WO2007047179A1

WO2007047179A1 - Method and system for wireless node-to-node communications

Info

Publication number: WO2007047179A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/039275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wayne Laffitte; Frank Dever; Eugene Van Beljon
Original assignee: Afx Technology Group International, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-10-11
Filing date: 2006-10-10
Publication date: 2007-04-26

Abstract

Global Position System (GPS) devices have become increasingly ubiquitous over the last decade. However, there has not been a low power system that can monitor and report conditions under commercial and/or combat conditions. Now, though, a solution has been provided that utilize small wireless device, capable of using the existing GPS system, that monitors and reports under both combat (measuring soldier vital signs) and commercial (fuel consumption for tax purposes) conditions. These wireless devices employ node-to-node data transfers, which reduce the power output requirement and which do not require creating a communications infrastructure, to report information to a central source through a 'daisy chain.' Thus, by use of the wireless node-to-node data transfer, combat and commercial conditions can be efficiently monitored and reported through a low power system.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS NODE-TO-NODE COMMUNICATIONS

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725,450 entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS NODE-TO-NODE COMMUNICATIONS," which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to wire node-to-node transmissions and, more particularly, to tracking application for wireless node-to-node transmissions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In recent years, the ability to accurate track and monitor behaviors under commercial conditions or combat conditions has become increasingly desirable. To date, though, there has not been an efficient manner to monitor truck movements, accurately report commercial fuel usage, or monitor a soldier's vital signs during combat. The problem has been that there is not a lower power device, system, or method that can both monitor and report; most systems simply require too much power. Some examples of conventional solutions are U.S. Patent Nos. 6,714,857, 5,928,291, 6,571,168, 6,848,074, 5,359,528, 6,072,396, 6,100,806, 6,651,001, 6,611,755, 4,831,539, 6,694,248, 5,597,335, 6,356,822, 6,427,101, 6,430,486, 6,539,296, 6,763,299, 6,763,300, 6,804,606, and 5,923,572 and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0125117, 2003/0233188, 2003/0195697, and 2003/0195676.

Therefore, there is a need for a low power method and/or system for efficiently monitoring and reporting conditions under commercial or combat situations that at least addresses some of problems associated with conventional systems. SUMMARY

The present invention provides a method for monitoring fuel consumption for a plurality of vehicles, wherein each vehicle employs at least one mobile node that periodically logs indicia of Global Positioning System (GPS) data and that has a unique identifier, and wherein each vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The method includes or comprises detecting the mobile node of a vehicle by at least one fixed node located at a refueling station. Once the mobile node has been detected, the indicia of GPS data, the unique identifier, and the VIN are uploaded to the fixed node through a Radio Frequency (RP) link. A determination of indicia of fuel data from the refueling station by the fixed node is made. The indicia of GPS data, the unique identifier, the VIN, and the indicia of fuel data can then be transmitted to a computer network with through a point-of-sale computer.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, detection of the mobile node is made by two or more fixed nodes. Each fuel pump at the refueling station employs a fixed node, and determines which pump of the plurality of pumps that the vehicle is refueling at.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, detection of a second mobile node is made by another the mobile node of the vehicle so that indicia of GPS data, a unique identifier, and a VIN of the second mobile node can be uploaded. The other mobile node can then retransmit the indicia of GPS data, the unique identifier, and the VIN of the second mobile node to the fixed node.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention allows for tracking mileage of the vehicle, while another preferred embodiment determines travel information of the vehicle in a plurality of predetermined regions.

Other preferred embodiments of the present invention further comprises employing Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers or a stack to upload data through an RF link.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the transmission of indicia of GPS data, the unique identifier, the VIN, and the indicia of fuel data to a computer network occurs with an Extended Markup Language (XML) protocol. A system for measuring fuel consumption of a vehicle is also provided. GPS equipment is employed within the vehicle to determine indicia of GPS data, hi conjunction with the GPS equipment, a mobile nodes is used to generates a log of indicia of GPS data and a log of travel data, which also communicates through an RF link. A fixed node is located at refueling station that receives the log of indicia of GPS data and the log of travel data through the RF link. Another component is a point-of-sale computer coupled to a computer network and the fixed node. This point-of-sale computer transmits the log of indicia of GPS data and the log of travel data to the computer network.

Another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes two or more vehicles that each employ GPS equipment and one or more mobile nodes to generate data logs, wherein each mobile node of each vehicle transmits its data log to another mobile node.

In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a log of miles driven within predetermined regions and a log of the fuel consumed within the predetermined regions are maintained. A method for monitoring vital signs of a plurality of soldiers is also provided as another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, each soldier carries at least one vital sign measurement device and at least one mobile node. In order to take advantage of the system, a wake signal is transmitted to a first mobile node carried by a first soldier by a fixed node. A determination, though, should be made as to whether the first mobile node is available. If the first node is not available, the wake signal is transmitted through at least one alternative mobile node until the first mobile node is available. Once awakened, vital signs of the soldier are measured and transmitted.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a determination is made as to whether the fixed node is available. In situations where the fixed node is not available, the indicia of the vital signs is transmitted through at least one adjacent mobile node until the fixed node is available.

In an alternative embodiment, an system for monitoring vital signs of a soldier is provided. Specifically, the system comprises a fixed node configured to transmit wake- up signals and to receive data through an RF link. In order for the system to operate a plurality of vital sign measuring units to measure indicia of vital signs, and a plurality of mobile nodes that each transmit and receive the indicia of vital signs in a limited range are provided. Each soldier carries at least one mobile node, and each mobile node is coupled to at least one vital sign measuring unit. Furthermore, each mobile node is also configured to communicate through the RF link with the fixed node, and each mobile node is configure to relay alternative indicia of vital signs and to relay the wake-up signals. Alternatively, other preferred embodiments of the present invention provides that the vital sign measuring units that measure heart rate, blood pressure, or brain function.

The system can, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, further comprise GPS equipment, where each soldier carries GPS equipment coupled to at least one mobile node so that indicia of GPS data can be transmitted.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a system for tracking shipping containers within a shipping yard is provided. In this system, a plurality of shipping containers are provided that each have GPS equipment. Included within the shipping containers are a plurality mobile nodes that are each coupled GPS equipment and configured to transmit indicia of GPS data. Additionally, at least one fixed node is located within the shipping yard for activating each of the mobile nodes, which can then receive the indicia of GPS data. A computer network is also included that is coupled to the fixed node for storing the indicia of GPS data.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the mobile nodes further comprises at least one unique identifier.

Additionally, another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes GPS equipment having an having an resolution of less than 2 meters.

In addition to having an embodiment that includes a system for tracking shipping containers within a shipping yard, a method is also provided for tracking shipping containers within a shipping yard. This method comprises syncing a mobile node with a fixed node. Once synced, GPS equipment is queried by the mobile node so that indicia of GPS data can be received by the mobile node. The indicia of GPS data can then be transmitted, and updates of the indicia of GPS data by the fixed node can be periodically requested. The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram depicting a wireless node-to-node system; FIGURE 2 is a block diagram depicting a wireless node-to-node system as shown in FIGURE 1 for tracking trailers; FIGURE 3 is a flow chart depicting the method of tracking trailers with a wireless node-to-node system;

FIGURE 4 is a block diagram depicting an application of a wireless node-to-node system for monitoring vehicle fuel consumption and road use;

FIGURE 5 is a flow chart depicting the method of determining the number of miles in which a vehicle travels within predetermined regions;

FIGURE 6 is a flow chart depicting the method of monitoring vehicle fuel consumption employing a wireless node-to-node system;

FIGURE 7 is a block diagram depicting the system for determining vital signs of soldiers through a wireless node-to-node system; and FIGURE 8 is a flow chart depicting the method of determining vital signs of soldiers through a wireless node-to-node system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGURE 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a wireless node-to-node communication system. The system 100 comprises a plurality of mobile nodes 102, a fixed node 104, a computer 106, and a computer network 108.

The system 100 operates through the communication of mobile nodes 102 located in vehicles with one another and with at least one fixed node 102. A number of Radio

Frequency (RF) links 116 are employed to allow for communication between the different mobile nodes 102 and the fixed node 104 or for intercommunication between the different mobile nodes 102. These RF links 116 allow for the transmission of either analog or digital data. Specifically, the system 100 is configured such that data or information can be transmitted between different mobile nodes 102 to eventually reach the fixed node 104. In communicating with one another, there are a variety of different RF protocols that can be utilized to transmit data. For example, the mobile nodes 102 and fixed node 104 can utilize Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) layers, a proprietary stack, and so forth.

Upon receiving data from mobile nodes 102, the fixed node 104 communicates the data to a gateway or other computer 106 through communication channel 112. This computer 106 can store data and is configured to transmit data to computer network 108 through communication channel 110. The computer network 108 can be a variety of network including, but not limited to, the Internet.

One particular application for node-to-node data transmission is for accurately tracking the location of trailer. Referring to FIGURE 2 and 3 of the drawings, the reference numerals 200 and 300 generally depicts a system and method, respectively, for a wireless node-to-node of tracking trailers. The system 200 comprises a parking space

202, and a trailer 204.

Locating a very precise position of the trailers is effective for monitoring shipping yards. Parking space 204 is an example of a parking space located within a shipping yard, where parking space 202 has a width of approximately 13.5 feet. Additionally, parking space 202 can be replaced with a storage locations where shipping containers, such as trailer 202, are offloaded. Therefore, for tracking tractor trailer rigs and offloaded shipping containers, high resolution Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates are needed.

As can be seen in FIGURE 2, located within parking space 202 is trailer 204 which includes a mobile node 102 and a Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment that communicate with one another through communication channel 208. The combination of the mobile node 102 and the GPS equipment 206 allow for tracking and for determining the precise location of the trailer and its contents.

The precise tracking, as employed by the systems 100 and 200, can then be fully utilized to maintain an appraisal of location, specifically within a shipping yard. When trailer 204 enters a specifically define area in step 302, such as a shipping yard, a gateway, or fixed node 104, is sensed in step 303. Once connected, a sync message is transmitted between a fixed node 104 and a mobile node 102 located on trailer 204 in step 304. The sync message is typically a communication of several bits of data. Alternatively, the sync message can include multiple messages communicated between the mobile node 102 and the fixed node 104. Once synchronized, the mobile node 102 loads the GPS areas in step 308 and receives the indicia of GPS data in step 308. GPS data typically includes time, longitude, latitude and elevation relative to sea level. However, GPS can also include the position relative to a point in space in a variety of coordinate systems.

Upon ascertaining the indicia of GPS data, an area check-in is performed in step 309, and any area changes are monitored in step 310. The location is logged by the gateway, or fixed node 104, in step 311. Typically, this data is stored in non- volatile media, such as a flash memory, Hard Disk Drive, Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memories (EEPROMs), etc., but this data can be stored in volatile memories as well, such as Dynamic Random Access Memories (DRAMs). Additionally, in situations, which are commonplace, where there are multiple trailers in a shipping yard, having continually transmitted messages relating to location becomes problematic because of interference and because of too much data. Therefore, the gateway, or fixed node 104, transmits a do not repeat the area report to the mobile node 312 in step 312, instead, requesting periodic updates in step 314. With the periodic updates, reports are furnished to the gateway, or fixed node 104, at predetermined intervals in step 315.

Once the trailer 204 has reached its destination, it may also no long be necessary to transmit location data. One particular instance where this situation occurs is for tractor trailer rigs that disconnect from their trailers. Once in a destined position, a determination is made by the mobile node 102 as to whether the container is in a power disconnect state in step 316. After this determination has been made, a disconnect signal is transmitted to the fixed node 104 in step 315.

After reaching the power disconnect state, it may be necessary to reestablish the connection between the mobile node 102 and the gateway, or fixed node 104. Such situations may occur where a rig reconnects with a trailer or when a shipping container is sealed. Thus, in step 320, a determination is made as to if there should be a reconnection. If reconnection is desired, then a connection message is transmitted to the mobile node 102 in step 320, which subsequently enters a periodic update state.

In addition to tracking shipping containers, systems similar the system 100 of FIGURE 1 can be employed to accurately track vehicle fuel consumption and road use. Referring to FIGURES 4, 5, and 6 of the drawings, the reference numeral 400, 500, and 600 generally designate a wireless node-to-node system for monitoring vehicle fuel consumption and road use, a method for determining travel information, and a method for communicating travel data collected by a mobile node, respectively. The system 400 comprises a vehicle 402, fuel pump dispensers 420 (generally fixed nodes 104), fuel pumps 404, a point-of-sale computer 406, fixed node gateway 422 (generally fixed node 104), and a computer network 108. The vehicle 402 further comprises a mobile node 102 and GPS equipment 206. Additionally, an optional fixed node relay 412 can be included within that system 400.

While traveling, a vehicle 402 generates a log of travel data and indicia of GPS data as depicting in method 500. Specifically, mobile node 102 measures the speed, distance traveled, and fuel consumed. However, mobile node 102 does not necessarily generate only a single log, but may, instead, generate a number of logs that are differentiated from one another by locations. Predetermined regions are typically defined for particular measurements. Once the process of determining travel information is initiated, a determination is first made in step 502 as to which predetermined region that the vehicle is located. To make such a determination, the mobile node 102 queries the GPS equipment 206 for a comparison against the predetermined regions. There are cases, however, where the query results in an unknown result, specifically in cases where there is no GPS signal. Such situations can occur where the GPS signal strength is naturally low or in cases where the GPS antenna located within the GPS equipment is covered, such as by snow. When no determination of a particular region can be made, the travel data (such as miles traveled and time periods) is logged for the unknown region in step 506.

However, in situations where an accurate determination of position can be made, then comparisons are performed. If the mobile node 102 determines that the vehicle 402 is located within a first predetermined region, then the travel data is logged for the first predetermined region in step 504. Additional functionality can also be combined into the mobile node 102 when making measurements in predetermined regions. Specifically, time and date determinations can be made to determine whether the vehicle 402 is traveling under historically heavy traffic conditions, such as rush hour. Under these circumstances and if the vehicle is located within the second predetermined region, a determination is made as to whether the vehicle is traveling during historically heavy traffic conditions in step 508. Separate logs of travel can then be maintained in steps 510 and 512 for the heavy traffic conditions.

These logs of travel information are particularly valuable to businesses, governmental bodies, and other organizations for a number of purposes. Thus, periodic and routinely updated data is needed. To properly communicate the travel logs, fuel pump dispensers 420 located at refueling stations (not shown) are employed to periodically download the travel logs from the mobile node 102 through RF links 416. The RF links 416 can transmit data between any of the following: the mobile node 102, the fuel pump dispensers 420, the fixed node gateway 422, the fixed node relay 412, and the fixed node gateway 422. The RF links 416 can utilize OSI layers, a proprietary stack, and so forth. In particular, fuel pump dispensers 420 are located at each fuel pump 404 at refueling stations (not shown). These fuel pump dispensers 420 can then measure the fuel consumption by making measurements from the fuel pumps 404 through communication channels 414. Additionally, the fuel pump dispensers 420 communicate gathered information a fixed node gateway 422, either directly or through an optional fixed node relay 412. The fixed node gateway 422 can then transmit the data to the point-of-sale computer 406 through communication channels 418, which can, in turn, transmit the gathered information to the computer network 108. The computer network 108 can be a variety of networks including, but not limited to, the Internet. Thus, a large compilation of data from a variety of sources can be achieved.

In order to be able to transmit the corresponding logs of travel data, the method 600 is employed. When the vehicle 402 enters a refueling station (not shown), an Network Management System (NMS) application receives input from an active pump in step 602. However, because there are multiple fuel pump dispensers 420 located within the range of the mobile, a determination should then be made as to which pump 404 is being utilized by vehicle 402. Typically, this type of determination is made through variations in signal strength. Because of proximity of the vehicle 402 to the fuel pump

404, when multiple fixed nodes begin lowering their respective signal strengths, a process of elimination is utilized to eliminate those fixed nodes 104 with the greater radial distances. Once a determination has been made as to which fuel pump 404 is being utilized by the vehicle 402, the fixed node 104 is synced with the mobile node 102 in step 606.

At that point, the mobile node 102 uploads is unique identifier, known as an EID, and the

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle 402 in step 612. Additionally, the mobile node 102 can upload the stored travel information to the fuel pump dispensers 420 or to the fixed node gateway 422 (either directly or through the optional fixed node relay 412) in step 610.

After the fixed node 104 has gathered relevant information from the mobile node

102, the NMS application gathers information in step 612, for example the fuel taken.

This information gathered by the fuel pump dispensers 420 or to the fixed node gateway 422 is then uploaded to the point-of-sale computer 406 and, eventually, the computer network 108. Additionally, there is an option to reset the data in the mobile node 102 in step 616, so that memory can be freed for future use.

The system 500 and method 600, therefore, acts to accurate measure fuel consumption per mileage within given areas. This particular system 500 and method 600 is especially useful for governments and municipalities for the purpose of taxation.

Traditionally, taxation (for commercial vehicles in particular) was based taxing fuel, so that for each gallon of fuel purchased, a percentage of the purchase accounted for taxes.

The traditional method, thus, would unduly tax vehicles traveling outside, tax for sitting in traffic, or not tax those who do not purchase fuel in the area governed a particular government or municipality. Thus, a more effect tax scheme can be implements for taxation based on miles traveled.

Referring to FIGURES 7 and 8 of the drawings, the reference numerals 700 and

800 generally designate a system and method, respectively, to monitor vital signs of soldiers. The system comprises mobile nodes 102, vital sign measuring units 702, a fixed node 104, and a computer 106.

Under combat conditions, it is clearly critical to be able to monitor the vital signs of soldiers. Specifically, these soldiers must be able to perform their respective duties while their health is monitored. Thus, each soldier carries at least one of the mobile nodes 102, at least one of the vital sign measuring units 702, and GPS equipment 206. Each of the vital sign measuring units 702 can be configured to monitor a variety of biological functions which can be measured by known transducers, such as heart rate, blood pressure, brain function, and so forth. The data acquired by the vital sign measuring units 702 can be communicated to the mobile nodes 102 through communication channels 704, and indicia of GPS data can be transmitted through communication channel 706. The mobile nodes 102 can then, in turn, transmit the acquired data via RF links 116 to other mobile nodes 102 or the fixed node 104. The RF links 116 can utilize OSI layers, a proprietary stack, and so forth. Once transmitted, a fixed node 104 can upload the acquired data to a computer 106 through communication channel 112. Additionally, the mobile nodes 102 can carry up to multiple gigabytes (typically on the order of 4GB) of information related to the soldier's medical history in a database 708, which can also be transmitted. However, with the conditions that exist on battlefields, it is essential that the devices attached to the soldier operate independently of any centralized power sources and operate for extended periods of time that can last for days or even weeks. In order to be able to effective operate under such conditions, the respective mobile nodes 102 and vital sign measuring device 702 remain, for the most part, under standby conditions where a minimal amount of power from an independent source will be used.

Thus, once a need for the measurement of a soldier's vital signs arises, the fixed node 104 actives a specific mobile node 102. Each of the mobile nodes 102 is equipped with a unique identifier, known as and EID, so in step 802, a wake signal is transmitted to a specific mobile node 102. This wake signal can be transmitted as either a result of a condition or at a predetermined interval. However, because of constraints on power consumption, the mobile nodes 102 do not have an extended range, typically limited to 500 yards or less.

To overcome the limited range of the mobile nodes 102, a "daisy chain" of mobile nodes 102 is utilized. To being the process of transmission, a query is first made in step 804 to determine if the desired mobile node 102 is within the range of the fixed node 104. If the desired mobile node 102 is not available, the nearest mobile node 102 is activated or awakened in step 806, and the wake up signal is transmitted to the nearest mobile node 102 in step 808. A determination of if the desired mobile node 102 is available again in step 804. This process is continued until the desired mobile node 102 can be awakened or activated.

Upon activation, the desired mobile node 102 begins to function. Measurements are taken of the soldier's vital signs in step 810. Then, again, to overcome the limited range of the mobile nodes 102, a "daisy chain" of mobile nodes 102 is utilized. To being the process of transmission to the fixed node, a query is first made in step 812 to determine if the fixed node 104 is within the range of the mobile node 102. If the fixed node 104 is not available, the nearest mobile node 102 is activated or awakened in step 814, and the measurement are transmitted to the nearest mobile node 102 in step 816. A determination of if the desired mobile node 102 is available again in step 812. This process is continued until the measurements can be transmitted to the fixed node 104 in step 818. Therefore, an easily employable, cost effect, and robust system can be implement to monitor the vital signs of soldiers in the field. Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring fuel consumption for a plurality of vehicles, wherein each vehicle employs at least one mobile node that periodically logs indicia of Global Positioning System (GPS) data and that has a unique identifier, and wherein each vehicle has a unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), comprising: detecting said mobile node of a first vehicle by at least one fixed node located at a refueling station; uploading indicia of GPS data, unique identifier, and VIN of said first vehicle to said fixed node through a Radio Frequency (RF) link; determining indicia of fuel data of said first vehicle from said refueling station by said fixed node; and transmitting said indicia of GPS data, said unique identifier, said VIN, and said indicia of fuel data of said first vehicle to a computer network with through a point-of- sale computer.

2. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the step of detecting further comprises: detection of said mobile node by two or more fixed nodes, wherein each fuel pump of a plurality of pumps at said refueling station employs a fixed node; and determining which pump of said plurality of pumps that said first vehicle is refueling at.

3. The method of Claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises: detecting a second mobile node of a second vehicle by said mobile node of said first vehicle; uploading indicia of GPS data, a unique identifier, and a VIN of said second mobile node to said first vehicle; retransmitting said indicia of GPS data, said unique identifier, and said VIN of said second mobile node and of said vehicle to said fixed node.

4. The method of Claim 1, wherein the method further comprises tracking mileage of said vehicle.

5. The method of Claim 4, wherein the step of tracking further comprises determining travel infoπnation of said vehicle in a plurality of predetermined regions.

6. The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of uploading further comprises uploading through said RF link that employs Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communications.

7. The method of Claim 1, wherein the step of uploading further comprises uploading through said RF link that employs a stack.

8. The method of Claim I₅ wherein the step of transmitting further comprises transmitting said indicia of GPS data, said unique identifier, said VIN, and said indicia of fuel data to a computer network with an Extended Markup Language (XML) protocol.

9. A system for measuring fuel consumption of a vehicle, comprising: at least one GPS equipment to determine indicia of GPS data; a least one mobile nodes to generates a log of Indicia of GPS data and a log of travel data and that communicates through an RF link; at least one fixed nodes located at refueling station that is at least configured to receive said log of Indicia of GPS data and said log of travel data through said RF link; and at least one point-of-sale computer coupled to a computer network and said fixed node to transmit said log of Indicia of GPS data and said log of travel data to said computer network.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein the system further comprises: two or more vehicles that each employ one or more GPS equipments and one or more mobile nodes to generate data logs; wherein each mobile node of each vehicle is configured to transmit its data log to another mobile node.

11. The system of Claim 9, wherein the log of travel data further comprises: a log of miles driven within predetermined regions; and a log of the fuel consumed within said predetermined regions.

12. A method for monitoring vital signs of a plurality of soldiers, wherein each soldier carries at least one vital sign measurement device and at least one mobile node, comprising: transmitting a wake signal to a first mobile node carried by a first soldier by a fixed node; determining if said first mobile node is available; if said first node is not available, transmitting said wake signal through at least one alternative mobile node until said first mobile node is available; measuring vital signs once said wake signal is received once said wake signal arrives; and transmitting indicia of said vital signs.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the method further comprises : determining if said fixed node is available; and if said fixed node is not available, transmitting said indicia of said vital signs through at least one adjacent mobile node until said fixed node is available.

14. A system for monitoring vital signs of a soldier, comprising: a fixed node configured to transmit wake-up signals and to receive data through an RP link; a plurality of vital sign measuring units to measure indicia of vital signs, wherein each soldier carries at least one vital sign measuring unit; and a plurality of mobile nodes that each transmit and receive said indicia of vital signs in a limited range, wherein each soldier carries at least one mobile node, and wherein each mobile node is coupled to at least one vital sign measuring unit, and wherein each mobile node is at least configured to communicate through said RF link with said fixed node, and wherein each mobile node is configure to relay alternative indicia of vital signs and to relay said wake-up signals.

15. The system of Claim 14, wherein said vital sign measuring unit measures heart rate.

16. The system of Claim 14, wherein said vital sign measuring unit measures blood pressure.

17. The system of Claim 14, wherein said vital sign measuring unit measures brain function.

18. The system of Claim 14, wherein the system further comprises GPS equipment, wherein each soldier carries GPS equipment coupled to at least one mobile node so that indicia of GPS data can be transmitted.

19. A system for tracking shipping containers within a shipping yard, comprising: a plurality of shipping containers each having GPS equipment; a plurality mobile nodes, wherein each mobile node is coupled to GPS equipment and configured to transmit indicia of GPS data; at least one fixed node located within said shipping yard for activating each of said plurality of mobile nodes and configured to receive said indicia of GPS data; and a computer network coupled to said fixed node for storing said indicia of GPS data.

20. The system of Claim 19, wherein each of said plurality of mobile nodes further comprises at least one unique identifier.

21. The system of Claim 19, wherein said GPS equipment further comprises having an having an resolution of less than 2 meters.

22. A method for tracking shipping containers within a shipping yard, comprising: syncing a mobile node with a fixed node; querying a GPS equipment by said mobile node; receiving indicia of GPS data by said mobile node; transmitting said indicia of GPS data; and periodically requesting an update said indicia of GPS data by said fixed node.