Patent ID: 7830852

Claim:
A class-based tracking system for shipping containers, comprising: (a) a plurality of wireless radio frequency data communication devices respectively attached to shipping containers, each wireless radio frequency data communication device including, (i) memory in which is stored a class designation of the wireless radio frequency data communications device; (ii) a radio frequency transmitter component and receiver component for wirelessly sending and receiving data packets; and (iii) electronics for processing data; (iv) wherein the wireless radio frequency data communications device is configured to filter a wireless communication received by it for an identification of its class designation within the communication, and (A) process the communication if an identification of its class designation is found therein, and (B) not process the communication if an identification of its class designation is not found therein, (v) wherein the memory includes a profile stored therein, the profile including the class designation of the wireless radio frequency data communication device and a list of attributes or personalities that invoke operating system functions of the wireless radio frequency data communication device, and (vi) wherein the wireless radio frequency data communications device is configured to dynamically and automatically change its class designation in accordance with the profile; (b) a plurality of gateways arranged at respective locations along transportation routes of the shipping containers, each gateway configured for communications with each of the plurality of wireless radio frequency data communication devices attached to the shipping containers when within communication range thereof; and (c) an application server for sending communications to, and receiving communications from, the plurality of wireless radio frequency data communication devices attached to the shipping containers through the plurality of gateways; (d) wherein the application server and gateways are configured for communications over the Internet, satellite communications network, cellular communications network, or combination of the foregoing.