Tracking tag

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure provide for a tracking tag 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100 ', 1500, 1600. As an example, the tracking tag 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100 ', 1500, 1600 may include a beacon transmission circuit 530 including one or more batteries 710, 1200, a frame 520, 152 configured to secure a location of the one or more batteries, an adhesive 540, 1570 arranged to secure the tracking tag to an object, and a wireless communication circuit 520, 1520 configured to receive the beacon transmission circuit 530, the frame 520, 1520 configured to secure the one or more batteries 710, 1100', 1500, 1600. And an activation mechanism configured to activate the tracking tag and to cause the beacon transmission circuit to transmit a beacon signal so as to be able to track the object.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 228,951, filed on August 1, 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 assemblies for network connectivity. Embedded components enable objects to detect other people, be detected by others, collect data, and / or send data. In some examples, embedded components may include tags or labels attached to physical objects. These tags or labels may be passive or active. The interconnection capability 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 suitable accuracy (including updates to 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 tracking tags. As an example, the tracking tag includes a beacon transmission circuit including one or more batteries; a frame configured to hold the position of the one or more batteries; an adhesive arranged to secure the tracking tag to an object; and an activation mechanism configured to activate the tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuit to send a beacon signal so that the object can be tracked.

[0005] In one example, the tracking tag further includes an adhesive mark. In this example, the adhesive mark is a polyester sheet or paper sheet with an adhesive backing. In addition, the adhesive backing is a double-sided tape. In another example, the frame includes polycarbonate. In another example, the frame is a flexible frame that enables the tracking tag to be attached to an object with a curved surface. In another example, the beacon transmission circuit also includes a printed circuit board. In another example, the beacon transmission circuit is arranged on a backing sheet. In this example, the backing sheet is a polycarbonate sheet. Alternatively, the backing sheet is an RFID inlay. In another example, one or more batteries include button batteries, prismatic batteries, pouch batteries, thin film batteries, or screen-printed batteries. In another example, the frame includes a plurality of subframes that enable the tracking tag to be bent between subframes in the plurality of subframes. In this example, a first subframe in the plurality of subframes is configured to support a first battery in the one or more batteries, and a second subframe in the plurality of subframes is configured to support a second battery in the one or more batteries. In addition, a third subframe of the plurality of subframes is configured to support a printed circuit board of the beacon transmission circuit. In another example, the tracking tag further includes a top cover and a bottom cover to provide impact protection. In this example, the top cover and the bottom cover include polycarbonate. In another example, the tracking tag has a thickness of less than 2.3 mm. In another example, the adhesive is a double-sided tape. In another example, the tracking tag further includes a removable sheet that is arranged on the adhesive to protect the adhesive before the tracking tag is applied to the object. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a switch tab. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a liner sheet that includes a portion that is wrapped around and partially passes through the tracking tag to prevent connection between one or more batteries and another component of the beacon transmission circuit, and the liner sheet is configured to be removed from the tracking tag to activate the tracking tag. In another example, the activation mechanism also includes a conductive adhesive so that once the tracking tag is activated, a bond is formed between the one or more batteries and the copper tape. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a pull tab. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a button configured to be pressed to activate the tracking tag. In another example, the activation mechanism includes an initial opening circuit. In another example, the activation mechanism includes an initial closing circuit. In another example, the tracking tag also includes a Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) circuit configured to maintain a connection in the beacon transmission circuit once the tracking tag is activated. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a thermal switch. In another example, the activation mechanism includes a magnetic switch.In another example, the activation mechanism includes a removable bridge. In another example, the tracking tag also includes a light configured to flash when the tracking tag is activated. In another example, the frame is constructed of foam and serves as a gasket. In another example, the beacon transmission circuit also includes an antenna, an integrated chip, and a capacitor. In another example, the tracking tags are arranged on a roll having a plurality of tracking tags. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1A Various examples of positioning of objects in accordance with aspects of the present technique are shown.

[0007] Figure 1B is a functional diagram of an example tracking system according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example network according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3 According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 2 Functional graph of the example network in .

[0010] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B An example scenario according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 is an example cross-sectional view of an example configuration of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is an example representation of a curved tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 7 is an example side perspective view of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C shows an example configuration of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 9 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C An example assembly process for a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0017] Fig.11 Example exploded views of subassemblies of tracking tags according to aspects of the present disclosure are provided.

[0018] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B A perspective view of a subassembly of a tracking tag 1100 according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0019] Fig.13 is an example partial cross-sectional view of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B Example perspective views of subassemblies of tracking tags according to aspects of the present disclosure are provided.

[0021] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E and Fig.15F Cross-sectional views of tracking tags, activation mechanisms, and processes for activating tracking tags according to aspects of the present disclosure are provided.

[0022] Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig. 16C Cross-sectional views of tracking tags, activation mechanisms, and processes for activating tracking tags according to aspects of the present disclosure are provided.

[0023] Fig.17A and Fig. 17B A simplified representation of a reed switch of a circuit including a PCB and one or more batteries according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0024] Fig.18 An example representation of a bridge disposed on a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0025] Fig.19A and Fig.19B A simplified example representation of a pull tab in a circuit according to aspects of the present disclosure is provided.

[0026] Fig. 20 is a functional diagram of an example manual provisioning process according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig.21A is a functional diagram of an example partially automated provisioning process according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Fig.21B is an example perspective view of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Fig. 22 is a functional diagram of an example partially or fully automated provisioning process according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Fig.23 is a functional diagram of an example partially or fully automated provisioning process according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.24A and Fig. 24B is an example perspective view of a roll of tracking tags according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig.25 is an example of an exploded view of a tracking tag according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Accurate location and tracking of objects can be important for many reasons, including knowing where supplies or equipment are stored and whether additional materials need to be ordered. In a warehouse environment, once at the warehouse, pallets of cargo can be moved to different locations depending on storage constraints, when the cargo needs to be shipped out, and where the cargo is going. In a commercial or hospital environment, equipment can be stored in one location (e.g., a storeroom), placed in different rooms for use, and then moved when needed, such as moving a hospital bed from one room to another.

[0034] To track such objects, tracking tags may be used, and to enable the use of the aforementioned tracking tags on as many different types of objects and locations as possible, the tracking tags may be designed to be both thin and flexible. Furthermore, each tracking tag may be passive, such as a tracking tag configured to activate or be powered by ambient energy, or active, configured to include a battery or be coupled to another power source. In the case of batteries, 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.

[0035] The tracking tag may include various components, such as a top adhesive label, a frame, a beacon transmission circuit, an adhesive (for attaching the tracking tag to an object), and a top cover and a bottom cover. The adhesive label may be printed during manufacturing and / or by the end user before the tracking tag is applied to the 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 enabling the aforementioned beacon signal. The one or more batteries may include button cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, thin film batteries, or screen printed batteries. The top cover and the bottom cover may provide impact protection, prevent the ingress of liquids and other contaminants, and provide a smooth surface for applying labels or printing information thereon (whether or not an adhesive label is used). In addition, a liner may be used to protect the adhesive before the tracking tag is attached to the object.

[0036] The frame can be formed from a variety of materials and can be die-cut, molded, or manufactured using other processes. The material of the frame can be selected so that the frame is strong and puncture-resistant, while also being flexible. In some cases, the frame can include multiple sub-frames, each of which is configured to support a component such as one of one or more batteries, a PCB, etc.

[0037] 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. Example activation mechanisms may include a switch tab, a liner including a portion that wraps around and partially passes through the tracking tag to prevent connection between the one or more batteries and another component of the beacon transmission circuit, a pull tab, a button, an initial open circuit, an initial closed circuit, a thermal switch, a magnetic switch, and a removable bridge, the liner being configured to be removed from the tracking tag to activate the tracking tag, and the button being configured to be pressed to activate the tracking tag.

[0038] These various activation mechanisms may be combined with different engagement mechanisms. For example, while an activation mechanism may be used to activate a tracking tag, an engagement mechanism may be used for a circuit (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) to maintain a connection in the circuit once the tracking tag is activated. The engagement mechanism may include a mechanical latching mechanism or a physical latching switch, an electrical latching mechanism, a normally closed circuit, etc.

[0039] Different methods for printing the top adhesive mark, applying the top adhesive mark, registering the tracking label, activating the tracking label, and attaching the tracking label to the object or "provisioning process" can be used. During the registration portion of the provisioning process, it may be necessary to register information such as the tracking label identifier, the tracking number, and information about the object itself, such as manufacturing data (e.g., manufacturing date, serial number, etc.) with one or more server computing devices to enable information about the object to be tracked in the storage system. The provisioning process can be a fully manual, partially automated, or fully automated process. In addition, different manufacturing processes can be used to produce the tracking labels described herein on a roll.

[0040] The features described herein can provide a tracking tag with various benefits. Such a tracking tag can have a thinner profile while still being flexible, thus enabling the use of such a tracking tag on any number of different types of objects. In other words, the same tracking tag can be suitable for attachment to objects having a variety of form factors without the need to modify the shape and configuration of the tracking tag, thereby simplifying the tracking of the object. In addition, the tracking tags described herein can be printed on and / or inscribed with information, which can include an identification number, a tracking number, etc., which can be converted into a digital representation.

[0041] Example System

[0042] Figure 1A Examples of different objects in various environments are shown. As shown in the left image of the figure, there may be packages or equipment on a pallet in a warehouse. The pallet may have been off a freight truck, as shown in the "In Transit" image in the middle of the figure. 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 figure illustrates how medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs) and supplies in boxes may be stored in a supply room in a hospital.

[0043] In all of these cases - in a warehouse, on a freight truck, or at a hospital, the object of interest may be moved around. This can 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 been displaced during transportation, or may have been repositioned when different packages were delivered to different locations. Knowing where the objects of interest are currently located, rather than where they are assumed to be based on initial placement, is valuable information for an office manager, warehouse manager, nurse, or caregiver to have. 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 smart watch).

[0044] Figure 1B1 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. While 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), the tracking tag 104 may be fixed to an aisle in a warehouse or fixed from 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 "liveliness" requirements. For example, one customer may only want to know the aisle-level accuracy 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 piece of equipment is in every hour so that if a patient needs such equipment, it can be accessed. Each tracking tag 102 or 104 may transmit an information signal (e.g., a beacon signal) via an antenna, such as using a transmitting device to communicate data. In this regard, each tracking tag may include an identifier chip (such as for radio frequency (RF) identification) and / or a transmitting 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 a 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).

[0045] The transmitting device may transmit 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.

[0046] In some cases, the tracking tag may include one or more sensors. In such instances, the aforementioned transmitted data may be formatted according to a 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.

[0047] 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 a frequency band of interest, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter, and a signal processing module for evaluating 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.

[0048] 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). Although Figure 1B The processor, memory, and other elements of the reader 106 are illustrated as being functionally within the same box, but the 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, a removable USB drive, or other storage medium located in a housing different from that 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.

[0049] The memory 112 stores information accessible by the one or more processors 110, including instructions 114 and data 116 that can be executed or otherwise used by the processor 110. The data can include sensed characteristics from 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 accessible by the processor, 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.

[0050] Data 116 may be retrieved, stored, or modified by processor 110 according to instructions 114. For example, data may be stored in computing device registers, in a relational 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. Data may also be formatted in any computing device readable format.

[0051] Instructions 114 may be a collection of any instructions to be executed by a processor directly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as a script). For example, 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. Instructions may be stored in an object code format for direct processing by a processor, or in any other computing device language, including scripts or collections of independent source code modules that are interpreted on demand or pre-compiled. The functions, methods, and routines of instructions are explained in more detail below.

[0052] In some embodiments, the tracking system 100 may also include a central server, such as one or more server computing devices 108 accessible by the one or more processors 110 of the reader 106. In some embodiments, 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 accessible by the one or more processors 120, including instructions 124 and data 126 that may be executed or otherwise used by the processor 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.

[0053] After detecting the beacon signal of one or more tracking tags 102 or 104, the reader 106 can send the data from the tracking tags to one or more server computing devices 108 through an existing connection or through 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 using the server computing device 108.

[0054] 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 10°C for 30 minutes and (2) the tracking device is in transit, which may indicate overheating of a cooled package or storage compartment. A second alarm may be set when (1) no motion is detected within 10 minutes, (2) 2 of 3 locations are in a geofence, and (3) the tracking device is in transit, 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 transit, which may indicate accidental opening or tampering of the package. A fourth alarm may be set when (1) a threshold amount of light is detected from inside the package and (2) 2 of 3 locations are in a destination geofence, which may indicate opening of the package after delivery or receipt. Many other alarm conditions and tracking scenarios are possible, and the above examples are not intended to be limiting.

[0055] Tracking system 100 may optionally include an application that can be installed on one or more client computing devices. Using the application, the client computing device can access data from reader 106 and / or server computing device 108 over a network.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 the respective client computing device 220, 230, 240). Figure 3As shown, each client computing device 220, 230, 240 may be a personal computing device intended for use by a respective user and has all components typically used in conjunction with a personal computing device, including one or more processors (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), memory (e.g., RAM and an internal hard drive) for storing data, 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.

[0058] Although client computing devices 220, 230, and 240 may each comprise a full-size 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. For example, a user may input information using a small keyboard, keypad, microphone, using visual signals (gestures) with a camera or other sensor, or a touch screen.

[0059] As with memory 112, storage system 250 may be any type of computerized memory capable of storing information accessible by one or more server computing devices 108, such as a hard drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD, CD-ROM, writeable 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. Figure 2As shown, the storage system 250 may be connected to the computing devices 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 tags, 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 received beacon signals 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.

[0060] Figure 4A An example 400 of a system with multiple tracking tags arranged in various locations of a building (e.g., a hospital) is shown. In this example, there may be multiple 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 housing equipment or supplies, and another room 408, which may be a conference room, a common area, a rehabilitation facility, etc. 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 selected frequency band according to a particular communication protocol). Although the beacon signal 412 may appear to be directional, this is not necessarily the case, and the beacon signal may be transmitted omnidirectionally, for example, from a tracking tag 410 located on a ceiling, a column, or a floor. In some embodiments, the tracking tag 410 may be configured to transmit a beacon signal having information associated with its environment (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.).

[0061] Tracking tags 414 may correspond to tracking tags 102 or 104 when placed on various objects (e.g., boxes of supplies as shown in storage room 406 or wheelchairs 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 with omnidirectional transmissions, 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.

[0062] Figure 4BAnother example 420 of a system with multiple fixed tracking tags positioned along different aisles in a warehouse environment is shown. In this example, there are multiple aisles 422A-422D, but 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 in the aisles, such as along aisle end caps, along the ceiling (or floor), in 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 a pallet of equipment or a forklift that retrieves items from their location in the warehouse. As described above, the fixed tracking tags are configured to transmit a beacon signal that can be detected by one or more readers 428.

[0063] 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 ramping sequence). Evaluating received beacon signals in view of their transmit power can enable the system to determine in which room or other location a given tracking tag is located. Thus, the system can determine the location of a given tracking tag (and therefore its corresponding object) with a suitable degree of certainty, such as by triangulating its location relative to the associated tracking tags.

[0064] 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 a tracking tag configured to activate or be powered by ambient energy, or active, configured to include a battery or be coupled to another power source. In the case of 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.

[0065] Figure 5 4 is an example cross-sectional view of an example configuration of a tracking tag 500, which can 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 adhesive label 510, a frame 520, a beacon transmission circuit 530, and a double-sided adhesive 540. As shown, the configuration of the tracking tag 500 provides a relatively thin form factor of approximately 1.95 mm. Although not depicted in FIG. 4, the tracking tag 500 may also include other components discussed further below and described in detail below. Fig. 9 The top cover 910 and the bottom cover 920 are depicted in FIG. 5 , and the top cover 910 and the bottom cover 920 may increase the overall thickness of the tracking tag 500 .

[0066] The top adhesive label 510 can be a thin sheet (e.g., 0.1 mm) of polyester or paper with an adhesive backing that can be printed by the end user during manufacturing and / or before the tracking label is applied to an object (e.g., an item, wall, shelf, etc.). For example, when the tracking label is ready to be used, the end user can be able to print tracking and identifier information on the label and apply the label to a surface of the tracking label 500 (e.g., a frame 520 or a top cover, such as the top cover 910 discussed further below). Such labels can include proprietary labels or commercially available labels, such as those provided by AVERY, including Avery Ultra Duty White Film 94211. Similarly, the double-sided adhesive 540 can include commercially available glue or double-sided tape, such as those provided by 3M, including 3M Double Coated Tape 93015LE. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As depicted in , such double-sided adhesive 540 may have a thickness of approximately 0.15 mm.

[0067] The frame 520 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 frame can have a form factor similar to a typical credit card with a thickness of about 1.7 mm. The frame can be die cut, molded, or manufactured using other processes. The material of the frame can be selected so that the frame is strong and puncture resistant, while also being flexible. In this regard, the frame can enable the tracking tag 500 to be attached (via double-sided adhesive 540) to objects of various shapes, including curved surfaces, such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As depicted in .

[0068] 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, including the SMT white PCB used in the i6 ultra-thin tag provided by MINEW, or other such custom or commercially available devices that enable Bluetooth LE 4.0 technology for the purpose of enabling the aforementioned beacon signal.

[0069] Go to Figure 7 , a side perspective view of the tracking tag 500 (without the top adhesive mark 510) provides a beacon transmission circuit arranged on the PCB 710 and corresponding Figure 5710 and one or more batteries 720 of the beacon transmission circuit. PCB 710 may also include a beacon signal transmitter, such as previously mentioned including an identifier chip and / or transmitting device to enable the tracking tag to provide a beacon signal, and one or more processors. For stability, the beacon transmission circuit (including PCB 710, one or more batteries 720, and processor 750) can be arranged on a backing 730. Backing 730 can be a thin, flexible polycarbonate sheet or any other substrate, such as an RFID (radio frequency identification) inlay or other feature sized to fit within frame 520. Although not shown, a cover sticker formed of puncture-resistant polycarbonate or other material can be placed over the opening in the frame to protect the PCB, circuits, and batteries.

[0070] Processor 750 may be configured the same or similar to processor 110, and may include a conventional processor, such as a commercially available CPU. For example, the processor may also include Bluetooth radio capability, such as a NORDICSEMICONDUCTOR nRF52832 or INPLAY IN100. In some cases, processor 750 may actually include multiple processors that may or may not be stored in the same physical housing.

[0071] In this example, one or more batteries 720 can be relatively thin. For example, one or more batteries 720 can include a button battery, a prismatic battery, a pouch battery, a thin film battery, or a screen printed battery. Figure 7 As shown, one or more batteries 720 are thin film batteries. In this example, the thin film battery can be a commercially available thin film CPO042350 battery provided by RENATA BATTERIES and the like. Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C Represents a single button cell 810 ( Fig. 8A ), a pair of button batteries 810 ( Figure 8B ) or four button batteries 810 ( Figure 8C ) is an optional example configuration of a tracking tag 500. Figure 8CThe tracking tag 500 is shown sequentially in a partial cross-sectional view to depict all four coin cell batteries 810. In this example, a CR2016 coin cell battery is used, but in some alternative configurations, other coin cell batteries may be used, such as CR1216, CR1220, CR2012, etc. Coin cell batteries are commonly used in electric badges and key cards, and provide various benefits, such as improved safety (e.g., because metal encapsulated 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 can also allow tracking tags to be stored in facilities that are not designated for battery storage, while flat pack or other custom batteries are typically incorporated into the device at the time of manufacturing), lower lead time (e.g., for manufacturing and availability), etc.

[0072] Furthermore, while coin cell batteries do not flex, their smaller form factor can allow for lower stiffness in the tracking tag. In other words, the tracking tag can be more tolerant of flexing at points away from the coin cell battery, whereas with thin film batteries, flexing should be avoided in order to prevent damage to the thin film battery, which may have a larger form factor. The further away from each other the ridged portions are located, such as battery 720 (depicted here as a thin film battery) and PCB 710, the greater the amount of flexibility that can be achieved. In this regard, given the configuration of tracking tag 500, as compared to Figure 6B The bending along the width of the tracking tag 500 is shown compared to the Fig. 6A The bending shown along the length of the tracking tag 500 may not be desirable (eg, may result in damage to rigid components).

[0073] Back to Figure 7 , the tracking tag 500 may also include an activation mechanism, here configured as a switch tab 740. For example, the end user may press the switch tab 740 to connect the negative terminal of one or more batteries 720 (or alternatively, a button cell) to the PCB 710 via a copper (Cu) tape. This may activate the tracking tag 500 and initiate transmission of the aforementioned beacon signal. In this example, the switch tab 740 may be a plastic pull tab coated with a conductive grease such as Loctite LB 9008C5-A and supported by a poron spring pad (not shown). In some cases, the switch tab 740 may be provided with a "press" icon or text to assist the end user in activating the tracking tag. Other methods for battery activation are further described below.

[0074] Fig. 9 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of tracking tag 500 with the additional features of top cover 910 and bottom cover 920 . Fig. 9Also included are detailed views of the opposing ends 930, 940 of the tracking label 500. The top and bottom covers can be formed of polycarbonate or other plastics and can provide impact protection, prevent the ingress of liquids (e.g., water) and other contaminants, and provide a smooth surface for applying markings or printing information thereon. In this example, the top and bottom covers 910, 920 can be approximately 0.2 mm thick, thereby increasing the overall form factor of the tracking label 500 to 2.2 mm. In this way, the tracking label can have a very thin profile or a thickness of less than 2.3 mm. In addition, the tracking label 500 can be configured with an air gap 950 of at least 0.05 mm to allow for expansion of the battery during operation, and an adhesive 960 (such as a conductive adhesive or double-sided tape) to secure the position of the battery within the frame 520.

[0075] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B , Fig. 10C An example assembly process for tracking tag 500 is provided. In this example, Fig. 10A In the embodiment, the PCB 710 can be soldered to one or more batteries 720 and switch tabs 740 to form a subassembly. The aforementioned conductive grease can also be applied to the switch tabs 740. Fig. 10B At , the subassembly can be inserted into the frame 520, and the frame 520 can be attached to the bottom cover 920 (not shown). Fig. 10C , a top cover 910 (not shown) may be attached. The assembly may be accomplished using an assembly fixture-jig-template that may help position and align the components, and an adhesive (such as double-sided tape) may be used to secure the components of the assembly to each other.

[0076] Although not shown, prior to use, the tracking tag 500 may be attached to a liner (such as craft or other paper) to protect the double-sided adhesive 540 prior to use. In this regard, prior to applying the tracking tag 500 to an object, the liner may be removed (e.g., peeled off) from the tracking tag 500 to expose the double-sided adhesive 540. Thereafter, the tracking tag 500 may be attached to the object.

[0077] Fig.11 An exploded view of the subassembly of the tracking tag 1100 is provided. In this regard, Fig.11Not all parts of the tracking tag 1100 are depicted in the figure. The tracking tag 1100 can be configured similarly to the tracking tag 500, having a PCB 1110 (which can be the same as or similar to the PCB 710) and one or more batteries 1120, here a pair of button batteries 810, arranged on a backing 1130 (which can be configured the same as or similar to the backing 730). In this regard, like the tracking tag 500, the tracking tag 1100 can correspond to any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414.

[0078] However, rather than the configuration of frame 520, tracking tag 1100 includes a plurality of sub-frames 1140, 1142, 1144, each of which supports each of PCB 1110 and one or more batteries 1120. As with frame 520, sub-frames 1140, 1142, 1144 can be formed from a variety of materials such as polycarbonate or other plastics. The frames can be die-cut, molded, or manufactured using other processes. Likewise, the material of the frame can be selected so that the frame is strong and puncture-resistant while also being flexible. This configuration can facilitate wrapping / bending applications in the correct or preferred direction (between frames) and can provide a relatively small footprint, for example, 23 mm wide by 85 mm long (or approximately half the size of tracking tag 500).

[0079] Despite Fig.11 , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Only three frames are depicted in FIG. 1 , but additional frames and batteries may be added with additional batteries (with additional dedicated activation mechanisms if desired). In this regard, the number of frames may be increased as the number of batteries increases.

[0080] like Fig.11 As shown, the positive and negative contacts of one or more batteries 1120 can be connected to the PCB 710 via copper strips 1150, 1152, each of which has a conductive adhesive layer to achieve contact with the one or more batteries. Therefore, as the number of batteries and frames increases, the length of the copper strips can also be increased to achieve connection between additional batteries and frames. The copper strips can be fixed to the positive terminal of the battery or PCB battery tab with a conductive pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and in some cases, conductive grease can also be applied to the negative terminal or PCB battery tab.

[0081] In some cases, as an alternative to the batteries described above, additional frames may be configured with deactivation strips (for privacy at the end of the tracking tag's operation), additional PCBs using different RF technology, additional sensors, etc. For example, a deactivation strip may allow for physical disconnection of a circuit including one or more batteries and a PCB or other beacon transmission circuitry.

[0082] Fig. 12A Provided is a PCB 1110 (such as Fig.11 1100 ), and Fig. 12B A perspective view of a subassembly of a tracking tag 1100' is provided that may be configured the same or similar to tracking tag 1100 with an alternative PCB configuration, here PCB 1110', for example, which may utilize different beacon signaling technology and / or different engagement and / or activation mechanisms than PCB 1110.

[0083] As with the example of tracking tag 500, tracking tags 1100, 1100' may be configured with a variety of different types of activation mechanisms. Fig.13 is an example partial cross-sectional view of a tracking tag 1100 (or tracking tag 1100') having an activation mechanism configured as a liner 1310 including a portion 1312 wrapped around and partially through the tracking tag 1100. In this example, the tracking tag 1100 is depicted in a pre-activated state, wherein the portion 1312 prevents the copper tape 1150 from contacting one 1320 of the one or more batteries 1120, thereby preventing the one or more batteries from powering the PCB 1110. The liner 1310 can be made of a liner such as kraft paper or other paper. The liner 1310 is removed and pulled away from the tracking tag 1100 (not shown) to expose the double-sided adhesive 1340 (which can be configured the same or similar to the double-sided adhesive 540). In addition, the portion 1312 can also be pulled away from the one 1320 of the one or more batteries 1120 and the copper tape 1150. A layer of conductive grease surrounding portion 1312 remains to facilitate contact between copper tape 1150 and one or more batteries 1120 , thereby completing a circuit (eg, a beacon transmission circuit) including PCB 1110 ′ and one or more batteries 1120 .

[0084] Fig.14A and Fig. 14B An example perspective view of a subassembly of a tracking tag 1100' having an activation mechanism configured as a liner 1410 is provided. Fig.14A14, the liner 1410 is arranged in a pre-activated state, wherein a portion 1412 of the liner 1410 (under the copper tape 1420) prevents contact between the copper tape 1420 and one or more contacts on the PCB 1110'. In this example, the copper tape 1420 may also be connected to the copper tape 1152. Fig. 14B , the tracking tag 1100' is arranged in an activated state with the pull tab 1410 removed. This enables contact between the copper tape 1420 and the PCB 1110', thereby completing a circuit (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) including the PCB 1110' and one or more batteries 1120. This can then activate the tracking tag 1100' and initiate the transmission of the aforementioned beacon signal.

[0085] Fig.15A , Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E and Fig.15F A cross-sectional view of a tracking tag 1500, another activation mechanism, and a process of activating the tracking tag 1500 is provided. The tracking tag 1500 may correspond to any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414. The tracking tag may be configured similarly to the tracking tags 500, 1100, with a top adhesive label 1520 (shown as two layers corresponding to a label and adhesive, and which may also correspond to the top adhesive label 510, 1350), a top cover 1530 having an adhesive layer 1540 of a conductive PSA or another adhesive (which may be configured the same or similar to the top cover 910), a frame 1550, a PCB 1560 (which may be configured the same or similar to the PCB 710, 1110, 1110'), and a double-sided adhesive 1570 (which may be configured the same or similar to the double-sided adhesive 540).

[0086] The frame 1550 can be formed from a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate or other plastics, and can have a form factor that is sized to accommodate the depth or thickness of various chips 1552, 1554 or other devices arranged on the PCB, so as to provide an additional layer of protection for such chips or devices. The frame can be die-cut, molded, or manufactured using various other processes. The material of the frame can be selected so that the frame is strong and puncture-resistant, while also being flexible. In this regard, the frame can enable the tracking tag 1500 to be attached (via double-sided adhesive 1570) to objects of various shapes, including curved surfaces, such as Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As depicted in .

[0087] In this example, the activation mechanism involves a liner and separate copper contacts. Fig.15AAs shown, the liner 1510 includes a portion 1512 that wraps around a portion of the tracking label 1500 and initially prevents contact with the copper contacts 1514, 1516 disposed adjacent the copper tape 1518. The liner 1510 may be made of a liner such as kraft paper or other paper. Fig.15A and Fig.15F Includes top adhesive indicia 1520 shown above tracking label 1500, but for simplicity, Fig. 15B , Fig. 15C , Fig.15D , Fig.15E or Fig.15F The top adhesive mark 1520 is not depicted.

[0088] Go to Fig. 15B , the liner 1510 can be removed from the tracking label 1500, thereby exposing the double-sided adhesive 1570. By removing the liner 1510 and pulling the liner 1510 away from the tracking label 1500, the portion 1512 can also be pulled away from the copper contacts 1514, 1516 and the copper tape 1518, as shown in FIG. Fig. 15C A conductive adhesive layer (such as a conductive PSA) on the copper tape 1518 can naturally cause contact between the copper contacts 1514, 1516 and the copper tape 1150, as shown. Fig.15D As shown, a circuit is completed including PCB 1560 and one or more batteries (not shown) such as one or more batteries 1120. As an alternative to the conductive adhesive, conductive grease may be used.

[0089] However, to ensure that the contact is secure, the end user may apply a force to the top cover 1530 (which may be configured the same or similar to the top cover 910) at a location above the copper strip 1518 and the copper contacts 1514. This force may press the top cover 1530 against the frame 1550, as shown in FIG. Fig.15E This in turn can cause the copper tape 1518 to press against the copper contacts 1514, 1516, so that the conductive adhesive forms a strong bond and contact between the copper tape 1518 and the copper contacts 1514, 1516. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. Fig.15F As shown, the top adhesive mark 1520 can be applied by the end user to the tracking label 1500. This action by the end user can provide additional confirmation that contact exists between the copper tape 1518 and the copper contacts 1514, 1516.

[0090] Fig.16A , Fig. 16B , Fig. 16C A cross-sectional view of a tracking label 1600 and another activation mechanism and process for activating the tracking label 1600 is provided. In this example, the tracking label 1600 may generally correspond to the tracking label 1500, including the top adhesive mark 1520 (not shown for simplicity). Fig. 16B and Fig. 16C ), a top cover 1530 with an adhesive layer 1540, a frame 1550, a PCB, a double-sided adhesive 1570, and copper tape 1518 and copper contacts 1514, 1516. The activation mechanism includes a button 1610, which includes a mylar sticker 1620, a metal dome 1630 above the metal dome, and copper contacts 1514, 1516. The mylar sticker may include an icon or text to indicate to the end user that the button 1610 must be pressed down to activate the tracking tag 1600. In this regard, in Fig.16A , the tracking label 1600 is shown in a pre-activated state where the button 1610 has not been pressed. In this example, the tracking label 1600 also includes a liner 1640 (such as kraft paper or other paper) to protect the double-sided adhesive 1570 before use.

[0091] Go to Fig. 16B , an end user may apply a force on the button 1610 disposed above the copper tape 1518 and the copper contacts 1514. The force may press the button 1610, which includes the polyester film sticker 1620 and the metal dome 1630, against the top cover 1530. This may press the top cover 1530 against the subframes 1142, 1140. This in turn may press the copper tape 1518 against the copper contacts 1514, 1516, causing the conductive adhesive to form a strong bond and contact between the copper tape 1518 and the copper contacts 1514, 1516 and complete a circuit (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) including the PCB 1560 and one or more batteries (not shown), which may be configured to be the same or similar to the one or more batteries 720, 1120 or the button cell 810.

[0092] like Fig. 16C As shown, once the force is removed from the polyester film sticker 1620 and the metal dome 1630, the metal dome 1630 can rebound away from the top cover 1530. If the connection is not achieved, the force can be applied to the polyester film sticker 1620 and the metal dome 1630 again. Thereafter, the top adhesive mark can be applied to the tracking label 1600, such as Fig.15F In this regard, the top adhesive marking can cover the polyester film sticker and the metal dome. In some cases, if desired, the top adhesive marking can include a button icon or text to display the dome position.

[0093] As described above, the tracking tags described herein (such as any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600) may include an activation mechanism for activating the tracking tag so as to complete a circuit (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) including one or more batteries and a PCB so as to initiate the aforementioned beacon signal. In this regard, the above-mentioned activation mechanism may be merely an example, and different activation mechanisms may be used with any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600, such as the various activation mechanisms described in more detail below. For example, the activation mechanism may include an initial open circuit until the tracking tag is activated or an initial closed circuit until the tracking tag is activated. In this regard, the initial closed circuit may need to be coordinated with a hardware load switch with a disable function or firmware detection to wake up from a dormant state (e.g., deep sleep).

[0094] These various activation mechanisms may be combined with different engagement mechanisms. For example, while an activation mechanism may be used to activate a tracking tag, an engagement mechanism may be used for a circuit (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) to maintain a connection in the circuit once the tracking tag is activated. For example, the engagement mechanism may include a mechanical latch to physically maintain an activated or on state of the circuit, or a circuit latch that uses additional circuitry to maintain an activated or on state of the circuit.

[0095] An example engagement mechanism may include a mechanical latch mechanism or a physical latch switch. For example, the mechanical latch mechanism may involve a mechanical latch, including a cam latch (e.g., which may involve a rotating cam with a pin and a spring), a pull latch, a gate latch, a ball spring mechanism, a leaf spring button, etc. Once the mechanical latch mechanism is activated, the mechanical latch mechanism may cause a force opposite to the reaction (e.g., closing or opening the switch). The switch may have a very simple design (e.g., a simple switch) with no power consumption prior to activation of the tracking tag. However, there may be limited options for a lower profile switch to be used in the tracking tags described herein.

[0096] Another example engagement mechanism may include an electrical latch mechanism. Example electrical latch mechanisms may include, for example, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) circuit, a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) turn-on circuit (aka soft power latch circuit), a relay or solid state relay (SSR) circuit, an e-fuse or antifuse device, etc. The SCR circuit may include an anode, a cathode, and a gate arranged in various configurations to control the load current. These configurations may allow a "normally open circuit" design that may not allow current to flow through a circuit including one or more batteries and a PCB until activated. This may allow greater design flexibility, but may result in less power consumption prior to activation of the tracking tag and during operation (i.e., additional power consumption when sending a beacon signal).

[0097] Another example engagement mechanism may include a normally closed circuit that may allow current to flow through a circuit including a PCB of a tracking tag and one or more batteries. In this regard, the normally closed circuit is activated by creating an open circuit that acts as a 0 ohm connection during operation of the tracking tag (i.e., after activation). For example, such an engagement mechanism may be used with the switch tab 740 described above. Such a configuration may provide a very simple design, but may require a smaller current draw prior to activation of the tracking tag, but no power draw is required after activation (because the normally closed circuit will now be open).

[0098] An example activation mechanism may include a non-mechanical switch. The non-mechanical switch may include, for example, a thermal switch, which involves two different metals clad together that change shape as the temperature changes and can be integrated into the circuit. For example, the thermal switch may include a bimetallic or two-phase (solid-liquid-solid) connection, such as a low-temperature solder that intentionally reflows and bridges the circuit. In this regard, the thermal switch may be manually activated by the end user applying heat to the tracking tag, or automatically activated via heat applied to the tracking tag from a focused laser source or from another separate heat source during the tag printing process itself. The thermal switch may be combined with an engagement mechanism such as an SCR with a normally open circuit or a normally closed circuit and / or may involve a mechanical latching mechanism. However, the thermal switch may require a very limited temperature range to activate, premature activation from an external heat source needs to be avoided, and further technical development may be required for useful applications in such situations.

[0099] Other non-mechanical switches may include magnetic switches. For example, the magnetic switch may include a reed switch or a non-latching magnetic switch combined with an SCR. As an example, even if the magnetic switch recovers due to a mechanical shock, the SCR may remain "on", and will remain active until the voltage drops below a threshold, such as when a battery is depleted. Various configurations of reed switches may be used, including, for example, normally open (NO) contacts with single-pole single-throw (SPST) activation, normally closed (NC) contacts with SPST activation, changeover or bistable contact configurations with single-pole double-throw (SPDT) activation. The magnetic switch may be manually activated by the end user with a magnet (e.g., by moving a magnet near the magnetic switch), or automatically activated by moving a tracking tag through a magnetic field. For example, Fig.17A and Fig. 17B A simplified representation of a reed switch 1710 of a circuit 1700 (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit) is provided, the circuit 1700 including a PCB 1720 and one or more batteries 1730, which can be configured the same or similar to the PCB 710, 1110, 1110', 1560 and one or more batteries 720, 1120 or button cell 810 of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600, respectively. By moving the magnet 1740 across the reed switch 1710, this can cause the reed switch to be switched from Fig.17A The open state shown moves to Fig. 17B The closed state shown. In some cases, a tracking tag with a magnetic switch can be automatically activated by moving the tracking tag through a magnetic field after completing the printing process discussed below. The magnetic switch can be combined with an engagement mechanism such as an SCR with a normally open circuit or a normally closed circuit and / or can involve a mechanical latch mechanism. The magnetic switch can provide a simplified and reliable operation that can be activated manually or automatically. However, a magnetic switch with a glass shell may be susceptible to breakage, and there may be limited options for a magnetic switch that is small enough (e.g., 2 mm in diameter or less) to be used in the tracking tags described herein.

[0100] Another example activation mechanism may include a removable bridge. For example, a small conductive bridge may be used to short-circuit an SCR or similar circuit until the tracking tag is activated. Fig.18An example representation of a bridge 1810 disposed on a tracking tag 1800 (shown in partial view) is provided, which can be configured to be the same or similar to the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600. Once the bridge is removed, an SCR or similar circuit can activate the tracking tag and initiate the transmission of the aforementioned beacon signal. In such a configuration, the bridge can be fixed in position in a pre-activated state by a liner (such as kraft paper or other paper used to protect the double-sided adhesive before using the tracking tag). In this regard, the liner can be similar to the above-mentioned liner 1310, 1510, 1640. In this example, when the liner is removed to expose the double-sided adhesive, the bridge can adhere to the liner and also be removed, thereby activating the tracking tag and initiating the transmission of the aforementioned beacon signal. The removable bridge can be combined with an engagement mechanism such as an SCR having a normally open circuit or a normally closed circuit. The removable bridge may be extremely thin, may be relatively low cost to produce or purchase, and may not require additional steps for the end user to activate the tracking tag. However, the removable bridge may require some minor power consumption on the tracking tag prior to activation of the tracking tag, and may also require significant engineering effort to ensure reliable operation.

[0101] Another example activation mechanism may include a pull tab. The pull tab may be used with a mechanical latch or other natural latch design. The pull tab may include a physical insulator that creates an open circuit between two conductors. Thus, when the pull tab is removed from between the two conductors, the circuit may be closed. For example, Fig.19A and Fig.19B A simplified example representation of a pull tab 1910 in a circuit 1900 (e.g., a beacon transmission circuit shown in partial view) is provided, the circuit 1900 including a PCB (not shown) and a plurality of batteries (not shown), which may be configured the same or similar to the PCB 710, 1110, 1110', 1560 and one or more batteries 720, 1120 or button cell batteries 810 of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 500, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600, respectively. Fig.19A As shown, the pull tab 1910 is arranged between two circuit parts 1920, 1930 of the circuit 1900, and the circuit 1900 is not yet completed. By removing the pull tab 1910, this can make the circuit parts 1920 and 1930 engage with each other, as shown in FIG. Fig.19BAs shown, circuit 1900 is completed. Such a configuration can also be used with a coupling mechanism, such as those that may involve a magnetic latch, a spring force that may or may not be combined with thermal grease (which may cause reliability issues), or with an additional latching mechanism (such as an SCR), such as where the pull tab is only momentarily activated, so the additional latching mechanism maintains the connection. The pull tab can be combined with a coupling mechanism such as an SCR with a normally open circuit or a normally closed circuit. As an example, portions 1312, 1412 of the above-mentioned linings 1310, 1410 can be used as pull tabs, respectively. The pull tab can provide a simple, cost-effective design with no power consumption before activation. The pull tab can allow the end user to manually activate the tracking label by simply pulling the pull tab. However, in some cases, the pull tab can even be automatically removed during the printing process to limit the interaction of the end user.

[0102] Another example activation mechanism may include a mechanical button. The mechanical button may include a smaller PCB or frame mounted button (such as button 1610 described above) or a leaf spring bridge. As described above, a mechanical button such as button 1610 may be manually activated by an end user applying force on the button and / or passively activated via applying pressure during tag attachment. In some cases, force may be automatically applied to the button during the tag application process to eliminate the end user's interaction with the button. The mechanical button may be combined with an engagement mechanism such as an SCR with a normally open circuit or a normally closed circuit and / or may involve a mechanical latch mechanism. The mechanical button may provide a simple, cost-effective design with no power consumption before activation. However, the mechanical button may provide limited options for a smaller activation size because the physical distance (e.g., travel space) required to activate the button is to minimize the thickness of the tracking tag.

[0103] When activated and visually transmitting the beacon signal described above, the tracking tags described herein can provide some assurance that the tracking tag is active and transmitting the beacon signal described above. This can be accomplished by including an LED flashing at a very slow rate, a buzzer, accessing details from the storage system 250 (e.g., which can provide an estimated battery life based on when the tracking tag was first registered and potentially activated), or other visual changes (such as a rotating or color changing tag, etc.).

[0104] As described above, in addition to the activation of the tracking tag, the top adhesive tag (such as the top adhesive tag 510, 1350, 1520) may need to be printed and applied to various objects for tracking and / or other types of monitoring of these objects. Different methods for printing the top adhesive tag, applying the top adhesive tag, registering the tracking tag, activating the tracking tag, and attaching the tracking tag to the object or "provisioning process" can be used. During the registration portion of the provisioning process, information such as the tracking tag identifier, the tracking number, and information about the object itself, such as manufacturing data (e.g., manufacturing date, serial number, etc.) may need to be registered with one or more server computing devices 108 to enable information about the object to be tracked in the storage system 250. To facilitate this, as described above, each tracking tag can be assigned a unique identifier, for example, via listening on BLE air, using RFID, NFC, QR code, or other software interactions. Some of these methods lend themselves to readability with commonly available devices (e.g., QR code), while other methods may require more specialized equipment, which may increase costs.

[0105] Preferably, the steps of the provisioning process are performed approximately simultaneously. In other words, the steps of printing, applying, registering, activating, and attaching typically occur simultaneously, e.g., in some organized order, although they may occur in a variety of different orders (e.g., activation may occur before or after application of the top adhesive marking). The simplest, but most time-consuming and expensive, provisioning process may involve, for example, Fig. 20 2010 . The tracking labels can be arranged in a card hopper 2010 in a roll or accordion style (as shown). The end user can retrieve the tracking label (e.g., from the card hopper 2010), input the adhesive mark into a printer 2040 (e.g., a fully equipped printing device or printer head), and input the identifier of the tracking label into the tracking label application using a client computing device 2020, which can correspond to one of the client computing devices 220, 230, 240. This can be achieved through an input device 2030, which can include a camera, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, or other visual, mechanical, electronic, or RF input device. In this regard, the input device 2030 can capture data from the QR code, barcode, RFID, NFC, etc. of the tracking label. For example, the tracking label can have a visual code printed on the frame, or can include a passive RFID or powerless NFC chip, etc. that can be read by the input device.

[0106] The user may then also assign or identify a unique identifier (e.g., a tracking number) to the object to which the tracking tag will be applied, and associate ("pair") the unique identifier with the tracking tag identifier in the tracking tag application. The association may be stored, for example, in the storage system 250 by the one or more server computing devices 108, thereby registering the tracking tag.

[0107] The printer 2040 may also communicate with the computing device 2020 so that the computing device 2020 can provide information identifying the unique identifier of the object and the tracking label identifier to the printer. The printer 2040 may then be used to print a top adhesive mark (such as the top adhesive marks 510, 1350, 1520). Thus, the printed top adhesive mark may include information identifying the tracking label identifier and the associated unique identifier. The user may then apply the top adhesive mark to the tracking label, activate the tracking label, remove the liner from the tracking label to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the above example), and apply the tracking label to the object.

[0108] The method may also require the end user to verify activation of the tracking tag. For example, this may involve verifying that the tracking tag is operational (e.g., transmitting the above-mentioned beacon signal) with sufficient battery life to ensure successful operation within the expected time period. For example, the end user may look for a flashing light, a buzzer, or use some other device to confirm that the tracking tag is transmitting the above-mentioned beacon signal. Furthermore, if the end user supplies hundreds or even thousands of tracking tags per day, the manual method may become unfeasible and may be prone to human error at each of the various steps.

[0109] Some steps of the provisioning process can be automated using various systems in order to reduce or even eliminate human involvement and streamline the provisioning process. For example, Fig.21A Represents a process for automating some steps of the supply process. In this example, tracking labels with pre-printed visual codes (such as QR codes or bar codes) can be arranged in a roll or accordion style (as shown) on a single longer, and in some cases periodically perforated, liner in the card hopper 2110. For example, Fig.21B21 is an example perspective view of a tracking label 2170 that can be configured to be the same or similar to any of the tracking labels 102, 104, 410, 414, 1100, 1100', 1500, 1600, including a pre-printed QR code 2172. This pre-printing of visual codes can be part of the manufacturing process for tracking labels as discussed further below, and each visual code can be printed on a top adhesive label that is applied again during the manufacturing process. Each visual code can embed a tracking label identifier for a specific tracking label on which the code is printed. The tracking label can be pulled out of the hopper and adjacent to the input device 2120 via one or more rollers 2112, 2114 or other devices.

[0110] The input device 2120 can automatically scan the pre-printed visual code on the tracking label to read the pre-printed visual code and identify the tracking label identifier. In this regard, like the input device 2030, the input device 2120 can include a camera, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, or other visual, mechanical, electronic, or RF input device. Therefore, the input device 2120 can capture data from the QR code, barcode, RFID, NFC, etc. of the tracking label. The input device can provide the identified tracking label identifier to the computing device 2130, which can correspond to one of the client computing devices 220, 230, and 240. Then, the user can also assign or identify the unique identifier (e.g., tracking number) of the object to which each tracking label will be applied, and associate the unique identifier with the tracking label identifier in the tracking label application. The association can be stored in the storage system 250, for example, by one or more server computing devices 108, thereby registering the tracking label.

[0111] After being scanned by the input device 2120, one or more rollers 2112, 2114 or other devices can cause the tracking label to enter a printer 2140 (e.g., a fully equipped printing device or printer head). The printer 2140 can also communicate with the computing device 2130 so that the computing device 2130 can provide information identifying the unique identifier of the object to the printer. The printer can then print the information on the tracking label, for example, at a different location than the pre-printed QR code to prevent overwriting. The printer can also include a cutting device (not shown) to separate the tracking label. The user can then activate the tracking label, remove the liner from the tracking label to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the above example), and apply the tracking label to the object associated with the tracking label identifier of the tracking label.

[0112] While this approach can reduce some of the manual work of the end user, the end user may still be required to verify activation of the tracking tag as described above. The end user must also manually apply the tracking tag to the object.

[0113] Fig. 22 A represents another process for automating some steps of the supply process. In this example, a tracking label with a pre-printed visual code (such as a QR code or barcode as described above) can be arranged in a roll (as shown) or accordion style on a single longer, and in some cases periodically perforated liner in the card hopper 2210. The tracking label can be pulled out of the hopper and adjacent to the chip interface 2220 via one or more rollers 2212, 2214 or other devices. The chip interface 2220 can establish digital communication with the tracking label, for example, via a spring or other contact that physically contacts one or more electrical pads on the PCB of the tracking label, so as to identify the tracking label identifier. In some cases, the chip interface can also enable the end user to perform more dynamic operations, such as detecting battery levels, automatically verifying activation, or writing encrypted private keys. The tracking label identifier and any other information can be provided to a computing device (not shown or can be incorporated into the printer 2240) by the chip interface, which automatically associates the tracking label identifier with the unique identifier of the object and stores the association in the storage system 250. Alternatively, the computing device may provide the association to one or more server computing devices 108 or another computing device, such as client computing devices 220 , 230 , 240 .

[0114] Next, one or more rollers 2212, 2214 or other devices may cause the tracking label to enter a printer 2240. The printer 2140 may include or may also communicate with a computing device that provides information identifying the unique identifier of the object to the printer. The printer may then print the information on the tracking label, for example, in a different location than the pre-printed visual code to prevent overwriting.

[0115] The tracking tag may then be provided to an application device 2250, which applies the tracking tag to an object associated with the tracking tag identifier of the tracking tag. In this regard, the application device 2250 or printer 2240 may also include a cutting device (not shown) to separate the tracking tag. The user may then activate the tracking tag, remove the liner from the tracking tag to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the above example), and apply the tracking tag to an object associated with the tracking tag identifier of the tracking tag.

[0116] In some cases, the application device 2250 may also activate the tracking tag, for example, by using any activation mechanism that may allow for the automatic activation described above. This additional step may enable the end user to use a fully automated process and avoid the need for the end user to activate the tracking tag, remove a portion of the longer liner from the tracking tag to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the example described above), and apply the tracking tag to an object associated with the tracking tag identifier of the tracking tag.

[0117] This fully automated provisioning process can even be configured to automatically detect failures. For example, by reading the battery level from the tracking tag using the chip interface, the computing device can determine whether the tracker has sufficient battery life for use. If there is no response from the tracking tag, it can be assumed that the tracking tag is not working (broken or low on battery). Therefore, verification of the battery level (and therefore remaining battery life) can be performed prior to activation by the end user. However, this does require a system that can automatically generate and provision a unique identifier (e.g., a tracking number) for the object.

[0118] However, in some cases, the tracking label may not be provided with the above-mentioned pre-printed visual code. Fig.23 23. The process for automating the supply process when the tracking label does not include a pre-printed visual code is shown. In this example, a roll of adhesive labels can be pulled from a storage container 2310 into a printer 2340. The printer 2340 can include or can also communicate with a computing device that provides information identifying a unique identifier of the object and a tracking label identifier to the printer. The printer can then print the information on the adhesive label.

[0119] Additionally, the tracking labels may be arranged in a roll or accordion style (as shown) on a single, longer and in some cases periodically perforated liner in the card hopper 2312. The tracking labels may be pulled out of the hopper and adjacent to the chip interface 2320 via one or more rollers 2314, 2316 or other devices. The chip interface 2320 may function the same or similarly to the chip interface 2220 described above.

[0120] The tracking tag identifier may be provided to a computing device (not shown or it may be incorporated into the printer 2340), which automatically associates the tracking tag identifier with the unique identifier of the object and stores the association in the storage system 250. Alternatively, the computing device may provide the association to one or more server computing devices 108 or another computing device such as the client computing devices 220, 230, 240. Thereafter, the printer may print the information on the adhesive label as described above.

[0121] The tracking label can then be provided to an application device 2350, which applies the printed top adhesive indicia to the tracking label. In this regard, the application device 2350 or printer 2340 can also include a cutting device (not shown) to separate the adhesive indicia. The user can then activate the tracking label, remove the liner from the tracking label to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the above example), and apply the tracking label to an object associated with the tracking label identifier of the tracking label.

[0122] In some cases, the application device 2350 may also activate the tracking tag, for example, by using any activation mechanism that may allow for the automatic activation described above. This additional step may enable the end user to use a fully automated process and avoid the need for the end user to activate the tracking tag, remove a portion of the longer liner from the tracking tag to expose the double-sided adhesive (as in the example described above), and apply the tracking tag to an object associated with the tracking tag identifier of the tracking tag.

[0123] and Fig. 22 As in the example, Fig.23 The fully automated provisioning process can also be configured to automatically detect failures. For example, by reading the battery level from the tracking tag using the chip interface, the computing device can determine whether the tracker has sufficient battery life for use. If there is no response from the tracking tag, it can be assumed that the tracking tag is not working (damaged or low on battery). Therefore, verification of the battery level (and therefore remaining battery life) can be performed prior to activation by the end user. However, this does require a system that can automatically generate and provision a unique identifier (e.g., a tracking number) for the object.

[0124] As described above, tracking labels may be manufactured and provided to end users in roll or accordion formats with pre-printed visual codes. Fig.24A and Fig. 24B Rolls 2410, 2412 of tracking labels 2420, 2422 are shown. Roll 2410 depicts tracking labels without pre-printed visual codes, and roll 2412 depicts tracking labels with pre-printed visual codes. As described above, the visual code may embed a corresponding tracking label identifier on the tracking label having the visual code printed thereon.

[0125] Fig.25is an example of an exploded view of a tracking tag 2500. In this example, the tracking tag 2500 can correspond to any of the tracking tags 102, 104, 410, 414, 2422. In this example, the tracking tag 2500 is disposed on a liner 2510, which can be the same as or similar to any of the liners described above. As in those examples, the liner 2510 can protect the adhesive of a wet inlay 2520, which can include a substrate and the aforementioned adhesive. Thus, the adhesive can function similarly to the double-sided adhesives 540, 1340, 1570 discussed above. The wet inlay 2520 is disposed below a substrate 2530, which can be a thin, flexible polycarbonate sheet or any other substrate suitable for an electronic device, such as an RFID inlay (e.g., Fig.25 as shown), a PCB (such as the PCB described above), or other such features.

[0126] As with the tracking tags described above, the tracking tag 2500 may also include a beacon transmission circuit. In this example, the beacon transmission circuit includes a thin film battery 2540 (which may be the same or similar to one or more batteries 720) as well as an antenna 2542, an integrated chip 2544, and a capacitor 2546. These features may be arranged on a substrate 2530.

[0127] The beacon transmission circuitry may be at least partially disposed within a frame 2550. In this example, the frame 2550 may be formed of foam and, thus, may serve as a cushion beneath a top cover 2560. In this example, the top cover 2560 may be the same or similar to the top cover 910. Above the top cover 2560 is a top adhesive label 2570 having a pre-printed visual code 2572 corresponding to the pre-printed visual code described above.

[0128] Different manufacturing processes can be used to produce the tracking tags described herein on rolls such as rolls 2410, 2412. For example, the tracking tag 2500 can be produced by starting with a wet inlay 2520 and a substrate 2530 having circuit traces for an antenna 2542 and a beacon transmission circuit. Thereafter, an integrated chip 2544 and a capacitor 2546 can be attached to the substrate 2530. This subassembly can then be placed on a liner 2510, for example, along with other subassemblies.

[0129] The thin film battery 2540 may be arranged on the subassembly and attached with conductive adhesive, staples, and / or other features. At this point, the battery may be tested, for example, by utilizing a flying probe test fixture connected to pads on the inlay to verify the battery and the assembly of the chip and capacitor, and any subassembly or battery that does not pass this test may be discarded.

[0130] Thereafter, frame 2550 may be placed over thin film battery 2540, top cover 2560 and top adhesive label 2570 may be applied. In some cases, the top adhesive label may be die cut after being placed on the top cover. At this point, the tracking label has not yet been printed with a visual code, and therefore corresponds to tracking label 2420 on roll 2410. Roll 2410 may be passed into a printer to print a visual code on the tracking label, thereby producing tracking label 2422 on roll 2412.

[0131] Alternatively, the tracking tag 2500 can be produced by starting with a wet inlay 2520 and substrate 2530, as well as the circuit traces of the antenna 2542 and beacon transmission circuit. Thereafter, the integrated chip 2544, capacitor 2546, and thin film battery 2540 can be attached to the substrate to form a subassembly. At this point, the battery can be tested as described above, and any subassembly or battery that fails this test can be discarded.

[0132] After testing, the frame 2550 can be attached to the subassembly, and the subassembly can then be placed, for example, on the liner 2510 with other subassemblies. Thereafter, the top cover 2560 and the top adhesive label 2570 can be applied. In some cases, the top adhesive label can be die-cut after being placed on the top cover. At this point, additional testing can be performed, for example, by causing the tracking tag to send one or more beacon signals, and any subassembly that does not pass the test can be discarded.

[0133] Again, at this point, the tracking label has not yet been printed with a visual code, and therefore corresponds to the tracking label 2420 on the roll 2410. The roll 2410 can be passed into a printer to print a visual code on the tracking label, thereby producing the tracking label 2422 on the roll 2412.

[0134] The features described herein can provide tracking tags with various benefits. Such tracking tags can have a thinner profile while still being flexible, thus enabling the use of such tracking tags on any number of different types of objects. In other words, the same tracking tag can be suitable for attachment to objects with various form factors without modifying the shape and configuration of the tracking tag, thereby simplifying the tracking of the object. In addition, the tracking tags described herein can be printed on and / or attached with information, which can include identification numbers, tracking numbers, etc., which can be converted into digital representations. Unless otherwise specified, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but can 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 clauses 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 tracking label, comprising: a beacon transmission circuit including one or more batteries; a frame configured to secure the position of the one or more batteries; an adhesive arranged to secure the tracking tag to the object; as well as An activation mechanism is configured to activate the tracking tag and cause the beacon transmission circuit to transmit a beacon signal to enable tracking of the object.

2. The tracking label of claim 1 further comprising an adhesive indicia.

3. The tracking label according to claim 2, wherein: Adhesive labels are sheets of polyester or paper with an adhesive backing.

4. The tracking label according to claim 3, wherein: The adhesive backing is a double-sided tape.

5. The tracking label according to claim 1, wherein: The frame comprises polycarbonate.

6. The tracking label according to claim 1, wherein: The frame is a flexible frame that enables the tracking tag to be attached to an object having a curved surface.

7. The tracking label according to claim 1, wherein: The beacon transmission circuit also includes a printed circuit board.

8. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The beacon transmission circuit is arranged on the backplane.

9. The tracking label according to claim 8, wherein: The back panel is a polycarbonate panel.

10. The tracking label according to claim 8, wherein: The back panel is the RFID inlay.

11. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The one or more batteries include button cells, prismatic cells, pouch cells, thin film cells, or screen printed cells.

12. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The frame includes a plurality of sub-frames that enable the tracking tag to be bent between sub-frames of the plurality of sub-frames.

13. The tracking label of claim 12, wherein: A first sub-frame of the plurality of sub-frames is configured to support a first battery of the one or more batteries, and a second sub-frame of the plurality of sub-frames is configured to support a second battery of the one or more batteries.

14. The tracking label of claim 13, wherein: A third sub-frame of the plurality of sub-frames is configured to support a printed circuit board of a beacon transmission circuit.

15. The tracking tag of claim 1 further comprising a top cover and a bottom cover to provide impact protection.

16. The tracking label of claim 15, wherein: The top and bottom covers include polycarbonate.

17. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The tracking label has a thickness of less than 2.3 mm.

18. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The adhesive is double-sided tape.

19. The tracking tag of claim 1, further comprising a removable sheet disposed over the adhesive to protect the adhesive prior to applying the tracking tag to an object.

20. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a switch tab.

21. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a liner including a portion that wraps around and partially passes through the tracking tag so as to prevent connection between the one or more batteries and another component of the beacon transmission circuit, and the liner is configured to be removed from the tracking tag to activate the tracking tag.

22. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism also includes a conductive adhesive to form a bond between the one or more batteries and the copper tape once the tracking tag has been activated.

23. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a pull tab.

24. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a button configured to be pressed in order to activate the tracking tag.

25. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes an initial opening circuit.

26. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes an initially closed circuit.

27. The tracking tag of claim 1, further comprising a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) circuit configured to maintain a connection in a beacon transmission circuit once the tracking tag is activated.

28. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a thermal switch.

29. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a magnetic switch.

30. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The activation mechanism includes a removable bridge.

31. The tracking tag of claim 1, further comprising a light configured to flash when the tracking tag is activated.

32. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The frame is constructed of foam and acts as a cushion.

33. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The beacon transmission circuit also includes an antenna, an integrated chip and a capacitor.

34. The tracking label of claim 1, wherein: The tracking labels are arranged on a roll having multiple tracking labels.

Images