Flexible electronic tracking label and method of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a flexible electronic tracking label. The flexible electronic tracking label includes a conformable writable label substrate formed from a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes an electronic communication system disposed on the label substrate. The electronic communication system includes a module configured to transmit identification data, a processor, and a battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer configured for attachment of the label to various substrates. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a release liner covering the PSA layer.

Description

PA103601W002FLEXIBLE ELECTRONIC TRACKING LABEL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THEREOFTechnical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flexible locating device, and in particular, to a conformable electronic label for locating and tracking items. The present disclosure further relates to a method of manufacturing a flexible locating device.Background

[0002] Misplacement of personal and essential items, such as wallets, keys, tools, and luggage, is a common and often stressful experience. In response, various electronic tracking devices have been developed to help users locate such items. One popular category of tracking devices utilizes short-range wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), in conjunction with crowd-sourced location networks. These devices periodically broadcast a wireless signal that can be detected by a network of nearby smart devices (e.g., smartphones). The location of the detecting smart device is then reported to a central server, allowing the owner of the tracking device to view its last known location on a map.

[0003] While effective in principle, these conventional tracking devices suffer from significant limitations related to their physical form factor. Typically, they are manufactured as rigid, relatively bulky units encased in hard plastic or metal housings. Consequently, their application is limited as they cannot be directly attached to many items and instead require separate accessories like key rings, pouches, or custom-built holders. This makes them unsuitable for use with soft or flexible items like clothing or backpacks, thin items like passports, or objects where the addition of a bulky tag would be obtrusive or aesthetically undesirable. Their rigidity prevents them from conforming to the curved or irregular surfaces common to many everyday objects. Furthermore, the performance of such radio frequency (RF) devices can be significantly degraded when they are placed on or near conductive surfaces, such as metal tools, laptop casings, or equipment housing. Existing solutions do not adequately address this challenge in a compact and integrated manner.

[0004] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a tracking device that overcomes these deficiencies. A need exists for a tracking device that is thin, flexible, and conformable, allowing it to be directly attached to a wide variety of items and surfaces, including those that are flexible, curved, or metallic, without compromising its wireless performance or usability.Summary

[0005] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a flexible electronic tracking label. The flexible electronic tracking label includes a conformable writable label substrate formed from a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes an electroniccommunication system disposed on the label substrate. The electronic communication system includes a module configured to transmit identification data, a processor, and a battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer configured for attachment of the label to various substrates. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a release liner covering the PSA layer.

[0006] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a flexible locating device. The method includes providing a writable conformable label substrate formed of a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. The method further includes disposing on the conformable label substrate an electronic communication system. The electronic communication system includes a module configured to transmit identification data, a processor, and a battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both. The method further includes providing a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer having adhesive performance. The method further includes applying a release liner over the PSA layer.

[0007] The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a flexible electronic tracking label wirelessly communicating with a user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the flexible electronic tracking label of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the flexile tracking label shown in FIG. 4A.

[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label, in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a flexible locating device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary overmolding or insert molding process suitable for creating a label substrate of a tracking label, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0018] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0020] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0021] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0022] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “in general or generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0023] As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0024] As used herein, “corresponding” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped similar to each other and can be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening “corresponding” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is changed when the two components are said to “snugly” fit together or “just correspond”. In that situation, the difference between the sizes of those components is even smaller, thereby increasing the amount of friction.

[0025] The present disclosure provides a flexible electronic tracking label. The flexible electronic tracking label includes a conformable writable label substrate formed from a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes an electronic communication system disposed on the label substrate. The electronic communication system includes a module configured to transmit identification data, a processor, and a battery. The battery is electrically coupled to the processor,the module, or both. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer configured for attachment of the label to various substrates. The flexible electronic tracking label further includes a release liner covering the PSA layer.

[0026] By combining the conformable label substrate made of thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material with the pressure -sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer, the flexible electronic tracking label of the present disclosure overcomes the significant limitations of existing rigid tracking tags. For example, unlike bulky tags that require separate holders or key rings, the label of the present disclosure can be directly adhered to a vast array of items, including those with curved, flexible, or irregular surfaces such as backpacks, clothing, or sports equipment. This thin, sticker-like form factor allows the disclosed label to be placed inconspicuously, preserving the original aesthetics and handling of the item being tracked without adding significant weight or bulk.

[0027] Furthermore, this unique construction of the flexible electronic tracking label provides superior ease of use and integration into a user's daily life. The simple peel-and-stick application, facilitated by the PSA and release liner, eliminates the need for additional accessories and makes securing the tracking label to any item an effortless, one-step process. The inclusion of the writable surface synergistically combines the high-tech function of a real-time locator with the practical utility of a conventional identification label. This dual functionality creates a single, elegant solution for both identifying and locating personal belongings.

[0028] The present disclosure further provides a method of manufacturing a flexible locating device. The method includes providing a writable conformable label substrate formed of a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. The method further includes disposing on the conformable label substrate an electronic communication system. The electronic communication system includes a module configured to transmit identification data, a processor, and a battery electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both. The method further includes providing a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer having adhesive performance. The method further includes applying a release liner over the PSA layer.

[0029] The primary advantage of the method of the present disclosure lies in its inherent suitability for high-volume, cost-effective production of a novel device form factor. By defining a sequential process of providing the flexible substrate (conformable label substrate), disposing the electronic system, and applying the adhesive and liner layers, the disclosed method is fundamentally streamlined for automated, continuous manufacturing techniques such as Roll-to-Roll (R2R) processing. This approach significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional electronic device assembly, which often involves molding rigid casings and manually assembling multiple discrete components. This method enables the creation of a "smart sticker" at scale, making a technologically advanced product commercially viable for the mass market.

[0030] Furthermore, this disclosed method is intrinsically linked to the core functional advantages of the final product. The disclosed method enables creation of a tracking device that is thin, flexible, andconformable that may be difficult to achieve with conventional assembly methods for rigid tags. By building the device as a layered laminate on a flexible base, the disclosed method directly yields to a product that can adhere seamlessly to a wide variety of surfaces. Therefore, the method of the present disclosure not only represents an efficient production pathway but is also the foundational innovation that makes the unique physical characteristics and superior usability of the flexible tracking label possible.

[0031] Referring now to Figures, FIG. 1 is schematic block diagram of a flexible locating device 100 (also referred to herein as a label 100 and / or the like) wirelessly communicating with a user device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, “the flexible locating device 100” can be interchangeably referred as “flexible electronic tracking label 100”, “the tracking label 100”, or “the label 100”. The flexible locating device 100 is configured to establish wireless communication with the user device, such as an exemplary computing device 50, through which embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented, such as those depicted and / or described in other figures herein.

[0032] The computing device 50 may be any kind of computer system capable of sending and receiving wireless signals to and from the flexible electronic tracking label 100. The computing device 50 described herein is provided merely as an illustrative example of a suitable implementation and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosed embodiments. No feature or component of the computing device 50 is intended to be required, nor should any depiction or description be interpreted as creating a dependency or mandatory relationship among any elements or groups of elements.

[0033] In various embodiments, the computing device 50 may include, but are not limited to, desktop, laptop, tablet, smart phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), wearable computing device (e.g., a watch, eyewear, a glove), a location tracking device (which may or may not be housed within an adhesive article), computing cloud, or any other type of device that can utilize data. In some embodiments, the computing device 50 includes at least one processor 52, one or more output devices 54, one or more input devices 56, and a memory including a non-volatile memory 58 (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.), and / or a volatile memory 60 (e.g., RAM, etc.) or a combination thereof. The at least one processor 52 may be embodied as various processing means, such as one or more of a microprocessor or a microcontroller or other processing elements, a coprocessor, or various other computing or processing devices, including integrated circuits, such as, e.g., an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like.

[0034] The computing device 50 may further include one or more displays, a display hardware, and / or the output devices 54 such as, for example, AR / VR / MR / XR hardware (which may utilize the one or more input devices 56, such as imaging sensors), monitors, speakers, headphones, projectors, wearable-displays, holographic displays, printers, and the like. The output devices 54 may further include, for example, displays and / or speakers, devices that emit energy (radio, microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma ray), electronic output devices (Wi-Fi, radar, laser, etc.), audio (of any frequency), and the like.

[0035] The one or more input devices 56 may include, by way of example, any type of mouse, keyboard, disk / media drive, memory stick / thumb-drive, memory card, pen, touch-input device, biometric scanner, gaze and / or blink tracker, tracker, voice / auditory input device, motion-detector, camera, scale, and any device capable of measuring data such as motion data (e.g., an accelerometer, GPS, a magnetometer, a gyroscope, etc.), biometric data (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, perspiration, temperature, voice, facial-recognition, motion / gesture tracking, gaze tracking, iris or other types of eye recognition, hand geometry, oxygen saturation, glucose level, fingerprint, DNA, dental records, weight, or any other suitable type of biometric data, etc.), video / still images, and audio (including human-audible and human-inaudible ultrasonic sound waves). The one or more input devices 56 may include any type of device capable of receiving data, whether from another device, visual and / or audio data captured from the real world, object detection data, and the like. The one or more input devices 56 may include cameras (with or without audio recording), such as digital and / or analog cameras, still cameras, video cameras, thermal imaging cameras, infrared cameras, imaging sensors, cameras with a charge-couple display, night-vision cameras, three-dimensional cameras, webcams, audio recorders, and the like.

[0036] The computing device 50 further includes a computer readable medium 66. The computer readable medium 66 includes one or more non-transitory computer readable mediums. The computer readable medium 66 is interchangeably referred to as “the non-transitory computer readable medium 66”. The computer readable medium 66 may reside, for example, within the one or more input devices 56, the nonvolatile memory 58, the volatile memory 60, or any combination thereof. The computer readable medium 66 may include tangible media that is able to store instructions associated with, or used by, a device or system. The computer readable medium 66 includes, by way of non-limiting examples: RAM, ROM, cache, fiber optics, EPROM / Flash memory, CD / DVD / BD-ROM, hard disk drives, solid-state storage, optical or magnetic storage devices, diskettes, electrical connections having a wire, or any combination thereof. The non-transitory computer readable medium 66 may also include, for example, a system or device that is of a magnetic, an optical, a semiconductor, or an electronic type. The non-transitory computer readable medium 66 excludes carrier waves and / or propagated signals taking any number of forms such as an optical, an electromagnetic, or combinations thereof.

[0037] In some embodiments, the computing device 50 includes a network interface 70 to facilitate communication with one or more remote devices via wires, a wide area network, a local area network, a personal area network, a cellular network, a satellite network, and the like. The one or more remote device may include a client and / or a server device. The network interface 70 may also be interchangeably referred to as communications module. The computing device may further access one or more data sources, such as a database 74, through these one or more remote devices. The database 74 is depicted as being accessible over a network 72 and may reside within the server, the cloud, or any other configuration to support being able to remotely access data and store data in the database 74.

[0038] Suitable local area networks may include wired Ethernet and / or wireless technologies such as, forexample, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). Suitable personal area networks may include wireless technologies such as, for example, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and / or other near field communication protocols. Suitable personal area networks may similarly include wired computer buses such as, for example, USB and FireWire. Suitable cellular networks may include, but are not limited to, technologies such as UTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, GSM, and the like.

[0039] The network interface 70 can be communicatively coupled to any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data via one or more network(s) 72. Accordingly, the network interface 70 may include a communication transceiver for sending and / or receiving any wired or wireless communication. For example, the network interface 70 may include an antenna, a modem, EAN port, Wi-Fi card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, near-field communication hardware, satellite communication hardware and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices.

[0040] In some embodiments, a dedicated software application (commonly referred to “app”) may run on the computing device 50 to manage the functions / operations of one or more tracking labels 100. For example, the flexible electronic tracking label 100 may be configured for use with existing crowd-sourced location networks, such as the Find My™ network provided by Apple Inc. or Find My Device network provided by Google LLC. In other words, a user may interact with the tracking label 100 via a dedicated software application on the computing device 50, such as a smartphone, or through a dedicated BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) gateway to track the location of tagged items. The application may be configured to provide alerts to a user, for example, if a tagged item moves out of a predefined range.

[0041] Further embodiments may feature enhanced durability and visibility. The label 100 may be constructed to be weatherproof, temperature resistant, and capable of withstanding environmental stresses such as being in a hot car or passing through a washing machine and dryer. For enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, the label 100 may incorporate a glow-in-the-dark dye or pigment. A non-limiting example of such a pigment is Green Glow LC90975, available from Chroma Colors Inc.

[0042] This application may include executable program instructions / code for execution by the at least one processor 52 to wirelessly communicate with the label 100 and the database 74 via the one or more networks 72. In some embodiments, the application running on the computing device 50 may maintain and / or manage a local database that can store various information related to the tracking and management of the flexible electronic tracking labels, such as a unique identifier for each label, a user-assigned name or description of the associated item to which the label is affixed (e.g., "My Backpack," "Laptop"), and potentially images or other metadata for the item. The database may also store historical location data and user preferences. In some embodiments, this data may additionally, or alternatively, be stored in a remote database residing on a server or cloud service. In some embodiments, a customized software application may be used to provide advanced tracking features that generate useful, context-aware information about tagged articles. This functionality may include relational or interactive information that prompts a user to take action based on the location of multiple labels.

[0043] One such feature is "relational labeling", where the application monitors the relative positions of two or more tagged items and triggers an alert based on a change in their spatial relationship. For example, if a user's tagged backpack leaves a predefined area (e.g., their home) but their tagged lunchbox does not, the application can alert the user that they may have forgotten their lunch. In another example, the label 100 may integrate with external data sources, such as a weather forecast. If the application detects that a user's tagged umbrella has not moved from their home as they drive away, and the forecast calls for rain later in the day, it can send a reminder alert to the user.

[0044] Another functionality includes establishing a "parent-child relationship" between labels. For example, a smart label can be placed on the exterior of a box or container, acting as the "parent" label. This parent label can be electronically linked to or store identifications of other "child" labels placed on individual items inside the box. This creates a hierarchical inventory system, allowing a user to quickly identify the contents of a container without opening it, or to confirm that all items are present within the container.

[0045] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the flexible electronic tracking label 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible electronic tracking label 100 is a conformable electronic label for locating and tracking items. The electronic label 100 is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more computing devices 50 when the label 100 is physically proximate to those devices. Specifically, the label 100 may communicate with nearby devices by sending a periodic wireless beacon signal. The computing device 50 may determine the location (and / or other spatial parameter) of the label 100 and display and / or report the location (and / or other spatial parameter) of the label 100 to a remote server. In particular, the wireless beacon signal may be configured to cause the computing device 50 to send a location report to the remote server. In some cases, one or more of the computing devices 50 may be associated with the owner of the label 100. It should be noted that design of the flexible label 100 may incorporate size and shape configurations selected to ensure that the label 100 remains small, flexible, and unobtrusive during use.

[0046] As shown, the flexible electronic tracking label 100 includes a conformable writable label substrate 102 formed from a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material. In particular, the conformable label substrate 102 defines a writable surface. In some embodiments, the conformable label substrate 102 can be interchangeably referred to as “the flexible substrate 102” or “the label substrate 102”. In some embodiments, the writable surface is a rewritable surface. This feature enhances the utility and reusability of the label 100, as it allows a user to update visible information on the label 100 if the item it is attached to is repurposed. However, in some embodiments, the label substrate 102 may not include a writable surface. Hence, based on application requirements, the label substrate 102 may be writable or non-writable.

[0047] The terms "thin film" and "elastomeric" signify that the label substrate 102 is inherently flexible, bendable, and can even stretch slightly, much like a high-tech sticker or a piece of tape. This property makes the label substrate 102 perfectly suited for modem, high-volume manufacturing techniques, such asovermolding or Roll-to-Roll (R2R) processing. A user can atach the label substrate 102 without adding significant bulk or weight, and without it snagging on other objects. In some embodiments, the label substrate 102 may be made of typical label stocks like coated paper, vinyl (i.e., PVC) films or PET films.

[0048] Further, preferred flexible labels 100 in some embodiments are those that exhibit minimal ink bleed while providing a surface suitable for writing or printing. Tables 1A and IB set forth the evaluation criteria and corresponding test results used in selecting label stock materials appropriate for this application. To identify a suitable material for the conformable writable label substrate 102, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the writability and ink bleed-through performance of several candidate label stocks. Four commercially available 3M™ label stocks were tested: 3M 7790-IJ, 3M 7045, 3M FP035402, and 3M FV023202. A variety of common writing instruments were used for the evaluation, including ballpoint pens, gel pens, water-based felt-tip markers, and permanent markers with various tip sizes, as detailed in Table 1A below.TABLE 1A: TESTING MARKERS

[0049] Each substrate was marked with each of the ten writing instruments, and the performance was rated on a scale of 0 to 5, where 5 represented excellent writability with no errors, 3 represented acceptable writing with minor imperfections, and 0 represented illegible writing. The results are summarized in Table IBTABLE IB: WRITABILITY AND INK BLEED-THROUGH RESULTS

[0050] As shown in the results, the 3M 7790-IJ substrate, which features a matte topcoat, achieved a perfect score of 5 with all tested writing instruments. In contrast, the other tested substrates exhibited significant performance issues, including ink bleed-through ("See through"), poor ink adhesion leading to beading ("dewetting"), and inconsistent ink lines ("broken"). The results of this experiment demonstrate that a substrate with a matte -finished, coated surface is a preferred material in some embodiments for the conformable writable label substrate 102, as it provides a robust and universally compatible writing surface for users.

[0051] The flexible electronic tracking label 100 further includes an electronic communication system 104 disposed on the label substrate 102. In some embodiments, the label substrate 102 may encapsulate the electronic communication system 104 to provide protection from moisture and other environmental conditions. Accordingly, the label substrate material may be selected such that it shields key components of the electronic communication system 104 from flexing, deformation, or potential damage. Suitable materials may include thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), such as styrenic block copolymers (TPE-S), polyolefin blends (TPE-O), elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPE-U), thermoplastic copolyesters (TPE-E), and thermoplastic polyamides (TPE-A). In certain embodiments, silicone or rubberbased materials may also be used.

[0052] The electronic communication system 104 includes a module 108 configured to transmit identification data, a processor 110 electrically coupled to the module 108, and a battery 112. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, various components (i.e., the module 108, the processor 110, the battery 112, and so on) of the electronic communication system 104 are mounted on or integrated with anintermediate carrier layer 106, such as a flexible printed circuit (FPC). The intermediate carrier layer 106 is then disposed on, or laminated to, underside of the label substrate 102. In other embodiments, the components of the electronic communication system 104 may not be necessarily disposed on a single layer. For instance, the components (the module 108, the processor 110, the battery 112, and so on) may be distributed across multiple interconnected layers or substrates within the overall laminated construction of the label 100. In some applications, the components in the electronic communication system 104 may be distributed across multiple conductive and / or non-conductive layers. Such distribution of the electronic components across multiple interconnected layers may be used to optimize the label's flexibility, balance, and thermal management.

[0053] Further, the module 108 (i.e., the wireless communication module 108) may be, for example, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) module, or any other short-range radio transceiver suitable for location tracking. In some embodiments, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module may be chosen to provide distancing accuracy within 1-30 meters (m) without using UWB and / or feature Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI). In some cases, the electronic communication system 104 includes Bluetooth low energy chip set with firmware using RSSI (signal strength to determine location), firmware to manage the frequency of BLE transmission to optimize the use of battery life, an integrated circuit that can be made using conventional "Printed Circuit Board" (PCB) integrated circuit (IC) board or flexible printed IC on film). Therefore, in some embodiments, the electronic communication system 104 can be flexible printed integrated circuit or a conventional PCB board.

[0054] Further, the battery 112 is electrically coupled to the processor 110, the module 108, or both. In some embodiments, the battery 112 is a flexible battery. This feature enhances the overall flexibility and conformability of the tracking label 100, allowing it to better adhere to non-planar and flexible surface without creating rigid stress points. In some embodiments, the flexible battery 112 is electrically coupled to the electronic communication system 104 and packaged as part of the label 100. This integrated construction simplifies the manufacturing process and ensures a reliable electrical connection within a compact, unitized form factor. In some embodiments, the battery 112 may be a non-flexible battery.

[0055] In some embodiments, the electronic communication system 104 may include a plurality of batteries 112 electrically connected in series or parallel configuration or a combination of both. The plurality of batteries 112 may be electrically connected in series to achieve a desired operational voltage. In an application, the electronic communication system 104 may include two batteries 112 electrically connected in series to provide an output voltage of 3 volts. The plurality of batteries 112 may be electrically connected in parallel to increase total capacity and extend an operational life of the label 100. Furthermore, the plurality of batteries 112 may not be necessarily disposed on a single layer of the label 100. In other words, the plurality of batteries 112 may be disposed on a single layer or may be distributed across multiple layers within the label 100 to manage form factor and flexibility.

[0056] The battery 112 provides necessary electrical energy for activation of the electronic communication system 104. Upon receiving power, the processor 110 becomes active and initiates aninitialization sequence that configures operating parameters, verifies communication pathways, and performs diagnostic checks to ensure that all the components are functioning correctly. In some cases, the processor 110 may also initialize timing functions required for periodic transmission.

[0057] Upon activation, the processor 110 becomes electrically and communicatively coupled to the module 108 to initiate signal transmission. Specifically, the processor 110 supplies digital data packets containing identification information to the module 108. Then, the module 108 converts this digital identification data from the processor 110 into radio-frequency (RF) signals and broadcast the RF signal into surrounding environment. In some cases, the wireless signal may be transmitted at predetermined intervals based on signal from a timer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electronic communication system 104 further includes an antenna 114 having omnidirectional characteristics at around 2.4 GHz. Accordingly, the antenna 114 radiates the signal omnidirectionally at around 2.4 GHz. The antenna 114 is minimally detuned when placed on metallic substrates. This ensures reliable signal transmission and reception regardless of orientation of the tracking label 100 or the nature of the surface it is attached to. In some embodiments, the antenna 114 includes a selectively activatable directional pattern switchable via the processor 110 to aid localization through algorithmic processing. In other words, the antenna design may have directional features that could be algorithmically switched on and off to assist in localization. This allows dynamic switching from omnidirectional broadcasting to a directional mode, providing directional cues to the user and enabling faster, more intuitive locating. In some embodiments, the tracking label 100 may include location sensing peripherals to provide global context to the relative directional estimate (inertial guidance, accelerometer, digital compass, GPS unit).

[0059] In some embodiments, the tracking label 100 may include multiple antennas configured to support different communication mechanisms / protocols. For example, the electronic communication system 104 may incorporate three distinct antennas placed at different locations, such as, a Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) antenna - 2.4 GHz, an NFC antenna - 13.56 MHz, and an Ultra-Wideband (UWB) antenna - 6.5 GHz to 8 GHz. The inclusion of these multiple antennas enables short-range communication, precisionranging capabilities, and near-field interactions within a compact form factor for example using NFC for pairing the devices.

[0060] In some embodiments, the processor 110 is configured to optimize transmission frequency for extended battery life. Such power management significantly reduces maintenance requirements and ensures the label 100 remains operational for a longer period before battery depletion. In some embodiments, the processor 110 is configured to optimize transmission frequency based on motion state of the label 100. For example, the label 100 may include one or more sensors, such as an accelerometer, to classify the tag state as stationary, moving, or in a high-motion condition. Thus, the processor 110 dynamically adjusts the transmission frequency, broadcast interval, or transmission power based on battery level and the state of the label 100. It should be noted that it is desirable to have a long battery life for thelabel 100 to minimize maintenance. The electronic / electrical specifications of the tracking label 100 may include, by way of non-limiting example, Bluetooth version 5.2, operation in the 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz frequency range, an Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of less than 1 mW, a beacon interval of approximately 2 seconds when active, and support for High-Frequency (HF) Near-Field Communication (NFC) at 13.56 MHz. In some embodiments, the tracking label 100 may be powered by a disposable battery.

[0061] In some embodiments, the module 108 is further configured to generate a received signal strength indicator, a received signal frequency, or both, to determine relative distance between the label 100 and the computing device 50. This provides a fundamental proximity detection capability, allowing a user to determine if they are moving closer to or further from the tracked item. The configuration of the module 108 to generate the RSSI, the received signal frequency, or both, provides a fundamental and powerefficient capability for proximity detection. In this embodiment, the module 108 of the tracking label 100 transmits a wireless signal, such as a BLE beacon. A compatible receiving device, for example the user's smartphone, measures the power of this received signal to generate an RSSI value. This RSSI value is inversely correlated with the distance between the label 100 and the receiving device. A stronger signal (higher RSSI) indicates that the label 100 is closer, while a weaker signal (lower RSSI) indicates that it is farther away. This functionality allows a software application on the receiving device to provide the user with intuitive feedback on their relative distance to the tagged item, such as a visual "hot-and-cold" style interface or a simple text display (e.g., "Nearby," "Far"), thereby guiding them toward its location. The analysis of received signal frequency can further supplement this by providing information on relative motion (Doppler shift), which is also indicative of a change in relative distance. This feature thus provides an effective technique for close-range locating without requiring more power-intensive hardware like GPS.

[0062] In some embodiments, the flexible electronic tracking label 100 further includes a radio module 116 configured to operate in angle-of-arrival (Ao A) and angle-of-departure (AoD) modes for time-of-flight or channel-sounding operations. The radio module 116 may enhance location-finding capabilities of the label 100 beyond the relative proximity detection offered by RSSI. In other words, the radio module 116 is configured to perform high-accuracy directional finding and refined distance estimation, thereby enabling more precise localization of the label 100. In some embodiments, the radio module 116 may function as a BLE-compatible transceiver configured to transmit and receive wireless signals within the 2.4 GHz band. The radio module 116 may generate advertisement packets, optionally with Constant Tone Extensions (CTEs), to enable both proximity detection and high-precision directional finding. The radio module 116 may also support channel-sounding, chirp sequences, or time-of-flight exchanges for enhanced distance measurement. In receive mode, the module may collect physical-layer parameters, such as RSSI, frequency offset, and phase information from external devices or ambient transmitters.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electronic communication system 104 further includes a microcontroller (not shown) configured to aggregate received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data from multiple receiversand ambient transmitters and forward said data to a remote tracking device. This allows for advanced location processing, where data from multiple signal paths can be averaged or algorithmically combined to provide a more accurate and reliable position estimate . The aggregated data may provide a more accurate relative distance estimate between the label 100 and the computing device 50.

[0064] This embodiment describes a significant enhancement to the label's location-finding intelligence by incorporating the microcontroller specifically configured for advanced data aggregation. In this configuration, the tracking label 100 operates not merely as a passive transmitter but as an active environmental sensor. The microcontroller is programmed to listen for and measure the RS SI from multiple sources. These sources include "multiple receivers," such as the user's own smartphone or other devices actively searching for the label 100, and "ambient transmitters," such as nearby Wi-Fi access points or other Bluetooth devices that are part of the surrounding environment. The microcontroller aggregates this collected RSSI data into a single, enriched data packet. This packet, containing a snapshot of the label's radio-frequency environment, is then forwarded via the label's own transmitter to a remote tracking device, such as the user's smartphone or a cloud server, for processing. The technical advantage of this architecture is a substantial improvement in location accuracy and reliability. By collecting data from multiple signal paths (including the reciprocal path from the phone to the label) and from fixed ambient sources (which act as locational fingerprints), the system (i.e., the electronic communication system 104) can use more sophisticated algorithms on the remote device to filter out errors caused by signal fluctuation, physical obstacles, and multipath interference, ultimately calculating a more precise and robust position estimate than is possible with a simple, single-path RSSI measurement.

[0065] In some embodiments, the flexible electronic tracking label 100 further includes a speaker 118 configured to emit audio through the flexible substrate 102. The speaker 118 or buzzer can be of a piezoelectric speaker (also known as a piezo bender). This electronic component can have a rigid metal plate to protect the speaker from bending. Therefore, a combination of rigid and flexible circuit components is arranged in such a way that allows the label 100 to be flexible. This provides a crucial dual function of enabling audible alerts to help a user pinpoint the label's location and serving as an anti-stalking safeguard. In other words, the speaker 118 may serve as a critical consumer safeguard, providing alerts to prevent nefarious uses like unwanted tracking. In some embodiments, the audio emitted has a frequency adjustable based on a find mode. This allows the audio alert to be optimized for different scenarios, such as a subtle chirp for personal locating versus a more noticeable tone for safety alerts, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0066] The flexible electronic tracking label 100 further includes a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 120 configured for attachment of the label 100 to various substrates or items. In some embodiments, acrylic-based PSA or rubber-based adhesive is preferred. In some embodiments, the PSA layer 120 has an adhesive performance over a range of glass transition temperatures (Tg). In other words, the pressuresensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 120 may exhibit a glass transition temperature (Tg) within the range ofapproximately 40 °C to 60 °C, thereby providing a broad applicability across diverse substrates, for example, low-energy, or textured surfaces such as fabrics. Furthermore, for substrates that are more difficult to bond, such as textile or fabric surfaces, it may be desirable for the PSA layer 120 to remain in a rubbery state at room temperature so that it wets out and produces a good bond. In other words, a low Tg ensures the adhesive remains in a rubbery state at room temperature, promoting better surface wetting and a stronger bond. In some embodiments, “the PSA layer 120” can be interchangeably referred to as “the PSA 120”.

[0067] A non-limiting example of such an adhesive is 3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 6038PC+. To enhance durability and provide water resistance, the PSA layer 120 may comprise an adhesive with a film carrier, which can prevent or minimize water absorption that could otherwise damage the electronic components. Non-limiting examples of such PSAs includes 3Mproducts, 56415, 99786+, DCX1018, 9086, and 8069. For larger items, a robust / removable attachment method, such as Dual-LockTM ScotchMateTM may be utilized. Examples of Dual-LockTM products include 3M™ Dual Lock™ Low Profile Tape -SJ4570, SJ4575. Examples of the 3M ScotchMateTM products include Loop-SJ3418FR / Hook-SJ3419FR that can stand high temperature applications. Therefore, in some applications, the label 100 can be attached to various substrates or items by using mechanical fasteners, such as hook-and-loop materials. Such a hook-and-loop material may be 3M Scotchmate Hook-and-Loop reclosable fastener, or 3M Dual Lock reclosable fastener, available from 3M Company.

[0068] In some embodiments, the PSA 120 is a stretch release adhesive configured to allow removal of the label 100 without adhesive residue. This allows the label 100 to be cleanly removed from an item's surface without causing damage or leaving behind unwanted adhesive, which is particularly advantageous for valuable or delicate items. The flexible electronic tracking label 100 further includes a release liner 122 covering the PSA layer 120. The release liner 122 is configured to protect the PSA layer 120 before application of the label 100 to any item.

[0069] By combining the conformable label substrate 102 made of thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material with the PSA layer 120, the flexible electronic tracking label 100 overcomes the significant limitations of existing rigid tracking tags. For example, unlike bulky tags that require separate holders or key rings, the label 100 can be directly adhered to a vast array of items, including those with curved, flexible, or irregular surfaces such as backpacks, clothing, or sports equipment. This thin, sticker-like form factor allows the label 100 to be placed inconspicuously, preserving the original aesthetics and handling of the item being tracked without adding significant weight or bulk.

[0070] Furthermore, this unique construction of the flexible electronic tracking label 100 provides superior ease of use and integration into a user's daily life. The simple peel-and-stick application, facilitated by the PSA layer 120 and the release liner 122, eliminates the need for additional accessories and makes securing the tracking label 100 to any item an effortless, one-step process. The inclusion of the writable surface synergistically combines the high-tech function of a real-time locator with the practical utility of aconventional identification label. This dual functionality creates a single, elegant solution for both identifying and locating personal belongings.

[0071] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label 300, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible electronic tracking label 300 is substantially similar to the flexible electronic tracking label 100 of FIG. 2, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. In some embodiments, “the flexible electronic tracking label 300” can be interchangeably referred as “the flexible locating device 300”, “the tracking label 300”, or “the label 300”.

[0072] In the flexible electronic tracking label 300, the conformable label substrate 102 and the flexible battery 112 are modular and removable as a single replaceable unit from the electronic communication system 104. In other words, the battery 112 is not mounted on the intermediate carrier layer 106, however, the battery 112 is mounted on a separate layer 302 (i.e., battery layer 302) arranged between the flexible label substrate 102 and the intermediate carrier layer 106. Thus, the battery 112 (i.e., the flexible battery 112) is removable along with the label substrate 102 as a single replaceable unit. This configuration may advantageously extend useful life of the label 300 by allowing for easy replacement of a depleted power source, thereby reducing electronic waste.

[0073] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the flexible battery 112 includes one of a zinc-manganese primary cell, a zinc-air battery, or a pouch lithium-ion battery, and is removably connected via a conductive adhesive interface. In other words, this replaceable unit (i.e., the battery 112 along with the label substrate 102) is removably coupled to the electronic communication system 104 via a specialized conductive adhesive interface. This interface, which may utilize a product such as 3M™ Electrically Conductive Adhesive Transfer Tape 7766 (or similar) which serves the dual purpose of providing both the mechanical bond and the necessary electrical connection between the battery's terminals and the electronic system's power contacts. It can be stated that the battery 112 is packaged as part of the label 300 and the battery 112 is connected to the electronic communication system 104 using a conductive PSA. This type of connection maintains the overall flexibility of the label assembly and facilitates a simplified, reliable manufacturing technique. In some embodiments, the battery 112 is configured for removal through magnetic alignment. This provides a user-friendly and intuitive mechanism for replacing the battery 112, ensuring correct positioning and electrical contact with minimal effort.

[0074] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label 400, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible electronic tracking label 400 is substantially similar to the flexible electronic tracking label 100 of FIG. 2, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. In some embodiments, “the flexible electronic tracking label 400” can be interchangeably referred as “the flexible locating device 400”, “the tracking label 400”, or “the label 400”.

[0075] However, the flexible electronic tracking label 400 includes a seal layer 402 (instead of the intermediate carrier layer 106 shown in FIG. 2). The seal layer 402 is configured to encapsulate and retain the electronic communication system 104. The seal layer 402 may further define an opening 404 extendingfrom a botom surface of the seal layer 402 to the electronic communication system 104, thereby permiting access for removal or replacement of the batery 112. It should be noted that, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, the batery 112 may be preferably a Li-Ion coin cell batery to simplify removal and / or replacement of the batery 112. In this embodiment, the batery 112 (i.e., a coin cell) is a rigid component.

[0076] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the flexile tracking label 400 shown in FIG. 4A. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electronic communication system 104 is mounted on a printed circuit board and housed inside the opening 404 of the seal layer 402. Further, the opening 404 is sized to accommodate the batery 112 (i.e., coin cell). The batery 112 and other components of the electronic communication system 104 may be inserted into the opening 404 and then the seal layer 402 is then applied to seal the unit. This opening 404 provides a mechanism for a user to access and replace the batery 112, thereby extending the life of the tracking label 400. This embodiment successfully combines the advantages of a long-life, high-capacity coin cell batery with a durable, water-resistant, encapsulated design that still allows for user serviceability.

[0077] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label 500, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible electronic tracking label 500 is substantially similar to the flexible electronic tracking label 100 of FIG. 2, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. In some embodiments, “the flexible electronic tracking label 500” can be interchangeably referred as “the flexible locating device 500”, “the tracking label 500”, or “the label 500”.

[0078] However, the flexible electronic tracking label 500 includes a wireless charging coil 502 configured to inductively recharge the flexible batery 112 through the label substrate 102. As shown in FIG. 5, the wireless charging coil 502 may be placed below the flexible batery 112. The wireless charging coil 502 may be integrated to provide a certain level of re-usability or extend the operational life of the label 500. This provides a convenient method for replenishing the batery's power without requiring physical replacement, enhancing the reusability of the label 500.

[0079] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a flexible electronic tracking label 600, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The flexible electronic tracking label 600 is substantially similar to the flexible electronic tracking label 100 of FIG. 2, with common components being referred to by the same reference numerals. In some embodiments, “the flexible electronic tracking label 600” can be interchangeably referred as “the flexible locating device 600”, “the tracking label 600”, or “the label 600”. The label 600 further includes an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding layer 604 integrated with the PSA 120.

[0080] . A person skilled in art may understand that when a label (e.g., the label 600) is placed directly on a conductive surface 602 (i.e., a metal surface), such as metal objects like laptops, tools, or equipment housing,. The metal surface (i.e., the conductive surface 602) acts like a mirror to RF signals, reflecting them in a way that interferes with the antenna's signal. This may drastically reduce the label’s communication range or block its signal entirely. The flexible electronic tracking label 600 maintainswireless communication performance when adhered to the conductive surface 602 through the EMI shielding layer 604 integrated with the PSA 120. This significantly expands the range of applicable items to include metallic and electronic devices, such as tools and laptops, where radio frequency performance would otherwise be compromised.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6, the EMI shielding layer 604 is sandwiched between two PSA layers 120. In other words, the EMI shielding layer 604 includes a conductive layer disposed between multiple PSA laminations to mitigate interference across 0.5 to 100 MHz with an effective shielding of between 30 and 90 dB. The EMI shielding layer 604 is part of the adhesive stack itself. This integrated design is elegant and essential for maintaining the label's thin, flexible, and manufacturable form factor. The EMI shielding layer 604 acts as a barrier, isolating the label's antenna from the disruptive effects of the underlying conductive surface 602. Hence, the EMI shielding layer 604 helps in reliable mitigation of signal interference from conductive substrates. As shown in FIG. 6, the EMI shielding layer 604 prevents signal interference from the conductive surface 602 by reflecting a reflected signal 606 (i.e., the radio-frequency signal 606).

[0082] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a method 700 for manufacturing the flexible locating device 100. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, at step 702, the method 700 includes providing the writable conformable label substrate 102 formed of a thin fdm or elastomeric thermoplastic material. At step 704, the method 700 further includes disposing on the conformable label substrate 102 the electronic communication system 104. At step 706, the method 700 further includes providing the pressure -sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 120 having adhesive performance. At step 708, the method 700 further includes applying the release liner 122 over the PSA layer 120.

[0083] The primary advantage of the method 700 lies in its inherent suitability for high-volume, cost-effective production of a novel device form factor. By defining a sequential process of providing the flexible substrate 102 (conformable label substrate), disposing the electronic communication system 104, and applying the adhesive and liner layers, the method 700 is fundamentally streamlined for automated, continuous manufacturing techniques such as Roll-to-Roll (R2R) processing. This approach significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with traditional electronic device assembly, which often involves molding rigid casings and manually assembling multiple discrete components. This method 700 enables the creation of a "smart sticker" at scale, making a technologically advanced product commercially viable for the mass market.

[0084] Furthermore, the method 700 is intrinsically linked to the core functional advantages of the final product. The disclosed method 700 enables creation of a tracking device that is thin, flexible, and conformable that may be difficult to achieve with conventional assembly methods for rigid tags. By building the device as a layered laminate on a flexible base, the disclosed method 700 directly yields to a product that can adhere seamlessly to a wide variety of surfaces. Therefore, the method 700 not only represents an efficient production pathway but is also the foundational innovation that makes the uniquephysical characteristics and superior usability of the flexible tracking label 100 possible.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary overmolding or insert molding process 800 suitable for creating the label substrate 102 of the tracking label 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that overmolding process 800, which is a subset of insert molding, is a manufacturing process where a component (i.e., a preassembled component) is placed into a mold cavity 802 prior to injection of a molten material 806. In context of the present method 700 of manufacturing the tracking label 100, the component which is placed into the mold cavity 802 is the electronic communication system 104 and the injected material 806 is the elastomeric thermoplastic material from which the label substrate 102 is formed. Accordingly, steps 702 and 704 of method 700 may be implemented using the overmolding process 800 depicted in FIG. 8.

[0086] In the overmolding process 800, the electronic communication system 104, which may be mounted on a flexible circuit board, is placed into the mold cavity 802 as an "insert." The process 800 proceeds in a sequential manner. First, the insert (i.e., the electronic communication system 104) is placed in apredefmed position within the mold cavity 802 and a mold 804 is subsequently closed. Then the molten elastomeric thermoplastic material 806 (i.e., label substrate material) is injected into the mold 804 under controlled pressure, allowing the molten elastomeric thermoplastic material 806 to flow around and over the insert (i.e., the electronic communication system 104) so as to encapsulate the electronic components. After injection, the molten elastomeric thermoplastic material 806 is permitted to cool and solidify, forming a bonded structure that integrates the insert with the molded substrate (i.e., the label substrate 102). Once sufficient cooling has occurred, the mold 804 is opened and the fully formed, single integrated part component is ejected.

[0087] This sequence is visually depicted in FIG. 8, showing the electronic insert (i.e., the electronic communication system 104) being placed into the mold 804, the injection of the molten material 806, and the final, resulting encapsulated part. This process 800 results in a unified part that combines the functional electronic core with the versatility, durability, and protective qualities of the elastomeric housing. This process 800 is highly effective for improving part functionality, reducing the need for subsequent assembly steps, and significantly increasing the durability and environmental resistance (e.g., to moisture and impact) of the final product. Even through the overmolding process is discussed here for encapsulating the electronic components, other methods, such as potting, conformal coating, sealed enclosures, etc. may also be used based on application requirements.

[0088] In some cases, the tracking label 100 can be manufactured by a continuous roll-to-roll (R2R) process, sometimes also referred to as a cast-and-cure process. This process is particularly well-suited for the high-volume, cost-effective production of the thin, flexible tracking label 100. The Roll-to-Roll (R2R) manufacturing is a continuous production process that processes flexible materials like plastic films or metal foils used for the substrate directly from rolls. The process generally involves unwinding a roll of the flexible substrate material 102 and passing this continuous web through a series of stations wherevarious operations are performed. These operations can include disposing the electronic communication system 104 onto the substrate (i.e., the label substrate 102), laminating the flexible battery 112 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 120, and die-cutting the individual labels 100 from the continuous web. Finally, the finished product, or the waste matrix after die-cutting, is rewound into a roll for collection

[0089] Key benefits of this R2R method include very high throughput, excellent compatibility with automation, and reduced material waste through efficient material usage. The scalability of R2R manufacturing makes it an ideal process for the mass production of thin-film components and large-area flexible systems, such as the flexible electronic tracking labels described herein. The process may also incorporate cast-and-cure steps, for example, to apply specific functional coatings or form microstructures on the substrate surface during the continuous process.

[0090] In the present detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0091] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0092] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and / or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A flexible electronic tracking label, including:(a) a conformable writable label substrate formed from a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material;(b) an electronic communication system disposed on the label substrate that includes: a module configured to transmit identification data,a processor, anda battery electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both;(c) a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer configured for attachment of the label to various substrates; and(d) a release liner covering the PSA layer.

2. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the writable surface is a rewritable surface.

3. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the battery is a flexible battery.

4. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 3, wherein the flexible battery is electrically coupled to the electronic communication system and packaged as part of the label.

5. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 4, wherein the conformable label substrate and flexible battery are modular and removable as a single replaceable unit from the electronic communication system.

6. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, further includes a speaker configured to emit audio through the flexible substrate.

7. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 6, wherein the audio emitted has a frequency adjustable based on a find mode.

8. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the module is further configured to generate a received signal strength indicator, a received signal frequency, or both, to determine relative distance.

9. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to optimize transmission frequency for extended battery life.

10. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the label maintains wireless communication performance when adhered to a conductive surface through an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding layer integrated with the PSA.

11. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 10, wherein the EMI shielding layer includes a conductive layer disposed between multiple PSA laminations to mitigate interference across 0.5 to 100 MHz with an effective shielding of between 30 and 90 dB.

12. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the battery includes one of a zincmanganese primary cell, a zinc-air battery, or a pouch lithium ion battery, and is removably connected via a conductive adhesive interface.

13. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the battery is packaged as part of the label and the battery is connected to the electronic communication system using a conductive PSA.

14. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 13, wherein the battery is configured for removal through magnetic alignment.

15. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the PSA layer has an adhesive performance over a range of glass transition temperatures (Tg).

16. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication system further includes an antenna having omnidirectional characteristics at around 2.4 GHz, the antenna being minimally detuned when placed on metallic substrates.

17. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 16, wherein the antenna includes a selectively activatable directional pattern switchable via the processor to aid localization through algorithmic processing.

18. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, further includes a radio module configured to operate in angle-of-arrival (AoA) and angle-of-departure (AoD) modes for time-of-flight or channelsounding operations.

19. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, further includes a wireless charging coil configured to inductively recharge the flexible battery through the label substrate.

20. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the PSA is a stretch release adhesive configured to allow removal of the label without adhesive residue.

21. The flexible electronic tracking label of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication system further includes a microcontroller configured to aggregate received signal strength indicator (RSSI) data from multiple receivers and ambient transmitters and forward said data to a remote tracking device.

22. A method of manufacturing a flexible locating device that includes:providing a writable conformable label substrate formed of a thin film or elastomeric thermoplastic material;disposing on the conformable label substrate an electronic communication system that includes:a module configured to transmit identification data,a processor, anda battery electrically coupled to the processor, the module, or both; providing a pressure -sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer having adhesive performance; and applying a release liner over the PSA layer.

23. The method of manufacturing the flexible locating device of claim 22, wherein the battery is a flexible battery.

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