Method for tracking packages or transport containers, and tracking tag

Abstract

The transporting of a package (230) from a first user (201) to a recipient (211) can be tracked using a tracking tag (100, 100a), which is enclosed with the package. Once the package (230) has reached the recipient (211), a destination address instruction is transmitted to the tracking tag (110) from a control unit (210) and prompts destination address information for forwarding of the tracking tag (100, 100a) to a second user (202) to be displayed on a graphical display unit of the tracking tag (110, 110a). The control device (210) monitors the stock level of the tracking tags (100) with the users (201, 202), the control unit (210) ascertaining the destination instruction in accordance with the need for tracking tags (100) by the users (201, 202) and / or in accordance with the stock level of tracking tags (100) with the users (201, 202).

Description

Description PROCEDURES FOR TRACKING SHIPMENTS OR TRANSPORT CONTAINERS AND TRACKING DEVICES TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention is in the field of goods traffic and logistics and relates to a method for tracking shipments or transport containers as well as a tracking device.

[0002] In the transport of goods, senders, carriers, and recipients have a strong interest in receiving or querying information about the shipping status and current location of shipments, either repeatedly or continuously. Typically, a sender hands over a shipment intended for the recipient to the carrier, who then transports it to the recipient. In normal commercial operations, the carrier may also consist of several carriers, for example, subcontractors. For the sake of simplicity, this description often refers to only one carrier, which transports the shipment to its destination.

[0003] Often, the sender wants to provide the recipient with a high level of transparency regarding the shipment status. To achieve this, the sender connects the tracking systems of the carrier(s) that then physically transport the shipment to the recipient to their own CRM (customer relationship management) systems in order to provide the recipient with as much up-to-date information as possible regarding the packaging and shipping status.

[0004] Freight carriers have an interest in providing up-to-date information on shipping status, as this increases the satisfaction of both senders and recipients. This also avoids costs that would otherwise be incurred, for example, for follow-up calls to the call center. However, freight carriers often use systems for this purpose that do not always operate in real time. Such systems often rely on the localization of transport vehicles to determine the position of the shipments being transported.

[0005] For the recipient, knowing the shipping status and the likely delivery time is very important. For commercial or private recipients, this information can guide certain actions. This allows a private recipient to better decide when they should be home to receive the shipment. For a commercial recipient, receiving a shipment may trigger further internal processes, such as preparing a repair for a customer, since the replacement part included in the shipment will be delivered soon.

[0006] Tracking a shipment is generally referred to as tracking. In some cases, trackers are used—devices attached to the shipment that allow the shipment's location to be checked at any time. However, such trackers are quite expensive, so they are only used when the value of the shipment justifies it. Furthermore, the trackers must be returned, which is cumbersome and associated with high costs. Therefore, trackers are rarely included with shipments.

[0007] US 2018 / 0012177 A1 describes a tracker that has a communication unit for receiving addresses and a display for displaying them. After use, the tracker receives the address of the nearest distribution center so that the tracker provider can prepare it for the next use.

[0008] WO 2012 / 045 182 A1 discloses a tracker comprising a communication unit and a confirmation unit. After the shipment containing the tracker has arrived at the receiver, the receiver confirms receipt by activating the confirmation unit. The confirmation is then transmitted to the sender.

[0009] Further solutions that use trackers are known from US 2020 / 0051015 Al, WO 2019 / 232314 Al, US 2019 / 0190550 Al, US 2017 / 0161679 Al, GB 2546288 A, EP 2827287 Al, EP 2497056 Bl, US 2005 / 0116047 Al, EP 1697811 Bl, and WO 2019 / 102390 Al. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Against this background, a method according to one of claims 1, 16 or 19, as well as a tracking device according to one of claims 18, 21 or 22 are proposed.

[0011] According to one embodiment, a method is proposed for tracking shipments such as mail, parcels, small packages, forwarding agents, and courier shipments, as well as for redistributing tracking devices. In the method, at least one tracking device, preferably a plurality of tracking devices, is provided to each of several users. Each tracking device has a communication module and a graphical output unit and can communicate wirelessly with a control device independently of one another via the communication module or is connected to it. One of the tracking devices is activated for use by a first of the plurality of users to track a shipment from the first user to a recipient, in order to send the activated tracking device together with the shipment to the recipient. The activation of the tracking device is transmitted to the control device.The control device repeatedly receives the position of the activated tracking device during transport of the shipment to the recipient. The first user and / or the recipient can track the position of the shipment via the control device. The control device monitors the inventory of tracking devices at some or all users and, after the tracking device has arrived at the recipient together with the shipment, transmits destination instructions to the activated tracking device, which cause the display of destination address information for forwarding to a second of the multiple users on the graphical output unit. The destination instructions are determined by the control unit depending on the users' need for tracking devices and / or depending on the users' inventory of tracking devices.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, a tracking device for tracking shipments or transport containers has a flat base body with two opposite side surfaces. The flat base body preferably has minimum dimensions of 7 cm x 10 cm and in particular of 9 cm x 14 cm, wherein the length is preferably at least 1.4 times the width, and wherein the flat base body preferably has a thickness of no more than 1 cm and in particular no more than 0.5 cm. The tracking device further comprises a graphical output unit integrated into one of the two side surfaces; a communication module (first communication module) for wireless To establish communication with a communication network; a near-field communication module (second communication module) for contactless communication with an operating device; optionally a short-range communication module (third communication module); a memory module; at least two sensors selected from a light sensor, an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a bending sensor, and a rotation rate sensor (gyrometer); a processor module; a rechargeable energy source; and an identifier in the form of a machine-readable code; wherein the communication module, the near-field communication module, the optional short-range communication module, the memory module, the at least two sensors, the processor module, and the rechargeable energy source are integrated into the planar base body.

[0013] The tracking device is particularly suitable for the methods described below and adapted accordingly.

[0014] An advantage of the present invention is the user-friendly tracking of shipments for users and recipients, as well as the highly efficient distribution and provision of tracking devices to users, who use the tracking devices to track, for example, shipments to recipients. The recipients can also be users who themselves use tracking devices to track shipments, or end customers who simply forward or return the tracking devices. A user within the meaning of the present application is a person, company, or institution that uses tracking devices to track shipments and encloses a tracking device with each shipment or with a selected shipment or with several selected shipments.The tracking devices are provided to the users, whereby the number of tracking devices provided may vary from user to user. Among the users, at least one tracking device may be provided to at least one user, and a plurality of tracking devices may be provided to other users.

[0015] A shipment is understood to include, in particular, shipments of goods such as parcels, small packages and courier shipments, but also larger shipments of goods that are large enough to accommodate a tracking device. However, shipments can also These can be "simple" postal items such as letters, which would otherwise have been sent with the additional service "registered mail".

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distribution of tracking devices to users is monitored and controlled by the control device. For this purpose, the control device monitors, for example, the inventory levels of tracking devices for some or all users, in particular for users who have each been provided with a plurality of tracking devices. As users use the tracking devices, for example, to track a specific shipment to a recipient, the inventory level for each user decreases. These users may therefore need additional tracking devices to replenish inventory levels and always have sufficient tracking devices available. Demand can vary greatly among individual users and can also be subject to fluctuations.For example, a user regularly sends a large number of shipments and wants to monitor their progress using tracking devices. Therefore, this user always needs a large number of tracking devices. Another user sends shipments more irregularly, although it may happen that many shipments are sent at short notice. This user therefore has a fluctuating need for tracking devices. Users can adjust their need for tracking devices and communicate this, for example, to the monitoring facility.

[0017] Because the control device monitors the inventory levels of individual users, the distribution of tracking devices can be controlled specifically and, in particular, proactively. For example, if a user includes a tracking device with a shipment, the tracking device is activated beforehand. The activation is registered by the control device. Likewise, the control device can query the shipment of the tracking device enclosed with the shipment and its position during transport.

[0018] The use of tracking devices by individual users reduces the stock of tracking devices at the users, which are subject to A tracking device may have been included with the shipment. If a shipment with a tracking device reaches the recipient, a destination instruction can be transmitted, for example, from the control device to the tracking device, which causes the display of destination address information on the graphic output unit for forwarding the tracking device to another user, e.g., the second user. Upon receipt of the destination instruction, the tracking device causes destination address information to be displayed on the graphic output unit. The destination address information specifies, for example, the user to whom the tracking device should be forwarded.For this purpose, the control device can, for example, transmit destination address information from a user who has an increased need for tracking devices, or whose inventory has significantly decreased or is likely to decrease. Alternatively, it is possible for multiple destination address information items to be stored on the tracking device, and for one of the stored destination address information items to be selected using the destination instruction transmitted by the control device, which is then displayed on the graphical output unit.

[0019] In the context of this description, a destination instruction is understood to mean an instruction and / or a piece of data information that is sent from the control device to the tracking device in order to output destination address information on the graphical output unit of the tracking device. Destination address information can be an instruction readable by the recipient and / or represent a postal address. The destination address information can optionally also include a machine-readable optical code, for example a QR code or a barcode. To forward the tracking device to another user, e.g., the second user, the control device can initially send a first destination instruction and, at a later time, a second destination instruction.After receiving the first destination instruction, a first destination address information can be output, for example, which is addressed to the recipient and instructs them, for example, to take the tracking device to the post office, deposit it in a mailbox, or submit it to a return machine (return device). The second destination instruction can then, after the return has been completed, trigger the output of a second destination address information, which is addressed to the logistics company(s), for example, a postal company, which then actually forwards the tracking device to the second user. The second destination instruction may be transmitted at a later time than the first destination instruction. It is also possible that no first destination instruction is transmitted because the first destination address information is printed or stored on the tracking device as a general instruction. In this case, the second destination instruction represents the destination instruction transmitted by the control device.

[0020] In principle, it is possible to dynamically adapt the destination address information, especially depending on the individual user's need for tracking devices. This allows a relatively quick response to changing tracking device needs even while the tracking devices are being forwarded from the recipient to, for example, a second user, and the tracking device can be sent, for example, to a third user who has recently experienced an even greater need.

[0021] This means that the tracking device removed by the recipient of the shipment is not necessarily returned to the user who sent the shipment to the recipient, but rather to the user who currently has a high demand for tracking devices. Furthermore, this avoids the need for the tracking devices to first be sent back to a central distribution center and then forwarded from there to the individual users. This saves transport costs, energy, and time and increases the overall availability of the tracking devices. This also reduces the need for tracking devices overall, which in turn saves resources.

[0022] A distinction must be made between the operator of the tracking system, which provides the individual tracking devices, makes them available to users upon request, and operates or monitors the control device. For example, a user can order a certain number of tracking devices from the operator, which are then delivered to that user. At the same time, the user can, for example, specify a minimum inventory level for the tracking devices in stock. The minimum inventory level represents a parameter for the operator to control the onward dispatch of the individual tracking devices after they have arrived at the respective recipients. Users can adjust the minimum inventory levels. Minimum inventory quantities can be stored in the control device. Since the operator has an overview of the local distribution of tracking devices and their current status (tracking device is currently being used for shipment tracking, tracking device is inactive for one user, tracking device is being forwarded to another user) via the control device, the operator can control the targeted forwarding of a tracking device from a recipient to a user as well as the provision of additional tracking devices to a user and react in a timely manner to potential bottlenecks for individual users. Furthermore, it is possible for the operator to send destination instructions with destination address information to individual tracking devices for sending to a central warehouse so that the tracking devices can be checked and / or maintained in the central warehouse and / or repaired if necessary.can be charged, or so that, for example, a software update can be carried out.

[0023] Tracking devices are often also referred to as trackers because they can be used to track the progress of a shipment. A tracking device therefore comprises at least the communications module, which enables a wireless connection or wireless communication with the control device, in particular via a communications network. Wireless communication can occur repeatedly, for example periodically, when certain events occur, or through targeted contact by the control device and / or the tracking device. For example, activation is a specific event, following which the tracking device establishes a connection with the control device in order to inform the control device of the activation.For example, the control device can communicate with the tracking device after the tracking device has transmitted a status message to the control device. For example, after transmitting the status message, the communication module can enter a transmit and receive mode for a predetermined period of time to enable communication with the control device. After the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the communication module can be deactivated until another status message is transmitted. This can reduce the energy consumption of the tracking device.

[0024] The tracking device further comprises at least the graphical output unit. The graphical output unit is configured to display destination address information using the graphical output unit. The destination address information is preferably a postal address. The destination address information can be specified in plain text and / or as a machine-readable code. The graphical output unit is controllable so that different destination address information can be displayed by the graphical output unit as needed.

[0025] The graphical output unit can be a passive, i.e., non-self-luminous, display. Examples include electronic paper, for example, based on electrophoresis (black and white particles with different charges). However, an active, i.e., self-luminous, display can also be used. Examples include OLED displays.

[0026] To use a tracking device, the device is first activated by the user or by the user who wishes to send a shipment. Activation here refers to moving the tracking device from a sleep state to an operating state. In addition to the sleep state and the operating state, there can also be an off state and a transmission state. In the off state, the power supply to the tracking device is interrupted or deactivated, meaning the tracking device does not perform any functions. The tracking device can only be transferred from the off state to the sleep state or to the operating state through an active action, for example, by the user.Activation can also occur automatically at the user's location, for example if the user uses a shipping system with automated provision of tracking devices from a magazine or similar devices.

[0027] In the idle state, the power supply is present or activated, so that the tracking device can perform at least basic functions. For example, communication with the control device, i.e., communication between the control device and the non-activated tracking device, may not be possible on the part of the tracking device, i.e., the communication module is inactive. Alternatively, in the idle state, a - io - Limited communication, for example, only at longer intervals, is possible between the control device and the tracking device. For example, the tracking device can transmit status information to the control unit at longer intervals in the idle state to signal that the tracking device is basically ready for use. The graphical output unit can also be deactivated in the idle state. If, for example, an electronic paper is used for the graphical output unit, the last displayed information can remain visible even after deactivation, since with electronic paper, energy is only required to change the display.

[0028] In the operating state, i.e. when the tracking device has been activated, all of the tracking device's functions are available. In contrast, the shipment state describes a state of a tracking device from which the tracking device in the operating state has been assigned to a shipment and this assignment is stored in the control device. For this purpose, the shipment can have a unique shipment identifier and the tracking device can have a unique identifier. The unique identifier can be present as a machine-readable code on the tracking device. During activation, the shipment identifier and the unique identifier of the tracking device can be transmitted to the control device and assigned to one another. It is also possible for the shipment identifier and unique identifier to be assigned before or after activation.For example, if a freight carrier, such as a courier service, is commissioned electronically to send the shipment, the unique identifier of the tracking device can be transmitted to the freight carrier. The assignment of the unique identifier and the shipment identifier provided by the freight carrier can then be carried out by the freight carrier, who then transmits this assignment to the control device, or the control device can query this assignment from the freight carrier. Alternatively, the user can request the shipment identifier from the freight carrier, and the shipment identifier, along with the unique identifier, is transmitted to the control device, or the control device can query it. Activation can also occur at a later time. The assignment of the shipment identifier and the unique identifier can therefore also occur without prior activation of the tracking device.However, activation preferably occurs before assignment. By transmitting the assignment and. Their registration in the control device makes it possible to track the shipment by querying the position of the tracking devices.

[0029] If the shipment reaches the recipient together with the tracking device, this is communicated to the control device and the association between the shipment and the tracking device is canceled. The tracking device then changes from the shipment state to the operating state. In the shipment state, all functions of the tracking device are fully available, just as in the operating state. The shipment state can therefore also be viewed as a special variant of the operating state, in which, for example, certain functions are called more frequently. The difference between the operating state and the shipment state is essentially the existing association of the tracking device with a shipment. In the shipment state, the graphical output unit can be deactivated when used in a shipment, as it is not absolutely necessary.In particular, when using displays based on electronic paper for the graphic output unit, it is possible that the last displayed information remains visible even after the graphic output unit has been deactivated.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible that certain functions of the tracking device are activated or executed differently depending on the respective state of the tracking device, for example, they are executed more frequently. For example, in the shipment state, position determination has a higher priority than, for example, in the operating state before the shipment is actually sent. Therefore, the position of the tracking device can be determined more frequently in the shipment state than in the operating state.

[0031] To activate a tracking device, the user can, for example, supply energy to the tracking device without contact. To do so, the user can, for example, place the tracking device on an induction device, comparable to an induction device for contactless charging of mobile phones. The tracking device can, for example, have a contactless charging interface. As soon as the tracking device is activated, i.e., has been transferred to the operating state, this is displayed to the user. This can be done, for example, by means of the graphic output unit or another optical display device, such as an LED. By briefly supplying For example, energy can be used to start an activation routine stored in the tracking device's memory. In principle, the energy supply can be used not only for the actual activation but also for charging a rechargeable energy source integrated into the tracking device.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the tracking device to have a data communication module, for example, an RFID transponder (near-field communication module), which serves as an input and output device. For activation, the tracking device can be connected to an RFID reader, for example, which can read the identification of the tracking device and transmit an activation signal to the RFID transponder. The RFID transponder can be designed for NFC (near-field communication). In this case, it is possible, for example, to activate the tracking device and exchange data using an NFC-compatible mobile device. This means that the user is not dependent on additional hardware, so the use of the tracking device does not result in additional costs.In addition, a data connection to the control device can then be established via the mobile device, and the activation of the tracking device can be transmitted and / or verified to the control device. The activation of the tracking device can also be transmitted directly from the tracking device to the control device via the communications network.

[0033] Thus, according to one embodiment, the user of the tracking device can supply energy to activate the tracking device, in particular supply energy contactlessly, in order to thereby transfer the tracking device from a rest state to an operating state.

[0034] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any further embodiment described here, the tracking device further comprises, as a data communication module, a short-range communication module, for example a Bluetooth module, for communication over short to medium distances.

[0035] For better differentiation, the communication module for communication with the control device will also be referred to as the first communication module or Long-distance communication module, also referred to as the second communication module in the case of the near-field communication module, and also as the third communication module in the case of the short-range communication module. Both the near-field communication module and the short-range communication module generally represent a data communication module that is used to exchange data with an operating device or transmitter / receiver and / or to locate the tracking device indoors. The second communication module (near-field communication module) allows communication up to a distance of a few centimeters to a few meters, typically no more than 2 m. The second communication module is therefore preferably designed for near-field communication (NFC) or RFID communication, in particular for bidirectional near-field communication.The third communication module (short-range communication module) enables communication up to a distance of a few meters to a few tens of meters. Typically, sufficiently stable communication can be achieved up to approximately 30 meters. Examples of the third communication module (short-range communication module) include EnOcean, DECT ULE, Bluetooth (LE-Bluetooth), ZigBee, and Z-Wave. The first communication module (long-distance communication module) enables communication over longer distances, sometimes up to a few tens of kilometers. The first communication module thus enables communication over a greater distance than the data communication module (third communication module and / or second communication module), which is intended for local data exchange. The third communication module enables communication over a greater distance than the second communication module.

[0036] For the purposes of this description, a module is understood to be a device or facility that provides a specific function. A module can be implemented as a standalone unit or in combination with another module or device.

[0037] The third communication module (short-range communication module) can preferably also be used for determining the position of the tracking device indoors, since positioning via the communication network is often too inaccurate or even impossible indoors. An additional localization module, such as a GPS module, could also be used. However, such a localization module only allows for the determination of the global position, whereby positioning using a localization module inside buildings often leads to is inaccurate or not possible at all due to weak signal reception. Inside buildings, for example when using tracking devices in shipping or distribution systems, it is often not a global position that is of interest, but only a relative position. One example is a shipping system in which there is an automatic assignment of shipment identification and a unique identifier. Another example is a central distribution system, for example a logistics hub. In shipping and distribution systems, it is of interest where the individual shipment or tracking device is currently located within the system, since certain actions can also be associated with the current position. For relative positioning, these systems have, for example, permanently installed receiver units or receiver-transmitter units that can only receive, only send, or send and receive.If a shipment is routed to a station within the system (shipping system or distribution system) using a tracking device, for example, the tracking device can communicate with the (electronic) receiver-transmitter unit(s) and transmit, for example, the unique identifier. This allows the system to know the position of the tracking device within the system, as the tracking device is located near this (electronic) receiver-transmitter unit. The relative position thus determined (proximity to a specific receiver-transmitter unit) can be used for various purposes.

[0038] An example of automatic assignment of shipment identifier and unique identifier is explained below. For example, a tracking device may already be enclosed with a shipment. The tracking device may already be in operating mode, i.e. it is activated. In the user's shipping system, the shipment can, for example, be automatically fed to a parcel label station. The parcel label station is set up to provide the parcel, i.e. the shipment in general, with a parcel label (address sticker). The parcel label station or the environment of this parcel label station can, for example, be equipped with one or more Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units that communicate with the short-range communication module, in this example a Bluetooth module, when the shipment with the tracking device comes close to the Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit.For this purpose, for example, the tracking device can regularly send Bluetooth signals, which are received by the spatially distributed Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units and used to determine the. Position of the tracking device can be used. The Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units can, in turn, transmit the determined position to the tracking device and / or exchange certain instructions or data with the tracking device. At this point, an automatic association between the unique identifier of the tracking device and the printed shipment identifier can then take place. However, this association often only takes place at a further station. For this purpose, the parcel marked with the shipment identifier and the destination address is automatically fed to another station, which or whose surroundings are also equipped with one or more Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units. At this further station, the printed shipment identifier is optically read. At the same time, it can be checked whether the print or the affixed label is legible.Using the Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units, the system knows which shipment (through optical recognition) and which tracking device (by reading the unique identifier via Bluetooth) is currently in this station. This allows the assignment to be made and transmitted to the control device.

[0039] In a distribution center, the shipment can be tracked either by optically recognizing the shipment identifier and / or by reading the unique identifier of the tracking device included with the shipment. This also allows for customized shipment handling.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented with any further embodiment described here alone or in any combination, one of the following steps can be carried out, in particular by the first user, to activate the tracking device: actuating a switching element of the tracking device, for example a piezo element, a membrane switch or a push button; feeding the tracking device to a charging device, for example by placing it on a charging device for contactless charging; removing the tracking device from a charging device; removing or dispensing the tracking device from a magazine for storing a plurality of tracking devices.

[0041] This makes it possible to supply energy to the tracking device. The term "supply of energy" also refers to the activation of the energy supply in the tracking device, e.g., by activating a switching element.

[0042] To ensure full functionality, one embodiment provides the user with a charging device or magazine for storing tracking devices, in which the tracking devices are not only stored but also charged, or their charge level is monitored. In the simplest case, commercially available charging devices for contactless charging of mobile devices can be used. This solution is suitable, for example, for users with a low demand for tracking devices. For users with a high daily demand, suitable magazines are advantageous, since when a tracking device is removed from the magazine, the tracking device is already charged. Furthermore, the removal process can simultaneously lead to automatic activation of the tracking device, without the user having to take any other action.

[0043] Preferably, the magazines are connected to the control device via their own communication interface (data connection) and can thus automatically transmit the activation to the control device. The communication interface can be an interface for establishing a mobile network connection, an interface for establishing a landline connection, an interface for establishing a LAN connection, or an interface for establishing a WLAN connection, which are typically used for high-throughput data communication.

[0044] Using the magazines, it is also possible for the control device to easily monitor the inventory of tracking devices at the user's location. For this purpose, the magazine can transmit status information to the control device each time a tracking device is removed from or added to the magazine.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described herein, the communication module (first communication module or remote communication module) is wirelessly connected to the control device via a communication network. The control device can repeatedly transmit the position of the activated tracking device to the communication network, which transmits the position of the activated The tracking device determines and queries the data. The communications network is preferably a Low Power WAN (Low Power Wide-Area Network). Low Power WAN refers to a group of different energy-efficient WAN technologies that can exist in many different types and forms. Low Power WANs can use licensed or unlicensed frequencies and can use both proprietary and open standards. The communications module (first communications module or remote communications module) is a communications module configured for communication with a Low Power WAN communications network.

[0046] Examples of Low Power WANs include DASH7, LoRaWAN, Sigfox, mioty, LTE-M, NB-loT, Weightless-N, Weightless-P, Weightless-W, GreenOFDM, Symphony Link, and ThingPark Wireless. LoRaWAN, LTE-M, NB-loT, and Sigfox are preferred. For example, the communication network can enable communication in the so-called Short Range Device (SRD) frequency band, for example, in the 863 to 870 MHz frequency band, preferably 868 MHz (primarily in Europe), or in the 902 to 928 MHz range (primarily in North and South America). Compared to cellular networks, Low Power WAN-based communication networks are typically characterized by low bandwidth and low bit rates, but therefore allow the communication module to operate with very low power consumption, significantly extending the operating time of the tracking device compared to mobile devices that communicate via cellular networks.

[0047] To determine the current position or location of the activated tracking device, the functionalities of the communication network can be used. To query the current location, the control device sends a corresponding request to the communication network. Since the communication network has distributed base stations, the communication network knows which base station is currently communicating with the tracking device. The communication network thus knows the current location of the tracking device and can transmit it to the control device. The location determined by the communication network can also be referred to as an approximate location, since the accuracy of the location determination can be affected by local conditions (spatial distance between the base stations, reception quality). This approximate location However, in most cases it is sufficient for determining the position for tracking purposes.

[0048] Even if only an approximate location can be transmitted via the communications network in certain situations, this information is sufficient in most cases. For more precise positioning, the tracking device would need to have or activate its own localization module. However, this is associated with higher energy consumption by the tracking device, which negatively impacts the operating time of the tracking device. Therefore, location determination via the communications network is typically used first.

[0049] Both the user who sent the shipment and the recipient of the shipment can use the control device to query the current location of the tracking device and thus of the shipment.

[0050] In order to reduce the energy consumption of the tracking device, the activated tracking device, i.e. the tracking device in the transmitting state, can send a signal, e.g. a status message, to the communications network so that the communications network can determine the position of the activated tracking device. This can happen, for example, when the tracking device is moved or when a movement state of the tracking device changes. Based on this state change registered by the tracking device, the tracking device, i.e. the communications module, can be transferred to a transmitting mode for a certain time so that the tracking device sends at least one signal, e.g. a status message in the form of a data packet. The communications network that receives the signal can then determine the location of the tracking device.Since, according to embodiments, the signal can be transmitted without confirmation of receipt by the communications network, thus failing to confirm receipt to the tracking device, the tracking device can transmit a signal multiple times. For this purpose, the tracking device can remain in transmission mode for a certain period of time. This is advantageous in the case of locally unfavorable reception and transmission situations.

[0051] The time limit for transmit mode is particularly advantageous for reducing energy consumption. Since the tracking device preferably only communicates with the communications network at longer time intervals, but is preferably neither in transmit mode nor in receive mode during the rest of the time, energy consumption is very low. For example, when the tracking device is in transmit mode, i.e., being transported together with an assigned shipment, it can be switched to transmit mode once every hour for a short time, e.g., for one minute, and communicate with the communications network, allowing the communications network to determine the current location of the tracking device.

[0052] In contrast to the transmission state of the tracking device, the transmission mode only describes the transmission readiness state of the tracking device's communication module. Therefore, when the tracking device is in the transmission state, i.e., when being transported together with a shipment, it can be temporarily switched to a transmission mode and / or a reception mode. The tracking device can also be temporarily switched to the transmission mode and / or reception mode in the operating state and / or the idle state. The transmission mode is typically used for the tracking device to send data packets to the communications network and / or the control device so that the current position of the tracking device can then be determined via the communications network. Furthermore, other specific information can of course also be transmitted to the control device.

[0053] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described herein, the activated tracking device sends a signal to the communications network so that the communications network can determine the position of the activated tracking device when the tracking device is moved or when a movement state of the activated tracking device changes. This then results in a state-based location determination, provided the activated tracking device is moved. For example, if the transport vehicle is parked overnight in a parking lot, no regular location determination is required. since the last location determination is still stored in the control device and can be retrieved there.

[0054] However, it is also possible to combine regular location determination, achieved through short-term communication of the tracking device at periodic intervals, with state-based location determination, which is activated by movement of the tracking device, i.e., based on a registered change in state. This makes it possible for regular location determination to be activated after a certain time if the tracking device remains stationary for an extended period. Regular location determination can also be deactivated again by moving the tracking device.

[0055] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the tracking devices each further comprise a localization module for determining the position of the tracking devices, wherein the determination of the position by the localization module is independent of the determination of the position by the communications network. The localization module can, in particular, comprise a GPS, Glonass, Beidou, and / or Galileo module.

[0056] If more precise positioning is required, the tracking devices can each have their own localization module. The respective tracking device can then either determine its current position repeatedly, e.g., periodically, and transmit it to the control device or store it in an internal memory for later use, or determine its current position upon request from the control device and transmit it to the control device.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the localization module is activated when the activated tracking device reaches a predetermined area. The activated tracking device can then transmit its position determined by the activated localization module to the control device.

[0058] The predetermined area can, for example, be the recipient’s target area. For this purpose, it is sufficient if the position is initially monitored by the communications network and regularly transmitted to the control device and / or transmitted upon request by the control device. In this case, it can be provided that the control device also transmits the position to the tracking device. If the shipment with the tracking device reaches the recipient’s target area, the control device can, for example, send an instruction to the tracking device to activate the localization module. Alternatively, the tracking device automatically activates the localization module when it reaches the target area. For example, it is possible for the tracking device to be informed by the communications network, if necessary.Upon request by the control unit, the current position is communicated, and the tracking device then activates the localization module when the tracking device reaches the target area. Alternatively, the tracking device can determine its position independently, for example, through triangulation using base stations of the communications network. The target area or its size can be determined in advance, for example, automatically by the control unit depending on the position of the recipient, i.e., the location to which the shipment is to be sent.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented with any further embodiment described here, alone or in any combination, the tracking devices each further comprise a rechargeable energy source. The energy source can, for example, be at least partially charged upon activation. The energy source can be designed with a comparatively low capacity since the energy consumption of the tracking devices is low. This is due, for example, to the fact that the tracking devices only rarely establish communication with the control device. As explained above, the localization of the tracking devices, i.e. the determination of the position, takes place via the communication network, which remains in contact with the tracking devices by sporadic connection establishment. The localization module does not need to be activated.It can only be activated once the target area is reached. Rechargeable lithium-ion button cells, for example, can be used as the power source.

[0060] In addition, the tracking devices communicate exclusively via low-power WAN communication networks, so energy consumption is significantly lower than with mobile networks. Therefore, the tracking devices preferably do not have a mobile radio module (e.g., GSM, UMTS, LTE, GPRS, 5G), which has a comparatively high energy requirement.

[0061] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented with any other embodiment described here, alone or in any combination, the tracking devices each further comprise a machine-readable code, each of which includes a unique identifier. The machine-readable code, and thus the unique identifier, is read by the user upon activation of the respective tracking device. Optionally, the unique identifier can also be visible on the respective tracking device as human-readable writing (e.g., letters, numbers, and special characters).

[0062] The read-out identifier can be transmitted to the control device. Furthermore, the activated tracking device can be assigned to a specific shipment, allowing the shipment to be tracked via the tracking device. In addition, the recipient's destination address and / or the recipient's name and / or customer number can also be assigned to the pair thus formed, consisting of the shipment and the tracking device assigned to that shipment. The destination address can then be used to determine the target area.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described herein, the tracking devices are provided to the users by an operator.

[0064] The operator provides the tracking service (tracking system), i.e., it operates or monitors the control device, which communicates with the tracking devices via the communications network. The control device can be used to query the current location of the tracking devices and thus of the respective shipment. For this purpose, the operator can provide users, and possibly recipients, with an interface, web access, or app access.

[0065] The operator equips the users with tracking devices. Each user reports their need for tracking devices to the operator, who then delivers the tracking devices to the user. Depending on the user's specifications, the operator delivers additional tracking devices as needed or ensures that tracking devices that have just arrived at a recipient are sent directly to the individual users. The corresponding destination instructions are then transmitted to the individual tracking devices.

[0066] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the destination instructions are additionally determined based on the current location of the tracking device after the recipient receives the shipment with the tracking device. This allows the respective tracking device to be sent to the user closest to the current position of the tracking device, who has a high demand for tracking devices. This avoids long transport routes.Even if, for example, a user located far away has an even greater need for tracking devices, it may be advisable, in the interest of optimal distribution, not to ship the tracking devices over long distances, as this increases transport routes and times, thereby reducing availability. Furthermore, the ecological footprint of each shipment is reduced.

[0067] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described herein, the control device transmits the destination instructions to the tracking device only after receiving confirmation that a predetermined event or a sequence of at least two predetermined events has occurred. For example, depositing the tracking device into a mailbox or returning the tracking device to a reverse vending machine can comprise or represent the predetermined event(s).

[0068] This ensures that the destination instruction is only transmitted when the tracking device is released from the receiver into the redistribution circuit was fed back in. For example, a recipient, such as a private individual, may not put the tracking device in a mailbox for a few days. If the destination instruction were to be transmitted upon receipt of the shipment by the recipient, then the destination instruction could already be out of date by the time it is put in the mailbox a few days later. Therefore, from the perspective of improved provision of tracking devices, it is advantageous if the destination instructions are only transmitted at a comparatively late point in time, for example, when the tracking device has been forwarded by the recipient. It is possible that a general destination instruction (first destination instruction) is first transmitted to the tracking device, which, by outputting general destination address information, prompts the recipient to put the tracking device in a mailbox or a return machine, for example.Furthermore, the tracking device can also autonomously issue general instructions, for example, a request to return the item to the operator because the battery needs replacing or is almost empty, or a software update is required, or simply a request to acknowledge receipt of the shipment. These general instructions can be stored in the tracking device, for example, in its memory. Only after the item has been deposited in the mailbox or return machine is a specific destination instruction (second destination instruction) transmitted to the tracking device, causing destination address information, for example, the address of the second user, to be displayed on the graphical output unit. This has several advantages.

[0069] Firstly, the recipient is not immediately informed of the address of the second user. This is sensible for data protection reasons. Secondly, the address of the second user is only transmitted at a time when the tracking device has already been forwarded by the recipient. This allows the control device to transmit a currently adjusted destination instruction to the tracking device, which takes into account the current user requirements. For example, it is possible that a recipient of the tracking device does not post it in a mailbox immediately, but only after a few days. If the need for additional tracking devices was very high for another user at the time the recipient received the tracking device, this requirement can change within just a few days. If the control device were to specify the destination instructions upon receipt of the tracking device, the tracking device would be sent from the recipient to the other user days later, even if the recipient's demand was no longer high. By transmitting the destination instruction only after the tracking device has been forwarded by the recipient, the current demand can be taken into account.

[0070] As explained above, only the second target instruction can be transmitted.

[0071] Instead of a mailbox, the recipient can also place the tracking device in a special return machine. This can, for example, credit the recipient with a bonus. This also provides an incentive for the recipient to make the tracking device available again. A bonus can also be credited to the recipient for returns via a mailbox. The bonus can, for example, be credited upon receipt of the tracking device by the user (e.g., the second user) to whom the tracking device was forwarded by the recipient.

[0072] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the tracking device confirms that the event detected by the tracking device has occurred. For this purpose, the tracking device can have sensors that detect the event. For example, these can be a light sensor and an acceleration sensor. When a letter is placed in a mailbox, the brightness conditions suddenly change, which can be detected by the light sensor. When the tracking device hits the bottom of the mailbox, the tracking device is abruptly stopped. The acceleration sensor is used for this purpose. If both sensors detect an event (change in light, abrupt stop) within a short time interval, then it is assumed that an event has been detected.

[0073] According to one embodiment, which can be implemented with any further embodiment described here alone or in any combination, a method for distributing tracking devices is proposed, in which a plurality of tracking devices are each made available to a plurality of users wherein the tracking devices each have a communication module and a graphic output unit and can communicate wirelessly with a control device or are connected to it independently of one another via the communication module. The tracking devices can be constructed as described above and communicate with the control device via a communication network. The control device monitors the inventory of the tracking devices at some or all users as well as the need for tracking devices by the users. For this purpose, the control device can, for example, query the position of the individual tracking devices and thereby detect whether a tracking device is currently being used to track a shipment or is still with one of the users.After a user uses a tracking device to track a shipment to a recipient, the control unit transmits destination instructions to this tracking device, once the tracking device has arrived at the recipient together with the shipment, which cause the display of destination address information for forwarding to one of the users on the graphical output unit. The destination instructions are determined by the control unit depending on the user's need for tracking devices and / or the user's inventory of tracking devices.

[0074] The method for distributing tracking devices can be applied regardless of whether and how the tracking devices are activated. The only essential requirement is that the control device detects that the tracking device has arrived at the recipient. This detection can be achieved by querying the position and / or by the recipient acknowledging receipt, as described above. The control device then determines to which user the tracking device should be forwarded by the recipient. To do this, the inventory levels at the individual users, the geographical distribution of the individual users, as well as the current and expected demand for tracking devices based on experience are taken into account. The inventory levels are either known to the control device or can be determined or verified by querying the position of the tracking devices.The control facility also knows the geographical distribution. Current demand may fluctuate and may be fixed or set by users as a minimum inventory level. can be dynamically adjusted by users. Current demand and current inventory levels can be understood as parameters that are used by the control device to determine the destination address information, taking into account the geographical distribution of users, i.e., in particular, the distance between the recipient and the individual users. The control device can therefore continuously evaluate to which user a tracking device that has just arrived at a recipient should be forwarded. This enables efficient, cost-effective, and resource-saving redistribution of the tracking devices.

[0075] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented with any further embodiment described here alone or in any combination, a method for tracking transport containers is disclosed, in which a plurality of transport containers are provided, each with a tracking device, in particular detachably fastened to the respective transport container, for use at different locations, wherein the tracking devices each have a communication module and the tracking devices can communicate wirelessly with a control device independently of one another via the communication module, wherein the transport containers are designed to accommodate one or more transport goods.At least some of the transport containers are used to ship goods between locations, with each transport container containing at least one item of goods, which is then sent from one location to another using the transport container. The position of the tracking devices attached to the transport containers, and thus the position of the transport containers, is repeatedly transmitted to the control device during transport of the transport containers between locations. The position of the tracking devices attached to the transport containers, and thus the position of the transport containers during transport of the goods, can be tracked via the control device. The control device monitors the inventory of the tracking devices and thus the transport containers at some or all locations.Depending on the need for transport containers at each location and / or the stock of transport containers at each location, the inspection body shall issue instructions for sending empty transport containers without any transport goods between locations. The empty transport containers will be shipped between locations based on the instructions provided.

[0076] In this method, a single tracking device is permanently, preferably detachably, connected to a transport container. The tracking device is preferably attached to the outside of the transport container so that the tracking device can be easily replaced.

[0077] The transport container is preferably a dimensionally stable container, for example, made of plastic or metal, which is particularly reusable, unlike cardboard and paper packaging, whose durability is often sufficient for only a few uses. Transport containers are not limited to specific goods. For example, a transport container can also be a container trolley or special pallets for transporting goods, even larger items (e.g., motorcycles). A beverage crate can also be a transport container.

[0078] The transport container can have a closable opening through which the goods can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the transport container. For example, the transport container can have a lid. However, it is also possible for the transport container to be open on one side and not have a lid.

[0079] In principle, the process can be carried out according to the same principle as above for the shipments, so a repetition is not necessary here. However, activation of the tracking device is not absolutely necessary every time. The tracking device can be permanently activated, as it can, for example, be equipped with a larger power source. The shape of the tracking device also does not have to correspond to that described above, as a separate return of the tracking device is not necessary as previously described.

[0080] Using a transport container, a transported item is transferred from a first location to a second location. At the second location, the transported item is removed from the transport container. Similarly, another transported item can be transferred from a third location to a fourth location using another transport container, and there, from the further Transport containers can be removed. In principle, at least some of the transport containers can be used to transport goods that have been loaded into the transport containers between locations, if necessary. After reaching the destination location, the respective goods are removed from the transport containers, and the empty transport containers are then available for receiving and transporting additional goods.

[0081] The first, second, third, and fourth locations, or all locations, can be located within a company, or the company has access to these locations. The method for tracking transport containers can therefore also be used within a company or within a group of companies. Alternatively, the first location can be a location assigned to a first user (e.g., a first company), and the second location can be a location assigned to a second user (e.g., a second company). The transport containers can be distributed across different locations within a single user, i.e., within a company, or across different locations with different users, i.e., different companies. The determination of demand and the forwarding of transport containers after use can be carried out in the same way as with the tracking devices for tracking a shipment.

[0082] In contrast to the tracking of shipments, which can involve different shipments, the tracking of transport containers and redistribution of empty transport containers only takes place within a class of identical transport containers. For example, only transport containers with the same structure, size, and type of use are monitored. If, for example, a company uses two different classes of transport containers that differ in size and / or structure, the distribution of empty transport containers is only determined within the same classes. The demand and / or inventory levels at the individual locations are therefore only determined within one class of transport containers and used to create instructions for the demand-based or inventory-based redistribution of empty transport containers in this class.Different classes of transport containers can be, for example, open transport boxes with a uniform structure and size, pallets with a uniform structure and size, and lockable transport boxes with a uniform structure and size.

[0083] However, it is possible for the inspection device to monitor the demand and / or stock levels of transport containers of two or more different classes at individual locations and to create separate instructions for dispatching the empty transport containers for each class of transport container. The monitoring of the demand and / or stock levels of transport containers and the creation of instructions for dispatching the empty transport containers of this class are carried out independently of the transport containers of another class. However, the same tracking devices can be attached to the transport containers of the different classes, so that two or more classes of transport containers can be monitored using a uniform system, i.e., in particular, using one inspection device.

[0084] In contrast to the tracking of shipments, a mapping between the unique identifier of the tracking device and an identifier of the goods being transported in a transport container is not absolutely necessary, since the focus here is on the tracking and subsequent forwarding of the transport containers. This ensures that a transport container can be made available again as quickly and efficiently as possible after it has been used to transport goods from one location to another, i.e., in particular, it can be forwarded to a location where there is a high demand for transport containers. However, it is possible for the unique identifier of the tracking device to be mapped to the container identifier of the transport container and transmitted to the inspection device.

[0085] During the tracking and subsequent forwarding of transport containers, instructions for dispatching empty transport containers are also created depending on the demand for transport containers at the individual locations and / or the inventory of transport containers at the individual locations. Optionally, the geographical distribution, i.e., the distance between the locations, can also be taken into account here.

[0086] Transport containers are preferably used for local or internal goods transport, such as transport boxes that can be moved by one person. Containers for long-distance transport, such as 20-foot or 40-foot containers, are not considered transport containers for local or internal goods transport. Preferably, the maximum dimensions (length, width or height) of a transport container do not exceed 2 m.

[0087] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the method for tracking transport containers can comprise at least one of the following features, or a combination of these features:

[0088] (1) The tracking devices each have a graphical output unit, wherein the control device transmits destination instructions to the tracking devices, which cause the display of destination address information for sending the empty transport containers with the respective tracking device to another location on the graphical output unit, wherein the control device determines the destination instructions depending on the demand for transport containers at the individual locations and / or depending on the stock of transport containers at the individual locations.

[0089] (2) The tracking devices each have a data communication module, for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, for contactless communication with an operating device, wherein the control device transmits destination instructions to the tracking device, which can be read out contactless by means of an operating device via the data communication module and causes the output of destination address information for sending the empty transport containers with the tracking device to other locations on the operating device, wherein the control device determines the destination instructions depending on the need for transport containers at the individual locations and / or depending on the stock of transport containers at the individual locations.

[0090] (3) The tracking devices each have a data communication module, for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, which can communicate with receiver-transmitter units distributed at the individual locations to determine the position of the tracking devices, and thus to determine the position of the transport containers, whereby the positions of transport containers are determined by means of the receiver-transmitter units and transmitted to the control device, whereby the On the basis of the positions determined, the control device checks whether empty transport containers have been prepared for dispatch and / or have already been dispatched in accordance with the instructions issued by the control device.

[0091] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, a method for tracking transport containers and for distributing transport containers is proposed, wherein a plurality of transport containers are provided, each with a tracking device attached to the respective transport container for use at different locations. The tracking devices each have a communication module, a processor module, and a graphical output unit and can communicate or be connected wirelessly with a control device independently of one another via the communication module.The transport containers are designed to accommodate one or more transport items. At least one transport item, which has been accommodated in the transport container, is sent from a first location to a second location using a transport container with an attached tracking device. The position of the tracking device is repeatedly transmitted to the control device during transport of the transport container to the destination address. The position of the tracking device attached to the transport container can be tracked via the control device. The control device monitors the inventory of the tracking devices and thus the transport containers at some or all locations.After the transport container has arrived at the second location together with this tracking device, the control device transmits destination instructions to the tracking device, which cause the display of destination address information for forwarding the transport container with the tracking device to another location on the graphic output unit, wherein the control device determines the destination instructions depending on the demand for transport containers at the individual locations and / or depending on the stock of transport containers at the individual locations.

[0092] The destination address information displayed on the graphical output device may also be a machine-readable code, for example an internal Code, act if the transport containers are only used within a company.

[0093] The tracking devices used for tracking transport containers may differ from the tracking devices used for tracking shipments. A graphical output device is important for tracking devices used for tracking shipments, as these tracking devices are individually distributed to another user, for example, as a mail item. The graphical output device therefore displays the respective destination address information for shipment via postal route.

[0094] For the tracking devices used for tracking transport containers, a graphical output unit is not mandatory, but may advantageously be provided to display destination address information or other information.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the tracking devices used for tracking transport containers can have the data communication module described above to enable contactless communication with a control device and / or local positioning. Destination instructions can also be transmitted contactlessly from the tracking device to the control device via the data communication module, which triggers the output of destination address information for sending the empty transport containers to other locations on the control device, for example, a graphical output unit of the control device. A user can therefore move a control device close to a tracking device attached to a transport container and read it.

[0096] The data communication module can also communicate with receiver-transmitter units distributed at the individual locations to determine the position of the tracking devices, and thus to determine the position of the transport containers. The receiver-transmitter units can preferably be Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units, as described above. The data communication module therefore preferably comprises a Bluetooth module.

[0097] Using the receiver-transmitter units, the positions of transport containers can be determined, for example, within a single location, and transmitted to the inspection facility. This allows the inspection facility to check, based on the determined positions, whether empty transport containers have been prepared for dispatch and / or have already been dispatched according to the instructions issued by the inspection facility.

[0098] A location can be, for example, a company site, a single building, or a defined area. For example, two or more locations can exist within a company site, such as a goods receiving and shipping area, a warehouse, a goods distribution building, and a production building. The locations can also be distributed across several separate company sites or refer to individual "bases." An illustrative example is a postal company that uses transport containers to transport mail to local distribution centers or letter mail distribution boxes distributed throughout an urban area. The local distribution centers / depots and letter mail deposit boxes can then represent separate locations.

[0099] The tracking devices used for tracking shipments may preferably additionally comprise the data communication module described above.

[0100] For all methods described here, the tracking device preferably comprises, in particular, the communication module (first communication module) for communication with the communication network, a rechargeable energy source, and a processor module. The processor module can, for example, execute instructions (software) for operating the tracking device and thereby provide the required functions of the tracking device. In particular, the tracking devices used for tracking shipments also comprise a graphical output unit.

[0101] Furthermore, the tracking device can preferably have an input and output device. This can have a data communication module, e.g., a near-field communication module (second communication module) and / or a short-range communication module (third communication module), or the data communication module can represent an input and output device. Using the tracking device, the near field communication module and / or the short range communication module can be used for local input and output.

[0102] For example, users who only have a mobile device, such as a mobile phone, as an operating device for the tracking device and who do not have a particularly high need for tracking devices will communicate with the tracking device using the near-field communication module, as this enables comparatively simple and immediate communication without prior pairing. Furthermore, the detection of relative position within buildings described above is unlikely to be of interest to these users. Information read from the tracking device via the operating device can then be displayed to the user on a graphical output unit of the operating device.

[0103] For users with a high demand for tracking devices who have corresponding shipping systems, or for users who need to track transport containers, communication via the short-range communication module or additionally via the near-field communication module is of interest, since the slightly longer range of the short-range communication module enables rapid detection of the position of the tracking device.

[0104] The short-range communication module, especially when configured as a Bluetooth module, can be used, for example, to update the software stored in the tracking device. Furthermore, the short-range communication module can be used to locate the tracking devices in buildings, distribution systems, or shipping systems, or at individual locations. A Bluetooth module also allows communication with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as portable computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

[0105] Furthermore, the tracking device can preferably comprise at least two sensors selected from a light sensor, an acceleration sensor, a bending sensor, and a yaw rate sensor. These sensors serve to detect the events described above. A bending sensor is optional for tracking devices for transport containers.

[0106] The tracking device, in particular for tracking shipments, preferably has a flat base body with a minimum dimension of preferably 7 cm x 10 cm and in particular 9 cm x 14 cm. The minimum dimension results from the requirements of postal companies for sending letters, as these must have a certain size. These requirements can vary in different countries and also between individual postal companies. The length is preferably at least 1.4 times the width. The flat base body preferably has a thickness of no more than 1 cm and in particular no more than 0.5 cm. The individual components of the tracking device can also be integrated into such thin base bodies. The tracking device preferably has a maximum size of (length x width x thickness) of 235 mm x 125 mm x 5 mm.

[0107] The tracking devices used for tracking transport containers may also have different external dimensions, as these tracking devices are not forwarded separately and therefore do not necessarily have to have typical dimensions for mail shipments. These tracking devices may also contain, for example, higher-capacity power sources.

[0108] The invention will be explained below using exemplary embodiments, without being limited thereto. They show:

[0109] Figure 1 shows a tracking device according to one embodiment.

[0110] Figure 2 shows a tracking device according to another embodiment.

[0111] Figure 3 shows schematically the sequence of a method for tracking shipments according to one embodiment.

[0112] Figure 4 shows schematically the sequence of a method for tracking shipments according to an embodiment taking into account multiple users.

[0113] Figure 5 schematically shows an apparatus for storing and dispensing a plurality of tracking devices.

[0114] Figure 6 schematically shows the operation of a tracking device by means of a mobile phone, which communicates with the tracking device via the near-field communication module.

[0115] Figure 7 shows schematically a charging device for a tracking device.

[0116] Figure 8A shows schematically a transport container with a tracking device attached thereto, Figure 8B shows a transport container in the form of a transport trolley with a tracking device attached thereto.

[0117] Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of a shipping system with a parcel label station and a station in which the assignment between unique identifier and shipment identifier is carried out using Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units.

[0118] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a process for tracking and redistributing transport containers between different locations.

[0119] Figure 11 shows a tracking device according to another embodiment.

[0120] For tracking shipments or transport containers, tracking devices are proposed that are particularly compact and lightweight. In particular, the tracking devices can be designed to be small in a dimension referred to as thickness. The tracking devices preferably have a flat base body with a small thickness, which should, for example, be no more than 5 mm. The thickness is preferably between 1 mm and 5 mm. A flexible but dimensionally stable material is used for the base body. In particular, the material from which the base body is formed is bendable, so that the base body as a whole is bendable.

[0121] For the purposes of easy forwarding of a tracking device from one recipient to another, it is advantageous if the external shape and size do not exceed the dimensions of a C6 / 5 envelope (DIN 678-1:1998-01). It is advantageous if the tracking device does not exceed a size (length x width x thickness) of 235 mm x 125 mm x 5 mm. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the weight of the tracking device does not exceed 50 g. A weight of no more than 20 g is preferred.

[0122] Figure 1 shows a tracking device 100 according to one embodiment. The tracking device 100 comprises a base body 101 with the properties described above. The base body 101 has two opposing side surfaces, with only the side surface designated as the front side being visible in Figure 1. Furthermore, the tracking device 100 comprises at least one graphical output unit 110, a communication module (remote communication module) 120, a processor module 140, and a power source 150.

[0123] The communication module 120 is configured and set up to establish a connection with a communication network (not shown here) and to communicate. Communication here includes both the transmission of data from the tracking device 100 to the communication network and the reception of data by the tracking device 100. The communication module 120 can be temporarily operated in different modes: transmit mode, receive mode, and transmit and receive mode. In transmit mode, the reception of data is disabled. Likewise, in receive mode, the transmission of data is disabled. Only in transmit and receive mode is both the transmission and reception of data enabled.

[0124] By sending data via the communication module 120, the communication network can determine the position or location of the tracking device 100. For this purpose, it is sufficient if only short data packets are sent via the communication module 120 or if a connection to the communication network is established at all. In the simplest case, it is sufficient for the communication module 120 to be operated in transmit mode. In transmit mode, the communication module 120 does not respond to data sent by the communication network. For example, there is no response to an acknowledgment of receipt of the data sent by the communication module 120. In this exclusively transmit mode, the transmission of data is often also referred to as unidirectional (uplink).

[0125] Since the communication module 120 can be selectively operated in transmit mode, receive mode, and transmit and receive mode, the appropriate mode can be selected for the respective purpose in order to operate the tracking device 100 with the greatest possible energy consumption. In particular, the energy consumption of the individual components of the tracking device 100 should be kept as low as possible in order to extend the operating time of the tracking device 100. Communication module 120 may further include an antenna. Alternatively, an antenna is suitably integrated into the base body 101 and connected to the communication module 120.

[0126] Information can be visually displayed using the graphical output unit 110. The graphical output unit 110 can be implemented as a two-dimensional display. The graphical output unit 110 should also be flexible. For example, the graphical output unit 110 can be designed as an e-paper display, foil display, LCD, LED, or OLED. The use of such displays allows the graphical output unit 110 to be designed relatively thin, so that the tracking device has a low overall thickness.

[0127] The energy source 150 can be, for example, a rechargeable battery. Non-flexible energy sources 150, such as rechargeable button cells, are preferably used because they are sufficiently stable and safe. The rechargeable battery can be charged contactlessly, for example. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to provide a contact device to supply energy to the battery externally and thereby charge it. For example, a plug connection can be provided as a contact device on a side edge of the base body 101. The plug connection can serve both for charging the energy source 150 and as a data interface.

[0128] With reference to Figure 2, a tracking device according to a further embodiment is described, which expands on the embodiment according to Figure 1. In addition to the graphical output unit 110, energy source 150, processor module 140, and communication module 120, the tracking device 100 also has, in particular, a memory module 190 and a machine-readable code 160. The processor module 140 and the memory module 190 can also be designed as a single unit, ie, a processor with integrated memory.

[0129] In the embodiment shown here, the machine-readable code 160 is designed as a QR code, which is printed or affixed to the front of the tracking device 100. Other forms of the machine-readable code, e.g., as an ID or 2D barcode, are also possible. The QR code can be optically read, for example, using a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. The QR code encodes an identifier specific to the respective tracking device 100, with with the help of which the respective tracking device 100 can be uniquely identified. The identifier can also be applied to the tracking device 100 as human-readable writing. Instead of a QR code, or in addition to a QR code, the machine-readable code 160 can also be stored in the form of an RFID identifier, so that the machine-readable code 160 can be read wirelessly. For example, the tracking device 100 can have a near-field communication chip in which the identifier of the tracking device 100 is stored. This identifier can be read contactlessly, for example, using a mobile device. Even with an RFID identifier, the identifier can additionally be applied to the tracking device 100 as human-readable writing.

[0130] The instructions for the basic functions of the tracking device 100 are stored in the memory module 190 in the form of software and data. The memory module 190 is preferably a non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, in order to minimize the energy required to store instructions and data. The non-volatile memory can be a permanent memory or a semi-permanent memory. A permanent memory can only be programmed once and cannot be changed thereafter. A semi-permanent memory, on the other hand, can be reprogrammed. It is also possible to use a combination of a permanent and a semi-permanent memory. In both cases, the advantage is exploited that the memory contents are retained even without a power supply.

[0131] The instructions stored in the memory module 190 are read and executed by the processor module 140. This allows all functions of the tracking device 100 to be controlled, for example, the communication module 120 and the graphical output unit 110.

[0132] Furthermore, the tracking device can have an input and output device 170 and at least one, preferably at least two, in particular at least three sensors 180. The sensors 180 can be, in particular, a light sensor, an acceleration sensor, a bending sensor, and a yaw rate sensor. These sensors make it possible to register certain events that may occur during the transport of a shipment.

[0133] The input and output device 170 can be embodied as a data communication module. The data communication module can comprise a near-field communication module 170 and / or a short-range communication module to enable contactless communication of the tracking device 100 with an operating device or other receiver-transmitter units. The operating device can be, for example, a mobile terminal, a charging device, or a magazine for storing a plurality of tracking devices 100. The near-field communication module 170 can comprise the aforementioned near-field communication chip so that the machine-readable code can be read contactlessly via the near-field communication module 170. The short-range communication module can be a Bluetooth module.

[0134] Preferably, the tracking device 100 is designed such that it can perform or enables the following functions: position determination, registration of changes in movement and changes in the environment, graphical output of information, wireless communication with a communication network, provision of a contactless data interface.

[0135] For position determination, particular use is made of the capabilities of the communication network. Since the position of the tracking device 100 can be determined by means of the communication module 120 when communicating with the communication network, the communication module 120 provides a means for determining the position. In addition, the tracking device 100 can also have a localization module 130 separate from the communication module 120. However, the type of position determination differs depending on whether the position is detected using the communication network or the localization module 130. In the simplest case, the functionality of the communication network is utilized, since the communication network can deduce the position of the tracking device 100 upon receiving data sent by the tracking device 100.In this case, the tracking device 100 cannot determine its own position independently of the communication network. This is only possible if the localization module 130 is activated, which then evaluates signals from global positioning systems (GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo) and thus determines its own position.

[0136] To register changes in movement and changes in the environment, the tracking device 100 has suitable sensors, in particular one or more light sensors, one or more acceleration sensors, one or more bending sensors, and / or one or more yaw rate sensors. Furthermore, the tracking device can have one or more pressure sensors for detecting barometric pressure. It is preferred that the tracking device 100 has at least two different sensors. For example, the tracking device 100 can have a bending sensor and an acceleration sensor. The bending sensor can be used, for example, to register whether the mail item 230, and thus the tracking device 100, is subjected to mechanical stress. Specific mechanical stresses occur, for example, within mail distribution centers during the sorting of mail items.For example, mail items pass through sorting machines that guide them over rollers. This causes the mail to undergo a certain degree of bending. At the same time, due to the movement along a portion of a circular path, a rotational acceleration occurs, which can be recorded by a yaw rate sensor and / or acceleration sensor. Based on the temporally coupled detection of bending and rotational acceleration, it can be concluded, for example, that the tracking device is currently located in a mail distribution center.

[0137] Another combination of events that can be registered by multiple sensors 180 is, for example, the insertion of a mail item into a mailbox. The ambient lighting conditions change, the mail item may be slightly bent during insertion, and upon reaching the bottom of the mailbox, the mail item stops abruptly. To detect these events, the detection signals from the light sensor, the bending sensor, and the acceleration sensor, for example, are used. If these events occur in close temporal proximity, it can be concluded that the mail item may have been inserted into a mailbox.

[0138] The graphical output unit 110 is used, in particular, for the graphical output of information. This can also be configured as an input unit, for example, by making areas of the graphical output unit pressure-sensitive and thus generating control signals upon contact. Alternatively, one or more switching elements can also be used to operate the tracking device 100. for example, in the form of membrane switches. Additionally, an optical display device 195, for example, in the form of an LED, can be provided to signal certain events, such as successful activation. This is shown, for example, in Figure 2.

[0139] The communication module 120 is used in particular for wireless communication with a communication network. Taking into account the lowest possible energy consumption and long operating time of the tracking device 100, the communication module 120 is designed in particular for communication with low-power WAN networks.

[0140] The data communication module 170, for example the near-field communication module, which may, for example, have an RFID chip, serves in particular to provide a contactless data interface. Data from the tracking device 100, in particular from the memory 190 or other special memory chips, can be read and, if necessary, stored via the data communication module 170. Furthermore, the software stored in the memory 190, which is intended to operate the tracking device 100, can be updated. The unique identifier or machine-readable code 160 can be stored in the memory 190 or in a special RFID chip. Since each tracking device 100 has a unique identifier in the form of a machine-readable code, this code should not be stored in a way that can be overwritten.Communication with an operating device or other devices can be carried out contactlessly via the data communication module 170.

[0141] Furthermore, the tracking device 100 can comprise a circuit board (not shown here), which carries all essential electronic components and modules and establishes the corresponding electrical connections between the individual components and modules. An antenna can also be integrated into the circuit board.

[0142] The described components of the tracking device 100 are integrated into the planar base body 101. The opposite side surfaces of the base body 101 are preferably flat, i.e., individual components do not protrude beyond the side surfaces. For example, it is possible to embed the individual components in a plastic material that forms the base material of the base body 101. Examples of suitable plastic materials are polyimide. Furthermore, it is possible to 101 can be manufactured in the form of a laminate made up of different layers, with individual layers assuming different functions. For example, the outer layers can each serve as a protective layer to protect the inner layers from moisture and dirt. One of the inner layers can, for example, assume the function of a wiring layer to electrically connect the individual components. The base body 101 can, for example, be incorporated into commercially available laminating films. Alternatively, the base body 101 can have a paper surface on one or both sides.

[0143] Embedded in the base body 101, or forming part of the base body 101, a fully flexible conductor track made of, for example, polyimide or a rigid-flex board made of, for example, FR4 (a flame-resistant composite material made of epoxy resin and fiberglass fabric) can be provided. To ensure sufficient flexibility of the rigid-flex board, it can have a thickness of approximately 200 μm to approximately 500 μm, preferably approximately 250 μm to 400 μm, and for example, approximately 300 μm.

[0144] With reference to Figure 3, a method for tracking shipments according to one embodiment is explained. The previously described tracking devices 100 can be used for tracking shipments. With this method, a user 201, referred to below as the first user, can send shipments to one or more recipients 211 and, in doing so, monitor the progress of the shipment until receipt by the recipient 211 using one of the tracking devices 100. For this purpose, the first user 201 attaches a tracking device 100 to the respective shipment.

[0145] The process shown in Figure 3 illustrates the flow of a shipment 230 from the first user 201 to a recipient 211, as well as the forwarding of a tracking device from the recipient 211 to a second user 202 who has a need for tracking devices. Some aspects of the method will be explained using the diagram in Figure 3, but are not limited thereto.

[0146] As indicated in Figure 3, the first user 201 has a plurality of tracking devices 100, which were made available to the first user 201 by an operator not shown here. The operator has also provided a control device 210, which is connected independently of one another to the individual tracking devices 100 via a communication network 220. can communicate. The communication is indicated in Figure 3 by the dotted arrows, whereby the communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional depending on the state of the tracking device and the current situation.

[0147] The first user 201 wishes to send a shipment 230 to the recipient 211 and track the shipment during transport. At the same time, the first user 201 wishes to allow the recipient 211 to also track the shipment 230. For this purpose, the first user 201 uses one of the tracking devices 100 provided by the operator. In the simplest case, the first user 201 has only a single tracking device 100, since they only wish to send a single shipment 230. In a typical application, however, the first user 201 has a plurality of tracking devices 100, from which they select any one tracking device for tracking the shipment 230.

[0148] The shipments can be mail, freight, or courier shipments, or any other shipment whose progress needs to be tracked. Since the tracking devices 100 have a flat shape and are rather thin, a tracking device 100 can also be used to track letter shipments.

[0149] Before the first user 201 encloses a tracking device 100 with the shipment 230, the tracking device 100 is first activated. Activation initially transfers the tracking device 100 from a standby state to an operating state or from an off state to the operating state. An activated tracking device 100a is then present. Successful activation can be indicated by the LED 195. For transferring the tracking device 100 to the operating state, energy can be supplied to the tracking device 100, for example, by placing the tracking device 100 on a charging device to contactlessly charge the rechargeable energy source 150 of the tracking device 100.Alternatively, it is possible that the tracking device 100 has already been made available to the first user 210 by the operator in a pre-loaded state, so that the tracking device 100 is, for example, in a sleep state before its activation.

[0150] Furthermore, it is possible for the tracking device 100 to have a switching element, upon actuation of which by the first user 201, the tracking device 100 can be transferred either from the off state to the operating state or from the idle state to the operating state. Depending on the current state of the tracking device 100, different functions can be triggered upon actuation of the switching element. For example, it is possible for a tracking device 100 in an operating state to be transferred to the off state or the idle state upon actuation of the switching element. As will be explained later, upon receipt of the transmission 230, the receiver 211 can acknowledge receipt of the transmission 230 by actuating the switching element.

[0151] The tracking device 100 can also be automatically activated upon removal from a charging device, or upon removal or dispensing from a magazine for storing a plurality of tracking devices. Such a magazine can also have a charging device, for example, a contactless charging device, with which the individual tracking devices 100 are charged contactlessly when stored in the magazine. Both placing the tracking device on a charging device and removing the tracking device from the charging device result in a change (charging current ON or charging current OFF) that can be registered by the tracking device 100 and used to automatically activate the tracking device 100.Furthermore, when removing or dispensing the tracking device 100 from the magazine, the tracking device 100 can be guided past an RFID reader, which, on the one hand, reads the identifier specific to the tracking device 100 and, on the other hand, sends a signal to the tracking device for its activation. RFID reader heads can also be integrated into the loading devices, thus enabling automatic communication with the tracking device 100.

[0152] The successful activation of the tracking device 100a can be displayed to the first user 201, for example, on the graphical output unit 110 or an optional additional optical output unit, for example an LED. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible for the tracking device 100a to transmit the activation via the communication module 120 and the communication network 220 to the Control device 210 is transmitted, from which the first user 201 can then query the activation.

[0153] If the activation occurs by placing or removing the item from the loading device or by removing or dispensing it from the magazine, the tracking device 100 can also report its activation contactlessly to the loading device or the magazine, which then forwards the information about the activation to the control device 210.

[0154] The method described here can also be integrated into a shipping system in which, for example, shipments are automatically packaged and shipped. In this case, tracking devices 100 can be automatically added to the shipments and simultaneously activated.

[0155] After the tracking device 100 has been suitably activated and is now present as an activated tracking device 100a, according to one embodiment, the activated tracking device 100a is assigned to the specific shipment 230 to be sent to the recipient 211. The shipment 230 is assigned a unique shipment identifier, which is linked to the identifier of the tracking device 100. The unique shipment identifier is either assigned by the first user 201 or received from a freight carrier to whom the first user 201 hands over the shipment for transport to the recipient 211. The assignment of the unique shipment identifier and the identifier of the tracking device 100 is transmitted to the control device 210 so that the assignment is known to the system. This allows the position of the assigned shipment 230 to be determined by querying the position of the tracking device 100.

[0156] The assignment of the unique shipment identifier of the shipment 230 and the identifier of the tracking device 100 can take place before or after activation of the tracking device 100. However, the assignment preferably takes place after activation, since this allows contactless reading of the identifier of the tracking device. For example, the first user 201 can contactlessly read the identifier of the activated tracking device 100a using a suitably configured operating device. Likewise, the shipment identifier can be received from the carrier using the operating device or read in by the first user 201. In one possible application, the operating device is a A mobile device, for example a mobile phone or a tablet, on which suitable software, for example a specific app (software application), is installed, whereby the mobile device is configured to communicate contactlessly with the activated tracking device 100a via the data communication module 170 (for example near-field communication or Bluetooth) and to optically read a shipment identifier printed or affixed, for example, to the shipment 230. The software in the mobile device then assigns the identifier of the tracking device 100a to the shipment identifier, which can simultaneously establish contact with the control device 210 in order to transmit this assignment to the control device 210.

[0157] For example, if the first user 201 uses a shipping system with automatic packaging of shipments, the assignment of the shipment identifier and the identifier of the activated tracking device 100a can also occur automatically when the tracking device 100a and shipment 230 are physically brought together. The assignment can then also be automatically transmitted from the shipping system to the control device 210. The automatic assignment can occur, for example, by the tracking device 100a being fed to a device (parcel label station) in the shipping system for affixing a shipment label to the outside of a shipment 230, and this device having a Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit specific to this device, or by one or more Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units being arranged in the vicinity of this device, which detect(s) signals from the data communication module 170 (Bluetooth module).The Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit can read the identifier of the tracking device 100a contactlessly and transmit it, along with the shipment identifier, to the control device 210. Alternatively, the shipping system can also have a separate station for this assignment with at least one additional Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit, or with one or more Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units in the vicinity of this separate station, as well as an optical detection device, in which both the applied shipment identifier can be optically read and the unique identifier can be queried contactlessly.

[0158] If the activated tracking device 100a is assigned to a shipment 230, the tracking device 100a is in a shipment state. This Shipment status refers to the period from the assignment of the tracking device to the shipment until the receipt of the shipment by the recipient 211, and in particular until the recipient 211 has acknowledged receipt or the receipt has been automatically registered by the tracking device 100a. Within this period, the recipient 211 and / or the first user 201 and / or the operator can query the position of the tracking device 100a from the control device 210 in order to determine the current position of the shipment 230. After the shipment 230 has arrived at the recipient 211 and the receipt has been suitably registered, the assignment between the shipment identifier and the identifier of the tracking device 100a is canceled, whereby the recipient 211 can no longer query the position of the tracking device 100a.The first user 211 can still track the position, in particular to detect the forwarding and credit a possible bonus to the recipient. The operator can also continue to track the position.

[0159] Certain functions of the tracking device 100a can only be activated in the transmission state, for example, the acquisition of data by the sensors 180 or the detection of the position by the localization module 130. Furthermore, it can be provided that the tracking device 100a contacts the communication network more frequently in the transmission state than in the idle or operating state, since in the transmission state, the position of the tracking device 100a is queried more regularly by the control device 210 via the communication network. However, it is also possible for the tracking device 100a to contact the communication network 220 with the same frequency in both the operating state and the transmission state.

[0160] The first user 201 physically combines the activated tracking device 100a, which has been assigned to the shipment 230, with the shipment 230. In particular, the first user 201 encloses the tracking device 100a with the shipment 230. In the case of letter shipments, the tracking device 100a is inserted into the envelope. For parcel shipments, the tracking device 100a can also be placed inside the package or suitably attached to the outside. This also applies to courier shipments. It is only essential that the tracking device 100a is sufficiently firmly and securely attached to the shipment 230 for the purposes of transporting the shipment 230. so that the tracking device 100a does not detach from the shipment 230.

[0161] Figure 3 shows a shipment 230 with an enclosed, activated tracking device 100a, with the tracking device 100a located in the shipment 230 being shown in dashed lines. The shipment 230 is then transported by a freight carrier 250 together with the tracking device 100a to the recipient 211. During this time, the control device 210 repeatedly receives the position of the activated tracking device 100a during the transport of the shipment 230 to the recipient 211, in particular by querying the current position from the communication network 220. This enables the first user 201 and the recipient 211 to query the position of the shipment 230 via the control device 210. The first user 201 can make this query, for example, via their mobile device, on which the specific app described above is executed.Alternatively or additionally, the operator of the control device 210 can provide a web interface which, after entering the shipment identifier or the identifier of the tracking device 100a, optionally with additional entry of the receiving address or parts thereof (e.g., only the postal code), outputs the current position of the shipment 230.

[0162] In addition to or as an alternative to the periodic communication between tracking device 100a and communication network 220, tracking device 100a can contact communication network 220 upon detecting specific events. To detect these specific events, sensors 180 are regularly polled, or signals are emitted by sensors 180 as soon as certain changes are detected.

[0163] The signals detected by sensors 180 are evaluated by the software of tracking device 100a and, upon detection of certain patterns, assigned to predetermined events. As already explained above, the insertion of mail item 230 into a mailbox may include certain events characterized by the (practically) simultaneous occurrence of a change in brightness from light to dark, bending, and abrupt stopping.

[0164] For the detection of predetermined events, classical signal processing methods, methods from the machine learning area such as SVM (Support- Support vector machines (SVMs) to optimized neural networks can be used. Support vector machines describe mathematical methods for pattern recognition, which can, for example, be computer-implemented. SVMs can also be considered part of so-called machine learning. Alternatively, a rule-based system for recognizing predetermined events can be stored in memory 190.

[0165] Additionally or alternatively, the tracking device 100a can determine its own position periodically or upon detection of certain events by means of the localization module 130 and transmit it to the control device 210.

[0166] Furthermore, it is possible for base stations and / or repeaters to be installed in the distribution centers of the freight carrier 250 and / or in the vehicles of the freight carrier 250, via which the tracking device 100a can query or determine its own position. For example, a base station of the communication network 220 can be installed in a distribution center, with which the tracking device 100a then communicates.

[0167] The tracking device 100a can also activate the localization module 130 only upon detection of predetermined events by the sensors 180 or upon reaching the target area. According to one embodiment, for the tracking device 100a to detect the target area, it is sufficient for the tracking device 100a to be able to detect its approximate location. Communication with the communication network 220 is often sufficient for this purpose. Alternatively, the activation of the localization module 130 can also be effected by the control device 210 if, after querying the location of the tracking device 100a, it detects that the tracking device 100a is approaching the target area of ​​the receiver 211 or is already in the target area. The control device 210 then sends a corresponding control signal to the tracking device 100a.

[0168] The tracking device 100a can also activate the localization module 130 regularly after a time interval has elapsed. For example, the localization module 130 can be activated for a certain period of time 24 hours after sending.

[0169] After activating the localization module 130, the tracking device 100a can then determine its precise position and transmit it to the control device 210. This allows both the first user 201 and the recipient 211 to be informed of the exact location of the tracking device 100a and thus of the shipment 230. The recipient 211 can then take action to receive the shipment 230 or inform the freight carrier 250 via the control device 210 where to drop off or deposit the shipment 230 if the recipient 211 cannot personally accept the shipment 230. The freight carrier 250 can communicate directly with the control device 210 via other communication networks and is not limited to the communication network 220. This is indicated by the dot-dashed arrow.

[0170] After the recipient 211 receives the shipment 230, the recipient 211 removes the tracking device 100a from the shipment 230 and acknowledges receipt, for example, by activating the switching element or using the app running on the recipient's mobile device. To acknowledge receipt, the recipient places the mobile device on the tracking device, thereby initiating an NFC data exchange. Since the tracking device 100a was in the shipment state, the activation of the switching element is interpreted as an acknowledgment of receipt by the recipient 211, but the tracking device 100a is not deactivated.

[0171] The acknowledgement of receipt is transmitted to the control device 210 and communicated to the first user 201. This can be done, for example, via the communication network 220 or, for example, via a mobile device of the recipient 211, which is running the app described above or another app.

[0172] The recipient 211 then forwards the tracking device 100a without the shipment 230. To do so, the recipient 211 can first be informed on the graphical output unit 110 that they should first deposit the tracking device 100a into a mailbox or return it to a designated return station.

[0173] Specifically, after acknowledging receipt of the tracking device 100a, for example, a first target instruction can be transmitted, which causes the display of a first target address information for forwarding the tracking device 100a on the graphical output unit 110. The first target instruction can For example, this could include the general instruction to place the tracking device 100a in a mailbox. For example, the recipient 211 can be provided with a list of several mailboxes in their vicinity or nearby return machines. Based on the sensors 180 present, the tracking device 100a can detect whether it has been placed in a mailbox. If the tracking device 100a is fed to a return machine, the return machine can record the return or transmit this information contactlessly to the tracking device 100a and / or to the control device 210.

[0174] After the tracking device 100a has been deposited in a mailbox or fed into a return machine, a second destination instruction can be transmitted to the tracking device 100a, which causes the display of second destination address information for forwarding the tracking device 100a on the graphical output unit 110. The second destination address information can be the address of a second user 202 who currently has a high demand for tracking devices 100. This makes it possible to send a previously used tracking device 100 to a location where there is currently an increased demand. Returning it to a distribution center operated by the operator is not necessary, so that the tracking device 100a, which the recipient 211 has received, can be reused relatively quickly.

[0175] Using the control device 210, the operator can monitor the inventory levels of tracking devices 100 at individual users. For a more detailed explanation, please refer to Figure 4 below.

[0176] In Figure 4, the operator is designated 321, which supplies the tracking devices 300 to the individual users 301, 302, and 303 upon request. For example, the users 301, 302, and 303 of the tracking system have entered into a contractual agreement with the operator 321 regarding the provision of tracking devices 300. The operator 321 then provides the individual users 301, 302, and 303 with the desired quantity of tracking devices 300. Furthermore, the individual users 301, 302, and 303 can agree with the operator 321 on a minimum quantity of tracking devices 300, which the individual users 301, 302, and 303 must not fall below. The minimum quantity can, of course, vary for each individual user 301, 302, and 303.

[0177] The individual users hand over shipments addressed to recipients, as described above, to a freight carrier not shown in Figure 4. To do so, the users each activate a tracking device 300, assign the activated tracking device 300 to the shipment, and enclose the activated and assigned tracking device 300 with the shipment before handing it over to the freight carrier. In Figure 4, the sending of a shipment together with a tracking device 300 is represented by the hatched, thick arrows. The communication between the tracking devices and the control device 310 is indicated by thin, dashed arrows. In contrast, the forwarding of the tracking devices 300 without a shipment from the recipients to the respective users is indicated by the unfilled, thick arrows.

[0178] For example, the user 301, hereinafter the first user 301, sends a shipment together with a tracking device 300 to a first recipient 311. A second user 302 sends another shipment together with a tracking device 300 to a second recipient 312. A third user 303, in turn, sends another shipment together with a tracking device 300 to a third recipient 313. As indicated in Figure 4, the third user 303, compared to the first user 301 and the second user 302, only has a small inventory of tracking devices 300. It is assumed here, however, that the third user 303 has a high demand for tracking devices 300 that exceeds its current inventory.For example, the current inventory of tracking devices 300 at the third user 303 may be less than the agreed minimum inventory, or the third user 303 has a higher short-term demand for tracking devices 300 and has reported this higher demand to the operator 321.

[0179] The operator 321 knows the current inventory of tracking devices 300 at the individual users and also knows the number of tracking devices 300 currently in use for tracking shipments. Specifically, this overview is available to the operator 321, for example, in the control device 310. If the operator 321 recognizes, or the control device 310 automatically, that the third user 303 has an acute need for tracking devices 300, the control device 310 can send the tracking devices 300 currently in use at the recipients 311, 312, and 313. have arrived or will arrive soon, transmit destination instructions, which then lead to the output of destination address information for forwarding the respective tracking device 300 to the third user on the graphical output unit. This allows additional tracking devices 300 to be sent to the third user 303 relatively quickly.

[0180] As can be seen in Figure 4, the first receiver 311 and the second receiver 312 do not send the received tracking devices 300 back to the first user 301 or the second user 302, respectively, but to the third user 303. The third receiver 313, who has received a transmission from the third user, is requested by the control device 310 to send the tracking device back to the third user 303.

[0181] The situation depicted in Figure 4 merely serves to illustrate some aspects of the method described herein, without being limited thereto. For example, if the second user 302 also has a high demand for tracking devices 300, even if the third user 303 already has a high demand for tracking devices 300, the control device 310 can cause, for example, the first receiver 311 to transmit the tracking device 300 it has received to the second user 302 and not to the third user 303.

[0182] When evaluating which tracking device 300 should be sent to which user, the control device 310 can take into account not only the current demand and the inventory of tracking devices 300 for the individual users, but also the spatial distribution of the receivers 311, 312, 313 and the users 301, 302, 303. For example, if the spatial distance between the first receiver 311 and the second user 302 is small, but the distance between the first receiver 311 and the third user 303 is large, then it is advisable, for example, to send the tracking device 300 from the first receiver 311 to the second user 302, even if the demand for the third user 303 should be higher. The control device 310 is therefore preferably configured to optimize the forwarding of the tracking devices from the individual receivers to the users, taking into account the spatial distance and the current demand.Of course, the spatial distance also influences how quickly a tracking device can reach a user.

[0183] However, a recipient can also be a user. In this case, it is also taken into account whether the user who is currently receiving a tracking device from another user via a shipment has a need for additional tracking devices. If this user (who has just received the shipment) has a need, then no destination instructions are transmitted to the tracking device, or only a message is transmitted that the tracking device can remain with this user. If, on the other hand, this user does not currently have a need for additional tracking devices, then a destination instruction for forwarding the tracking device to another user can be transmitted to the tracking device.

[0184] In order to reliably determine the inventory levels of individual users, one embodiment can provide for the tracking devices 300 in stock at the individual users to transmit their status to the control device 310 at regular intervals. This can be done, for example, once a day by sending a short data packet. At the same time, the control device 310 can verify the location of the individual tracking devices via the communication network (not shown in Figure 4) and check whether the tracking devices provided to a specific user are actually still in stock. This makes it possible to conduct a regular or continuous inventory of the tracking devices.

[0185] For users who regularly use a relatively large number of tracking devices 300, it is advisable for the operator 321 to provide them with suitable devices for storing and dispensing tracking devices 300. These devices can be, for example, the magazines described above. The devices can be designed such that information about the inventory of tracking devices is also transmitted from the devices to the control device 310. For this purpose, the devices can, for example, have suitable reading devices for contactless communication with the tracking devices 300 stored in the device. At the same time, the devices can have suitable charging devices for contactless charging of the tracking devices.

[0186] Such a device, using the example of a magazine, is shown in Figure 5. For this purpose, the device 400 can, for example, have a transport device 420, with which the individual tracking devices 410 can be moved to an output compartment where removal takes place. At the same time, the device 400 has a charging device 430 and a reading device 440 for contactless communication with the individual tracking devices 410. The reading device 440 can, for example, communicate with the control device via a communication interface of the magazine, which is connected to a data connection 441 (shown schematically here), in order to transmit the current inventory to the control device. The charging device 430 can be supplied with energy via a charging cable 442.

[0187] Another option for transmitting the current inventory of tracking devices to the control facility is the use of a mobile device, for example, a mobile phone 500, as shown in Figure 6. Suitable software (an app) can be installed and running on the mobile phone 500, for example. This software is provided, for example, by the operator of the tracking system.

[0188] To do so, the user can bring the mobile phone 500 into close proximity to the tracking device 510 so that the mobile phone 500 can communicate contactlessly with the near-field communication module of the tracking device 510. For example, the unique identifier of the tracking device 510, referred to here as TrackerID, can be read out and displayed on the mobile phone 500. At the same time, the charge level of the rechargeable battery can be displayed. The shipment identifier would be displayed under the entry "Assigned to Shipment Number" if the tracking device 510 were assigned to a specific shipment. This is not the case in the present embodiment, since it only concerns checking the inventory of the respective user.

[0189] The software installed on the mobile terminal 500 can further be configured to optically capture and decode the shipment identifier, which is affixed or printed on a package, using the camera of the mobile terminal 500 (not shown here), so that the shipment identifier can then be assigned to the tracker ID of the tracking device 510 before being handed over to the carrier. This assignment can then be transmitted directly from the mobile terminal 500 to the control device.

[0190] Figure 7 shows a charging device 700 for contactless charging of a tracking device 710. The tracking device 710 is simply placed on the charging device 700 and is then charged inductively. Additionally, NFC communication can also be established between the charging device 700 and the tracking device 710. Power is supplied to the charging device 700 via a charging cable 720. Using a communication interface connected to a data connection 730, the charging device 700 can communicate with the control device 210 and exchange data via a suitable data network. Instead of NFC communication, Bluetooth communication can also be established between the charging device 700 and the tracking device 710. Bluetooth communication allows a higher data transmission rate than NFC and is therefore more suitable for installing a software update.

[0191] Figure 8A schematically shows a transport container 800 with a tracking device 810 detachably attached thereto. Figure 9B shows a transport container 805 in the form of a transport trolley with a tracking device 810 detachably attached thereto.

[0192] In principle, any container, trolley, or receptacle suitable for repeatedly picking up and removing goods and ensuring sufficiently safe transport of the goods can serve as a transport container. Figures 8A and 8B show only typical examples.

[0193] By means of the transport container 800 or 805, a transport item, for example various boxes or small parts (not shown), is moved from a first location to a second location. After reaching the second location, the transport item(s) is / are removed from the transport container 800, 805. Depending on the demand and the spatial distribution of individual locations where transport containers 800, 805 are required, the control device transmits suitable destination instructions to the individual tracking devices 810, analogous to the embodiments described above. This allows the transport containers 800, 805 to be transferred to the locations where there is a high demand for transport containers.

[0194] Figure 9 schematically shows a shipping system 900 with a parcel label station B and a station at which the assignment between unique identifier and shipment identifier is carried out using Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units. The shipping system 900 comprises a transport device 905, for example a conveyor belt 905, which moves the individual shipments 930 from station to station. The movement is indicated here by the arrow pointing to the right. At the packaging station A, a tracking device 910 is enclosed with a shipment 930, in the present embodiment a parcel. This can be done automatically or manually. The parcel is then sealed. The parcel 930 is then moved to a parcel label station B by means of the transport device 905. There, a parcel label 935 is printed onto the parcel 930 by means of a printer or a parcel label is affixed by means of an application device. Printer orThe application device is indicated by 940. The parcel label contains the destination address and a shipment identifier 935, shown here as a barcode. Other machine-readable codes are also possible.

[0195] Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units 920b can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the parcel labeling station B, which receive signals (data packets) from the tracking device 910. Due to the spatial distribution of the Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units 920b, the position of the tracking device 910 can be clearly determined and localized in the parcel labeling station B.

[0196] After the package 930 has been provided with the package label 935, the package 930 is moved by means of the one transport device 905 to an allocation station or verification station C. There, the package label is optically detected and the shipment identifier 935 is read out. This allows a check to be carried out to determine whether the package label can be reliably optically detected or whether it was not correctly printed or applied in the package label station B. In addition, Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units 920c can be arranged in the immediate vicinity of the allocation station / verification station C, which receive signals (data packets) from the tracking device 910. Based on the spatial distribution of the Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units 920c, the position of the tracking device 910 can be clearly determined and localized in the allocation station C.This makes it possible for the allocation station C to record both the shipment identifier 935 of the package 930 (the shipment) and the unique identifier of the tracking device 910. and assigned to each other. This assignment is done automatically by the shipping system and transmitted to the inspection facility.

[0197] Alternatively, it is possible that the parcel label is optically captured, but the shipment identifier is not read. In this case, capturing the parcel label only serves to verify whether the parcel label is optically detectable. The position of parcel 930 can also be determined by other means or is known to the shipping system, since parcel labeling station B must already know which parcel 930 is currently at parcel labeling station B. In principle, the logical position of the individual parcels in a shipping system is known based on the transport speed and dwell time at the individual stations. Therefore, explicit optical capture and reading of the shipment identifier is not necessary.

[0198] With reference to Figure 10, a method for tracking and redistributing transport containers 1000, 1001 between different locations is described. Specifically, Figure 10 shows three locations SI, S2, and S3, but is not limited to these. The three locations SI, S2, and S3 currently each have a different inventory level of empty transport containers 1000. In the present embodiment, the transport containers 1000, 1001 are all identical, i.e., they belong to the same class of transport container.

[0199] Transport containers are used to transport goods to other locations. In the present exemplary embodiment, transport containers containing a transport good are designated 1001, while empty transport containers are designated 1000. A transport container 1001 moves a transport good 1013 from location (first location) S1 to location (second location) S2, and another transport container 1001 moves another transport good 1012 from location (third location) S3 to location S1, indicated by the thick hatched arrows.

[0200] Each transport container 1000, 1001 has a tracking device 1010, which is, for example, detachably attached to an outer side of the respective transport container 1000, 1001. The tracking devices 1010 can be the tracking devices described above. In the present embodiment, the tracking devices 1010 have a power source (not shown here), a processor module, a memory module, a communication module, and a data communication module. Optionally, the tracking devices can also have a graphical output unit, sensors, and a localization module. The data communication module can, in particular, be a Bluetooth module.

[0201] During the transport of the transport containers 1001, the tracking devices 1010 are connected to the control device 210, as already described in detail above. This also takes place via a communications network (not shown here), as described above. This allows the position of the tracking devices 1010 and thus of the transport containers 1001 to be determined and tracked. Likewise, the tracking devices 1010 of the currently unused empty transport containers 1000 can communicate or be connected to the control device 210, indicated here by thin dashed arrows, analogous to the tracking devices described above that are not yet activated, so that the control device 210 can check the inventory of empty transport containers 1000 at regular intervals.

[0202] Since the tracking devices 1010 are attached to the individual transport containers 1000, 1001, the tracking devices 1010 can also be larger and, in particular, have a larger-capacity power source. This allows the tracking devices 1010 to remain permanently activated, enabling comparatively frequent communication with the control device 210.

[0203] In addition, several receiver-transmitter units 1020 are installed at each of the individual locations SI, S2, and S3, which are preferably Bluetooth receiver-transmitter units. These can communicate contactlessly with the data communication module of the tracking devices 1010. As a result, as specifically described in connection with Figure 9, the position of the individual tracking devices 1010, and thus of the transport containers 1000, 1001, at the individual locations SI, S2, and S3 can be determined and transmitted to the control device 210.

[0204] As indicated in Figure 10, the stock of empty transport containers 1000 at location S3 is significantly lower than, for example, at location S2. The stock level is indicated by the height of the stacked empty transport containers 1000. The control device 210 monitors the stock as well as the demand for Transport containers 1000 at the individual locations. Since, in the present exemplary embodiment, location S3 has a low inventory of transport containers 1000, which may correspond to an increased demand for transport containers 1000, instructions for dispatching empty transport containers 1000 are created by the control device 210 and transmitted, for example, to location S2. These instructions are registered there, for example by a dispatcher (not shown here). This dispatcher then arranges for empty transport containers 1000 to be transported to location S3 based on the created instructions. In the specific exemplary embodiment, three empty transport containers 1000 are transported to location S3, indicated by the empty, thick arrow.

[0205] Information on the position of the empty transport containers 1000 can be transmitted to the control unit 210 via the receiver-transmitter units 1020. This allows the control unit 210 to monitor whether the empty transport containers 1000 have been delivered to a goods exit at location S2 according to the created instructions, for example, or whether these empty transport containers 1000 have already arrived at the goods receipt at location S3.

[0206] In principle, the tracking system described here can be used to track the transport containers 1000, 1001, and to efficiently distribute empty transport containers 1000 to locations that currently have a high demand for transport containers 1000. The advantages achieved by tracking shipments and redistributing the tracking devices used in this process also apply to the method for tracking and redistributing transport containers.

[0207] In the process for tracking and redistributing transport containers, the control device 210 can also be controlled by the company using the transport containers. Therefore, the control device 210 does not have to be controlled by an external operator, but can be.

[0208] With reference to Figure 11, a further embodiment of a tracking device 2000 is explained, which can be implemented with any other embodiment described here, alone or in any combination. The following description should therefore be viewed in conjunction with the description of the preceding embodiments.

[0209] The tracking device 2000 has at least one circuit board, preferably two circuit boards, each of which represents an independent tracking device, i.e., can be used individually as a tracking device. Furthermore, it is possible to use both circuit boards together as a common tracking device. For this purpose, the two circuit boards are electrically connected to each other.

[0210] Specifically, the tracking device 2000 can comprise, for example, a first circuit board 2100 and a second circuit board 2200, which are electrically connected to one another via a flexible connection 2105, for example a flexible plug connection. The electrical connection allows, on the one hand, data exchange between the two circuit boards and, on the other hand, additional power supply to the first circuit board 2100 via the second circuit board 2200. The flexible plug connection 2105 can be a flexible ribbon cable with connectors. Alternatively, a detachable plug connection can also be provided.

[0211] The first circuit board 2100 has a flat first base body 2101, which has a length-to-thickness ratio of at least 20:1, preferably at least 30:1, and a thickness between the two opposite side surfaces of no more than 0.5 cm, preferably no more than 0.3 cm, and in particular no more than 0.2 cm, particularly no more than 0.1 cm, for example no more than 0.5 mm. The first base body 2101 is therefore relatively flat (low thickness), allowing multiple elastic bending. This is advantageous for tracking mail items that are guided through letter sorting machines and temporarily bent in the process. The first base body 2101 can absorb the resulting curvatures without damage. The elastically bendable first base body 2101 can, for example, have an elastic deflection of at least 20%, based on the length of the first base body 2101.For example, the first base body 2101 can be longer than wide (length is greater than width), for example at least twice as long as wide. For example, the length can be between 8 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 11.5 cm. For example, the width can be between 2 cm and 5 cm, preferably between 3 cm and 4 cm. The above length and width ranges can be combined with one another as desired, ie the length can be between 8 cm and 12 cm and the width can be between 2 cm and 5 cm or between 3 cm and 4 cm, or the length can be between 8 cm and 11.5 cm and the width can be between 2 cm and 5 cm or between 3 cm and 4 cm.

[0212] The deflection results from the central deflection, relative to the unloaded situation, based on the length. For example, if the length of the first base body 2100 is 10 cm, then a deflection of 20% means a central deflection of 2 cm if the two ends of the first base body 2100 are held firmly. The first base body 2101 can also have an elastic deflection of at least 25%, preferably at least 30%, based on the length of the first base body 2101.

[0213] As already explained above in connection with the base body 101, a flexible but dimensionally stable material can also be used for the first base body 2101. In particular, the material from which the first base body 2101 is formed is bendable, so that the first base body 2101 and thus the first circuit board 2100 as a whole are bendable.

[0214] It is also possible, as already explained above, for a fully flexible conductor track made of, for example, polyimide or a rigid-flex circuit board made of, for example, FR4 (a flame-retardant composite material made of epoxy resin and fiberglass fabric) to be provided in the first base body 2101, or forming part of the first base body 2101. To ensure sufficient flexibility of the rigid-flex circuit board, it can have a thickness of approximately 200 μm to approximately 500 μm, preferably approximately 250 μm to 400 μm, and for example, approximately 300 μm.

[0215] The first circuit board 2100 further comprises a communication module 2120 for establishing wireless communication with a communication network, a first memory module 2190, a first processor module 2140, at least two sensors 2180, one being an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) and the other a rotation rate sensor (gyrometer), a first unique identifier 2160, optionally a first optical display device 2195, and a first rechargeable energy source 2150. These components may be the components already described above, so reference is made to the above description of these components. Optionally, the first circuit board 2100 may comprise further sensors, such as one or more bending sensors and / or one or more sensors for detecting environmental conditions.

[0216] The communication module 2120, the memory module 2190, the processor module 2140, the at least two sensors 2180, and the first rechargeable energy source 2150 are arranged on the first base body 2101. These components can also be partially integrated into the first base body 2101. Typically, however, these components are arranged and fastened on the first base body 2101, ie on one of the two side surfaces of the first base body 2100 or distributed over both side surfaces.

[0217] The communication module 2120 can, in particular, be the communication module described above as the first communication module (remote communication module), which is particularly configured to communicate with a low-power WAN communication network. In connection with the first circuit board 2100, communication modules 2120 that can communicate with LoRaWAN and Sigfox communication networks are particularly preferred. Communication with these communication networks is particularly energy-efficient, which is why the first circuit board 2100 can also be designed to be compact and very lightweight. In particular, the first circuit board 2100 has a total weight of no more than 10 g. The total weight refers to the weight of the first base body 2101 and all components attached to it.

[0218] Furthermore, electrical connections, e.g., conductor tracks, for electrically connecting the individual components are provided in or on the first base body 2101. These electrical connections are not shown separately.

[0219] Preferably, the tracking device 2000 does not have a graphical output unit, ie, no graphical output unit is arranged on the first circuit board. This further reduces the energy consumption.

[0220] Specifically, the sensors 2180 can be a 3D acceleration sensor (accelerometer for all three spatial directions) and a 3D angular rate sensor (gyrometer for all three spatial axes). Acceleration sensors and angular rate sensors can also be referred to as sensors for detecting a state of motion. Furthermore, a bending sensor can also be provided on the first circuit board 2100. A bending sensor is also understood as a sensor for detecting a state of motion.

[0221] Optionally, a sensor for detecting ambient conditions may also be present on the first circuit board 2100, wherein ambient conditions are understood to mean, in particular, humidity, air pressure, and temperature. At least one sensor for detecting one of these ambient conditions may be present. A humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, and a temperature sensor are preferred. These can be integrated into a common sensor chip. It is also possible for the gyroscope(s) and / or acceleration sensor(s) to be integrated into a common chip. An example of a jointly integrated 3D acceleration sensor and 3D gyroscope sensor is the LSM6DSOX from STMicroelectronics. An example of a jointly integrated humidity sensor, air pressure sensor, and temperature sensor is the BME280 or BME680 from Bosch.

[0222] According to a further embodiment, which can be implemented alone or in any combination with any other embodiment described here, the tracking device 2000 comprises a second circuit board 2200. The second circuit board 2200 can fundamentally have the same or a similar structure as the first circuit board 2100. The second circuit board 2200 can therefore have a second base body 2201, which can be made of the same material with the same properties (same thickness ranges, same thickness-to-length ratio, dimensionally stable, elastically bendable) as the first base body 2101.

[0223] Furthermore, the second circuit board 2200 has a further communication module 2220 for establishing wireless communication with the or a further communication network 220, a second memory module 2290, a second processor module 2240, at least two sensors 2280, one sensor being a light sensor and another being a rotation rate and / or acceleration sensor, a second unique identifier 2260, optionally a second optical display device 2295, optionally a short-range communication module, for example a Bluetooth module 2270, optionally a localization module, in particular a GPS, and / or a Glonass and / or Beidou and / or a Galileo module 2230, and a second rechargeable energy source 2250.

[0224] The processor modules, memory modules and optical display devices may be the same on the first and second boards.

[0225] It is preferred that the second rechargeable energy source 2250 has a larger capacity than the first rechargeable energy source 2150, so that the second circuit board 2200 also allows the use of components that have a higher energy requirement. In particular, the further communication module 2220 can therefore be different from the first communication module 2100. The further communication module 2220 can, as with the communication module 2120, in particular be the one described above. For example, in connection with Figures 1 and 2, the communication module described as the first communication module (remote communication module) 120 may be the communication module, which is particularly configured to communicate with a low-power WAN communication network. In connection with the second circuit board 2200, communication modules 2220 that can communicate with LTE-M or NB-loT communication networks are particularly preferred.

[0226] The optional short-range communication module 2270, for example, a Bluetooth module, may be the third communication module described above. The optional localization module may be the localization module 2230 described above, in particular a GPS, Glonass, Beidou, and / or Galileo module.

[0227] The second base body 2200 can have a similar form factor to the first base body 2100, i.e., it is longer than it is wide, for example, at least twice as long as it is wide. For example, the length can be between 8 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 8 cm and 11.5 cm. The second base body 2200, on the other hand, can be somewhat wider than the first base body 2100. For example, the width can be between 3 cm and 6 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 5 cm. The above length and width ranges can be combined with one another as desired, i.e., the length can be between 8 cm and 12 cm and the width can be between 3 cm and 6 cm or between 4 cm and 5 cm, or the length can be between 8 cm and 11.5 cm and the width can be between 3 cm and 6 cm or between 4 cm and 5 cm.

[0228] The first circuit board 2100 and the second circuit board 2200 thus each have their own communication module, which corresponds to the first communication module or remote communication module described above. However, the communication module 2120 of the first circuit board 2100 and the further communication module 2220 of the second circuit board 2200 are preferably configured for communication with different (low power WAN) communication networks. As a result, the tracking device 2000, if it comprises the first and second circuit boards, can communicate with two different communication networks, which has a positive effect on the accessibility of the tracking device 2000 by the control unit 210 as well as on the position determination of the tracking device 2000. For example, the communication module 2120 of the first circuit board 2100 is configured for a Communication with LoRaWAN or Sigfox communication networks is configured, and the additional communication module 2220 of the second board 2200 is configured for communication with LTE-M or NB-loT communication networks. The additional communication module 2220 of the second board 2200 is thus also capable of communicating with mobile networks, since LTE-M and NB-loT are extensions of the LTE mobile network.

[0229] It is also possible for the further communication module 2220 to be configured to communicate both with the communication network with which the communication module 2120 of the first board 2100 also communicates, and with a further communication network.

[0230] In addition to the larger second rechargeable energy source 2250 and the additional communication module 2220, the second circuit board 2200 can also differ from the first circuit board 2100 in the number and / or type of sensors 2280. For example, the second circuit board 2200 can have a sensor for detecting an environmental condition, for example, a light sensor, and a sensor for detecting a motion state, for example, a rotation rate and / or acceleration sensor.

[0231] The first circuit board 2100 can therefore, in particular, comprise sensors 2180 for detecting one or more motion states, whereas the second circuit board 2200 can, in particular, comprise one or more sensors for detecting one or more motion states and one or more sensors for detecting one or more environmental conditions. An example of a jointly integrated humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, and a gas sensor is the BME680 from Bosch. It is also possible for the first circuit board 2100 to comprise one or more sensors for detecting one or more motion states and one or more sensors for detecting one or more environmental conditions.

[0232] The first and second circuit boards 2100 and 2200 are electrically interconnected for data exchange and power supply purposes, respectively. In particular, the larger second power source 2250 can also supply power to the first circuit board 2100.

[0233] The second board 2200 may have a total weight that is greater than the total weight of the first board 2100, wherein the weight of the second board 2200 together with the first circuit board 2100, does not exceed 40 g. This allows the second rechargeable energy source 2250 to have a higher capacity than the first rechargeable energy source 2150, and the second circuit board 2200 can have more components than the first circuit board 2100, e.g., an additional short-range communication module and a localization module.

[0234] When the first and second circuit boards 2100, 2200 are electrically connected to each other, one of the two processor modules can serve as the master module, the other as the slave module for the control and monitoring of the entire tracking device 2000. Independently, each processor module controls the components located on its circuit board, i.e., the first processor module 2140 controls the communication module 2120 and the sensors 2180, and the second processor module 2240 controls the further communication module 2220 and the sensors 2280.

[0235] The first and second unique identifiers 2160, 2260 can each be, for example, an optically readable identifier, e.g., an alphanumeric code, a barcode, or a QR code. The identifier is unique for each circuit board, so that when the circuit boards are used separately as a tracking device, the tracking device thus formed has a unique identifier for identification.

[0236] In particular, the tracking device 2000 does not have a graphical output unit. This further reduces the energy consumption and the weight of the tracking device 2000. In particular, the first circuit board 2100 is equipped only with components that enable tracking (communication module 2120) and recording of movement states and environmental conditions (sensors 2180). This allows the use of a lightweight first energy source 2150, so that the total weight of the tracking device 2000, when using only the first circuit board 2100, is low and preferably below 10 g. This makes it possible to also track mail items, which is particularly advantageous for monitoring the entire shipping process.In particular, the dispatch process of letters can be monitored for test purposes in order to identify, for example, organisational or technical bottlenecks in the dispatch process.

[0237] For tracking larger / heavier mail items, e.g. compact letters, large letters or maxi letters, but also for parcels or other mail items, the Tracking device 2000 can also be used with both circuit boards 2100, 2200 or only with the second circuit board 2200. As already explained above, each circuit board 2100, 2200 can be used independently as a standalone tracking device 2000. The tracking device 2000 can therefore comprise the first circuit board 2100 alone, the second circuit board 2200 alone, or both circuit boards 2100, 2200.

[0238] To use both circuit boards 2100, 2200 together as a common tracking device 2000, the second circuit board 2200, or the second base body 2201 of the second circuit board 2100, can have a receptacle into which the first circuit board 2100 can be inserted. This also allows the electrical connection (data and power) to be established simultaneously.

[0239] Shipments, in particular letters, can be tracked using the tracking device 2000. The method for tracking shipments using the tracking device 2000 essentially corresponds to the method already described above, for example, as explained in Figures 3 or 4. Therefore, reference is made below to the above explanations, and only the differences are explained in more detail.

[0240] For tracking, the tracking device 2000 may comprise only the first circuit board 2100, only the second circuit board 2200, or both circuit boards 2100 and 2200 connected to each other. The following explanations apply to all variants.

[0241] Since the first and second boards 2100, 2200 are each significantly longer than they are wide, the boards can be inserted into a letter in different orientations. Preferably, the length of the respective plates 2100, 2200 is not greater than the "width" of a letter. For example, a standard letter or compact letter from Deutsche Post has a width of 9 to 12.5 cm and a length of 14 to 23.5 cm. This makes it possible for the respective plate 2100, 2200 to be inserted into the letter in such a way that its longitudinal orientation extends in the width direction of the letter, i.e., it is inserted more "upright" into the letter. This can reduce the bending load on the tracking device 2000. In order to determine the temporary bending that the letter undergoes during the dispatch process from the user to the recipient, the tracking device 2000 is inserted with its longitudinal direction in the lengthwise direction of the letter. In order to For example, the bending sensor can only be activated when acceleration is detected. This can save energy.

[0242] The tracking device 2000 is therefore suitably adapted for tracking mail, ie, it is thinner and even more flexible, and its external dimensions are even more compact than, for example, the tracking device of Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the tracking device 2000 is weight-optimized. In particular, it comprises two tracking devices that can each be used independently.

[0243] In addition to monitoring mail or other mail, monitoring the entire mailing process is also of interest, for example, to identify organizational or technical bottlenecks in the mailing process. For this purpose, test mailings can be sent by individual users, e.g., users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303 (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4), each of which is provided with a tracking device 2000. For this purpose, users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, a plurality of tracking devices 2000 are provided, for example, by an operator 312. For tracking a shipment 230 from, for example, a first user 201, 302 to a recipient 211, 311, 312, 313, the tracking device 2000 is activated to send the activated tracking device 2000 together with the shipment 230 to the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313, wherein the activation of the tracking device 2000 is transmitted to the control device 210, 310. This corresponds to the steps already described above.

[0244] During the transport of the shipment 230 to the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313, the control device 210, 310 repeatedly receives the position of the activated tracking device 2000 to record the shipment progress. These steps also correspond to the steps already explained above.

[0245] As already explained above, it is possible that the first user 201, 301, 302, 303 and / or the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313 can track the position of the shipment 230 via the control device 210, 310.

[0246] Likewise, the control device 210, 310 monitors the inventory of the tracking devices 2000 for some or all users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, as already explained above.

[0247] After the tracking device 2000 has arrived at the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313 together with the shipment 230, the control device 210, 310 provides destination address information for forwarding the tracking device 2000 to a second of the plurality of users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, wherein the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313 can retrieve the destination address information from the control device 210, 310 using the unique identifier 2160, 2260 of the tracking device 2000. As already explained above, the control device 210, 310 determines the destination address information depending on the need for tracking devices 2000 by the users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303 and / or depending on the inventory of tracking devices 2000 at the users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303.

[0248] Since tracking device 2000, unlike tracking device 100, does not have a graphical output unit, tracking device 2000 cannot directly display the destination address information. Therefore, no destination instructions are transmitted to tracking device 2000 that cause the display of destination address information on the graphical output unit. Instead, control device 210, 310 provides the destination address information, which can be retrieved from control device 210, 310 by receiver 211, 311, 312, 313 using the unique identifier 2160, 2260 of tracking device 2000. For this purpose, the receiver 211, 311, 312, 313 can use, for example, an operating device 500, for example a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, with which the unique identifier 2160, 2260 can be scanned or photographed.It is also possible for the recipient 211, 311, 312, 313 to enter the unique identifier 2160, 2260, for example, into a query form on a website. Regardless of how the unique identifier 2160, 2260 is entered, it serves to uniquely identify the tracking device 2000 to the control device 210, 310, so that the control device 210, 310 then outputs the destination address information intended for this tracking device 2000.

[0249] The destination address information is determined by the control device 210, 310, as already described above, for example in connection with Figures 3 and 4, depending on the need for tracking devices 2000 by the users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303 and / or depending on the inventory of tracking devices 2000 at the users 201, 202, 301, 302, 303.

[0250] The difference is therefore essentially that in the embodiments of Figures 3 and 4, the control device 210, 310 transmits the destination instructions which cause the display of destination address information on the graphic output unit, whereas in the case of tracking by means of the tracking device 2000 without a graphic output unit, the control device 210, 310 provides the destination address information which is then queried by the receiver 211, 311, 312, 313.

[0251] The recipient 211, 311, 312, 313 can, for example, print out the requested destination address information and stick it on a shipping envelope (e.g., letter envelope) or place it in it (in the case of shipping envelopes with windows) or write it directly on a shipping envelope, place the tracking device 2000 in the shipping envelope and put it in a mailbox or put it in a reverse vending machine.

[0252] Since the tracking device 2000 is comparatively thin and flexible, the shipment tracked by the tracking device 2000 can also pass through typical mail distribution centers, including the sorting machines used there. The passage can be monitored and recorded using the position determination by the communication module 2120 and / or the additional communication module 2220, but also using the sensors 2180, 2280, for example, the mechanical stresses typically encountered during passage through a sorting machine, such as bending and acceleration. This makes it possible to detect delays and problems in the shipping process, so that these problems can then be resolved in a targeted manner.

[0253] Although specific embodiments are described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be appropriately modified. List of reference symbols 100 tracking device 100a activated tracking device 101 basic bodies 110 graphic output unit / display 120 communication module / remote communication module 130 Localization module 140 processor module 150 Energy source 160 Identifier / machine-readable code 170 Data communication module (short-range communication module / near-field communication module) input and output device 180 sensors 190 memory module 195 optical display device / LED 201, 202 users 210 Control device 211 recipients 220 Communication network 230 broadcast 250 freight forwarders 300 tracking device 301, 302, 303 users 310 Control device 311, 312, 313 Recipient 321 operators 400 fixtures / magazine 410 Tracking device 420 Transport device 430 loading device 500 mobile devices 510 Tracking device 700 loading device 710 Tracking device 720 charging cable 730 data connection 800, 805 transport containers 810 Tracking device 900 shipping system 905 Transport device 910 tracking device 920b, 920c Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit 930 broadcast 935 Shipment identification 940 printer, application device 950 optical detection unit 1000, 1001 transport containers 1010 Tracking device 1012, 1013 Transport goods 1020 Bluetooth receiver-transmitter unit A packaging station B Parcel label station C Allocation station / verification station 2000 tracking shipment 2100 first board 2101 first basic body 2105 electrical connection 2120 communication module 2140 first processor module 2150 first rechargeable energy source 2160 first unique identifier 2180 sensors 2190 first memory module 2195 first optical display device 2200 second board 2201 second base body 2220 additional communication module 2230 Localization Module 2240 second processor module 2250 second rechargeable energy source 2260 second unique identifier 2270 data communication module (Short-range communication module / Near-field communication module) input and Output device 2280 sensors 2290 second memory module 2295 second optical display device

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for tracking shipments (230) such as mail, parcel, small package, forwarding and courier shipments, in which a plurality of users (201, 202) are each provided with at least one tracking device (100), in particular a plurality of tracking devices (100), which each have a communication module (120) and a graphical output unit (110) and which can communicate wirelessly with a control device (210) independently of one another via the communication module (120), wherein one of the tracking devices (100, 100a) is activated for use by a first of the plurality of users (201) for tracking a shipment (230) from the first user (201) to a recipient (211) in order to send the activated tracking device (100a) together with the shipment (230) to the recipient (211), wherein the activation of the tracking device (100a) is transmitted to the control device (210) is transmitted;the control device (210) repeatedly receives the position of the activated tracking device (100a) during the transport of the shipment (230) to the recipient (211); the first user (201) and / or the recipient (211) can track the position of the shipment (230) via the control device (210); the control device (210) monitors the inventory of the tracking devices (100) for some or all users (201, 202); and the control device (210) transmits destination instructions to the activated tracking device (100a) after this tracking device (100a) has arrived at the recipient (211) together with the shipment (230), which cause destination address information for forwarding the tracking device (100a) to a second of the plurality of users (201, 202) to be displayed on the graphic output unit (110), wherein the control device (210) transmits the destination instructions depending on the need for; Tracking devices (100) by the users (201, 202) and / or depending on the inventory of tracking devices (100) at the users (201, 202). The method according to claim 1, wherein, to activate the tracking device (100), the first user supplies energy to the tracking device (100), in particular contactlessly, and thereby transfers the tracking device (100) from a rest state to an operating state. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, to activate the tracking device (100), one of the following steps is performed, in particular by the first user: Actuating a switching element, for example a piezo element, a membrane switch or a push button, of the tracking device (100); feeding the tracking device (100) to a charging device, for example by placing it on a charging device for contactless charging; Removing the tracking device (100) from a loading device; Removing or dispensing the tracking device (100) from a magazine for storing a plurality of tracking devices (100). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication module (120) is wirelessly connected to the control device (210) via a communication network (220), and the control device (210) repeatedly queries the position of the activated tracking device (100a) from the communication network (220), which determines the position of the activated tracking device (100a), wherein the communication network is in particular a low-power WAN. wherein optionally the activated tracking device (100) can send at least one data packet to the communication network (220) so that the communication network (220) can determine the position of the activated tracking device (100) when the tracking device (100) is moved or when a movement state of the tracking device (100) changes. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking devices (100) further each have a localization module (130) to determine the position of the tracking devices (100), wherein the determination of the position by the localization module (130) is independent of the determination of the position by the communication network (220), wherein the localization module (130) in particular has a GPS, and / or a Glonass, and / or Beidou, and / or a Galileo module.Method according to claim 5, wherein the localization module (130) is activated when the activated tracking device (100a) reaches a predetermined area, and then the activated tracking device (100a) transmits its position determined by the activated localization module (130) to the control device (210). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking devices (100) each further comprise a rechargeable energy source (150). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking devices (100) each further comprise a machine-readable code, each comprising a unique identifier (160), wherein the machine-readable code and thus the unique identifier (160) is read out by the first user (201) during, before or after the activation of the respective tracking device (100), wherein the unique identifier. optionally also visible as human-readable writing on the respective tracking device (100). Method according to claim 8, wherein the shipment (230) has a unique shipment identifier, and the shipment identifier and the unique identifier (160) of the tracking device (100) are transmitted to the control device (210) and associated with one another to thereby enable tracking of the shipment (230), wherein optionally the association of the shipment identifier and the unique identifier (160) of the tracking device (100) can be canceled after the activated tracking device (100a) has arrived at the recipient (211) together with the shipment (230).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking devices (100) further comprise a data communication module (170), for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, for contactlessly communicating with an operating device (500), wherein the machine-readable code is read by the first user via the data communication module (170). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tracking devices (100) are made available to the users (201, 202) by an operator (321). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the destination instructions are additionally determined as a function of the current location of the tracking device (100) after receipt of the transmission (230) by the recipient (211).Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (210) transmits the target instructions to the tracking device (100) after the control device (210) has received confirmation that a. a predetermined event or the sequence of at least two predetermined events has occurred, wherein optionally the confirmation by the tracking device (100) that the event detected by the tracking device (100) has occurred can take place. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in order to monitor the inventory of the tracking devices (100) at the users (201, 202), the control device (210) regularly receives the position of the tracking devices (100), in particular the position of the non-activated tracking devices. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the destination instructions are further determined as a function of the geographical distribution of the users (201, 202).A method for tracking transport containers, in which a plurality of transport containers (800, 805) are provided, each with a tracking device (810) which is in particular detachably fastened to the respective transport container (800, 805) for use at different locations, wherein the tracking devices (810) each have a communication module (120) and the tracking devices (810) can communicate wirelessly with a control device (210) independently of one another via the communication module (120), and wherein the transport containers (800, 805) are designed to receive one or more transport goods, wherein at least some of the transport containers (800, 805) are used to send transport goods between the locations, wherein at least one transport good is received in a transport container (800, 805), which is sent from one location to another by means of the transport container (800, 805).the control device (210) is repeatedly informed of the position of the tracking devices (810) attached to the transport containers (800, 805) and thus of the transport container (800, 805) during the transport of the transport containers (800, 805) between the locations; the position of the tracking devices (810) attached to the transport containers (800, 805), and thus the position of the transport containers (800, 805) during the transport of the transport goods, can be tracked via the control device (210); the control device (210) monitors the stock level of the tracking devices (810) and thus of the transport container (800, 805) at some or all locations;and the control device (210) creates instructions for shipping empty transport containers (800, 805) without transport goods between the locations depending on the demand for transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations and / or depending on the inventory of transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations, and the empty transport containers (800, 805) are shipped between the locations based on the created instructions. The method according to claim 16, further comprising at least one of the following features: - wherein the tracking devices (810) each have a graphical output unit (110), wherein the control device (210) transmits destination instructions to the tracking devices (810), which cause destination address information for sending the empty transport containers (800, 805) with the respective tracking device (810) to another location to be displayed on the graphical output unit (110), wherein the control device (210) determines the destination instructions depending on the demand for transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations and / or depending on the stock level of transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations; - wherein the tracking devices (810) each have a data communication module (170), for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, for contactless communication with an operating device (500), wherein the control device (210) transmits destination instructions to the tracking device (810), which can be read out contactlessly by an operating device (500) via the data communication module (170) and causes the output of destination address information for sending the empty transport containers (800, 805) with the tracking device (800) to other locations on the operating device (500), wherein the control device (210) determines the destination instructions depending on the demand for transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations and / or depending on the stock level of transport containers (800, 805) at the individual locations; - wherein the tracking devices (810) each have a data communication module (170), for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, which can communicate with receiver-transmitter units distributed at the individual locations for determining the position of the tracking devices (810), and thus for determining the position of the transport containers (800, 805), wherein the positions of transport containers (800, 805) are determined by means of the receiver-transmitter units and transmitted to the control device (210), wherein the control device (210) checks on the basis of the determined positions whether empty transport containers (800, 805) have been prepared for dispatch and / or have already been dispatched in accordance with the instructions created by the control device (210).Tracking device (100) for tracking shipments (230) or transport containers, comprising: a flat base body (101) with two opposite side surfaces, wherein the flat base body (101) preferably has minimum dimensions of 7 cm x 10 cm and in particular of 9 cm x 14 cm, wherein the length is preferably at least 1.4 times the width, and wherein the flat base body (101). preferably has a thickness of no more than 1 cm and in particular no more than 0.5 cm; a graphic output unit (110) integrated into one of the two side surfaces; a communication module (120) for establishing wireless communication with a communication network (220); a data communication module (170), for example a near-field communication module and / or a short-range communication module, for contactless communication with an operating device (500); a memory module (190); at least two sensors (180) selected from a light sensor, an acceleration sensor (accelerometer), a bending sensor, and a rotation rate sensor (gyrometer); a processor module (140); a rechargeable energy source (150); and an identifier (160) in the form of a machine-readable code;wherein the communication module (120), the data communication module (170), the memory module (190), the at least two sensors (180), the processor module (140), and the rechargeable energy source (150) are integrated into the flat base body (101). A method for tracking shipments (230), such as mail, parcel, small package, forwarding, and courier shipments, in which several users (201, 202, 301, 302, 303) are each provided with at least one tracking device (2000), in particular a plurality of tracking devices (2000), each having a communication module (2120, 2220) and an identifier (2160, 2260) unique to the respective tracking device (2000), and; which can communicate wirelessly with a control device (210, 310) independently of one another via the communication module (2120, 2220), wherein one of the tracking devices (2000) is for use by a first of the plurality of users (201, 301, 302, 303) for tracking a shipment (230) from the first user (201, 301, 302, 303) to a receiver (211, 311, 312, 313) is activated to send the activated tracking device (2000) together with the shipment (230) to the recipient (211, 311, 312, 313), wherein the activation of the tracking device (2000) is transmitted to the control device (210, 310); the control device (210) repeatedly receives the position of the activated tracking device (2000) during the transport of the shipment (230) to the recipient (211, 311, 312, 313); the first user (201, 301, 302, 303) and / or the recipient (211, 311, 312, 313) can track the position of the shipment (230) via the control device (210, 310); the control device (210, 310) monitors the inventory of the tracking devices (2000) for some or all users (201, 202, 301, 302, 303);and the control device (210, 310), after the tracking device (2000) has arrived at the recipient (211, 311, 312, 313) together with the shipment (230), provides destination address information for forwarding the tracking device (2000) to a second of the plurality of users (201, 202, 301, 302, 303), wherein the recipient (211, 311, 312, 313) can retrieve the destination address information from the control device (210, 310) using the unique identifier (2160, 2260) of the tracking device (2000), wherein the control device (210) provides the destination address information depending on the need for tracking devices (2000) by the users (201, 202, 301, 302, 303) and / or depending on the inventory of tracking devices (2000) at the users (201, 202, 301, 302, 303); Method according to claim 19, wherein the receiver can query the unique identifier (2160, 2260) by means of an operating device (500) and the query of the destination address information is carried out by the control device (210, 310) via the operating device (500). Tracking device (2000) for tracking shipments (230), in particular letter mail, comprising: a first circuit board (2100) with a flat first base body (2101) with two opposite side surfaces, wherein the first base body (2101) has a length to thickness ratio of at least 20:1, preferably of at least 30:1, and a thickness between the two opposite side surfaces of not more than 0.5 cm and is elastically bendable, in particular has an elastic deflection in the length direction of the first base body (2101) of at least 20%, based on the length of the first base body (2101);a communication module (2120) for establishing wireless communication with a communication network; a first memory module (2190); a first processor module (2140); at least two sensors (2180), one sensor being an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) and another being a rotation rate sensor (gyrometer); a first unique identifier (2160); optionally a first optical display device (2195); and a first rechargeable energy source (2150); wherein the communication module (2120), the memory module (2190), the processor module (2140), the at least two sensors (2180), and the first; A rechargeable energy source (2150) is arranged on the first base body (2101), wherein the tracking device (2000) does not have a graphical output unit, and wherein the first circuit board has a total weight of no more than 10 g. Tracking device (2000) according to claim 21, further or alternatively comprising: a second circuit board (2200) with a flat second base body (2201) with two opposite side surfaces, wherein the second base body (2201) has a length-to-thickness ratio of at least 20:1, preferably of at least 30:1, and a thickness between the two opposite side surfaces of no more than 0.5 cm and is elastically bendable, in particular has an elastic deflection in the length direction of the second base body (2201) of at least 20%, based on the length of the second base body (2201);a further communication module (2220) for establishing wireless communication with the or a further communication network (220); a second memory module (2290); a second processor module (2240); at least two sensors (2280), one sensor being a light sensor and another being a rotation rate and / or acceleration sensor; a second unique identifier (2260); optionally a second optical display device (2295); a second rechargeable energy source (2250); optionally a short-range communication module (2270), for example a Bluetooth module, optionally a localization module (2230), in particular a GPS, and / or a Glonass, and / or Beidou, and / or a Galileo module, and wherein the further communication module (2220), the memory module (2290), the processor module (2240), the at least two sensors (2280), and the second rechargeable energy source (2250) are arranged on the second base body (2201), wherein the first circuit board (2100) and the second circuit board (2200) are detachably electrically connected to one another. Tracking device (2000) according to claim 22, wherein the second circuit board (2100), in particular the second base body (2201) of the second circuit board (2100), has a receptacle into which the first circuit board (2100) can be inserted.The tracking device (2000) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the second circuit board (2200) has a weight greater than the weight of the first circuit board (2100), wherein the weight of the second circuit board (2200) together with the first circuit board (2100) is no more than 40 g. The tracking device (2000) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the second rechargeable energy source (2250) has a higher capacity than the first rechargeable energy source (2150).

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