WIRELESS TRACKING DEVICE FOR AIR CARGO CONTAINERS AND ASSETS LOADED ONTO AIRCRAFT

An anchor-slot tape node may include a circuit board configured with a processor, memory, sensors, and a low-power wireless communication interface. The anchor-slot tape node may include a stiffener positioned over the circuit board. The anchor-slot tape node may include a battery positioned beneath the circuit board. The anchor-slot tape node may include an outer casing enclosing the battery, the circuit board, and the stiffener, wherein the anchor-slot tape node is shaped and sized to fit within an anchor-slot of a ULD pallet and to be retained within the anchor-slot by friction between the outer casing and internal structure of the anchor-slot.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure generally relates to wireless internet of things (IoT) devices.

BACKGROUND

Incorrect handling of a unit load device (ULD) at a transportation facility results in costly delays and/or lost assets, particularly where the ULD departs on the wrong vehicle.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present embodiments includes the realization that attaching a tape node type tracking device to pallet type of a universal load device (ULD) in a location where it is not easily damaged is difficult. Assets are positioned on a top flat surface of the ULD pallet, and therefore any tape node positioned on that surface is easily damaged. The underside of the ULD pallet bears the weight of the assets when supported on the ground or other equipment and therefore a tape node positioned on the bottom surface is soon damages. The present embodiments solve this problem by using a tracking device positioned in an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet.

In certain embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to an anchor-slot tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: a circuit board configured with a processor, memory, sensors, and a low-power wireless communication interface; a stiffener positioned over the circuit board; a battery positioned beneath the circuit board; and an outer casing enclosing the battery, the circuit board, and the stiffener; wherein the anchor-slot tape node is shaped and sized to fit within the anchor-slot and to be retained within the anchor-slot by friction between the outer casing and internal structure of the anchor-slot.

In certain embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet, including: a cloud based server; an anchor-slot tape node shaped and sized to be retained within an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet; and a gateway node; wherein, when in communication range, the anchor-slot tape node and the gateway node form a mesh network that allows the anchor-slot tape node to communicate with the cloud based server to track the ULD pallet.

In certain embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a system for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet, including: an anchor-slot tape node shaped and sized to be retained within an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet; and a companion tape node having an adhesive surface for attaching to the ULD pallet within a recessed area at an edge of the ULD pallet; wherein the companion tape node communicate with a cloud based server via a mesh network including a gateway node to track the ULD pallet.

In certain embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to an anchor-ring tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: an anchor portion shaped and sized to be secured within the anchor-slot; a stem portion mechanically coupled with the anchor portion and forming a housing that includes a wireless tracking circuit; and a ring portion mechanically coupled with the stem portion and for coupling with a restraint for securing assets to the ULD pallet; wherein the anchor-ring tape node mechanically couples with the restraint and tracks the ULD pallet by wirelessly communication with a mesh network of a wireless tracking system.

In certain embodiments, the techniques described herein relate to a leashed tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: an anchor portion shaped and sized to be secured within the anchor-slot; a flexible tether mechanically coupled with the anchor portion; and a rugged housing mechanically attached to the flexible tether and forming a housing that includes a wireless tracking circuit; wherein the anchor portion mechanically couples with, and is retained by, the anchor-slot and the wireless tracking circuit tracks the ULD pallet by wirelessly communication with a mesh network of a wireless tracking system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1is a schematic illustrating one example adhesive tape-agent platform112, including wireless transducing circuit114, used to seal a package110for shipment. In this example, a segment113of the adhesive tape-agent platform112is dispensed from a roll116and affixed to the package110. The adhesive tape-agent platform112includes an adhesive side118and a non-adhesive surface120. The adhesive tape-agent platform112may be dispensed from the roll116in the same way as any conventional packing tape, shipping tape, or duct tape. For example, the adhesive tape-agent platform112may be dispensed from the roll116by hand, laid across the seam where the two top flaps of the package110meet, and cut to a suitable length either by hand or using a cutting instrument (e.g., scissors or an automated or manual tape dispenser). Examples of such tape agents include tape agents having non-adhesive surface120that carry one or more coatings or layers (e.g., colored, light reflective, light absorbing, and/or light emitting coatings or layers). Further, the segment113may include an identifier122(e.g., a QR code, RFID chip, etc.) that may be used to associate the segment113with the package110, as discussed below.

FIG.2is a schematic illustrating a non-adhesive surface120of the segment113of the adhesive tape agent platform112ofFIG.1including writing or other markings that convey instructions, warnings, or other information to a person or machine (e.g., a bar code reader), or may simply be decorative and/or entertaining. For example, different types of adhesive tape-agent platforms may be marked with distinctive colorations to distinguish one type of adhesive tape agent platform from another. In the illustrated example ofFIG.2, the segment113of the adhesive tape agent platform112includes an identifier122(e.g., a two-dimensional bar code, such as a QR Code), written instructions224(e.g., “Cut Here”), and an associated cut line226that indicates where the user should cut the adhesive tape agent platform112. The written instructions224and the cut line226typically are printed or otherwise marked on the top non-adhesive surface120of the adhesive tape agent platform112during manufacture. The identifier122(e.g., a two-dimensional bar code), on the other hand, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface120of the adhesive tape agent platform112during the manufacture of the adhesive tape agent platform112or, alternatively, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface120of the adhesive tape agent platform112as needed using, for example, a printer or other marking device.

To avoid damaging the functionality of the segments of the adhesive tape agent platform112, the cut lines226may demarcate the boundaries between adjacent segments at locations that are free of any active components of the wireless transducing circuit114. The spacing between the wireless transducing circuit114and the cut lines226may vary depending on the intended communication, transducing and/or adhesive taping application. In the example illustrated inFIG.1, the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform112that is dispensed to seal the package110corresponds to a single segment of the adhesive tape-agent platform112. In other examples, the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform112needed to seal a package or otherwise serve the adhesive function for which the adhesive tape-agent platform112is being applied may include multiple segments113of the adhesive tape-agent platform112, one or more of which segments113may be activated upon cutting the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform112from the roll116and/or applying the segment113of the adhesive tape agent platform to the package110.

In some examples, the wireless transducing circuits114embedded in one or more segments113of the adhesive tape-agent platform112are activated when the adhesive tape agent platform112is cut along the cut line226. In these examples, the adhesive tape-agent platform112includes one or more embedded energy sources (e.g., thin film batteries, which may be printed, or conventional cell batteries, such as conventional watch style batteries, rechargeable batteries, or other energy storage device, such as a super capacitor or charge pump) that supply power to the wireless transducing circuit114in one or more segments of the adhesive tape-agent platform112in response to being separated from the adhesive tape-agent platform112(e.g., along the cut line226).

In some examples, each segment113of the adhesive tape agent platform112includes its own respective energy source. In some embodiments, the energy source is a battery of a type described above, an energy harvesting component or system that harvests energy from the environment, or both. In some of these examples, each energy source is configured to only supply power to the components in its respective adhesive tape platform segment regardless of the number of contiguous segments that are in a given length of the adhesive tape-agent platform112. In other examples, when a given length of the adhesive tape agent platform112includes multiple segments113, the energy sources in the respective segments113are configured to supply power to the wireless transducing circuit114in all of the segments113in the given length of the adhesive tape agent platform112. In some of these examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and concurrently activated to power the wireless transducing circuit114in all of the segments113at the same time. In other examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and alternately activated to power the wireless transducing circuit114in respective ones of the segments113at different time periods, which may or may not overlap.

FIG.3shows an example adhesive tape platform330that includes a set of adhesive tape platform segments332each of which includes a respective set of embedded wireless transducing circuit components334, and a backing sheet336with a release coating that prevents the adhesive segments332from adhering strongly to the backing sheet336. Adhesive tape platform330may represent adhesive tape platform112ofFIG.1. Each adhesive tape platform segment332includes an adhesive side facing the backing sheet336, and an opposing non-adhesive side340. In this example, a particular segment332of the adhesive tape platform330has been removed from the backing sheet336and affixed to an envelope344. Each segment332of the adhesive tape platform330can be removed from the backing sheet336in the same way that adhesive labels can be removed from a conventional sheet of adhesive labels (e.g., by manually peeling a segment332from the backing sheet336). In general, the non-adhesive side340of the segment332may include any type of writing, markings, decorative designs, or other ornamentation. In the illustrated example, the non-adhesive side340of the segment332includes writing or other markings that correspond to a destination address for the envelope344. The envelope344also includes a return address346and, optionally, a postage stamp or mark348.

In some examples, segments of the adhesive tape platform330are deployed by a human operator. The human operator may be equipped with a mobile phone or other device that allows the operator to authenticate and initialize the adhesive tape platform330. In addition, the operator can take a picture of a parcel including the adhesive tape platform and any barcodes associated with the parcel and, thereby, create a persistent record that links the adhesive tape platform330to the parcel. In addition, the human operator typically will send the picture to a network service and/or transmit the picture to the adhesive tape platform330for storage in a memory component of the adhesive tape platform330.

In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit components334that are embedded in a segment332of the adhesive tape platform330are activated when the segment332is removed from the backing sheet336. In some of these examples, each segment332includes an embedded capacitive sensing system that can sense a change in capacitance when the segment332is removed from the backing sheet336. As explained in detail below, a segment332of the adhesive tape platform330includes one or more embedded energy sources (e.g., thin film batteries, common disk-shaped cell batteries, or rechargeable batteries or other energy storage devices, such as a super capacitor or charge pump) that can be configured to supply power to the wireless transducing circuit components334in the segment332in response to the detection of a change in capacitance between the segment332and the backing sheet336as a result of removing the segment332from the backing sheet336.

FIG.4shows a block diagram of the components of an example wireless transducing circuit410(e.g., an agent) that includes one or more wireless communication modules412,414. Each wireless communication module412,414includes a wireless communication circuit413,416, and an antenna415,418, respectively. Each wireless communication circuit413,416may represent a receiver or transceiver integrated circuit that implements one or more of GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Z-wave, and ZigBee. The wireless transducing circuit410also includes a processor420(e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), a solid-state atomic clock421, at least one energy store422(e.g., non-rechargeable or rechargeable printed flexible battery, conventional single or multiple cell battery, and/or a super capacitor or charge pump), one or more sensing transducers424(e.g., sensors and/or actuators, and, optionally, one or more energy harvesting transducers). In some examples, the conventional single or multiple cell battery may be a watch style disk or button cell battery that is in an associated electrical connection apparatus (e.g., a metal clip) that electrically connects the electrodes of the battery to contact pads on the wireless transducing circuit410.

Sensing transducers424may represent one or more of a capacitive sensor, an altimeter, a pressure sensor, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, a temperature sensor, a strain sensor, a pressure sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, a weight sensor, an optical or light sensor (e.g., a photodiode or a camera), an acoustic or sound sensor (e.g., a microphone), a smoke detector, a radioactivity sensor, a chemical sensor (e.g., an explosives detector), a biosensor (e.g., a blood glucose biosensor, odor detectors, antibody based pathogen, food, and water contaminant and toxin detectors, DNA detectors, microbial detectors, pregnancy detectors, and ozone detectors), a magnetic sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, a humidity sensor, a light emitting units (e.g., light emitting diodes and displays), electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., audio speakers), electric motors, and thermal radiators (e.g., an electrical resistor or a thermoelectric cooler).

Wireless transducing circuit410includes a memory426for storing data, such as profile data, state data, event data, sensor data, localization data, security data, and/or at least one unique identifier (ID)428associated with the wireless transducing circuit410, such as one or more of a product ID, a type ID, and a media access control (MAC) ID. Memory426may also store control code430that includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor420, cause processor420to perform one or more autonomous agent tasks. In certain embodiments, the memory426is incorporated into one or more of the processor420or sensing transducers424. In other embodiments, memory426is integrated in the wireless transducing circuit410as shown inFIG.4. The control code430may implement programmatic functions or program modules that control operation of the wireless transducing circuit410, including implementation of an agent communication manager that manages the manner and timing of tape agent communications, a node-power manager that manages power consumption, and a tape agent connection manager that controls whether connections with other nodes are secure connections (e.g., connections secured by public key cryptography) or unsecure connections, and an agent storage manager that securely manages the local data storage on the wireless transducing circuit410. In certain embodiments, a node connection manager ensures the level of security required by the end application and supports various encryption mechanisms. In some examples, a tape agent power manager and communication manager work together to optimize the battery consumption for data communication. In some examples, execution of the control code by the different types of nodes described herein may result in the performance of similar or different functions.

FIG.5is a top view of a portion of an example flexible adhesive tape platform500that shows a first segment502and a portion of a second segment504. Each segment502,504of the flexible adhesive tape platform500includes a respective set506,508of the components of the wireless transducing circuit410ofFIG.4. The segments502,504and their respective sets of components506,508typically are identical and configured in the same way. In some other embodiments, however, the segments502,504and/or their respective sets of components506,508are different and/or configured in different ways. For example, in some examples, different sets of the segments of the flexible adhesive tape platform500have different sets or configurations of tracking and/or transducing components that are designed and/or optimized for different applications, or different sets of segments of the flexible adhesive tape platform may have different ornamentations (e.g., markings on the exterior surface of the platform) and/or different (e.g., alternating) lengths.

An example method of fabricating the adhesive tape platform500according to a roll-to-roll fabrication process is described in connection withFIGS.6A-6Cand as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,861, filed Dec. 14, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

The instant specification describes an example system of adhesive tape platforms (also referred to herein as “tape nodes”) that can be used to implement a low-cost wireless network infrastructure for performing monitoring, tracking, and other asset management functions relating to, for example, parcels, persons, tools, equipment and other physical assets and objects. The example system includes a set of three different types of tape nodes that have different respective functionalities and different respective cover markings that visually distinguish the different tape node types from one another. In one non-limiting example, the covers of the different tape node types are marked with different colors (e.g., white, green, and black). In the illustrated examples, the different tape node types are distinguishable from one another by their respective wireless communications capabilities and their respective sensing capabilities.

FIG.6Ais a schematic illustrating a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment640of a flexible adhesive tape agent platform (e.g., platform500ofFIG.5) that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit410corresponding to the first tape-agent type (e.g., white). The segment640includes an adhesive layer642, an optional flexible substrate644, and an optional adhesive layer646on the bottom surface of the flexible substrate644. When the bottom adhesive layer646is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly) adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer646. In certain embodiments where adhesive layer646is included, the adhesive layer646is an adhesive (e.g., an acrylic foam adhesive) with a high-bond strength that is sufficient to prevent removal of the segment640from a surface on which the adhesive layer646is adhered to without destroying the physical or mechanical integrity of the segment640and/or one or more of its constituent components.

In certain embodiments including the optional flexible substrate644, the optional flexible substrate644is a prefabricated adhesive tape that includes the adhesive layers642and646and the optional release liner. In other embodiments including the optional flexible substrate644, the adhesive layers642,646are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate644during the fabrication of the adhesive tape platform. The adhesive layer642may bond the flexible substrate644to a bottom surface of a flexible circuit648, that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect the processor650, a low-power wireless-communication interface652(e.g., a Zigbee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interface, or other low power communication interface), a clock and/or a timer circuit654, transducing and/or transducer(s)656(if present), the memory658, and other components in a device layer660to each other and to the energy storage device662and, thereby, enable the transducing, tracking and other functionalities of the segment640. The low-power wireless-communication interface652typically includes one or more of the antennas415,418and one or more of the wireless communication circuits413,416ofFIG.4. The segment640may further include a flexible cover690, an interfacial region692, and a flexible polymer layer694.

FIG.6Bshows a cross-sectional side-view of a portion of an example segment670of a flexible adhesive tape agent platform (e.g., platform500ofFIG.5) that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit410corresponding to a second tape-agent type (e.g., green). The segment670is similar to the segment640shown inFIG.6Abut further includes a medium-power communication-interface672′ (e.g., a LoRa interface) in addition to the low-power communications-interface652. The medium-power communication-interface672′ has a longer communication range than the low-power communication-interface652′. In certain embodiments, one or more other components of the segment670differ from the segment640in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source). The segment670may include further components, as discussed above and below with reference toFIGS.6A, and6C.

FIG.6Cshows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment680of the flexible adhesive tape-agent platform that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit410corresponding to the third tape-node type (e.g., black). The segment680is similar to the segment670ofFIG.6B, but further includes a high-power communications-interface682″ (e.g., a cellular interface; e.g., GSM/GPRS) in addition to a low-power communications-interface652″, and may include a medium-power communications-interface672″. The high-power communications-interface682″ has a range that provides global coverage to available infrastructure (e.g. the cellular network). In certain embodiments, one or more other components of the segment680differ from the segment670in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source).

FIGS.6A-6Cshow embodiments in which the flexible covers690,690′,690″ of the respective segments640,670, and680include one or more interfacial regions692,692′,692″ positioned over one or more of the transducers656,656′,656″. In certain embodiments, one or more of the interfacial regions692,692′,692″ have features, properties, compositions, dimensions, and/or characteristics that are designed to improve the operating performance of the platform for specific applications. In certain embodiments, the flexible adhesive tape platform includes multiple interfacial regions692,692′,692″ over respective transducers656,656′,656″, which may be the same or different depending on the target applications. Interfacial regions may represent one or more of an opening, an optically transparent window, and/or a membrane located in the interfacial regions692,692′,692″ of the flexible covers690,690′,690″ that is positioned over the one or more transducers and/or transducers656,656′,656″. Additional details regarding the structure and operation of example interfacial regions692,692′,692″ are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/680,716, filed Jun. 5, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/670,712, filed May 11, 2018.

In certain embodiments, a planarizing polymer694,694′,694″ encapsulates the respective device layers660,660′,660″ and thereby reduces the risk of damage that may result from the intrusion of contaminants and/or liquids (e.g., water) into the device layer660,660′,660″. The flexible polymer layers694,694′,694″ may also planarize the device layers660,660′,660″. This facilitates optional stacking of additional layers on the device layers660,660′,660″ and also distributes forces generated in, on, or across the segments640,670,680so as to reduce potentially damaging asymmetric stresses that might be caused by the application of bending, torquing, pressing, or other forces that may be applied to the segments640,670,680during use. In the illustrated example, a flexible cover690,690′,690″ is bonded to the planarizing polymer694,694′,694″ by an adhesive layer (not shown).

The flexible cover690,690′,690″ and the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ may have the same or different compositions depending on the intended application. In some examples, one or both of the flexible cover690,690′,690″ and the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ include flexible film layers and/or paper substrates, where the film layers may have reflective surfaces or reflective surface coatings. Compositions for the flexible film layers may represent one or more of polymer films, such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other plastics. The optional adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the flexible cover690,690′,690″ and the adhesive layers642,642′,642″,646,646′,646″ on the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ typically include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a silicon-based adhesive). In some examples, the adhesive layers are applied to the flexible cover690,690′,690″ and the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ during manufacture of the adhesive tape-agent platform (e.g., during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process). In other examples, the flexible cover690,690′,690″ may be implemented by a prefabricated single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ may be implemented by a prefabricated double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; both kinds of tape may be readily incorporated into a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process. In some examples, the flexible substrate644,644′,644″ is composed of a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone).

In certain embodiments, the energy storage device662,662′,662″ is a flexible battery that includes a printed electrochemical cell, which includes a planar arrangement of an anode and a cathode and battery contact pads. In some examples, the flexible battery may include lithium-ion cells or nickel-cadmium electro-chemical cells. The flexible battery typically is formed by a process that includes printing or laminating the electro-chemical cells on a flexible substrate (e.g., a polymer film layer). In some examples, other components may be integrated on the same substrate as the flexible battery. For example, the low-power wireless-communication interface652,652′,652″ and/or the processor(s)650,650′,650″ may be integrated on the flexible battery substrate. In some examples, one or more of such components also (e.g., the flexible antennas and the flexible interconnect circuits) may be printed on the flexible battery substrate.

In examples of manufacture, the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ is formed on a flexible substrate by one or more of printing, etching, or laminating circuit patterns on the flexible substrate. In certain embodiments, the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ is implemented by one or more of a single-sided flex circuit, a double access or back-bared flex circuit, a sculpted flex circuit, a double-sided flex circuit, a multi-layer flex circuit, a rigid flex circuit, and a polymer-thick film flex circuit. A single-sided flexible circuit has a single conductor layer made of, for example, a metal or conductive (e.g., metal filled) polymer on a flexible dielectric film. A double access or back bared flexible circuit has a single conductor layer but is processed so as to allow access to selected features of the conductor pattern from both sides. A sculpted flex circuit is formed using a multi-step etching process that produces a flex circuit that has finished copper conductors that vary in thickness along their respective lengths. A multilayer flex circuit has three of more layers of conductors, where the layers typically are interconnected using plated through holes. Rigid flex circuits are a hybrid construction of flex circuit consisting of rigid and flexible substrates that are laminated together into a single structure, where the layers typically are electrically interconnected via plated through holes. In polymer thick film (PTF) flex circuits, the circuit conductors are printed onto a polymer base film, where there may be a single conductor layer or multiple conductor layers that are insulated from one another by respective printed insulating layers.

In the example segments640,670,680shown inFIGS.6A-6C, the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ represents a single-access flex-circuit that interconnects the components of the adhesive tape platform on a single side of the flexible circuit648,648′,648″. However, in other embodiments, the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ represents a double access flex circuit that includes a front-side conductive pattern that interconnects the low-power communications interface652,652′,652″, the timer circuit654,654′,654″, the processor650,650′,650″, the one or more sensor transducers656,656′,656″ (if present), and the memory658,658′,658″, and allows through-hole access (not shown) to a back-side conductive pattern that is connected to the flexible battery (not shown). In these embodiments, the front-side conductive pattern of the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ connects the communications circuits652,652′,652″,672′,672″,682″ (e.g., receivers, transmitters, and transceivers) to their respective antennas and to the processor650,650′,650″ and also connects the processor650,650′,650″ to the one or more sensors and the memory658,658′, and658″. The backside conductive pattern connects the active electronics (e.g., the processor650,650′,650″, the communications circuits652,652′,652″,672′,672″,682″ and the transducers) on the front-side of the flexible circuit648,648′,648″ to the electrodes of the energy storage device662,662′,662″ via one or more through holes in the substrate of the flexible circuit648,648′,648″.

The various units of the segments640,670,680shown inFIGS.6A-6Cmay be arranged to accommodate different objects or structures (e.g., trash bins, fire extinguishers, etc.) and sensors may be added to, or subtracted from, the segments640,670, and680, according to a particular task. Sensor transducers656,656′,656″ may include one or more of temperature sensor, humidity sensor, air pressure sensor, force/pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer (6-axis motion sensor), vibration sensor, and sound sensor.

Referring toFIG.7A, in some examples, each of one or more of the segments770,772of a tracking adhesive product774includes a respective circuit775that delivers power from the respective energy source776to the respective tracking circuit778(e.g., a processor and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. In some of these examples, the wake circuit775is configured to transition from an off-state to an on-state when the voltage on the wake node777exceeds a threshold level, at which point the wake circuit transitions to an on-state to power-on the segment770. In the illustrated example, this occurs when the user separates the segment from the tracking adhesive product774, for example, by cutting across the tracking adhesive product774at a designated location (e.g., along a designated cut-line780). In particular, in its initial, un-cut state, a minimal amount of current flows through the resistors R1and R2. As a result, the voltage on the wake node777remains below the threshold turn-on level. After the user cuts across the tracking adhesive product774along the designated cut-line780, the user creates an open circuit in the loop782, which pulls the voltage of the wake node above the threshold level and turns on the wake circuit775. As a result, the voltage across the energy source776will appear across the tracking circuit778and, thereby, turn on the segment770. In particular embodiments, the resistance value of resistor R1is greater than the resistance value of R2. In some examples, the resistance values of resistors R1and R2are selected based on the overall design of the adhesive product system (e.g., the target wake voltage level and a target leakage current).

In some examples, each of one or more of the segments of a tracking adhesive product includes a respective sensor and a respective wake circuit that delivers power from the respective energy source to the respective one or more components of the respective tracking circuit778in response to an output of the sensor. In some examples, the respective sensor is a strain sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in strain in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the strain sensor is affixed to a tracking adhesive product and configured to detect the stretching of the tracking adhesive product segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a capacitive sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in capacitance in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the capacitive sensor is affixed to a tracking adhesive product and configured to detect the separation of the tracking adhesive product segment from a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a flex sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in curvature in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the flex sensor is affixed to a tracking adhesive product and configured to detect bending of the tracking adhesive product segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a near field communications sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in inductance in the respective segment.

FIG.7Bshows another example of a tracking adhesive product794that delivers power from the respective energy source776to the respective tracking circuit778(e.g., a processor and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. This example is similar in structure and operation as the tracking adhesive product794shown inFIG.7A, except that the wake circuit775is replaced by a switch796that is configured to transition from an open state to a closed state when the voltage on the switch node777exceeds a threshold level. In the initial state of the tracking adhesive product794, the voltage on the switch node is below the threshold level as a result of the low current level flowing through the resistors R1and R2. After the user cuts across the tracking adhesive product794along the designated cut-line780, the user creates an open circuit in the loop782, which pulls up the voltage on the switch node above the threshold level to close the switch796and turn on the tracking circuit778.

A wireless sensing system includes a plurality of wireless nodes configured to detect tampering in assets. Tampering may include, but is not limited to, opening assets such as boxes, containers, storage, or doors, moving the asset without authorization, moving the asset to an unintended location, moving the asset in an unintended way, damaging the asset, shaking the asset in an unintended way, orienting an asset in a way that it is not meant to be oriented. In many cases, these actions may compromise the integrity or safety of assets. Wireless nodes associated with the asset are configured to detect a tampering event. In an embodiment, a tampering event is associated with an action, a time, and a location. In an embodiment, the wireless nodes communicate the tampering event to the wireless sensing system. The wireless sensing system is configured to provide a notification or alert to a user of the wireless sensing system. In some embodiments, a wireless node may directly transmit the notification or alert to the user. In other embodiments, a wireless node may include a display that indicates whether or not a tampering event has occurred (e.g., the display may be an indicator light or LED).

Alerts may be transmitted to server/cloud, other wireless nodes, a client device, or some combination thereof. For example, in an embodiment, a wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data, detects a tampering event, and transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system (e.g., without communicating with a server or cloud of the wireless sensing system). In another embodiment, a wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data and transmits the sensor data to a gateway, parent node (e.g., black tape), or client device. The gateway, parent node, or client device detects a tampering event based on the received sensor data and transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system. In another embodiment, the wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data, detects a tampering event, and transmits information describing the tampering event to a server or cloud of the wireless sensing system. The server or cloud of the wireless sensing system transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system.

FIG.7Cshows a diagrammatic cross-sectional front view of an example adhesive tape platform700and a perspective view of an example asset702. Instead of activating the adhesive tape platform in response to separating a segment of the adhesive tape platform from a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tape platform, this example is configured to supply power from the energy source704to turn on the wireless transducing circuit706in response to establishing an electrical connection between two power terminals708,710that are integrated into the adhesive tape platform. In particular, each segment of the adhesive tape platform700includes a respective set of embedded tracking components, an adhesive layer712, and an optional backing sheet714with a release coating that prevents the segments from adhering strongly to the backing sheet714. In some examples, the power terminals708,710are composed of an electrically conductive material (e.g., a metal, such as copper) that may be printed or otherwise patterned and/or deposited on the backside of the adhesive tape platform700. In operation, the adhesive tape platform can be activated by removing the backing sheet714and applying the exposed adhesive layer712to a surface that includes an electrically conductive region716. In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive region716is disposed on a portion of the asset702. When the adhesive backside of the adhesive tape platform700is adhered to the asset with the exposed terminals708,710aligned and in contact with the electrically conductive region716on the asset702, an electrical connection is created through the electrically conductive region716between the exposed terminals708,710that completes the circuit and turns on the wireless transducing circuit706. In particular embodiments, the power terminals708,710are electrically connected to any respective nodes of the wireless transducing circuit706that would result in the activation of the tracking circuit706in response to the creation of an electrical connection between the power terminals708,710.

In some examples, after a tape node is turned on, it will communicate with the network service to confirm that the user/operator who is associated with the tape node is an authorized user who has authenticated himself or herself to the network service. In these examples, if the tape node cannot confirm that the user/operator is an authorized user, the tape node will turn itself off.

FIG.8shows an example network communications environment800that includes a network802that supports communications between one or more servers804executing one or more applications of a network service808, mobile gateways810(a smart device mobile gateway),812(a vehicle mobile gateway), a stationary gateway814, and various types of tape nodes that are associated with various assets (e.g., parcels, equipment, tools, persons, and other things). Hereinafter “tape nodes” may be used interchangeably with the “agents”, as described above, with reference toFIGS.1-9A; the “agents” are in the form of a “tape node” attached to different objects, e.g., an asset, storage container, vehicle, equipment, etc.; the master agent may be referred to as a master tape node, a secondary agent may be referred to as a secondary tape node; and a tertiary agent may be referred to as a tertiary tape node.

In some examples, the network802(e.g., a wireless network) includes one or more network communication systems and technologies, including any one or more of wide area networks, local area networks, public networks (e.g., the internet), private networks (e.g., intranets and extranets), wired networks, and wireless networks. For example, the network802includes communications infrastructure equipment, such as a geolocation satellite system870(e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR), cellular communication systems (e.g., GSM/GPRS), Wi-Fi communication systems, RF communication systems (e.g., LoRa), Bluetooth communication systems (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy system), Z-wave communication systems, and ZigBee communication systems.

In some examples, the one or more network service applications leverage the above-mentioned communications technologies to create a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes improves asset management operations by reducing costs and improving efficiency in a wide range of processes, from asset packaging, asset transporting, asset tracking, asset condition monitoring, asset inventorying, and asset security verification. Communication across the network is secured by a variety of different security mechanisms. In the case of existing infrastructure, a communication link uses the infrastructure security mechanisms. In the case of communications among tapes nodes, the communication is secured through a custom security mechanism. In certain cases, tape nodes may also be configured to support block chain to protect the transmitted and stored data.

A network of tape nodes may be configured by the network service to create hierarchical communications network. The hierarchy may be defined in terms of one or more factors, including functionality (e.g., wireless transmission range or power), role (e.g., master-tape node vs. peripheral-tape node), or cost (e.g., a tape node equipped with a cellular transceiver vs. a peripheral tape node equipped with a Bluetooth LE transceiver). As described above with reference to the agents, tape nodes may be assigned to different levels of a hierarchical network according to one or more of the above-mentioned factors. For example, the hierarchy may be defined in terms of communication range or power, where tape nodes with higher-power or longer-communication range transceivers are arranged at a higher level of the hierarchy than tape nodes with lower-power or lower-range power or lower range transceivers. In another example, the hierarchy is defined in terms of role, where, e.g., a master tape node is programmed to bridge communications between a designated group of peripheral tape nodes and a gateway node or server node. The problem of finding an optimal hierarchical structure may be formulated as an optimization problem with battery capacity of nodes, power consumption in various modes of operation, desired latency, external environment, etc. and may be solved using modern optimization methods e.g. neural networks, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning computing systems that take expected and historical data to create an optimal solution and may create algorithms for modifying the system's behavior adaptively in the field.

The tape nodes may be deployed by automated equipment or manually. In this process, a tape node typically is separated from a roll or sheet and adhered to a parcel (e.g., asset820) or other stationary (e.g., stationary gateway814) or mobile object (e.g., a, such as a delivery truck, such as mobile gateway812) or stationary object (e.g., a structural element of a building). This process activates the tape node (e.g., the tape node818) and causes the tape node818to communicate with the one or more servers804of the network service808. In this process, the tape node818may communicate through one or more other tape nodes (e.g., the tape nodes842,844,846,848) in the communication hierarchy. In this process, the one or more servers804executes the network service application806to programmatically configure tape nodes818,824,828,832,842,844,846,848, that are deployed in the network communications environment800. In some examples, there are multiple classes or types of tape nodes (e.g., a master agent, a secondary agent, or a tertiary agent), where each tape node class has a different respective set of functionalities and/or capacities, as described herein with respect to the “agents” inFIGS.1-9A. For example, the master agents have a lower-power wireless communication interface (e.g., the low-power wireless-communication interface652, with reference toFIG.6A), in comparison to the secondary and tertiary agents.

In some examples, the one or more servers804communicate over the network802with one or more gateways810,812,814that are configured to send, transmit, forward, or relay messages to the network802in response to transmissions from the tape nodes818,824,828,832,842,844,846,848that are associated with respective assets and within communication range. Example gateways include mobile gateways810,812and a stationary gateway814. In some examples, the mobile gateways810,812, and the stationary gateway814are able to communicate with the network802and with designated sets or groups of tape nodes.

In some examples, the mobile gateway812is a vehicle (e.g., a delivery truck or other mobile hub) that includes a wireless communications unit816that is configured by the network service808to communicate with a designated network of tape nodes, including tape node818(e.g., a master tape node) in the form of a label that is adhered to a parcel821(e.g., an envelope) that contains an asset820, and is further configured to communicate with the network service808over the network802. In some examples, the tape node818includes a lower-power wireless-communications interface of the type used in, e.g., segment640(shown inFIG.6A), and the wireless communications unit816may be implemented by a secondary or tertiary tape node (e.g., one of segment670or segment680, respectively shown inFIGS.6B and6C) that includes a lower-power communications interfaces for communicating with tape nodes within range of the mobile gateway812and a higher-power communications-interface for communicating with the network802. In this way, the tape node818and wireless communications unit816create a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes for transmitting, forwarding, bridging, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the tape node818in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In some examples, a mobile gateway810is a mobile phone that is operated by a human operator and executes a client application822that is configured by a network service to communicate with a designated set of tape nodes, including a secondary or tertiary tape node824that is adhered to a parcel826(e.g., a box), and is further configured to communicate with a server804over the network802. In the illustrated example, the parcel826contains a first parcel labeled or sealed by a master tape node828and containing a first asset830, and a second parcel labeled or sealed by a master tape node832and containing a second asset834. The secondary or tertiary tape node824communicates with each of the master tape nodes828,832and also communicates with the mobile gateway810. In some examples, each of the master tape nodes828,832includes a lower-power wireless-communications interface of the type used in, e.g., segment640(shown inFIG.6A), and the secondary/tertiary tape node824is implemented by a tape node (e.g., segment670or segment680, shown inFIGS.6B and6C) that includes a low-power communications interface for communicating with the master tape nodes828,832contained within the parcel826, and a higher-power communications interface for communicating with the mobile gateway810. The secondary or tertiary tape node824is operable to relay wireless communications between the master tape nodes828,832contained within the parcel826and the mobile gateway810, and the mobile gateway810is operable to relay wireless communications between the secondary or tertiary tape node824and the server804over the network802. In this way, the master tape nodes828and832and the secondary or tertiary tape node824create a wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the master tape nodes828,832, the secondary or tertiary tape node824, and the network service (not shown) in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In some embodiments, the client application822is installed on a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) that may also operate as mobile gateway810. The client application822may cause the mobile device to function as a mobile gateway810. For example, the client application822runs in the background to allow the mobile device to bridge communications between tape nodes that are communicating on one protocol to other tape nodes that are communicating on another protocol. For example, a tape node transmits data to the mobile device through Bluetooth, and the mobile device (running the client application822) relays that data to the server804via cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) or Wi-Fi. Further, the client application822may cause the mobile device to establish a connection with, and receive pings (e.g., alerts to nearby assets that an environmental profile threshold has been exceeded), from the tape nodes or from the server804. The tape nodes or server may request services (e.g., to display alert messages within a graphical user interface of the mobile device, relay messages to nearby tape nodes or mobile or stationary gateways, delegate tasks to the mobile device, such as determining the location of the tape node, etc.) from the mobile device. For example, the mobile device running the client application822may share location data with the tape node, allowing the tape node to pinpoint its location.

In some examples, the stationary gateway814is implemented by a server804executing a network service application806that is configured by the network service808to communicate with a designated set840of master tape nodes842,844,846,848that are adhered to respective parcels containing respective assets850,852,854,856on a pallet858. In other examples, the stationary gateway814is implemented by a secondary or tertiary tape node860(e.g., segments670or680, respectively shown inFIGS.6B and6C) that is adhered to, for example, a wall, column or other infrastructure component of the physical premise's environment800, and includes a low-power communications interface for communicating with nodes within range of the stationary gateway814and a higher-power communications interface for communicating with the network802.

In one embodiment, each of the master tape nodes842-848is a master tape node and is configured by the network service808to communicate individually with the stationary gateway814, which relays communications from the master tape nodes842-848to the network service808through the stationary gateway814and over the network802. In another embodiment, one of the master tape nodes842-848at a time is configured to transmit, forward, relay, or otherwise communicate wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the other master nodes on the pallet858. In this embodiment, the master tape node may be determined by the master tape nodes842-848or designated by the network service808. In some examples, the master tape nodes842-848with the longest range or highest remaining power level is determined to be the master tape node. In some examples, when the power level of the current master tape node drops below a certain level (e.g., a fixed power threshold level or a threshold level relative to the power levels of one or more of the other master tape nodes), another one of the master tape nodes assumes the role of the master tape node. In some examples, a master tape node859is adhered to the pallet858and is configured to perform the role of a master node for the other master tape nodes842-848. In these ways, the master tape nodes842-848,859are configurable to create different wireless networks of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, bridging, or otherwise communicating wireless messages with the network service808through the stationary gateway814and over the network802in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In the illustrated example, the stationary gateway814also is configured by the network service808to communicate with a designated network of tape nodes, including the secondary or tertiary tape node860that is adhered to the inside of a door862of a shipping container864, and is further configured to communicate with the network service808over the network802. In the illustrated example, the shipping container864contains a number of parcels labeled or sealed by respective master tape nodes866and containing respective assets. The secondary or tertiary tape node860communicates with each of the master tape nodes866within the shipping container864and communicates with the stationary gateway814. In some examples, each of the master tape nodes866includes a low-power wireless communications-interface (e.g., the low-power wireless communication interface652,652′,652″, with reference toFIGS.6A-6C), and the secondary or tertiary tape node860includes a low-power wireless communications interface (low-power wireless communication interfaces652′,652″, with reference toFIGS.6B-6C) for communicating with the master tape nodes866contained within the shipping container864, and a higher-power wireless-communications interface (e.g., medium-power wireless-communication interface672′, medium-power wireless-communication interface672″, high-power wireless-communication interface682″, with reference toFIGS.6B-6C) for communicating with the stationary gateway814. In some examples, either a secondary or tertiary tape node, or both, may be used, depending on whether a high-power wireless-communication interface is necessary for sufficient communication.

In some examples, when the doors of the shipping container864are closed, the secondary or tertiary tape node860is operable to communicate wirelessly with the master tape nodes866contained within the shipping container864. In some embodiments, both a secondary and a tertiary node are attached to the shipping container864. Whether a secondary and a tertiary node are used may depend on the range requirements of the wireless-communications interface. For example, if out at sea a node will be required to transmit and receive signals from a server located outside the range of a medium-power wireless-communications interface, a tertiary node will be used because the tertiary node includes a high-power wireless-communications interface.

In an example, the secondary or tertiary tape node860is configured to collect sensor data from master tape nodes866and, in some embodiments, process the collected data to generate, for example, statistics from the collected data. When the doors of the shipping container864are open, the secondary or tertiary tape node860is programmed to detect the door opening (e.g., using a photodetector or an accelerometer component of the secondary or tertiary tape node860) and, in addition to reporting the door opening event to the network service808, the secondary or tertiary tape node860is further programmed to transmit the collected data and/or the processed data in one or more wireless messages to the stationary gateway814. The stationary gateway814, in turn, is operable to transmit the wireless messages received from the secondary or tertiary tape node860to the network service808over the network802. Alternatively, in some examples, the stationary gateway814also is operable to perform operations on the data received from the secondary or tertiary tape node860with the same type of data produced by the secondary or tertiary tape node860based on sensor data collected from the master tape nodes842-848. In this way, the secondary or tertiary tape node860and master tape node866create a wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the master tape node866, the secondary or tertiary tape nodes860, and the network service808in a power-efficient and cost-effective way.

In an example of the embodiment shown inFIG.8, there are three types of backward compatible tape nodes: a short-range master tape node (e.g., segment640), a medium-range secondary tape node (e.g., segment670), and a long-range tertiary tape node (e.g. segment680), as respectively shown inFIGS.6A-6C(here, “tape node” is used interchangeably with “agent”, as described with reference toFIGS.1-9A). The short-range master tape nodes typically are adhered directly to parcels containing assets. In the illustrated example, the master tape nodes818,828,832,842-848,866are short-range tape nodes. The short-range tape nodes typically communicate with a low-power wireless-communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth LE, Zigbee, or Z-wave). The segments670are typically adhered to objects (e.g., a parcel826and a shipping container864) that are associated with multiple parcels that are separated from the medium-range tape nodes by a barrier or a long distance. In the illustrated example, the secondary and/or tertiary tape nodes824and860are medium-range tape nodes. The medium-range tape nodes typically communicate with low and medium-power wireless-communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, LoRa, or Wi-Fi). The segments680typically are adhered to mobile or stationary infrastructure of the network communications environment800.

In the illustrated example, the mobile gateway812and the stationary gateway814are implemented by, e.g., segment680. The segments680typically communicate with other nodes using a high-power wireless-communication protocol (e.g., a cellular data communication protocol). In some examples, the wireless communications circuit h (a secondary or tertiary tape node) is adhered to a mobile gateway812(e.g., a truck). In these examples, the wireless communications unit816may be moved to different locations in the network communications environment800to assist in connecting other tape nodes to the wireless communications unit816. In some examples, the stationary gateway814is a tape node that may be attached to a stationary structure (e.g., a wall) in the network communications environment800with a known geographic location (e.g., GPS coordinates). In these examples, other tape nodes in the environment may determine their geographic location by querying the stationary gateway814.

In some examples, in order to conserve power, the tape nodes typically communicate according to a schedule promulgated by the network service808. The schedule usually dictates all aspects of the communication, including the times when particular tape nodes should communicate, the mode of communication, and the contents of the communication. In one example, the server (not shown) transmits programmatic Global Scheduling Description Language (GSDL) code to the master tape node and each of the secondary and tertiary tape nodes in the designated set. In this example, execution of the GSDL code causes each of the tape nodes in the designated set to connect to the master tape node at a different respective time that is specified in the GSDL code, and to communicate a respective set of one or more data packets of one or more specified types of information over the respective connection. In some examples, the master tape node simply forwards the data packets to the server804, either directly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long-range tape node, such as wireless communication unit816, adhered to the mobile gateway812, or a long-range tape node, such as stationary gateway814, that is adhered to an infrastructure component of the network communications environment800). In other examples, the master tape node processes the information contained in the received data packets and transmits the processed information to the server804.

FIG.9Ais a schematic illustrating one example hierarchical wireless communications network of tape nodes970. In this example, the short-range tape node972and the medium range tape node976communicate with one another over their respective low power wireless communication interfaces974,978. The medium range tape node976and the long-range tape node982communicate with one another over their respective medium power wireless communication interfaces980,984. The long-range tape node982and the one or more network service servers904(e.g., server(s)804,FIG.8) running application(s)906(e.g., application(s)806) communicate with one another over the high-power communication interface986. In some examples, the low power communication interfaces974,978establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the Bluetooth LE protocol, the medium power communication interfaces980,984establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the LoRa communications protocol, and the high-power communication interface986establishes wireless communications with the one or more network service servers904in accordance with a cellular communications protocol.

In some examples, the different types of tape nodes are deployed at different levels in the communications hierarchy according to their respective communications ranges, with the long-range tape nodes generally at the top of the hierarchy, the medium range tape nodes generally in the middle of the hierarchy, and the short-range tape nodes generally at the bottom of the hierarchy. In some examples, the different types of tape nodes are implemented with different feature sets that are associated with component costs and operational costs that vary according to their respective levels in the hierarchy. This allows system administrators flexibility to optimize the deployment of the tape nodes to achieve various objectives, including cost minimization, asset tracking, asset localization, and power conservation.

In some examples, one or more network service servers904designates a tape node at a higher level in a hierarchical communications network as a master node of a designated set of tape nodes at a lower level in the hierarchical communications network. For example, the designated master tape node may be adhered to a parcel (e.g., a box, pallet, or shipping container) that contains one or more tape nodes that are adhered to one or more packages containing respective assets. In order to conserve power, the tape nodes typically communicate according to a schedule promulgated by the one or more network service servers904. The schedule usually dictates all aspects of the communication, including the times when particular tape nodes should communicate, the mode of communication, and the contents of the communication. In one example, the one or more network service servers904transmits programmatic Global Scheduling Description Language (GSDL) code to the master tape node and each of the lower-level tape nodes in the designated set. In this example, execution of the GSDL code causes each of the tape nodes in the designated set to connect to the master tape node at a different respective time that is specified in the GSDL code, and to communicate a respective set of one or more data packets of one or more specified types of information over the respective connection. In some examples, the master tape node simply forwards the data packets to the one or more network service servers904, either directly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long-range wireless communication unit816adhered to the mobile gateway812(which could be a vehicle, ship, plane, etc.) or the stationary gateway814is a long-range tape node adhered to an infrastructure component of the environment800). In other examples, the master tape node processes the information contained in the received data packets and transmits the processed information to the one or more network service servers904/804.

FIG.9Bis a flowchart illustrating one example method of creating a hierarchical communications network. In accordance with this method, a first tape node is adhered to a first parcel in a set of associated parcels, the first tape node including a first type of wireless communication interface and a second type of wireless communication interface having a longer range than the first type of wireless communication interface (FIG.9B, block990). A second tape node is adhered to a second parcel in the set, the second tape node including the first type of wireless communication interface, wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the first tape node over a wireless communication connection established between the first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes (FIG.9B, block992). An application executing on a computer system (e.g., the one or more network service servers904of network service808) establishes a wireless communication connection with the second type of wireless communication interface of the first tape node, and the application transmits programmatic code executable by the first tape node to function as a master tape node with respect to the second tape node (FIG.9B, block994).

As used herein, the term “node” refers to both a tape node and a non-tape node unless the node is explicitly designated as a “tape node” or a “non-tape node.” In some embodiments, a non-tape node may have the same or similar communication, sensing, processing and other functionalities and capabilities as the tape nodes described herein, except without being integrated into a tape platform. In some embodiments, non-tape nodes can interact seamlessly with tape nodes. Each node is assigned a respective unique identifier.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe a distributed software operating system that is implemented by distributed hardware nodes executing intelligent agent software to perform various tasks or algorithms. In some embodiments, the operating system distributes functionalities (e.g., performing analytics on data or statistics collected or generated by nodes) geographically across multiple intelligent agents that are bound to logistic items (e.g., parcels, containers, packages, boxes, pallets, a loading dock, a door, a light switch, a vehicle such as a delivery truck, a shipping facility, a port, a hub, etc.). In addition, the operating system dynamically allocates the hierarchical roles (e.g., master and slave roles) that nodes perform over time in order to improve system performance, such as optimizing battery life across nodes, improving responsiveness, and achieving overall objectives. In some embodiments, optimization is achieved using a simulation environment for optimizing key performance indicators (PKIs).

In some embodiments, the nodes are programmed to operate individually or collectively as autonomous intelligent agents. In some embodiments, nodes are configured to communicate and coordinate actions and respond to events. In some embodiments, a node is characterized by its identity, its mission, and the services that it can provide to other nodes. A node's identity is defined by its capabilities (e.g., battery life, sensing capabilities, and communications interfaces). A node may be defined by the respective program code, instructions, or directives it receives from another node (e.g., a server or a master node) and the actions or tasks that it performs in accordance with that program code, instructions, or directives (e.g., sense temperature every hour and send temperature data to a master node to upload to a server). A node's services may be defined by the functions or tasks that it is permitted to perform for other nodes (e.g., retrieve temperature data from a peripheral node and send the received temperature data to the server). At least for certain tasks, once programmed and configured with their identities, missions, and services, nodes can communicate with one another and request services from and provide services to one another independently of the server.

Thus, in accordance with the runtime operating system every agent knows its objectives (programmed). Every agent knows which capabilities/resources it needs to fulfill objective. Every agent communicates with every other node in proximity to see if it can offer the capability. Examples include communicate data to the server, authorize going to lower-power level, temperature reading, send an alert to local hub, send location data, triangulate location, any boxes in same group that already completed group objectives.

Nodes can be associated with logistic items. Examples of a logistic item includes, for example, a package, a box, pallet, a container, a truck or other conveyance, infrastructure such as a door, a conveyor belt, a light switch, a road, or any other thing that can be tracked, monitored, sensed, etc. or that can transmit data concerning its state or environment. In some examples, a server or a master node may associate the unique node identifiers with the logistic items.

Communication paths between tape and/or non-tape nodes may be represented by a graph of edges between the corresponding logistic items (e.g., a storage unit, truck, or hub). In some embodiments, each node in the graph has a unique identifier. A set of connected edges between nodes is represented by a sequence of the node identifiers that defines a communication path between a set of nodes.

Referring toFIG.10A, a node1020(Node A) is associated with a package1022(Package A). In some embodiments, the node1020may be implemented as a tape node that is used to seal the package1022or it may be implemented as a label node that is used to label the package1022; alternatively, the node1020may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the package1022or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the package1022. In the illustrated embodiment, the node1020includes a low power communications interface1024(e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). Another node1026(Node B), which is associated with another package1030(Package B), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface1028(e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface).

In an example scenario, in accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, node1026(Node B) requires a connection to node1020(Node A) to perform a task that involves checking the battery life of Node A. Initially, Node B is unconnected to any other nodes. In accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, Node B periodically broadcasts advertising packets into the surrounding area. When the other node1020(Node A) is within range of Node B and is operating in a listening mode, Node A will extract the address of Node B and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from an advertising packet. If, according to its programmatic code, Node A determines that it is authorized to connect to Node B, Node A will attempt to pair with Node B. In this process, Node A and Node B determine each other's identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a communication path1032with Node A (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted communication path), Node B determines Node A's identity information (e.g., master node), Node A's capabilities include reporting its current battery life, and Node A's services include transmitting its current battery life to other nodes. In response to a request from Node B, Node A transmits an indication of its current battery life to Node B.

Referring toFIG.10B, a node1034(Node C) is associated with a package1035(Package C). In the illustrated embodiment, the Node C includes a low power communications interface1036(e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface), and a sensor1037(e.g., a temperature sensor). Another node1038(Node D), which is associated with another package1040(Package D), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface1042(e.g., a Bluetooth Low-Energy communications interface).

In an example scenario, in accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, Node D requires a connection to Node C to perform a task that involves checking the temperature in the vicinity of Node C. Initially, Node D is unconnected to any other nodes. In accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, Node D periodically broadcasts advertising packets in the surrounding area. When Node C is within range of Node D and is operating in a listening mode, Node C will extract the address of Node D and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the advertising packet. If, according to its programmatic code, Node C determines that it is authorized to connect to Node D, Node C will attempt to pair with Node D. In this process, Node C and Node D determine each other's identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a communication path1044with Node C (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted communication path), Node D determines Node C's identity information (e.g., a peripheral node), Node C's capabilities include retrieving temperature data, and Node C's services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. In response to a request from Node D, Node C transmits its measured and/or locally processed temperature data to Node D.

Referring toFIG.10C, a pallet1050is associated with a master node1051that includes a low-power communications interface1052, a GPS receiver1054, and a cellular communications interface1056. In some embodiments, the master node1051may be implemented as a tape node or a label node that is adhered to the pallet1050. In other embodiments, the master node1051may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the body of the pallet1050or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the pallet1050.

The pallet1050provides a structure for grouping and containing packages1059,1061,1063each of which is associated with a respective peripheral node1058,1060,1062(Node E, Node F, and Node G). Each of the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062includes a respective low power communications interface1064,1066,1068(e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nodes E, F, G, and the master node1051are connected to each of the other nodes over a respective low power communications path (shown by dashed lines).

In some embodiments, the packages1059,1061,1063are grouped together because they are related. For example, the packages1059,1061,1063may share the same shipping itinerary or a portion thereof. In an example scenario, the master pallet node1051scans for advertising packets that are broadcasted from the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062. In some examples, the peripheral nodes broadcast advertising packets during respective scheduled broadcast intervals. The master node1051can determine the presence of the packages1059,1061,1063in the vicinity of the pallet1050based on receipt of one or more advertising packets from each of the nodes E, F, and G. In some embodiments, in response to receipt of advertising packets broadcasted by the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062, the master node1051transmits respective requests to the server to associate the master node1051and the respective peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062. In some examples, the master tape node requests authorization from the server to associate the master tape node and the peripheral tape nodes. If the corresponding packages1059,1061,1063are intended to be grouped together (e.g., they share the same itinerary or certain segments of the same itinerary), the server authorizes the master node1051to associate the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062with one another as a grouped set of packages. In some embodiments, the server registers the master node and peripheral tape node identifiers with a group identifier. The server also may associate each node ID with a respective physical label ID that is affixed to the respective package.

In some embodiments, after an initial set of packages is assigned to a multi package group, the master node1051may identify another package arrives in the vicinity of the multi-package group. The master node may request authorization from the server to associate the other package with the existing multi-package group. If the server determines that the other package is intended to ship with the multi-package group, the server instructs the master node to merge one or more other packages with currently grouped set of packages. After all packages are grouped together, the server authorizes the multi-package group to ship. In some embodiments, this process may involve releasing the multi-package group from a containment area (e.g., customs holding area) in a shipment facility.

In some embodiments, the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated packages1059,1061,1063. Examples of such environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, vibration sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light sensors, and orientation sensors.

In the illustrated embodiment, the master node1051can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system1070(e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver1054component of the master node1051. In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master pallet node1051can be determined using cellular based navigation techniques that use mobile communication technologies (e.g., GSM, GPRS, CDMA, etc.) to implement one or more cell-based localization techniques. After the master node1051has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the packages1059,1061,1063from the master node1051can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node1051receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node1051can then transmit its own location and the locations of the package nodes E, F, and G to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cellular network1072. Other methods of determining the distance of each of the packages1059,1061,1063from the master node1051, such as Received Signal-Strength Index (RSSI) based indoor localization techniques, also may be used.

In some embodiments, after determining its own location and the locations of the peripheral nodes, the master node1051reports the location data and the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062or the master node1051) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path1071on a cellular network1072.

In some examples, nodes are able to autonomously detect logistics execution errors if packages that are supposed to travel together no longer travel together and raise an alert. For example, a node (e.g., the master node1051or one of the peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062) alerts the server when the node determines that a particular package1059is being or has already been improperly separated from the group of packages. The node may determine that there has been an improper separation of the particular package1059in a variety of ways. For example, the associated peripheral node1058that is bound to the particular package1059may include an accelerometer that generates a signal in response to movement of the package from the pallet. In accordance with its intelligent agent program code, the associated peripheral node1058determines that the master node1051has not disassociated the particular package1059from the group and therefore broadcasts advertising packets to the master node, which causes the master node1051to monitor the average signal strength of the advertising packets and, if the master node1051determines that the signal strength is decreasing over time, the master node1051will issue an alert either locally (e.g., through a speaker component of the master node1051) or to the server.

FIG.11is a schematic illustrating a truck1180configured as a mobile node or mobile hub that includes a cellular communications interface1182, a medium-power communications interface1184, and a low power communications interface1186. The communications interfaces1180-1186may be implemented on one or more tape and non-tape nodes. In an illustrative scenario, the truck1180visits a logistic storage facility, such as a warehouse1188, to wirelessly obtain temperature data generated by temperature sensors in the medium range nodes1190,1192,1194. The warehouse1188contains nodes1190,1192, and1194that are associated with respective logistic containers1191,1193,1195. In the illustrated embodiment, each node1190-1194is a medium range node that includes a respective medium power communications interface1196,1102,1108, a respective low power communications interface1198,1104,1110and one or more respective sensors1100,1106,1112. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the package nodes1190,1192,1194and the truck1180is connected to each of the other ones of the package nodes through a respective medium power communications path (shown by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the medium power communications paths are LoRa formatted communication paths.

In some embodiments, the communications interfaces1184and1186(e.g., a LoRa communications interface and a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface) on the node on the truck1180is programmed to broadcast advertisement packets to establish connections with other network nodes within range of the truck node. A warehouse1188includes medium range nodes1190,1192,1194that are associated with respective logistic containers1191,1193,1195(e.g., packages, boxes, pallets, and the like). When the truck node's low power interface1186is within range of any of the medium range nodes1190,1192,1194and one or more of the medium range nodes is operating in a listening mode, the medium range node will extract the address of truck node and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the advertising packet. If, according to its programmatic code, the truck node determines that it is authorized to connect to one of the medium range nodes1190,1192,1194, the truck node will attempt to pair with the medium range node. In this process, the truck node and the medium range node determine each other's identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a communication path with the truck node (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted communication path1114or a LoRa formatted communication path1115), the truck node determines the identity information for the medium range node1190(e.g., a peripheral node), the medium range node's capabilities include retrieving temperature data, and the medium range node's services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. Depending of the size of the warehouse1188, the truck1180initially may communicate with the nodes1190,1192,1194using a low power communications interface (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy interface). If any of the anticipated nodes fails to respond to repeated broadcasts of advertising packets by the truck1180, the truck1180will try to communicate with the non-responsive nodes using a medium power communications interface (e.g., LoRa interface). In response to a request from the medium-power communication interface1184, the medium range node1190transmits an indication of its measured temperature data to the truck node. The truck node repeats the process for each of the other medium range nodes1192,1194that generate temperature measurement data in the warehouse1188. The truck node reports the collected (and optionally processed, either by the medium range nodes1190,1192,1194or the truck node) temperature data to a server over a cellular communication path1116with a cellular network1118.

FIG.12is a schematic illustrating a master node1230is associated with a logistic item1232(e.g., a package) and grouped together with other logistic items1234,1236(e.g., packages) that are associated with respective peripheral nodes1238,1240. The master node1230includes a GPS receiver1242, a medium power communications interface1244, one or more sensors1246, and a cellular communications interface1248. Each of the peripheral nodes1238,1240includes a respective medium power communications interface1250,1252and one or more respective sensors1254,1256. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral and master nodes are connected to one another other over respective pairwise communications paths (shown by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the nodes1230,1238,1240communicate through respective LoRa communications interfaces over LoRa formatted communications paths1258,1260,1262.

In the illustrated embodiment, the master and peripheral nodes1230,1238,1240include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated logistic items1232,1234,1236. Examples of such environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, vibration sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light sensors, and orientation sensors.

In accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, the master node1230periodically broadcasts advertising packets in the surrounding area. When the peripheral nodes1238,1240are within range of master node1230, and are operating in a listening mode, the peripheral nodes1238,1240will extract the address of master node1230and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the advertising packets. If, according to their respective programmatic code, the peripheral nodes1238,1240determine that they are authorized to connect to the master node1230, the peripheral nodes1238,1240will attempt to pair with the master node1230. In this process, the peripheral nodes1238,1240and the master node1230determine each other's identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a respective communication path1258,1260with each of the peripheral nodes1238,1240(e.g., a LoRa formatted communication path), the master node1230determines certain information about the peripheral nodes1238,1240, such as their identity information (e.g., peripheral nodes), their capabilities (e.g., measuring temperature data), and their services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes.

After establishing LoRa formatted communications paths1258,1260with the peripheral nodes1238,1240, the master node1230transmits requests for the peripheral nodes1238,1240to transmit their measured and/or locally processed temperature data to the master node1230.

In the illustrated embodiment, the master node1230can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system1266(e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver1242component of the master node1230. In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master node1230can be determined using cellular based navigation techniques that use mobile communication technologies (e.g., GSM, GPRS, CDMA, etc.) to implement one or more cell-based localization techniques. After the master node1230has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the logistic items1234,1236from the master node1230can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node1230receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node1230can then transmit its own location and the locations of the package nodes H, J, and I to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cellular network1272. Other methods of determining the distance of each of the logistic items1234,1236from the master node1230, such as Received Signal-Strength Index (RSSI) based indoor localization techniques, also may be used.

In some embodiments, after determining its own location and the locations of the peripheral nodes, the master node1230reports the location data, the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes1238,1240or the master node1230) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path1270on a cellular network1272.

Universal Loading Device Pallet Tracking

A unit load device (ULD) is a carrier type of device that facilitates loading of assets onto a transportation vehicle. There are two types of ULD: a pallet and a container. The pallet is used in the following examples and presents constraints on positioning of tracking devices. A ULD pallet is a flat sheet, a single-layer or a double-layer, made of aluminum for example, on which cargo (e.g., an asset, a group of assets, etc.) is secured for transport. Additional specifications or requirements of the ULD pallet may be presented by a carrier of the pallet and cargo. The ULD pallet is lightweight, as compared to ULD containers, thereby reducing labor requirements for movement of the cargo. Moreover, the ULD pallet has a relatively low cost as compared to a ULD container for example. A bottom surface of the ULD pallet contacts a surface that supports it, and therefore cannot a tracking device cannot be attached there. The assets1304are placed on the top surface of the ULD pallet, and thus any tracking devices attached to the top surface would be prone to damage during use of the ULD pallet and when the ULD pallets are stacked during periods of non-use. A tracking device attached to an edge of the ULD pallet is prone to damage when the ULD pallet is moved since it is unprotected. Thus, attaching a tracking device to the ULD pallet where it is less likely to be damaged is difficult. The present embodiments solve this problem by positioning the tracking device into an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet such that it is better protected from physical damage. However, the anchor-slot is relatively small and imparts significant constraints on the tracking device as detailed herein.

FIG.13is a schematic illustrating one example ULD pallet1302tracked by an anchor-slot tape node1306and loaded with a plurality of assets1304, in embodiments. Assets1304are secured to ULD pallet1302by a net1308(or straps, or any other type of fastening mechanism) that couples with anchor rings1310secured within an anchor-slot1312of ULD pallet1302. Anchor-slot1312is a recessed track formed at and around an outer perimeter of a top surface of ULD pallet1302.

Anchor-slot1312allows anchor rings1310(and/or other fasteners, such as strap ratchets, hooks, etc.) to be positioned at multiple positions around ULD pallet1302as needed to secure assets1304to ULD pallet1302. In certain circumstances, assets1304may also be covered by a fireproof blanket (e.g., where assets include potentially volatile substances or battery powered devices).

FIG.13further illustrates a gateway node1314positioned on a building (but could be on other a vehicle, such as a tug at an airport for example), that forms part of a mesh network of a wireless tracking system1300(e.g., network communications environment800ofFIG.8) to facilitate communication between anchor-slot tape node1306and a cloud based server1322. that collectively, with anchor-slot tape node1306. Gateway node1314and/or anchor-slot tape node1306may communicate with tape nodes attached to individual assets1304when included.

FIG.14Ais a schematic diagram illustrating a top view of an edge portion of ULD pallet1302ofFIG.13, illustrating anchor-slot1312in further example detail, in embodiments.FIG.14Bis a cross-section A-A of anchor-slot1312ofFIG.14A, in embodiments.FIGS.14A and14Bare best viewed together with the following description. Anchor-slot1312may conform to MS 33601 Revision B, Jul. 31, 1991 “TRACK AND STUD FITTING FOR CARGO TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT, STANDARD DIMENSIONS FOR,” for example. That is, anchor-slot1312is of a standard shape and size and has a defined internal structure as described herein.

Anchor-slot1312is formed as a channel1402beneath a top surface1404of ULD pallet1302with a channel depth1416, from an inside bottom surface of channel1402to top surface1404of ULD pallet1302, and a channel width1418, as shown. Anchor-slot1312has a continuous top opening1406that has a first width1407at its narrowest (e.g., between lips1410, described below) and a widest width1409formed by circular apertures1408. Circular apertures1408(e.g., circular apertures1408(1),1408(2), and1408(3)) are spaced (e.g., at a pitch) that is greater than a diameter of the circular apertures1408, thereby forming lips1410(e.g., lips1410(1) and1410(2)) at top surface1404between pairs of circular apertures1408. Edges of ULD pallet1302are beveled and include a recessed area1412that may include an identifying number1414(e.g., engraved, marked, attached) of ULD pallet1302. In certain embodiments, channel width1418is 0.8 inches, channel depth1416is 0.308 inches, first width1407is 0.43 inches, widest width1409is 0.785 inches, and circular apertures1408are formed at a one-inch pitch.

FIG.15Ais a schematic top view of one edge portion1500of ULD pallet1302ofFIG.13, illustrating positioning of anchor-slot tape node1306within anchor-slot1312in further example detain, in embodiments.FIG.15Bis a perspective view of a corner of ULD pallet1302ofFIG.13, in embodiments.FIGS.15A and15Bare best viewed together with the following description. Anchor-slot tape node1306is sized and shaped to be retained, during normal operation of ULD pallet1302, within anchor-slot1312by friction against the internal structure of anchor-slot1312, and is also removable if needed. For example, anchor-slot tape node1306may be removed from a first ULD pallet and inserted into a second ULD pallet is needed, or anchor-slot tape node1306may be removed when its battery is low and replaced with a new anchor-slot tape node1306. Advantageously, anchor-slot tape node1306is retained within anchor-slot1312without the use of adhesive or other fasteners.

In these examples, anchor-slot tape node1306occupies five circular apertures1408of anchor-slot1312. For example, a transport company using ULD pallet1302may define rules that limit the continuous space (e.g., five circular apertures1408) occupied by devices positioned within anchor-slot1312. However, anchor-slot tape node1306may occupy more of fewer circular apertures1408without departing from the scope hereof.

When secured within anchor-slot1312, anchor-slot tape node1306does not extend above top surface1404of ULD pallet1302. That is, a height of anchor-slot tape node1306is equal to, or less than, and depth of anchor-slot1312. Advantageously, anchor-slot tape node1306is thereby less likely to incur inadvertent damage when ULD pallet1302is stacked with other pallets and when ULD pallet1302is loaded/unloaded with assets1304. Particularly, anchor-slot tape node1306is protected from physical damage by structure of ULD pallet1302that forms anchor-slot1312.

FIG.16Ais a schematic diagram illustrating example detail of anchor-slot tape node1306ofFIG.13positioned within anchor-slot1312, in embodiments.FIG.16Bis a cross-section B-B through a portion of ULD pallet1302and anchor-slot tape node1306ofFIG.16A, illustrating example retention of anchor-slot tape node1306within anchor-slot1312, in embodiments.FIGS.16A and16Bare best viewed together with the following description.

Anchor-slot tape node1306is formed as a rectangular strip1602joining five circular areas1604(1)-1604(5). Rectangular strip1602is shaped and sized to fit between lips1410of continuous top opening1406of anchor-slot1312. Circular areas1604are each sized and spaced to fit through circular apertures1408of continuous top opening1406. Accordingly, anchor-slot tape node1306is sized and shaped to fit through continuous top opening1406and sit within channel1402of anchor-slot1312at or below top surface1404of ULD pallet1302. For example, anchor-slot tape node1306has a maximum height of 8.5 mm, since channel depth1416is between 8 and 8.5 mm.

Anchor-slot tape node1306has a first flute1606(1), positioned at a first end, and a second flute1606(2), positioned at an opposite end, as shown inFIG.16A. Each flute1606is a flexible flat taper that is springy such that it returns to the flat position without a deflecting force. Each flute1606has a narrow end joined to rectangular strip1602and a wide distal end that is wider than first width1407and narrower than widest width1409of continuous top opening1406of anchor-slot1312. To insert anchor-slot tape node1306into channel1402, flutes1606may be manually deformed (e.g., twisted by a person inserting anchor-slot tape node1306into anchor-slot1312) to allow flutes1606to pass lips1410of continuous top opening1406. When released, flutes1606untwist and contact respective lips1410to retained anchor-slot tape node1306within channel1402by friction at points1608, against the internal structure of anchor-slot1312as shown. The operator may remove anchor-slot tape node1306from anchor-slot1312by twisting flutes1606to release the friction and by then lifting anchor-slot tape node1306through continuous top opening1406. Flutes1606extend outwards 15 mm on each side of rectangular strip1602, are 12.8 mm wide at the distal end (e.g., larger end), and are 10 mm wide at the join with rectangular strip1602(e.g., at the narrower end).

As shown inFIG.16A, anchor-slot tape node1306may include one or both of a QR code1610(or a bar code) that is scannable to provide identification information of anchor-slot tape node1306, and a label1612that provides written information, such as a brand name, airline name, and so on.

FIG.17is a cross-section C-C through ULD pallet1302, anchor-slot1312, and anchor-slot tape node1306ofFIG.16A, illustrating one example radio transmission envelope1702from a wireless communication interface of anchor-slot tape node1306, in embodiments. Anchor-slot tape node1306includes a low-power wireless interface and/or medium-power wireless interface (e.g., see low-power wireless-communication interface652′ and medium-power communication-interface672′ ofFIG.6B) for communication with other nodes (e.g., gateway node1314) of wireless tracking system1300ofFIG.13. Since anchor-slot tape node1306is positioned within anchor-slot1312and beneath top surface1404of ULD pallet1302, wireless transmissions from anchor-slot tape node1306are restricted by the metal stricture of ULD pallet1302.

In certain embodiments, to help alleviate this problem, antennae of anchor-slot tape node1306are positioned nearer to continuous top opening1406and configured to provide a more directional transmission beam. However, transmission may still be directionally restricted as illustrated by radio transmission envelope1702. Particularly, given the shape and direction of continuous top opening1406of anchor-slot1312, anchor-slot tape node1306has a strong (e.g., unrestricted) substantially vertical transmission strength, indicated by arrow1704, through continuous top opening1406, but has a weak (e.g., restricted) transmission strength in a horizontal direction, indicated by arrow1706, as caused by metal of ULD pallet1302. Accordingly, while communication range is unrestricted in the direction of arrow1704, communication range is restricted in the direction of arrow1706. Since ULD pallet1302are substantially always laid flat (e.g., parallel to the ground), this horizontal restriction causes anchor-slot tape node1306to have limited communication ability with other nodes of wireless tracking system1300in the horizontal direction.

Where this reduced communication range causes a problem, ULD pallet1302and anchor-slot tape node1306may be configured with a companion tape node1502, as shown inFIGS.15A and15B. For example, companion tape node1502is mounted within recessed area1412of ULD pallet1302such that it is sufficiently close to anchor-slot tape node1306for communication with anchor-slot tape node1306(e.g., within the restricted horizontal communication range of anchor-slot tape node1306). Companion tape node1502operates within the mesh network of wireless tracking system1300to relay messages between anchor-slot tape node1306and other nodes (e.g., gateway node1314) of wireless tracking system1300. In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306implements only short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth Low energy) for communicating with companion tape node1502.

Since companion tape node1502is at an edge of ULD pallet1302, wireless transmissions from companion tape node1502are significantly less restricted and thus communication from anchor-slot tape node1306is improved. Further, antennae within companion tape node1502may be configured to transmit at the greatest strength in a more horizontal direction from pallet1302. In certain embodiments, ULD pallet1302operates as a ground place for companion tape node1502and may increase its communication range. Recessed area1412provides a certain amount of protection for companion tape node1502; however, companion tape node1502may be more susceptible to accidental damage than anchor-slot tape node1306. Companion tape node1502may be specifically designed to fit within recessed area1412, for example, and may be replaced as needed.

Anchor-Slot Tape Node Construction

FIGS.18A,18B,18C, and18D, are schematic diagrams illustrating example construction of anchor-slot tape node1306ofFIG.13, in embodiments.FIGS.18A,18B,18C, and18D are best viewed together with the following description.FIG.18Ashows a complete anchor-slot tape node1306,FIG.18Bshows a cross section D-D through anchor-slot tape node1306ofFIG.18A,FIG.18Cshows shape-forming components of anchor-slot tape node1306prior to assembly, andFIG.18Dshows an exploded view of anchor-slot tape node1306to illustrate example assembly.

Anchor-slot tape node1306includes a circuit board1802, five batteries1804(1) and1804(2), a stiffener1806, an insulator1808(optional), and an outer casing1810. Circuit board1802is one of a semi-rigid printed circuit board and a flex circuit, as known in the art. Circuit board1802is shaped and sized based on continuous top opening1406and channel1402of anchor-slot1312. For example, circuit board1802has a long rectangular central portion1812that connects five circular areas1814(1)-(5) that are spaced along long rectangular central portion1812to align with circular apertures1408of continuous top opening1406. In certain embodiments, circuit board1802is a flex circuit. In other embodiments, circuit board1802is a semi-rigid circuit board. Circuit board1802is populated with components1816that provide functionality of anchor-slot tape node1306. In certain embodiments, circuit board1802is similar to flexible circuit648′ ofFIG.6Band includes similar components.

In the example ofFIGS.18A,18B,18C, and18D, batteries1804are button type cells (e.g., CR1632) that are inserted into battery holders1818mounted beneath circuit board1802, one at each circular area1814. Although shown with five batteries1804, anchor-slot tape node1306may have fewer batteries without departing from the scope hereof. For example, circuit board1802may be fitted with Batteries1804may have a diameter that is smaller than widest width1409of continuous top opening1406of anchor-slot1312and are positioned to align with a respective one of circular areas1814of circuit board1802. Circuit board1802may have thru-hole vias for wires coming from batteries1804to connect to components1816on a top side of circuit board1802. In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306may have one or more long thin batteries that sit lengthways beneath long rectangular central portion1812of circuit board1802.

Stiffener1806may be included to add rigidity to anchor-slot tape node1306and may also provide protection to a top surface of circuit board1802. In certain embodiments, stiffener1806is a linear strip of aluminum with a length similar to circuit board1802and a width less than a width of long rectangular central portion1812. Accordingly, insulator1808is included to electrically insulate a lower surface of stiffener1806to prevent electrical interference with components1816of circuit board1802. Insulator1808is for example Kapton tape that adheres to a lower surface of stiffener1806or is wrapped around stiffener1806when stiffener1806is made with an electrically conductive material (e.g., aluminum). In certain embodiments, stiffener1806is shaped similarly to circuit board1802and includes circular areas corresponding to circular areas1814. In certain embodiments, stiffener1806may be shaped and/or sized to reduce interference with wireless communication interfaces of anchor-slot tape node1306. For example, stiffener1806may have cut-outs and/or apertures near antennae of the wireless communication interfaces of anchor-slot tape node1306.

Outer casing1810is a ruggedized material that provides protection to anchor-slot tape node1306against its environment which includes being exposed to weather. In certain embodiments, outer casing1810is formed by shrinking a heat-shrink tube around the assembled circuit board1802, batteries1804, stiffener1806, and insulator1808. Outer casing1810is for example a flexible polyolefin tube1826of approximately six-inches in length and half an inch in diameter that is shrunk around the assembled circuit board1802, batteries1804, stiffener1806, and insulator1808. Polyolefin tube1826is placed over the assembled circuit board1802, batteries1804, stiffener1806, and insulator1808and then heated, using a heat gun (e.g., a hot air blower or an infrared heater) starting in the center and working outwards for example, to cause polyolefin tube1826to shrink in diameter around the assembled components and form outer casing1810. The ends of polyolefin tube1826are flattened and sealed together using a thermal sealing device (e.g., a bag sealer) to form flutes1606. For example, three seals may be formed at each flute1606to ensure ingress of moisture is prevented. Accordingly, outer casing1810fully encloses the assembled circuit board1802, batteries1804, stiffener1806, and insulator1808.

Advantageously, in the unlikely event that all three thermal seals at any one of flutes1606fail, flute1606is held above a bottom of channel1402of anchor-slot1312(since the bottom of outer casing1810around batteries1804contacts the bottom of channel1402) and therefore ingress of water is unlikely. For example, for water ingress at flute1606, all three seals need to fail and a water level in channel1402needs to be at or above a height of flute1606. That is, channel1402needs to be nearly full of water.

Servicing of anchor-slot tape node1306is possible by removing outer casing1810(e.g., slitting outer casing1810at an underside of anchor-slot tape node1306), replacing batteries1804, and recovering circuit board1802, stiffener1806, and batteries1804with a new outer casing1810, shrinking it into place using the heat gun.

As shown inFIGS.16A and18A, one or both of QR code1610and label1612may be visible at an outer surface of outer casing1810. In this embodiment, outer casing1810may be formed from two polyolefin tubes1826and1828, where QR code1610and label1612are positioned between a first substantially opaque polyolefin tube1826and a clear polyolefin tube1828(or other clear material) formed over at least part of polyolefin tube1826to protect QR code1610and label1612and thereby form outer casing1810.

Anchor-slot tape node1306may include a sensor stack (e.g., a set of sensors) that includes one or more of a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an air pressure sensor, a force/pressure sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer (6-axis motion sensor), a vibration sensor, and a sound sensor (e.g., microphone). Accordingly, anchor-slot tape node1306may monitor an environment of ULD pallet1302during tracking.

Installing and Activating an Anchor-Slot Tape Node

In one example of operation, an operator installs anchor-slot tape node1306into ULD pallet1302by pressing circular areas1604into circular apertures1408of anchor-slot1312. As described above, flutes1606may be twisted axially to slide past lips1410and thereby allow a bottom surface of anchor-slot tape node1306to tough a bottom surface of channel1402. Anchor-slot tape node1306is retained within anchor-slot1312when flutes1606untwist to contact lips1410at points1608, preventing anchor-slot tape node1306from falling out of channel1402.

In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306remains inactive until needed for operation, whereby an operator activates anchor-slot tape node1306prior to, or after, installing anchor-slot tape node1306in anchor-slot1312. In the inactive state the anchor-slot tape node may operate with minimal or zero power consumption. For example, in the inactive state, the anchor-slot tape node1306may be completely powered off or disconnected from its power source. In another example, in the inactive state, the anchor-slot tape node1306may be configured to disable wireless communications and conserve energy. After activation, the anchor-slot tape node initializes and transitions into a state with higher power consumption. The higher power state may include activating and operating components of its wireless transducing circuit and performing a variety of functions. In some embodiments, it enters a higher power state according to a distributed intelligent software.

In the embodiments ofFIGS.18A-18D, circuit board1802includes a break tab1820, positioned at one end of circuit board1802, that extends into first flute1606(1). Break tab1820operates similarly to wake circuit775ofFIGS.7A-7B, whereby break tab1820includes a shunt-wire that inhibits operation of anchor-slot tape node1306while a break-point1822remains intact. When the operator breaks break tab1820at break-point1822, by flexing first flute1606(1) up and down for example, the shunt circuit is broken at break-point1822and anchor-slot tape node1306is activated. In certain embodiments, as shown inFIGS.18B and18C, two break-points1822are formed in circuit board1802proximate break tab1820. Advantageously, two break-points1822provides redundancy to ensure that the shunt-wire is broken and anchor-slot tape node1306is activated when first flute1606(1) is flexed by the operator.

In another embodiment, anchor-slot tape node1306is provided on a roll and activated when anchor-slot tape node1306is separated from the roll (e.g., by cutting, or tearing along a perforation, etc.). In another embodiment, one of flutes1606is elongated and includes a shunt-wire, whereby flute1606is cut (e.g., trimmed to a certain length or at an indicated line) to cut the shunt-wire and activate anchor-slot tape node1306.

In certain embodiments, break-point1822and the shunt-wire are omitted and anchor-slot tape node1306is activated by a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) wake-signal. In this embodiment, anchor-slot tape node1306is supplied in a low-power state that activates its BLE receiver (e.g., low-power wireless-communication interface652ofFIG.6A) at intervals to detect the BLE wake-signal. When the BLE wake-signal is detected, anchor-slot tape node1306transitions to an active or operational state. For example, the operator may use an app running on a smart phone to generate the BLE wake-signal, such as when installing anchor-slot tape node1306into anchor-slot1312. When in the low-power state, anchor-slot tape node1306uses slightly more (e.g., a small amount) power from its battery as compared to embodiments that include break-point1822and the shunt-wire. Anchor-slot tape node1306may use a wireless wake signals with other frequencies and/or protocols without departing from the scope hereof. For example, anchor-slot tape node1306may implement one or more of a LoRa wake signal, a cellular wake signal, a Wi-Fi wake signal, and so on. Particularly, the implemented size of anchor-slot tape node13106may allow for different types of antennas and/or communication interfaces.

In embodiments wherein the break point1822and the shunt-wire are omitted, the anchor-slot tape node1306operates in a sleep or low-power state, before activation. For example, while the anchor-slot tape node is in storage or is being transported prior to deployment, the anchor-slot tape node may operate in the sleep or low-power state before activation. In the sleep or low-power state, the anchor-slot tape node1306periodically activates its wireless communication system to attempt to receive the BLE wake-signal. If it does not receive the BLE wake-signal, the anchor-slot tape node1306continues to operate in the sleep or low-power state. If the anchor-slot tape node receives the BLE wake-signal while in the sleep or low-power state, the anchor slot tape node activates and changes its state to a state with higher power consumption. The higher power state may include activating and operating components of its wireless transducing circuit and performing a variety of functions. In some embodiments, it enters a higher power state according to a distributed intelligent software. Further detail of states and transitions between states is found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/448,346, which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, distributed intelligent software may dictate behavior of anchor-slot tape node1306, whereby activation triggers a change from a semi-sleep state to other states, where anchor-slot tape node1306starts tracking location of ULDs and reporting its location to cloud based server1322on a schedule or depending on detected conditions/events for the ULD.

In certain embodiments, components1816of circuit board1802include a hall-effect sensor (e.g., a magnetic sensor), where other circuitry of circuit board1802remains inactive until a magnetic field of a certain strength and or polarity and/or with a certain repetition is sensed by the hall-effect sensor. In another embodiment, components1816of circuit board1802include at least one accelerometer (e.g., see sensing transducers424ofFIG.4), wherein components1816remain substantially inoperable (e.g., in a low power drain mode) until the accelerometer senses repeated shaking of1306. Once activated, anchor-slot tape node1306manages its own power conservation based on detected activity and/or events, for example.

In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306is configured with a light sensor1824, mounted on circuit board1802that is positioned to face out from anchor-slot1312when anchor-slot tape node1306is installed therein. That is, light sensor1824faces upwards from anchor-slot tape node1306(e.g., outwards from1306ofFIGS.18A and18C, and up fromFIG.18B). In these embodiments, outer casing1810is formed of one or more translucent layers (e.g., one or more flexible clear, or semi-clear, polyolefin tubes) that allows ambient light to pass therethrough to reach light sensor1824. In certain embodiments, outer casing1810forms an aperture and/or includes a clear window that is aligned with light sensor1824to allow ambient light to reach light sensor1824.

In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306uses light sensor1824to detect when a container or cargo space that contains ULD pallet1302is unexpectedly opened. For example, when closed, ambient light within the contain is minimal, but increases when the container is opened. In one example of operation, where the container awaits a transportation vehicle, the container, once loaded, should not be open until a destination location is reached. Accordingly, anchor-slot tape node1306is configured to detect when the contain is opened and in response to generate an alarm (e.g., a buzzer, illuminate an LED, transmit an alarm notification message, and so on). In certain embodiments, anchor-slot tape node1306uses light sensor1824to determine when to transition between active and inactive modes that conserve battery power.

Alternative Embodiments of an Anchor-Slot Tape Node

FIGS.19A and19Bare schematic diagrams illustrating example construction of an extended anchor-slot tape node1900, in embodiments.FIG.19Ais a schematic top view of anchor-slot tape node1900andFIG.19Bis a cross-section E-E of anchor-slot tape node1900ofFIG.19A. Anchor-slot tape node1900is similar to anchor-slot tape node1306and has similar functionality, but is designed with eight circular areas1912that occupy eight consecutive circular apertures1408of anchor-slot1312. Anchor-slot tape node1900is shown with eight batteries1904(e.g., similar to batteries1804ofFIGS.18B and18D) mounted in battery holders1918; however, anchor-slot tape node1900may have fewer batteries1904without departing from the scop hereof. For example, the number of batteries1904installed with anchor-slot tape node1900is based on a power requirement of anchor-slot tape node1900. The greater the number of batteries1904installed, the longer an operational time of anchor-slot tape node1900for example. When one or more batteries are omitted, the corresponding battery holder1918may also be omitted.

Anchor-slot tape node1900includes a printed circuit board1902that may be formed with a break tab1920that operates similarly to break tab1820of circuit board1802. Anchor-slot tape node1900also includes a stiffener1906and optional insulator1908that is sized to match printed circuit board1902. An outer casing1910is formed, similarly to outer casing1810of anchor-slot tape node1306, and is molded to create flutes1916(1) and1916(2) at either end of anchor-slot tape node1900, where flutes1916function similarly to flutes1606to removably retain anchor-slot tape node1900within anchor-slot1312. Outer casing1910may be formed in two layers (e.g., similar to polyolefin tube1826and two polyolefin tubes1828ofFIGS.18A-18D) and encapsulate a QR code1922and/or a label1924. Anchor-slot tape node1900may include a light sensor1926for detecting ambient light as described above for anchor-slot tape node1306.

FIG.20Ais a perspective exploded view of one example anchor-slot tape node2000with a hard casing, in embodiments.FIG.20Bis a plan view illustrating anchor-slot tape node2000, ofFIG.20A, installed within channel1402of anchor-slot1312, in embodiments.

Anchor-slot tape node2000includes a printed circuit board2002, at least one battery2004, a bottom case2006, and a top case2008. Printed circuit board2002is similar to circuit board1802ofFIGS.18B-18Cand includes circular areas corresponding to circular apertures1408of continuous top opening1406ofFIGS.14A and14B.

Battery2004is of a rectangular shape that sits beneath a long rectangular central portion of printed circuit board2002. However, as shown inFIG.20A, anchor-slot tape node2000may also use a button battery2014(e.g., similar to battery1804ofFIGS.18B and18D) positioned beneath one of the circular areas of printed circuit board2002and used with or in place of battery2004.

Top case2008attaches to bottom case2006using screws2010, for example, to enclose printed circuit board2002and battery2004therein. Bottom case2006and top case2008are semi-rigid (e.g., a molded plastic material) and shaped and sized to fit through continuous top opening1406of anchor-slot1312with friction. For example, rectangular portions2016of bottom case2006and/or top case2008may be sized to cause friction with lips1410of continuous top opening1406such that anchor-slot tape node2000is retained within channel1402. Similarly, rounded portions2018of bottom case2006and/or top case2008may be sized to cause friction with circular apertures1408of continuous top opening1406. One or both of bottom case2006and top case2008may include a seal (or have sealant applied) to prevent ingress of moisture.

Anchor-slot tape node2000may include a shunt2012, positioned at one end of bottom case2006for example, that wakes components of printed circuit board2002when activated. That is, components of printed circuit board2002remain inactive until shunt2012is activated to initiate operation of anchor-slot tape node2000. In other embodiments, as described above for anchor-slot tape node1306, anchor-slot tape node2000may include one or both of a hall-effect sensor and at least one accelerometer that are used to detect intended activation of anchor-slot tape node2000.

FIG.21is a schematic illustrating one example anchor-ring tape node2100that couples with anchor-slot1312of ULD pallet1302, tracks movement of ULD pallet1302, and may couple with a restraint (e.g., a rope, a net, a strap, etc.) used to secure assets1304to ULD pallet1302, in embodiments. Anchor-ring tape node2100may be used in place of one anchor ring1310ofFIG.13and includes tracking functionality similar to anchor-slot tape node1306.

Anchor-ring tape node2100includes an anchor portion2102, a ring portion2104, and a stem portion2106. Anchor portion2102is secured within an anchor-slot (e.g., anchor-slot1312ofFIG.13) of a pallet (e.g., pallet1302). In the example ofFIG.21, ring portion2104is a loop that may attach to the restraint such as a rope, a net, and/or strap that is used to secure assets (e.g., assets1304) on the pallet. However, ring portion2104may have other forms, such as a hook, a ratchet, etc., without departing from the scope hereof.

Stem portion2106provides structural and/or mechanical support between anchor portion2102and ring portion2104and further forms a housing2108that includes a wireless tracking circuit2110(e.g., wireless transducing circuit410ofFIG.4) for tracking the pallet and/or the assets loaded thereof. In certain embodiments, housing2108and wireless tracking circuit2110are positioned within ring portion2104instead of stem portion2106.

FIG.22Ais a schematic illustrating one example leashed tape node2200that attaches to anchor-slot1312ofFIG.13of ULD pallet1302, in embodiments.FIG.22Bis a schematic illustrating a ULD pallet stack2212of eight ULD pallets1306(1)-(8) (not all pallets are number for clarity of illustration), each having an attached leashed tape node2200(1)-(8), respectively, in embodiments.FIGS.22A and22Bare best viewed together with the following description.

Leashed tape node2200includes a housing2202and an anchor2210that are physically connected by a flexible tether2208. Housing2202is rugged and forms a cavity2204for a wireless tracking circuit2206(e.g., wireless transducing circuit410ofFIG.4) that functions to track a corresponding ULD pallet1302when attached thereto. Housing2202may be any shape and size without departing from the scope hereof. For example, housing2202may be one of spherical, as shown, cuboid, and cylindrical, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, an outer surface of housing2202includes solar harvesting components such that wireless tracking circuit2206operates as a solar tape node. Anchor2210is shaped and sized to couple with the anchor-slot (e.g., at any position around the perimeter) of the corresponding ULD pallet1302and flexible tether2208allows housing2202to position adjacent the ULD pallet, as shown inFIG.22B. Advantageously, a top surface of the ULD pallet is unobstructed by leashed tape node2200, and therefore leashed tape node2200is less likely to be damaged during loading and unloading of assets. Further, flexible tether2208allows housing2202to reposition, within limits of flexible tether2208, such that any knocks are less destructive to housing2202and wireless tracking circuit2206. Flexible tether2208is for example one of a chain, a cord, a rope, a strap, and so on.

Each pallet1302has at least one leashed tape node2200attached to it. As shown inFIG.22B, pallets corresponding ULD pallet1302may be stacked without being impeded by leashed tape node2200. Further, wireless transmissions from communication interfaces of wireless tracking circuit2206are less restricted by ULD pallet1302. For example, metal of ULD pallet1302may interfere with wireless signal to and from anchor-slot tape node1306when embedded into anchor-slot1312. Advantageously, housing2202of leashed tape node2200is not positioned within the anchor-slot and thereby wireless signals to and from wireless tracking circuit2206are less restricted. Further, since housing2202is not restricted to fit within the anchor-slot, housing2202may house a larger battery to provide a longer operational life as compared to batteries1804and operational life of anchor-slot tape node1306.

Additional Operational Examples

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/433,227, filed Feb. 5, 2024, titled “Monitoring of Unit Load Device and Carts Using Wireless IoT devices,” is incorporated herein by reference to provides additional support.

As shown by the examples ofFIGS.13-22B, anchor-slot1312of ULD pallet1302is fitted with one or more of anchor-slot tape node1306, anchor-slot tape node1900, anchor-slot tape node2000, anchor-ring tape node2100, and leashed tape node2200, and recessed area1412of ULD pallet1302may be fitted with companion tape node1502. Each of anchor-slot tape node1306, anchor-slot tape node1900, anchor-slot tape node2000, anchor-ring tape node2100, and leashed tape node2200may include sensors for detecting environmental changes, such as movement. Where anchor-slot tape node1306, when loaded with assets1304or when part of ULD pallet stack2212, is moved by a vehicle (e.g., a fork-lift truck), a gateway node on the vehicle (e.g., see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/433,227, gateway node1314of loader1304ofFIG.13and gateway node1414of tug1410ofFIG.14A) is triggered by detected movement to scan for tape nodes. Where the vehicle is a fork-lift truck, the gateway node may be triggered by sensed force on the forks of the vehicle as anchor-slot tape node1306is lifted.

Similarly, where anchor-slot tape node1306, anchor-slot tape node1900, anchor-slot tape node2000, anchor-ring tape node2100, leashed tape node2200, and companion tape node1502senses movement, the sensed movement may cause the tape node to broadcast on a motion communication channel, as opposed to broadcasting on a stationary communication channel. For example, detecting a change in ambient air-pressure may indicate a change in altitude indicative of anchor-slot tape node1306being loaded into a transport vehicle, thereby triggering the tape node to communicate with a nearby gateway node. The detected movement may also trigger an algorithm within the tape node that verifies a location of the tape node by communicating with other tape nodes and/or using other location techniques. The algorithm may also be triggered when the tape node determines, based on its sensor data, that movement has stopped, thereby verifying a new location of ULD pallet1302.

The sensor data in the gateway node and/or the tape node (e.g., anchor-slot tape node1306, anchor-slot tape node1900, anchor-slot tape node2000, anchor-ring tape node2100, leashed tape node2200, and companion tape node1502) may also trigger detection of other nearby tape nodes (e.g., tape nodes on assets1304or other gateway nodes such as gateway node1314ofFIG.13), where by the tape node then attempts to send information of the other tape nodes to cloud-based server1322(e.g., server804ofFIG.8via network communications environment800).

Computer Apparatus

FIG.23shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus2320that, either alone or in combination with one or more other computing apparatus, is operable to implement one or more of the computer systems described in this specification. For example, computer apparatus2320may represent any of a phone, a mobile device, a smartphone, wireless transducing circuit410ofFIG.4, segment640ofFIG.6A, segment670ofFIG.6B, segment680ofFIG.6C, tracking circuit778ofFIGS.7A and7B, mobile gateways810,812, and stationary gateway814ofFIG.8, network service servers904, long-range tape node982, medium range tape node976, and short-range tape node972ofFIG.9A, master node1051, nodes1020and1026ofFIG.10A, nodes1034and1038ofFIG.10B, peripheral nodes1058,1060,1062ofFIG.10C, anchor-slot tape node1306, gateway node1314, and cloud based server1322ofFIG.13, companion tape node1502ofFIGS.15A and15B, anchor-slot tape node2000ofFIGS.20A and20B, wireless tracking circuit2110ofFIG.21, and wireless tracking circuit2206ofFIGS.22A and22B. The computer apparatus2320includes a processing unit2322, a system memory2324, and a system bus2326that couples the processing unit2322to the various components of the computer apparatus2320. The processing unit2322may include one or more data processors, each of which may be in the form of any one of various commercially available computer processors. The system memory2324includes one or more computer-readable media that typically are associated with a software application addressing space that defines the addresses that are available to software applications. The system memory2324may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for the computer apparatus2320, and a random-access memory (RAM). The system bus2326may be a memory bus, a peripheral bus, or a local bus, and may be compatible with any of a variety of bus protocols, including PCI, VESA, Microchannel, ISA, and EISA. The computer apparatus2320also includes a persistent storage memory2328(e.g., a hard drive, a floppy drive, a CD ROM drive, magnetic tape drives, flash memory devices, and digital video disks) that is connected to the system bus2326and contains one or more computer-readable media disks that provide non-volatile or persistent storage for data, data structures and computer-executable instructions.

A user may interact (e.g., input commands or data) with the computer apparatus2320using one or more input devices2330(e.g. one or more keyboards, computer mice, microphones, cameras, joysticks, physical motion sensors, and touch pads). Information may be presented through a graphical user interface (GUI) that is presented to the user on a display monitor2332, which is controlled by a display controller2334. The computer apparatus2320also may include other input/output hardware (e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). The computer apparatus2320connects to other network nodes through a network adapter2336(also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC).

A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory2324, including application programming interfaces2338(APIs), an operating system (OS)2340(e.g., the Windows® operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington U.S.A.), software applications2341including one or more software applications programming the computer apparatus2320to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, or processes of the positioning and/or tracking systems described herein, drivers2342(e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols2344, and data2346(e.g., input data, output data, program data, a registry, and configuration settings).

Combination of Features

Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope hereof. The following enumerated examples illustrate some possible, non-limiting combinations:

(A1) An anchor-slot tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: a circuit board configured with a processor, memory, sensors, and a low-power wireless communication interface; a stiffener positioned over the circuit board; a battery positioned beneath the circuit board; and an outer casing enclosing the battery, the circuit board, and the stiffener; wherein the anchor-slot tape node is shaped and sized to fit within the anchor-slot and to be retained within the anchor-slot by friction between the outer casing and internal structure of the anchor-slot.

(A2) In embodiments of (A1), the anchor-slot tape node having at least three circular areas joined by a linear strip, where the circular areas are sized and spaced to align with circular apertures of the anchor-slot and wherein the linear strip is sized to fit through a continuous top opening of the anchor-slot.

(A3) In embodiments of either (A1) or (A2), the circular areas being defined by circular areas of the circuit board, the battery being circular and positioned beneath a corresponding one of the circular areas of the circuit board.

(A4) Any of embodiments (A1)-(A3) further including an additional battery positioned beneath another one of the circular areas of the circuit board.

(A5) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A4), the anchor-slot tape node occupying five of the circular apertures of the anchor-slot.

(A6) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A5), the anchor-slot tape node having two batteries.

(A7) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A6), the anchor-slot tape node occupying eight of the circular apertures of the anchor-slot.

(A8) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A7), the anchor-slot tape node having eight batteries.

(A9) Any of embodiments (A1)-(A8) further including an insulating layer between the stiffener and the circuit board when the stiffener is an electrically conductive material.

(A10) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A9), the circuit board including a break tab with a break-point at one end of the circuit board, the break tab forming a circuit that inhibits activation of the anchor-slot tape node, the anchor-slot tape node activating when the break tab is manually broken at the break-point.

(A11) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A10), the outer casing including a polyolefin heat-shrink tube that is shrunk and flattened at each end to form a flexible flute that is wider at a distal end than a first width between lips of a continuous top opening of the anchor-slot.

(A12) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A11), the flexible flutes being manually deformable to pass through the lips as the anchor-slot tape node is inserted into the anchor-slot, the flexible flutes returning to a flat state when released to retain the anchor-slot tape node within the anchor-slot.

(A13) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A12), the outer casing further including a clear coating covering at least one of a QR code and a label positioned on at top surface of the outer casing.

(A14) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A13), the clear coating being a clear polyolefin heat-shrink tube.

(A15) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A14), the QR code defining a unique identifier of the anchor-slot tape node.

(A16) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A15), the anchor-slot tape node having a height that is less or equal to a depth of the anchor-slot.

(A17) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A16), the outer casing including a semi-rigid molded plastic material shaped and sized to fit through a continuous top opening of the anchor-slot with friction.

(A18) Any of embodiments (A1)-(A17) further including a shunt positioned at one end of the outer casing to inhibit activation of the anchor-slot tape node, wherein the shunt is manually operable to activate the anchor-slot tape node.

(A19) Any of embodiments (A1)-(A18) further including a communication interface for relaying data to a cloud-based server via one or more of a tape node on a different asset, a gateway node, and a client device within wireless range of the anchor-slot tape node.

(A20) In any of embodiments (A1)-(A19), the data including a current location of the ULD pallet.

(B1) A system for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet, including: a cloud based server; an anchor-slot tape node shaped and sized to be retained within an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet; and a gateway node; wherein, when in communication range, the anchor-slot tape node and the gateway node form a mesh network that allows the anchor-slot tape node to communicate with the cloud based server to track the ULD pallet.

(B2) Embodiments of (B1) further including a companion tape node having an adhesive surface for attaching to the ULD pallet within a recessed area at an edge of the ULD pallet, wherein the anchor-slot tape node communicates with the gateway node via the companion node.

(B3) In either of embodiments (B1) or (B2), wherein the gateway node is implemented as an adhesive tape agent platform.

(B4) In any of the embodiments (B1)-(B3), wherein the gateway node is positioned on one of a mobile asset and a ULD container.

(C1) A system for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet, including: an anchor-slot tape node shaped and sized to be retained within an anchor-slot of the ULD pallet; and a companion tape node having an adhesive surface for attaching to the ULD pallet within a recessed area at an edge of the ULD pallet; wherein the companion tape node communicate with a cloud based server via a mesh network including a gateway node to track the ULD pallet.

(C2) In embodiments of (C1), wherein the anchor-slot tape node communicates with the companion tape node using Bluetooth Low Energy protocol.

(D1) An anchor-ring tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: an anchor portion shaped and sized to be secured within the anchor-slot; a stem portion mechanically coupled with the anchor portion and forming a housing that includes a wireless tracking circuit; and a ring portion mechanically coupled with the stem portion and for coupling with a restraint for securing assets to the ULD pallet; wherein the anchor-ring tape node mechanically couples with the restraint and tracks the ULD pallet by wirelessly communication with a mesh network of a wireless tracking system.

(D2) In embodiments of (D1), the ring portion being one of a loop, a hook, and a ratchet for mechanically coupling with one of a rope, a net, and a strap.

(E1) A leashed tape node for tracking a unit load device (ULD) pallet having an anchor-slot formed around a perimeter thereof, including: an anchor portion shaped and sized to be secured within the anchor-slot; a flexible tether mechanically coupled with the anchor portion; and a rugged housing mechanically attached to the flexible tether and forming a housing that includes a wireless tracking circuit; wherein the anchor portion mechanically couples with, and is retained by, the anchor-slot and the wireless tracking circuit tracks the ULD pallet by wirelessly communication with a mesh network of a wireless tracking system.

(E2) In embodiments of (E1), the flexible tether allowing the rugged housing to be positioned near to the ULD pallet without impeding a top surface of the ULD pallet.

(E3) In either of embodiments (E1) or (E2), the rugged housing being one of spherical, cuboid, and cylindrical.