Activation mechanism for tracking tags

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide a system that includes a backing material 560 and a tracking tag 500, 580, 582, 584. The tracking tag may be at least initially disposed on the backing material. The first tracking tag 500 may further comprise: a beacon transmission circuit 520 comprising one or more batteries 530; a top layer 510, a bottom layer 550 comprising an adhesive; and an activation mechanism. The activation mechanism may be configured to activate the first tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuit to transmit the beacon signal so as to be able to track the object. The activation mechanism may also include an initial closed circuit 570 extending beyond a perimeter of the top layer, and the activation mechanism may be configured to automatically activate the tracking tag when the tracking tag is separated from an adjacent tracking tag 582 on the backing material.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 235,123, filed on August 17, 2023, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 446,375, filed on February 17, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 400,891, filed on August 25, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The Internet of Things (IoT) is the interconnection of physical objects (such as products, packages, vehicles, buildings, etc.) embedded with electronic components for network connectivity. Embedded components enable objects to detect others, be detected by others, collect data, and / or transmit data. In some instances, embedded components may include tags or labels attached to physical objects. These tags or labels may be passive or active. The interconnection capabilities can be used to track the location of physical objects. In many cases, objects may be moved at different points in time, such as packages or equipment moving from a truck to a loading dock to a warehouse, or medical equipment moving between different rooms (or floors) in a hospital. These types of situations may be very challenging to determine the location of an object with appropriate accuracy (including updating the location when the location changes). In addition, systems using GPS or WiFi may suffer from signal loss or transmitter offline, which may reduce the ability to correctly identify the location of the object. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a system that includes a backing material, and at least a first tracking tag initially disposed on the backing material. The tracking tag includes: a beacon transmission circuit that includes one or more batteries; a top layer, a bottom layer that includes an adhesive; and an activation mechanism that is configured to activate the tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuit to transmit a beacon signal to enable tracking of an object. The activation mechanism includes an initially closed circuit that extends beyond the perimeter of the top layer, and the activation mechanism is configured to automatically activate the tracking tag when the tracking tag is separated from a second tracking tag that is also disposed on the backing material.

[0005] In one example, the initial closed circuit includes a conductive material including a copper foil tape. In addition, the copper foil tape has a width of at least 3 mm. In addition or alternatively, the copper foil tape is perforated. In addition or alternatively, the initial closed circuit connects one or more batteries to a processor configured to activate the beacon transmission circuit when the initial closed circuit is disconnected. In addition or alternatively, the initial closed circuit is configured so that disconnecting the initial closed circuit activates the tracking label and causes the beacon transmission circuit to transmit a beacon signal. In addition or alternatively, a second tracking label, and wherein the initial closed circuit is at least partially arranged between the second bottom layer and the cushioning material. In addition, the initial closed circuit is configured so that removing the first tracking label from the cushioning material causes the initial closed circuit to be disconnected, and wherein the portion of the initial closed circuit remains attached to the second tracking label. In addition or alternatively, the first tracking label also includes a deactivation circuit, which is configured to deactivate the beacon transmission circuit when the deactivation circuit is cut. In addition, the first tracking label also includes a guide line on the top layer for aligning the first tracking label with the opening of the package, and wherein the guide line is arranged so that the deactivation circuit is cut by cutting along the guide line. Additionally or alternatively, the system further comprises a second tracking label, and the first tracking label is configured to be separated from the second tracking label by cutting, tearing or ripping a liner material between the first tracking label and the second tracking label. Additionally or alternatively, the system further comprises a second tracking label, and the first tracking label is configured to be separated from the second tracking label by peeling the first tracking label from the liner material.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for activating a first tracking tag disposed on a backing material. The method includes removing the first tracking tag from a second tracking tag on the backing material. Separating the first tracking tag from the second tracking tag causes an initially closed circuit of the first tracking tag to be broken, thereby activating a beacon transmission circuit of the first tracking tag to generate a beacon signal, and a portion of the initially closed circuit remains attached to the second tracking tag.

[0007] In one example, the method further comprises applying the first tracking tag to an object via an adhesive of the first tracking tag, wherein applying the first tracking tag to the object enables tracking of the object via a beacon signal. Additionally or alternatively, a portion of the initial closed circuit extends beyond the perimeter of the top layer of the first tracking tag, such that separating the first tracking tag from the second tracking tag causes a portion of the initial closed circuit to remain attached to the backing material. Additionally or alternatively, the portion remains attached to the backing material between the second tracking tag and the backing material. Additionally or alternatively, the initial closed circuit comprises a conductive material comprising a copper foil tape that is disconnected when the first tracking tag is removed from the backing material. Additionally or alternatively, the initial closed circuit connects one or more batteries of the first tracking tag to a processor of the first tracking tag, and wherein separating the first tracking tag from the second tracking tag enables the one or more batteries to power the processor. Additionally or alternatively, the first tracking tag further comprises a deactivation circuit, and wherein the method further comprises deactivating the beacon transmission circuit by cutting or otherwise disconnecting the deactivation circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the method further comprises applying the first tracking label to the package using a guide line on a top layer of the first tracking label to align the first tracking label with an opening of the package. Additionally or alternatively, deactivating the beacon transmission circuit comprises cutting the package. Additionally or alternatively, severing or otherwise disconnecting the deactivation circuit causes a signal to be sent to a processor of the first tracking label, which in turn causes the processor to send a signal to the beacon transmission circuit that causes the first tracking label to stop transmitting the beacon signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A Various examples for positioning of objects in accordance with aspects of the present technique are shown.

[0009] Figure 1B is a functional diagram of an example tracking system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example network in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 Functional graph of the example network in .

[0012] Figure 4A-4B Example scenarios in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0013] Figure 5A-5D is an example view of a tracking tag in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6A-6B is an example view of a tracking tag in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 7A-7B is an example view of a tracking tag in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 8A-B is an example diagram of a tracking label disposed on a package in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig. 9 is an example flow chart according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Overview

[0019] The technology relates to the accurate location and tracking of items or other objects being transported, for example, by a logistics provider. To track such items or other objects, a tracking tag may be used. Such a tracking tag may be active, configured to include a battery or to be coupled to another power source. Where a battery is included, delaying activation of the battery until the end user is ready to use the tracking tag is critical to extending the useful life of the tracking tag.

[0020] In order to enable the use of the aforementioned tracking labels on as many different types of items and other objects to be shipped as possible, the tracking labels can be designed to be both thin and flexible. In this regard, the tracking labels can be configured as adhesive shipping labels. In this case, the tracking labels can be manufactured on a roll of cushioning material, which allows the tracking labels to be printed. When in use, each tracking label can be removed (e.g., peeled off) from the roll of cushioning material by a human operator and applied to the item to be shipped or another object.

[0021] Each tracking label may include various components, such as a top layer for printing indicia, a bracket, a beacon transmission circuit, a bottom layer including an adhesive for attaching the tracking label to an item to be shipped or another object. The beacon transmission circuit may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more batteries. The PCB may include various features, such as an identifier chip and / or a transmission device for the purpose of transmitting a beacon signal.

[0022] The tracking tag may also include an activation mechanism configured to activate the tracking tag and initiate transmission of the beacon signal by the beacon transmission circuit.The initial closed circuit may be connected to the battery and the processor to enable the processor to monitor the continuity of the closed circuit.

[0023] The initial closed circuit may be formed by a conductive material such as a foil tape, such as a copper foil tape, or by using embedded traces and inlay technology, such as etched aluminum on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The conductive material may extend beyond the perimeter of the indicia of the tracking label and may be partially disposed under an adjacent tracking label on the roll at least prior to activation.

[0024] When the tracking label is removed (e.g., peeled) from the liner paper roll, the continuity of the initially closed circuit is broken, activating the tracking label and enabling transmission of a beacon signal, which allows the tracking system to track the location of the tracking label. The removal operation causes the tracking label to be separated from both the liner material (e.g., the liner material roll) and the adjacent tracking label. In this regard, once the tracking label is removed, portions of the initially closed circuit (now no longer closed) may remain attached to adjacent tracking labels.

[0025] In some cases, the tracking tag may include a deactivation circuit. For example, the deactivation circuit may be connected to a battery. In this case, when the deactivation circuit is disconnected, the tracking tag may be deactivated, or more precisely, unable to send the aforementioned beacon signal. In other cases, the deactivation circuit, when disconnected, may send a signal to the processor indicating that the tracking process has ended. This in turn may cause the processor to send a signal that causes the tracking tag to stop transmitting the beacon signal.

[0026] The features described herein can provide a simple, cost-effective and practical tracking label that can be automatically activated without additional steps. For example, a logistics company does not need to change the existing shipping process by adding additional steps in order to activate the tracking label. Instead, the label can be printed and applied to the box or envelope as usual, and each tracking label is automatically activated. Therefore, the benefits of adding beacon-based tracking will not increase additional labor costs. In addition, in many cases, this can prevent human operators from accidentally forgetting to activate the tracking label.

[0027] Example System

[0028] Figure 1A Examples of different objects in various environments are shown. As shown in the left image of the picture, there may be packages or equipment on a pallet in a warehouse. The pallet may have been unloaded from a freight truck as shown in the "in transit" image in the middle of the picture. The pallet can be moved to one or more different locations within the warehouse, such as by a forklift as shown in the left image. The right image in the picture shows how medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs) and supplies in boxes can be stored in a supply room in a hospital.

[0029] In all of these cases—in a warehouse, on a freight truck, or in a hospital—the objects of interest may be moved around. This could be to different aisles or rooms in a warehouse, different rooms (or even different floors) in a hospital, or different parts of a truck's cargo container. In the latter case, the cargo may have shifted during transportation, or may have been repositioned when delivered to different locations as different packages. Knowing where the objects of interest are currently located, rather than assuming where they are based on initial placement, is valuable information for an office manager, warehouse manager, nurse, or caregiver. Ideally, such a person should be able to obtain the current location of a given object on their client computing device (such as a laptop, mobile phone, or smartwatch).

[0030] Figure 1B 1 is a functional diagram of a tracking system 100. The tracking system 100 may include a plurality of tracking devices, such as tracking tags 102 and 104, and a reader 106. As discussed further below, one or more server computing devices 108 may also be part of the tracking system 100. A given tracking tag may be placed on, or otherwise attached to, or inserted into an object to be tracked, such as a package, a piece of equipment, a vehicle, a warehouse section, a room, etc. The tracking tag 102 may be associated with an object such as a package, equipment, or a vehicle (e.g., a forklift or an autonomous fulfillment robot that can retrieve a package from different locations in a warehouse), while the tracking tag 104 may be fixed to an aisle in a warehouse or a specific room in a hospital. Thus, different tracking tags may be used depending on customer needs. As an example, different customers may have different accuracy and "real-time" requirements. For example, one customer may only want to know the accuracy of the aisle level every day (e.g., before the warehouse closes at night), while another customer such as a hospital nurse may need to know which room a certain piece of equipment is in every hour so that it can be used if a patient needs such equipment. Each tracking tag 102 or 104 may transmit an information signal, such as a beacon signal, via an antenna, such as using a transmission device to transmit data. In this regard, each tracking tag may include an identifier chip (such as for radio frequency (RF) identification) and / or a transmission device (such as an RF module configured to transmit the beacon signal using a selected frequency band and transmission protocol). In this regard, the beacon signal may simply transmit identification information to enable tracking of the object in the case of a tracking tag discussed further below. To facilitate this, each tracking tag may be embedded with a unique identifier, such as a unique MAC address or Bluetooth identifier, which may be used as a tracking tag identifier. The tracking tag identifier may be assigned to the tracking tag during a manufacturing or provisioning process (described further below).

[0031] The transmitting device may send such information via radio frequency transmission in a selected frequency band using a standard or proprietary protocol. For example, the transmitting device may employ Bluetooth (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)) or 802.11 protocols in the 2.4 GHz and / or 5 GHz frequency bands. In some examples, each beacon tracking tag and each tracking tag uses Bluetooth or BLE protocols.

[0032] In some cases, the tracking tag may include one or more sensors. In such cases, the aforementioned transmitted data may be formatted according to the selected protocol and include one or more sensed characteristics of a given tracking tag or its environment. For example, the sensed characteristics may be temperature, location, motion, battery condition, trip condition, and / or other detectable characteristics of the tracking device or its environment.

[0033] The reader 106 may be a computing device configured to detect beacon signals emitted by the plurality of tracking tags 102 and 104 and then store and / or transmit data related to the tracking tags. Figure 1B Only one reader is shown in FIG. 1 , but the system may employ multiple readers. The reader 106 may include one or more processors 110, a memory 112, and other components typically found in general-purpose computing devices. The reader 106 includes a receiving module 118 having an antenna and a processing portion (not shown), which may include a bandpass filter for the frequency band of interest, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter, and a signal processing module that evaluates information in the received beacon signal. The processing portion may also convert the received beacon signal to a baseband signal before or after the A / D conversion.

[0034] The one or more processors 110 may be any conventional processor, such as a commercially available CPU or microcontroller. Alternatively, the one or more processors may be a dedicated device, such as an ASIC or other hardware-based processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA). Figure 1B One or more processors, memory, and other elements of the reader 106 are shown functionally as being within the same block, but a processor, computing device, or memory may actually include multiple processors, computing devices, or memories that may or may not be stored within the same physical housing. For example, the memory may be a hard drive, removable USB drive, or other storage medium located in a housing different from the housing of the reader 106. Thus, references to a processor or computing device will be understood to include references to a collection of processors or computing devices or memories that may or may not operate in parallel.

[0035] The memory 112 stores information that can be accessed by the one or more processors 110, including instructions 114 and data 116 that can be executed or otherwise used by the one or more processors 110. The data can include sensed characteristics of any of the tracking tags 102 and / or 104 received by the reader 106. The memory 112 can be of any type capable of storing information that can be accessed by the one or more processors, including computing device readable media, or other media that stores data that can be read with the aid of an electronic device, such as a hard drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD or other optical disk, and other writable and read-only memory. The systems and methods can include different combinations of the foregoing, whereby different portions of the instructions and data are stored on different types of media.

[0036] Data 116 may be retrieved, stored, or modified by one or more processors 110 according to instructions 114. For example, data may be stored in a computing device register, in a database as a table with multiple different fields and records, in an XML document, or in a flat file, although the claimed subject matter is not limited to any particular data structure. The data may also be formatted in any computing device readable format.

[0037] Instructions 114 may be any set of instructions to be executed by a processor directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as a script). For example, the instructions may be stored as computing device code on a computing device readable medium. In this regard, the terms "instructions" and "programs" may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions may be stored in an object code format for direct processing by a processor, or in any other computing device language, including a collection of scripts or independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or pre-compiled. The functions, methods, and routines of the instructions are explained in more detail below.

[0038] In some implementations, the tracking system 100 may also include a central server, such as one or more server computing devices 108 that may be accessed by the one or more processors 110 of the reader 106. In certain implementations, one or more tracking devices (such as the tracking tags 104) in the tracking system 100 may be configured to obtain data and transmit the data directly to the one or more server computing devices 108. The one or more server computing devices 108 may include one or more processors 120, a memory 122, and other components typically found in general-purpose computing devices. The one or more processors 120 may be of the same or similar type as the one or more processors 110, and the memory 122 may be of the same or similar type as the memory 112. The memory 122 stores information that may be accessed by the one or more processors 120, including instructions 124 and data 126 that may be executed or otherwise used by the one or more processors 120. The data 126 and the instructions 124 may be of the same or similar type as the data 116 and the instructions 114, respectively.

[0039] After detecting the beacon signal of one or more tracking tags 102 or 104, the reader 106 can transmit the data from the tracking tags to one or more server computing devices 108 via an existing connection or via a network. Thus, in this case, the reader 106 may include a transmitter module (not shown) configured for wired or wireless transmission to the server computing device. The data may be received continuously at one or more set intervals in a series of payloads (e.g., data packets), or specifically whenever the tracking tag transmits. Thus, when multiple tracking tags are present, the data is effectively received as multiple separate data streams. A given payload (which may include one or more data packets) may include measurements taken at one or more time intervals, each of which may have a corresponding timestamp. In one scenario, the reader 106 may include a transceiver that includes both a receiver and a transmitter that is configured to receive beacon signals from the tracking tags 102 and 104 and also send and receive information with the server computing device 108.

[0040] The one or more server computing devices 108 may be configured to track characteristics of the tracking device for one or more alarms based on a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may include at least one condition for each characteristic, such as a minimum value, a maximum value, a threshold value, a duration, or a geofence. The conditions may be predetermined or set based on user input. For example, a first alarm may be set when (1) the temperature is greater than, for example, 0°C to 11°C for 30 minutes and (2) the tracking device is in travel, which may indicate that the refrigerated package or storage compartment is overheated. A second alarm may be set when (1) no motion is detected within 11 minutes, (2) 2 of 3 locations are in a geofence, and (3) the tracking device is in travel, which may indicate that the package is out for delivery. A third alarm may be set when (1) a threshold amount of light is detected from inside the package and (2) the tracking device is in travel, which may indicate that the package was accidentally opened or tampered with. A fourth alarm may be set when (1) a threshold amount of light is detected from inside the package and (2) 2 of the 3 locations are in a destination geofence, which may indicate that the package was opened after delivery or receipt. Many other alarm conditions and tracking scenarios are possible, and the above examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0041] Tracking system 100 may optionally include an application that may be installed on one or more client computing devices. Using the application, client computing devices may access data from reader 106 and / or server computing device 108 via a network.

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 2 are schematic and functional diagrams, respectively, of an example system 200 that includes a plurality of client computing devices 220, 230, 240 and a storage system 250 connected via a network 260. The system 200 also includes a tracking system 100 that includes tracking tags 102, 104, a reader 106, and a server computing device 108. Although only a few tags and computing devices are depicted for simplicity, a typical system may include significantly more tags and computing devices.

[0043] Using a client computing device, a user such as user 222, 232, 242 may view the location data on a display such as display 224, 234, 244 of client computing device 220, 230, 240, respectively. Figure 3As shown, each client computing device 220, 230, 240 may be a personal computing device intended for use by a respective user and having all components normally used in conjunction with a personal computer device including one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), memory (e.g., RAM and an internal hard drive), a display such as a display 224, 234, 244 (e.g., a monitor with a screen, a touch screen, a head mounted display, a smart watch display, a projector, a television, or other device operable to display information), and a user input device 226, 236, 246 (e.g., one or more of a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, and / or a microphone). The client computing device may also include speakers, a network interface device, and all components for connecting these elements to each other.

[0044] Although client computing devices 220, 230, and 240 may each comprise a full-sized personal computing device, they may alternatively comprise a mobile computing device capable of wirelessly exchanging data with a server over a network such as the Internet. By way of example only, client computing device 220 may be a mobile phone or a device such as a wireless-enabled PDA, a tablet PC, a wearable computing device or system (e.g., a smart watch or head-mounted display, or a netbook capable of obtaining information via the Internet or other network). As examples, a user may input information using a small keyboard, a keypad, a microphone, using visual signals (gestures) using a camera or other sensor, or a touch screen.

[0045] As with memory 112, storage system 250 may be any type of computerized storage capable of storing information that can be accessed by one or more server computing devices 108, such as a hard drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD, CD-ROM, writable and read-only memory. In addition, storage system 250 may include a distributed storage system in which data is stored on multiple different storage devices that may be physically located in the same or different geographic locations. Storage system 250 may be configured as follows: Figure 2 The storage system 250 is shown connected to the computing device via the network 260, and / or may be directly connected to or incorporated into any of the client computing devices 220, 230, 240. The storage system 250 may store information about the tracking tag, including, for example, location, state (e.g., activation state and when the state was activated), identifier, last update, sensor data (e.g., temperature measurement results), information about the object to which the tracking tag is attached (e.g., manufacturing data), etc. In this regard, the information may be determined from a received beacon signal, wherein the beacon signal is provided to the storage system 250 by one or more server computing devices 108 and / or any of the client computing devices 220, 230, 240 and updated at the storage system 250.

[0046] Figure 4A An example 400 of a system with some tracking tags arranged in various locations of a building (e.g., a hospital) is shown. In this example, there may be some rooms 402A-402D, such as patient rooms, along one side of a corridor 404. On the opposite side of the corridor 404 there is a storage room 406, such as for holding equipment or supplies, and another room 408, which may be a conference room, a common area, a rehabilitation facility. One or more fixed tracking tags 410 corresponding to the tracking tags 102 or 104 may be located in each room, including the corridor. Each fixed tracking tag 410 is configured to transmit a beacon signal 412 (e.g., an RF signal in a frequency band selected according to a particular communication protocol). Although the beacon signal 412 may appear to be directional, this need not necessarily be the case, and the beacon signal may be transmitted omnidirectionally, such as from a tracking tag 410 located on a ceiling, a column, or a floor. In some implementations, the tracking tag 410 may be configured to transmit a beacon signal having information associated with its environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.).

[0047] Tracking tag 414 may correspond to tracking tag 102 or 104 when it is placed on various objects (e.g., boxes of supplies as shown in storage room 406 or a wheelchair as shown in room 402A). In some cases, tracking tags may also be configured to transmit beacon signals having information associated with the object to which the tracking tag is applied (e.g., temperature, motion information, object details, and / or other detectable characteristics of the tracking device or its environment). Readers 416 may be found at various locations in a building, such as in patient rooms, storage rooms, hallways, or other locations. Note that even when transmitting omnidirectionally, the beacon signal from a given tracking tag may be attenuated in a non-uniform manner due to the presence of walls, furniture, floors / ceilings, equipment, etc.

[0048] Figure 4B Another example 420 of a system with some fixed tracking tags positioned along different aisles in a warehouse setting is shown. In this example, there are some aisles 422A-422D, although there may be more (or fewer) aisles and the aisles may be arranged in other configurations than shown. Here, fixed tracking tags 424 are located in different places along the aisles, such as along aisle end caps, along the ceiling (or floor), on shelves, storage lockers, cabinets, or elsewhere along the aisles, etc. Similar to Figure 4A , fixed tracking tags 426 are placed on or otherwise associated with different objects, such as equipment pallets or forklifts that retrieve items from their locations in the warehouse. As described above, fixed tracking tags are configured to emit beacon signals that can be detected by one or more readers 428.

[0049] To determine the location of a given tracking tag, the system can use signal strength information obtained from the beacon signals of one or more tracking tags. A series of beacon signals can be ramped at different power levels (a ramp sequence). Evaluating received beacon signals based on their transmission power can enable the system to determine in which room or other location a given tracking tag is located. From this, the system can determine the location of a given tracking tag (and therefore its corresponding object) with an appropriate degree of certainty, such as by triangulating its location relative to related tracking tags.

[0050] In order to enable the use of the above-described tracking tags on as many different types of objects and locations as possible, the tracking tags can be designed to be both thin and flexible. In addition, each tracking tag can be passive, such as the tracking tag is configured to be activated or powered by ambient energy, or active, configured to include a battery or be coupled to another power source. In the case of including a battery, delaying the activation of the battery until the end user is ready to use the tracking tag is critical to extending the useful life of the tracking tag.

[0051] In order to enable the use of the aforementioned tracking labels on as many different types of items and other objects to be shipped as possible, the tracking labels can be designed to be both thin and flexible. In this regard, the tracking labels can be configured as adhesive shipping labels (e.g., the 4x6 shipping labels that logistics companies typically use to ship packages such as envelopes, boxes, bags, etc.).

[0052] Each tracking label may include various components, such as a top layer for printing indicia, a bracket, a beacon transmission circuit, and a bottom layer including an adhesive for attaching the tracking label to an item to be shipped or another object. Figure 5A is an example of a top-down view of a plurality of tracking tags 500, 580, 582, 584 that may be configured the same or similar to any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414 described above. In this example, the tracking tag 500 includes a top layer 510 (partially transparent), a beacon transmission circuit 520, one or more batteries 530, a processor 540, and a bottom layer 550 below the top layer and the beacon transmission circuit. The bottom layer 550 is Figure 5B Tracking tags 580 , 582 , 584 may be configured the same or similar to tracking tag 500 .

[0053] The top layer and bottom layer can provide impact protection, prevent the ingress of liquids and other contaminants, and provide a smooth surface for applying a mark or printing information thereon (whether or not an additional adhesive mark is used). The top layer 510 and the bottom layer 550 can be thin sheets of polyester or paper (e.g., 0.1 mm) each having an adhesive backing. In this regard, the top layer 510 can be pressed onto the bottom layer 550, with the beacon transmission circuit 520, one or more batteries 530, and the processor 540 (and in some cases, as further discussed below) between them. In this regard, the beacon transmission circuit 520, one or more batteries 530, and the processor 540 are arranged between the top layer and the bottom layer. In addition, the adhesive backing on the top layer can fix the top layer to the bottom layer, and the adhesive backing on the bottom layer can be used to attach the tracking label to an object (e.g., a package). Alternatively, the bottom layer can include an adhesive on opposite sides (e.g., top and bottom sides) of the bottom layer, thereby allowing the top layer to be attached to the bottom layer without additional adhesive. As noted above, the adhesive backing may include commercially available glue or double-sided tapes, such as those provided by 3M, including 3M Double Coated Tape 93015LE.

[0054] The top layer 510 can be configured to be printed during manufacturing and / or by an end user prior to applying the tracking label to an object (e.g., a package, a wall, a shelf, etc.). For example, the end user may be able to print the tracking and identifier information directly onto the top layer. Alternatively, the tracking and identifier information may be printed onto a separate label and applied to the surface of the tracking label 500 (e.g., the top layer) when the tracking label is ready for use. Such labels may include proprietary labels or commercially available labels, such as those provided by Avery, including Avery Ultra Duty White Film 94211.

[0055] The beacon transmission circuit 520 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) and one or more batteries. The PCB may include various features, such as an identifier chip and / or a transmission device for the purpose of transmitting the beacon signal. The PCB may be a commercially available PCB that may be connected to one or more batteries. For example, the PCB may include a PCB such as a surface mount technology (SMT) PCB that includes a device that enables Bluetooth LE 4.0 technology for the purpose of enabling the aforementioned beacon signal.

[0056] One or more batteries 530 may be relatively thin. For example, one or more batteries 530 may include a button cell, a prismatic cell, a pouch cell, a thin film cell, or a screen printed cell. Figure 5AAs depicted, one or more batteries 530 are thin film batteries. In this example, the thin film battery may be a commercially available thin film MOLEX 13299-0002 battery, a CPO042350 battery provided by RENATA BATTERIES, or the like. In this regard, considering the configuration of the tracking tag 500, this may allow the tracking tag 500 to be as Fig. 6A The curve along its long side is depicted as well as Figure 6B The depicted curves along its wide sides.

[0057] Alternatively, coin cell batteries may be used, such as CR2016, CR1216, CR1220, CR2012, etc. Coin cell batteries are commonly used in electric badges and key cards, and offer various benefits, such as improved safety (e.g., because metal packaged batteries have a reduced puncture hazard compared to thin film batteries), higher capacity or longer life for extended run time operation, lower cost, easier storage (e.g., coin cell batteries are typically inserted into a battery holder and therefore can be stored individually and installed closer to the time of use, which may also allow tracking tags to be stored in facilities that are not certified for battery storage, whereas flat pack or other custom batteries are typically bundled with the device at the time of manufacture), shorter lead times (e.g., for manufacturing and availability), etc.

[0058] Furthermore, while coin cells do not flex, their smaller form factor may allow for less stiffness in the tracking tag. In other words, the tracking tag may be more tolerant of flexing at points away from the coin cell, whereas with thin film batteries, flexing should be avoided in order to prevent damage to thin film batteries, which may have a larger form factor. The further away the raised portions are from each other and from the PCB, the greater the amount of flex that can be achieved. In this regard, considering the configuration of tracking tag 500, as compared to Figure 6B The depicted bending along the broadside of the tracking tag 500 is compared to Fig. 6A The depicted bend along the long side of the tracking tag 500 may not be desirable (eg, may result in damage to the rigid components).

[0059] Processor 540 may be configured to be the same or similar to processor 110, and may include a conventional processor, such as a commercially available CPU. For example, processor 540 may also include Bluetooth radio capabilities, such as NORDIC SEMICONDUCTORnRF52832 or INPLAY IN100. In some cases, processor 540 may actually include multiple processors that may or may not be stored in the same physical housing.

[0060] In some instances, the tracking tag can include a bracket (not shown) to provide additional support to the tracking tag. For example, the bracket can be formed from a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate or other plastics such as cellulose fibers (paper / wood), polyethylene (PE / LDPE / HDPE), polypropylene (PP), vinyl (PVC), nylon, polyurethane (foam), rubber, silicone, resin, carbon fiber. The bracket can be die-cut, molded, or manufactured using other processes. The material of the bracket can be selected so that the bracket is strong and puncture-resistant while also being bendable. In this regard, the bracket can enable the tracking tag 500 to be attached (via the adhesive of the bottom layer 550) to objects of various shapes, including curved surfaces, such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As depicted in .

[0061] In some cases, such as Figure 5A , Figure 5B A backing sheet or backing material of backing material 560 may be used to protect the adhesive before the tracking label is attached to an object. The backing material 560 may allow multiple labels to be adhered to the backing material during manufacturing and may be rolled or folded into one continuous strip of labels to be fed into a printer. For example, prior to using the tracking label 500, the tracking label 500 may be attached to a backing material 560 (such as kraft paper or other paper) to protect the adhesive on the bottom surface of the bottom layer prior to use. In this case, the tracking label may be provided on a roll that can be run through a printer to enable information to be printed on the top layer of the tracking label. In this regard, Figure 5A The tracking labels 500, 580, 582, 584 may represent a small portion of a larger roll that has been unrolled. Thus, multiple tracking labels may be manufactured on a roll of a liner material 560 such as a wax paper liner or other suitable backing, which allows the tracking labels to be printed.

[0062] When in use, each tracking label can be removed from an adjacent tracking label. For example, one tracking label can be removed (e.g., peeled) from a roll of cushioning material by a human operator and applied to an item or another object to be shipped. In this regard, the tracking label 500 can be removed from the cushioning material prior to applying the tracking label to the object so as to expose the adhesive on the bottom surface of the underlying layer. As described above, the tracking can be printed during manufacturing and / or by a human operator prior to removing the tracking label from the cushioning material and applying it to the item or another object to be shipped. Thereafter, the tracking label 500 can be attached to the item or another object to be shipped.

[0063] The tracking tag may also include an activation mechanism configured to activate the tracking tag and initiate transmission of a beacon signal by the beacon transmission circuit. The initial closed circuit 570 may be connected to one or more batteries 530 (e.g., at the terminals) and the processor 540 to enable the processor to monitor the continuity of the closed circuit. The circuit 570 may also be connected to ground or alternatively to other pins of the processor to achieve the same monitoring capability. The initial closed circuit may be formed of a conductive material such as a foil tape (such as a copper foil tape), or by using embedded traces and inlay techniques, such as etched aluminum on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The conductive material may extend beyond the perimeter of the top layer 510 of the tracking tag and may be disposed at least partially below a second or adjacent tracking tag 582 on the backing material 560 prior to activation.

[0064] The width of the conductive material may be at least 3 mm wide or greater or less, or more specifically, wide enough to ensure continuity and reliability of the copper foil in the event that the paper liner is perforated during manufacturing, such as to allow one or more tracking labels to be removed (e.g., torn off) from a roll without completely removing them from the paper liner. In this regard, the exact dimensions of the material used may depend on other characteristics of the tracking label (such as size, thickness, weight, etc.) and characteristics of the paper liner (such as stiffness, etc.).

[0065] When the tracking tag 500 is removed from the liner paper roll (e.g., by peeling), the continuity of the initially closed circuit is broken, activating the tracking tag and enabling the transmission of a beacon signal, which allows the tracking system to track the location of the tracking tag (and the item or another object to which the tracking tag is attached). This removal operation causes the tracking tag to separate from both the liner material (e.g., the liner material roll) and the adjacent shelf label, such as Figure 5C In this regard, once the tracking tag 500 is removed, the portion of the initially closed circuit (which is now no longer closed) (at Figure 5A The dashed area 572 in FIG. Figure 5B , Figure 5C The portion 590 represented in FIG. 5 ) may remain attached to the adjacent tracking tag 582.

[0066] In other cases, tracking label 500 and any other tracking labels may be initially arranged on a roll of backing material. However, rather than peeling the tracking labels from the backing material in order to separate adjacent tracking labels, adjacent tracking labels may be separated from one another by cutting, tearing, or ripping the backing material between the two tracking labels. In this regard, tracking label 500 may be activated simply by cutting, tearing, or ripping the backing material between tracking label 500 and an adjacent tracking label (e.g., tracking label 582). This cutting, tearing, or ripping may also be used to break an initially closed circuit between the two tracking labels, as described with respect to FIG. Figure 5D The severing, tearing or pulling apart may occur immediately after the identifier information is printed, for example, by pulling the liner material against the serrated metal edge to tear the tracking label 500 from the tracking label 582. In some cases, perforations may be added between the tracking labels to facilitate easier tearing. In this regard, once the tracking label 500 is removed from the tracking label 582, the portion of the initially closed circuit (which is now no longer closed) (removed by the tracking label 500) that was originally closed may be removed by the tracking label 582. Figure 5D The portion 592 in the figure (represented in FIG. 5) may remain attached to the adjacent tracking label 582. Thereafter, the portion of the backing material still attached to the tracking label 500 may be removed so that the tracking label 500 may be applied to an object.

[0067] In some cases, the tracking tag may include deactivation circuitry. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B A tracking tag 500 having a deactivation circuit 710 is depicted. Figure 7B A tracking tag 500 is depicted with tracking tags 580, 582, each having a corresponding deactivation circuit. The deactivation circuit 710 can be connected to one or more batteries 530 (e.g., at the terminals). The deactivation circuit 710 can also be connected to ground or alternatively to other pins of the processor to achieve the same monitoring capabilities. In this case, when the deactivation circuit is disconnected, the tracking tag 500 can be deactivated, or more precisely, can no longer send the aforementioned beacon signal. In other cases, the deactivation circuit, when disconnected, can send a signal to the processor 540 indicating that the tracking process has ended. This in turn can cause the processor 540 to send a signal that causes the tracking tag 500 to stop transmitting the beacon signal.

[0068] In either such case, each tracking label may also include one or more guide lines 720, 730 or other similar markings to enable a human operator, robot, or other mechanical device to align the guide lines approximately at the opening between the two covers of the box or at the junction of the two covers of the box. Fig. 8A and Figure 8BThe tracking labels 500 are depicted disposed on packages 800, 810, respectively. Fig. 8A In the example of FIG. 8 , guide line 730 is aligned with opening 802 of package 800 (eg, between two cover sheets or at the junction of two cover sheets), and Figure 8B In the example shown, guide wire 720 is aligned with opening 812 of package 810.

[0069] Once the package 800, 810 reaches its destination and is opened, such as by cutting along the openings 802, 812 (e.g., through the packaging tape, not shown) and generally along the guide lines 720, 730, the cutting action may also cut through the deactivation circuit 710. Alternatively, the deactivation circuit 710 may be disconnected in some other manner along the openings 802, 812, rather than being cut. In turn, the cutting or other manner of disconnection may effectively deactivate the tracking label, as described above.

[0070] Example Method

[0071] In addition to the operations described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, various operations will now be described. It should be understood that the following operations do not have to be performed in the exact order described below. Instead, various steps may be processed in a different order or simultaneously, and steps may also be added or omitted.

[0072] Fig. 9 is an example flow chart 900 depicting an example method for activating a tracking tag (such as tracking tag 500) disposed on a backing material (such as backing material 560). This method may be performed by a human operator, a robot, or other mechanical device. At block 910, a tracking tag is removed from an adjacent tracking tag and backing material. Removing the tracking tag causes an initially closed circuit of the tracking tag to be broken, thereby activating a beacon transmission circuit of the tracking tag to generate a beacon signal. The removal operation causes the tracking tag to separate from an adjacent second tracking tag, such as Figure 5C and Figure 5D In this regard, the portion of the initially closed circuit remains attached to the second tracking tag.

[0073] As described above, because the initial closed circuit 570 extends beyond the perimeter of the top layer 510 of the tracking label 500, removal of the tracking label from an adjacent tracking label results in portions of the initial closed circuit remaining attached to the backing material (at Figure 5A The dashed area 572 in FIG. Figure 5B Thus, the backing material 560 may include a second tracking label, such as tracking labels 580, 582, 584, and the portion remains attached to the backing material between the second tracking label and the backing material (in Figure 5A The dashed area 572 in FIG. Figure 5B ,5C In this regard, the adhesive on the bottom layer of the second tracking label can hold a portion of the initial closed circuit 570 to the backing material 560. In addition, the initial closed circuit 570 can include a material that breaks when the tracking label 500 is separated from the adjacent tracking label 582, which separation can also include removing the tracking label from the backing material (e.g., Figure 5C ). The material may be wide enough to both allow the material to break and allow the second tracking tag to hold a portion of the initial closed loop to the backing material 560.

[0074] At block 920, the tracking tag is applied to the object via the adhesive of the tracking tag. Applying the tracking tag 500 to an object such as the package 800, 810 enables tracking of the object via the beacon signal. For example, initially closing the circuit 570 connects the one or more batteries 530 of the tracking tag to the processor 540 of the tracking tag, and removing the tracking tag from the backing material 560 enables the one or more batteries to power the processor and the beacon transmission circuit 520. In response, the processor 540 may send a signal to activate the beacon transmission circuit 520.

[0075] In some cases, the tracking tag 500 may also include a deactivation circuit 710. Thus, the activated beacon transmission circuit 520 may be deactivated by cutting the deactivation circuit 710. For example, the guide lines 720 or 730 on the top layer 510 of the tracking tag may be used to align the tracking tag with the opening 802 or 812 of the package. In this regard, deactivating the activated beacon transmission circuit 520 also includes cutting the package. In some cases, cutting the deactivation circuit 710 causes the deactivation circuit to send a signal that indicates to the processor 540 of the tracking tag that the tracking process has ended. This in turn causes the processor to send a signal to the activated beacon transmission circuit 520 that deactivates the activated beacon transmission circuit and causes the tracking tag 500 to stop transmitting the beacon signal.

[0076] The features described herein can provide a simple, cost-effective and practical tracking label that can be automatically activated without additional steps. For example, a logistics company does not need to change the existing shipping process by adding additional steps in order to activate the tracking label. Instead, the label can be printed and applied to the box or envelope as usual, and each tracking label is automatically activated. Therefore, the benefits of adding beacon-based tracking will not increase additional labor costs. In addition, in many cases, this can prevent human operators from accidentally forgetting to activate the tracking label.

[0077] Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. Since these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description of the embodiments should be made by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of the examples described herein and the terms expressed as "such as", "including", etc. should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to specific examples; on the contrary, the examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments. In addition, the same reference numerals in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

Claims

1. A system comprising: Cushioning materials; as well as A first tracking tag, which is at least initially disposed on the backing material, the first tracking tag comprising: a beacon transmission circuit, which includes one or more batteries; a top layer, a bottom layer including an adhesive; and an activation mechanism, which is configured to activate the first tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuit to transmit a beacon signal to enable tracking of an object, wherein the activation mechanism includes an initial closed circuit, the initial closed circuit extending beyond the perimeter of the top layer, and wherein the activation mechanism is configured to automatically activate the first tracking tag when the first tracking tag is separated from a second tracking tag also disposed on the backing material.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The initially closed circuit includes a conductive material including a copper foil tape.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The copper foil tape has a width of at least 3 mm.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein: The copper foil tape is perforated.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The initial closing circuit connects the one or more batteries to a processor, the processor being configured to activate the beacon transmission circuit when the initial closing circuit is opened.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The initial closure circuit is configured such that opening the initial closure circuit activates the first tracking tag and causes the beacon transmission circuit to transmit the beacon signal.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising the second tracking tag, and wherein: The initially closed circuit is at least partially disposed between the second tracking label and the backing material.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein: The initially closed circuit is configured such that removal of the first tracking label from the backing material causes the initially closed circuit to be broken, and wherein portions of the initially closed circuit remain attached to the second tracking label.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The first tracking tag also includes a deactivation circuit configured to deactivate the beacon transmission circuit when the deactivation circuit is switched off.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein: The first tracking label further includes a guide line on the top layer for aligning the first tracking label with an opening of a package, and wherein the guide line is arranged so that the deactivation circuit is severed by cutting along the guide line.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising the second tracking label, wherein: The first tracking label is configured to be separated from the second tracking label by cutting, tearing or ripping apart a liner material between the first tracking label and the second tracking label.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising the second tracking label, wherein: The first tracking label is configured to be separated from the second tracking label by peeling the first tracking label from the liner material.

13. A method for activating a first tracking label disposed on a liner material, the method comprising: and removing the first tracking label from a second tracking label on the backing material, wherein separating the first tracking label from the second tracking label causes an initially closed circuit of the first tracking label to be broken, thereby activating a beacon transmission circuit of the first tracking label to generate a beacon signal, and portions of the initially closed circuit remain attached to the second tracking label.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising applying the first tracking label to an object via an adhesive of the first tracking label, wherein Applying the first tracking tag to the object enables tracking of the object via the beacon signal.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: A portion of the initial closed circuit extends beyond a perimeter of the top layer of the first tracking label such that separating the first tracking label from the second tracking label causes the portion of the initial closed circuit to remain attached to the liner material.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The portion remains attached to the backing material between the second tracking label and the backing material.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The initially closed circuit includes a conductive material including a copper foil tape that is broken when the first tracking label is removed from the backing material.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The initially closed circuit connects one or more batteries of the first tracking tag to a processor of the first tracking tag, and wherein separating the first tracking tag from the second tracking tag enables the one or more batteries to power the processor.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The first tracking tag further includes a deactivation circuit, and wherein the method further includes deactivating the beacon transmission circuit by switching off or otherwise disconnecting the deactivation circuit.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising applying the first tracking label to a package using guide lines on a top layer of the first tracking label to align the first tracking label with an opening of the package.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: Deactivating the beacon transmission circuit includes cutting open the package.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein: Switching off or otherwise disconnecting the deactivation circuit causes a signal to be sent to the processor of the first tracking tag, which in turn causes the processor to send a signal to the beacon transmission circuit, which causes the first tracking tag to stop transmitting the beacon signal.

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