McCleland B., Russell T.W.
Myconi Technologies, US
Keywords: ad hoc, in transit visibiliity, MANET, mesh network, secure, self healing, sensors, wireless
Myconi Technologies has developed a proprietary wireless, ad hoc, peer-to-peer, self-healing mesh network protocol that operates on internationally license-free frequencies (IEEE 802.15.4 ISM Standard). Myconi has incorporated this wireless technology with multiple environmental and material condition sensors into mobile monitoring devices for temperature sensitive cargo transported through global distribution systems (land, sea and air). This secure Technology Readiness Level 8 (TRL 8) system is comprised of 5 different wireless monitoring devices and 3 wireless gateway configurations that includes a secure internet-based data management platform. Implementation of the patented Myconi monitoring solution allows users to wirelessly configure threshold parameters for temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, light, harsh handling (shock) and tilt angle of products or equipment transported and/or stored in boxes, pallets or containers. The mesh network communication architecture is robust, highly scalable with built-in redundancy and ensures secure connectivity (256 bit AES encryption) with individual product/container query and reports. Where network connectivity cannot be maintained, the Myconi solution logs and stores the sensor data for transmission once connectivity is autonomously restored for complete distribution system situational awareness. Ultra-low power circuitry is designed into every device ensuring a battery life of 6 months or greater. While there is no GPS in the sensor tags, location is derived from the GPS within the gateway devices and Inertial Navigation Algorithms (patented). This innovative capability will provide In Transit Visibility (ITV)/Total Asset Visibility (TAV) and material condition throughout the Cold-Chain distribution system for perishable, sensitive and high priority cargos, providing situational awareness and accountability information to cargo owners. In accordance with BUMEDINSTs (3500.5, 5450.1H, 6230.15B), this capability will assist in ensuring the delivery of viable vaccines/pharmaceuticals in quantity and provide historical data logging to identify any significant environmental/material condition variation events. Additionally, this capability directly enhances the guidance delineated in SECNAVINST 4000.37A “Naval Integrated Logistics” (Technology); OPNAVINST 4030.1B “Packaging of Navy Material”; NAVFACINST 4081-1A “Acquisition Logistics Manual” (Packaging, Handling, Storage and Transportation) and MIL-STD- 2073-1E, “DoD Standard Practice for Military Packaging”. Myconi capability far exceeds other cargo tracking/data logging technologies with the self-healing, secure, mobile ad hoc network (MANET) mesh networking capability and the extended battery life. This assured connectivity and material condition reporting directly enhances logistics situational awareness. Myconi has invested $1.4m in research and development to productize this capability; has been awarded 7 patents for this system; and is prepared to provide this capability for operational test/ evaluation and transition to the Services.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Biotech, Biomaterials and Biomedical: TechConnect Briefs 2018
Published: May 13, 2018
Pages: 215 - 216
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Sensors - Chemical, Physical & Bio
ISBN: 978-0-9988782-0-1