for at least the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle.

88 . The system of claim 81 , wherein the secondary operational mode comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for at least the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle once the sensor-based node has detected the movement associated with the logistics receptacle.

89 . The system of claim 88 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation comprises a low-power operational state of the sensor-based node within the logistics receptacle as the logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

90 . The system of claim 88 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation comprises a non-operational state of the sensor-based node within the logistics receptacle as the logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

91 . The system of claim 88 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation comprises a non-operational state of the sensor-based node as the logistics receptacle is placed at a maintenance location for refurbishment.

92 . The system of claim 50 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect movement by being further operative to detect a replacement movement associated with the logistics receptacle as the movement; and

wherein the node processor is further operative, after detecting the replacement movement, to change a current operational mode for the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle, wherein the current operational mode comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle and the secondary operational mode comprises a newly commissioned mode of operation for the sensor-based node disposed within the logistics receptacle.

93 . The system of claim 92 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the replacement movement prior to reaching a predetermined location.

94 . The system of claim 93 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a prior location of a second logistics receptacle before the second logistics receptacle was moved away from the prior location.

95 . The system of claim 93 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a geolocation associated with a previous location of a currently decommissioned sensor-based node and a second logistics receptacle being replaced by the sensor-based node and the logistics receptacle.

96 . The system of claim 92 , wherein the node processor is operative to detect the replacement movement associated with the logistics receptacle by being further operative to detect the replacement movement prior to reaching a geofence perimeter relative to a predetermined location that was previously associated with a second logistics receptacle prior to when the second logistics receptacle was decommissioned.

97 . The system of claim 93 , wherein the node processor is operative to change the current operational mode for the sensor-based node to the secondary operational mode by being further operative to change the current operational mode for the sensor-based node from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon arrival at the predetermined location.

98 . The system of claim 96 , wherein the node processor is operative to change the current operational mode for the sensor-based node to the secondary operational mode by being further operative to change the current operational mode for the sensor-based node from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon detecting the logistics receptacle is within the geofence perimeter relative to the predetermined location.

99 . An improved method for monitoring and initiating a logistics response related to a node-enabled logistics receptacle to be serviced by a logistics asset, the method comprising the steps of:

detecting, by a sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, sensor data reflecting a condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle, the sensor data indicative of an inability of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to participate in a previously scheduled logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle;

transmitting, by the sensor-based node, an alert notification to a backend server, the alert notification identifying the node-enabled logistics receptacle and informing the backend server of the movement in response to detecting the sensor data indicative of the inability of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to participate in the previously scheduled logistics operation; and

100 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the detecting step comprising detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data reflecting the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

101 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

102 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by a tilt sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

103 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by an inertial sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

104 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the motion comprises an acceleration detected by an accelerometer sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

105 . The method of claim 101 , wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by an externally focused motion sensor as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

106 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a location change of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

107 . The method of claim 106 , wherein the location change comprises a change in physical location as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

108 . The method of claim 106 , wherein the location change comprises a change in proximity to at least one object disposed external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

109 . The method of claim 106 , wherein the location change comprises a change in location coordinates as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

110 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a position change of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

111 . The method of claim 110 , wherein the position change of the logistics receptacle comprises a change in orientation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

112 . The method of claim 110 , wherein the position change is detected by a wireless communication sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

113 . The method of claim 110 , wherein the position change is detected by a wireless communication interface of the sensor-based node.

114 . The method of claim 110 , wherein the position change is detected by at least one millimeter wave sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the at least one sensor.

115 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises at least one of:

(a) motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node, and

(b) a change in location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

116 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the motion comprises a tilt movement detected by a tilt sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

117 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the motion comprises an inertial movement detected by an inertial sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

118 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the motion comprises an acceleration detected by an accelerometer sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

119 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the motion comprises motion relative to an external environment of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as detected by an externally focused motion sensor as the first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

120 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the location change comprises a change in location as detected by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

121 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in proximity to at least one object disposed external to the node-enabled logistics receptacle by a proximity sensor coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

122 . The method of claim 115 , wherein the change in location is detected as a change in location coordinates by location circuitry coupled to the sensor-based node as the second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node.

123 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises at least one of:

(a) motion associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a first sensor coupled to the sensor-based node;

(b) a change in location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle using a second sensor coupled to the sensor-based node; and

124 . The method of claim 100 further comprising, after the detecting step, the steps of:

detecting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle after no longer detecting the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

125 . The method of claim 124 , wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

126 . The method of claim 100 further comprising, after the transmitting step, the steps of:

transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the backend server; and

127 . The method of claim 126 , wherein the alerting step comprises alerting, by the backend server, the logistics asset about the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle and the updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle causing the logistics asset to alter the dispatched logistics operation to be conducted by the logistics asset relative to the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

128 . The method of claim 100 further comprising, after the detecting step, the steps of detecting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle after transmitting the alert notification and no longer detecting the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle; and

wherein the step of transmitting the alert notification comprises transmitting, by the sensor-based node, the alert notification to the backend server, the alert notification comprising

(a) first notification data providing an identifier corresponding to the node-enabled logistics receptacle,

(b) second notification data informing the backend server of the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle, and

129 . The method of claim 100 , wherein the detected movement relates to preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

130 . The method of claim 129 further comprising, after the step of transmitting the alert notification, the step of confirming, by the backend server, that the detected movement detected movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle relates to the preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle as identified in the alert notification.

131 . The method of claim 129 further comprising, after the step of detecting the movement, the step of changing, by the sensor-based node, a current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

132 . The method of claim 131 , wherein the changing step further comprises changing, by the sensor-based node, the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle once the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle detects a cessation of movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle corresponding to an end of the preplanned movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

133 . The method of claim 131 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a new location.

134 . The method of claim 133 , wherein the new location comprises a predetermined address associated with the preplanned movement.

135 . The method of claim 131 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a new location as confirmed by the backend server to the sensor-based node.

136 . The method of claim 131 , further comprising the steps of

reporting, by the sensor-based node, an updated location to the backend server; and

wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises normal operation of the node-enabled logistics receptacle at the predetermined new location.

137 . The method of claim 131 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

138 . The method of claim 131 , wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle once the sensor-based node has detected the movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

139 . The method of claim 138 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a low-power operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

140 . The method of claim 138 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a non-operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at an inventory location for temporary storage.

141 . The method of claim 138 , wherein the decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a non-operational state of the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the node-enabled logistics receptacle is placed at a maintenance location for refurbishment.

142 . The method of claim 100 , wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, a replacement movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle as the movement; and

143 . The method of claim 142 , wherein the step of detecting the replacement movement associated with the node-enabled locations receptacle comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, the replacement movement prior to reaching a predetermined location.

144 . The method of claim 143 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a prior location of a second node-enabled logistics receptacle before the second node-enabled logistics receptacle was moved away from the prior location.

145 . The method of claim 143 , wherein the predetermined location comprises a geolocation associated with a previous location of a currently decommissioned node-abled logistics receptacle being replaced by the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

146 . The method of claim 142 , wherein the step of detecting the replacement movement associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, the replacement movement prior to reaching a geofence perimeter relative to a predetermined location that was previously associated with a second node-enabled logistics receptacle prior to when the second node-enabled logistics receptacle was decommissioned.

147 . The method of claim 143 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode comprises changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon arrival at the predetermined location.

148 . The method of claim 146 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the secondary operational mode comprises changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle from the decommissioned mode of operation to the newly commissioned mode of operation upon detecting the node-enabled logistics receptacle is within the geofence perimeter relative to the predetermined location.

149 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, a sensed maintenance condition associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data reflecting the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

150 . The method of claim 149 further comprising, after the step of detecting the sensed maintenance condition, the step of changing, by the sensor-based node, a current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle, wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a current location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

151 . The method of claim 150 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the decommissioned mode of operation further comprising causing the sensor-based node to temporarily enter the decommissioned mode of operation while remaining at the current location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle awaiting a maintenance operation on the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

152 . The method of claim 151 , wherein the maintenance operation comprises a dispatched maintenance operation on the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

153 . The method of claim 152 , wherein the maintenance operation comprises a dispatched maintenance operation on the node-enabled logistics receptacle initiated by the backend server in response to the alert notification.

154 . The method of claim 99 , wherein the detecting step comprises detecting, by the sensor-based node disposed within the node-enabled logistics receptacle, an inoperative condition associated with the node-enabled logistics receptacle based upon the sensor data reflecting the condition of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

155 . The method of claim 154 further comprising, after the step of detecting the inoperative condition, the step of changing, by the sensor-based node, a current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to a secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle, wherein the secondary operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle comprises a decommissioned mode of operation for the node-enabled logistics receptacle at a current location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

156 . The method of claim 155 , wherein the step of changing the current operational mode for the node-enabled logistics receptacle to the decommissioned mode of operation further comprising causing the sensor-based node to enter the decommissioned mode of operation while awaiting removal from the current location of the node-enabled logistics receptacle.

Assignments (2)

MERGER Recorded Jul 23, 2024

From: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.

To: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION

Reel/Frame 068493/0092 →

ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 10, 2023

From: SKAAKSRUD, OLE-PETTER

To: FEDEX CORPORATE SERVICES, INC.

Reel/Frame 065169/0400 →