Patent Publication Number: US-2023146778-A1

Title: System and Method for Electrical Power Line Failure Detection

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure generally relates to sensor devices and networks of sensor devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Failure of an electrical power line can create a loss of service or even an emergency situation, such as a fire or other hazard. It is desirable to detect a failure of an electrical power line before a major loss of service or emergency occurs. 
     SUMMARY 
     A wireless tracking device is disclosed which is attached to an electrical power line and detects failure states of the electrical power line. The wireless tracking device, for example, may detect when an electrical power line falls from a utility structure (e.g., a utility pole or transmission tower) using one or more sensors of the wireless tracking device. In some embodiments, the wireless tracking device is an embodiment of an adhesive tape platform. The wireless tracking device detects failure states of the electrical power lien and wirelessly reports the failure states to a tracking system with low latency. 
     A wireless tracking device includes circuit components, a battery, and a circuit connecting the circuit components and the battery. The circuit components include a first wireless communication system, a processor, a memory or storage, and a first sensor operable to measure conditions of the wireless tracking device. The wireless tracking device is configured to attach to an overhead electrical line and detect failure events that are experienced by the overhead electrical line based on sensor data monitored by the wireless tracking device. 
     A system for failure detection in infrastructure components of an electrical grid include a first plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices each attached to a respective overhead electrical line of an electrical grid, a second plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices each attached to a respective transmission tower or electrical pole of the electrical grid, a third plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices each attached to a transformer of the electrical grid, and a server which executes a server application that communicates with and collects data from the first, second, and third plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices, wherein the server maintains a database storing data for the system. 
     Each of the first plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices is configured to detect failure events of the respective overhead electrical lines based on sensor data collected by the first plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices. Each of the second plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices is configured to detect failure events of the respective transmission tower or electrical pole based on sensor data collected by the second plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices. Each of the third plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices is configured to detect failure events of the respective transformer based on sensor data collected by the third plurality of failure detecting wireless tracking devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1 A  is a diagrammatic view of an asset that has been sealed for shipment using a segment of an example adhesive tape platform dispensed from a roll, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a diagrammatic top view of a portion of the segment of the example adhesive tape platform shown in  FIG.  1 A , according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagrammatic view of an example of an envelope carrying a segment of an example adhesive tape platform dispensed from a backing sheet, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic view of an example segment of an adhesive tape platform, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a diagrammatic top view of a length of an example adhesive tape platform, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  show diagrammatic cross-sectional side views of portions of different respective adhesive tape platforms, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  are diagrammatic top views of a length of an example adhesive tape platform, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6 C  is a diagrammatic view of a length of an example adhesive tape platform adhered to an asset, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagrammatic view of an example of a network environment supporting communications with segments of an adhesive tape platform, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is a diagrammatic view of a hierarchical communications network, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    is a flow diagram of a method of creating a hierarchical communications network, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 E  are diagrammatic views of exemplary use cases for a distributed agent operating system, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  show example states of overhead electrical power lines according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  show examples of detecting failure states of overhead electrical power lines  1210 A,  1210 B using failure detecting tape nodes according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  12 C- 12 F  show various examples of failure detecting tape components, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  12 G  shows an example of using an array of failure detecting tape nodes on a respective electrical power line to detect a failure state of the electrical power line, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  13    is a flow chart for an example method of detecting that an overhead line has fallen, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  14    is a flow chart for an example method of detecting a failure state of an electrical line, according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  show examples of failure detecting tape nodes, according to various embodiments. 
         FIG.  16    is an example diagram of a client device displaying an installation interface for an app used to track tape nodes installed on electrical lines, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  17    is an example diagram of a client device  1701  displaying a map viewing interface for an app used to track tape nodes and other wireless nodes of the tracking system  400  installed on or near electrical lines  1720  and other electrical grid infrastructure components, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  18    is a flow chart for an example method of assigning a location to a failure detecting tape node using an installation interface on a client device app, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  19    is a flow chart for an example method of displaying the locations of and data from failure detecting tape nodes on a map viewing interface on a client device app, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  20    shows an example portion of a system for detecting failure events for infrastructure components of an electrical grid, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  21    is an interaction diagram for an example portion of a system for detecting failure events for infrastructure components of an electrical grid, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  22    is a flow chart for an example method of determining locations of potential points of failure in an electrical grid, according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  23    shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus, according to some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Failure of an electrical power line can create a loss of service or even an emergency situation, such as a fire or other hazard. It is desirable to detect a failure of an electrical power line before a major loss of service or emergency occurs. 
     Failure detecting tape nodes are attached to electrical power line (e.g., overhead power line). Failure detecting tape nodes are configured to detect a failure state of the electrical power line. An example failure state would be a state where an overhead power line has fallen down or fallen off of an electrical pole, tower (e.g., transmission tower), utility pole, or some other structure. Failure detection for electrical or overhead lines using the failure detecting tape node is not limited to detecting failure in electrical power lines. In some embodiments, failure detection may be used to detect failure in any line or object that is suspended in the air or hung overhead. 
     The failure detecting tape nodes are part of a failure detection system which enables low latency, continuous detection of failure states and failure events. The failure detection system includes the tracking system  400  or components of the tracking system  400 . Failure events are events that may results in a potential failure state of the line. The failure detection system may be coupled to a controlling system of the electrical grid that allows the electrical grid to disable or deenergize a transformer when a nearby or associated power line falls or experiences a failure state. 
     In some embodiments, the wireless IOT device is an adhesive tape platform or a segment thereof. The adhesive tape platform includes wireless transducing components and circuitry that perform communication and/or sensing. The adhesive tape platform has a flexible adhesive tape form-factor that allows it to function as both an adhesive tape for adhering to and/or sealing objects and a wireless sensing device. 
     In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actual embodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements and are not drawn to scale. 
     As used herein, the term “or” refers to an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in the specification and claims mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to refer the singular form. 
     The term “tape node” refers to an adhesive tape platform or a segment thereof that is equipped with sensor, processor, memory, energy source/harvesting mechanism, and wireless communications functionality, where the adhesive tape platform (also referred to herein as an “adhesive product” or an “adhesive tape product”) has a variety of different form factors, including a multilayer roll or a sheet that includes a plurality of divisible adhesive segments. Once deployed, each tape node can function, for example, as an adhesive tape, label, sticker, decal, or the like, and as a wireless communications device. 
     The terms “adhesive tape node,” “wireless node,” or “tape node” may be used interchangeably in certain contexts, and refer to an adhesive tape platform or a segment thereof that is equipped with sensor, processor, memory, energy source/harvesting mechanism, and wireless communications functionality, where the adhesive product has a variety of different form factors, including a multilayer roll or a sheet that includes a plurality of divisible adhesive segments. Once deployed, each tape node or wireless node can function, for example, as an adhesive tape, label, sticker, decal, or the like, and as a wireless communications device. A “peripheral” tape node or “peripheral” wireless node, also referred to as an outer node, leaf node, or terminal node, refers to a node that does not have any child nodes. 
     In some instances, a “wireless node” may refer to a node or wireless device of the wireless tracking system that is not an adhesive tape platform. For example, a wireless node, in some embodiments, may have a form factor that is not flexible or may not include an adhesive. 
     In certain contexts, the terms “parcel,” “envelope,” “box,” “package,” “container,” “pallet,” “carton,” “wrapping,” and the like are used interchangeably herein to refer to a packaged item or items. 
     In certain contexts, the terms “wireless tracking system,” “hierarchical communications network,” “distributed agent operating system,” and the like are used interchangeably herein to refer to a system or network of wireless nodes. 
     Introduction 
     This specification describes a low-cost, multi-function adhesive tape platform with a form factor that unobtrusively integrates the components useful for implementing a combination of different asset tracking and management functions and also is able to perform a useful ancillary function that otherwise would have to be performed with the attendant need for additional materials, labor, and expense. In an aspect, the adhesive tape platform is implemented as a collection of adhesive products that integrate wireless communications and sensing components within a flexible adhesive structure in a way that not only provides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, and protecting the components of the tracking system but also maintains the flexibility needed to function as an adhesive product that can be deployed seamlessly and unobtrusively into various asset management and tracking applications and workflows, including person and object tracking applications, and asset management workflows such as manufacturing, storage, shipping, delivery, and other logistics associated with moving products and other physical objects, including logistics, sensing, tracking, locationing, warehousing, parking, safety, construction, event detection, road management and infrastructure, security, and healthcare. In some examples, the adhesive tape platforms are used in various aspects of asset management, including sealing assets, transporting assets, tracking assets, monitoring the conditions of assets, inventorying assets, and verifying asset security. In these examples, the assets typically are transported from one location to another by truck, train, ship, or aircraft or within premises, e.g., warehouses by forklift, trolleys etc. 
     In disclosed examples, an adhesive tape platform includes a plurality of segments that can be separated from the adhesive product (e.g., by cutting, tearing, peeling, or the like) and adhesively attached to a variety of different surfaces to inconspicuously implement any of a wide variety of different wireless communications based network communications and transducing (e.g., sensing, actuating, etc.) applications. Examples of such applications include: event detection applications, monitoring applications, security applications, notification applications, and tracking applications, including inventory tracking, asset tracking, person tracking, animal (e.g., pet) tracking, manufactured parts tracking, and vehicle tracking. In example embodiments, each segment of an adhesive tape platform is equipped with an energy source, wireless communication functionality, transducing functionality, and processing functionality that enable the segment to perform one or more transducing functions and report the results to a remote server or other computer system directly or through a network of tapes. The components of the adhesive tape platform are encapsulated within a flexible adhesive structure that protects the components from damage while maintaining the flexibility needed to function as an adhesive tape (e.g., duct tape or a label) for use in various applications and workflows. In addition to single function applications, example embodiments also include multiple transducers (e.g., sensing and/or actuating transducers) that extend the utility of the platform by, for example, providing supplemental information and functionality relating characteristics of the state and or environment of, for example, an article, object, vehicle, or person, over time. 
     Systems and processes for fabricating flexible multifunction adhesive tape platforms in efficient and low-cost ways also are described. In addition to using roll-to-roll and/or sheet-to-sheet manufacturing techniques, the fabrication systems and processes are configured to optimize the placement and integration of components within the flexible adhesive structure to achieve high flexibility and ruggedness. These fabrication systems and processes are able to create useful and reliable adhesive tape platforms that can provide local sensing, wireless transmitting, and locationing functionalities. Such functionality together with the low cost of production is expected to encourage the ubiquitous deployment of adhesive tape platform segments and thereby alleviate at least some of the problems arising from gaps in conventional infrastructure coverage that prevent continuous monitoring, event detection, security, tracking, and other asset tracking and management applications across heterogeneous environments. 
     Adhesive Tape Platform 
       FIG.  1 A  shows an example asset  10  that is sealed for shipment using an example adhesive tape platform  12  that includes embedded components of a wireless transducing circuit  14  (collectively referred to herein as a “tape node”). In this example, a length  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12  is dispensed from a roll  16  and affixed to the asset  10 . The adhesive tape platform  12  includes an adhesive side  18  and a non-adhesive side  20 . The adhesive tape platform  12  can be dispensed from the roll  16  in the same way as any conventional packing tape, shipping tape, or duct tape. For example, the adhesive tape platform  12  may be dispensed from the roll  16  by hand, laid across the seam where the two top flaps of the asset  10  meet, 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 tapes include tapes having non-adhesive sides  20  that carry one or more coatings or layers (e.g., colored, light reflective, light absorbing, and/or light emitting coatings or layers). 
     Referring to  FIG.  1 B , in some examples, the non-adhesive side  20  of the length  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12  includes 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 platforms may be marked with distinctive colorations to distinguish one type of adhesive tape platform from another. In the illustrated example, the length  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12  includes a two-dimensional bar code (e.g., a QR Code)  22 , written instructions  24  (i.e., “Cut Here”), and an associated cut line  26  that indicates where the user should cut the adhesive tape platform  12 . The written instructions  24  and the cut line  26  typically are printed or otherwise marked on the top non-adhesive surface  20  of the adhesive tape platform  12  during manufacture. The two-dimensional bar code  22 , on the other hand, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface  20  of the adhesive tape platform  12  during the manufacture of the adhesive product  12  or, alternatively, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface  20  of the adhesive tape platform  12  as needed using, for example, a printer or other marking device. 
     In order to avoid damage to the functionality of the segments of the adhesive tape platform  12 , the cut lines  26  typically demarcate the boundaries between adjacent segments at locations that are free of any active components of the wireless transducing circuit  14 . The spacing between the wireless transducing circuit components  14  and the cut lines  26  may vary depending on the intended communication, transducing and/or adhesive taping application. In the example illustrated in  FIG.  1 A , the length of the adhesive tape platform  12  that is dispensed to seal the asset  10  corresponds to a single segment of the adhesive tape platform  12 . In other examples, the length of the adhesive tape platform  12  needed to seal a asset or otherwise serve the adhesive function for which the adhesive tape platform  12  is being applied may include multiple segments  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12 , one or more of which segments  13  may be activated upon cutting the length of the adhesive tape platform  12  from the roll  16  and/or applying the length of the adhesive tape platform to the asset  10 . 
     In some examples, the transducing components  14  that are embedded in one or more segments  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12  are activated when the adhesive tape platform  12  is cut along the cut line  26 . In these examples, the adhesive tape platform  12  includes 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 transducing components  14  in one or more segments of the adhesive tape platform  12  in response to being separated from the adhesive tape platform  12  (e.g., along the cut line  26 ). 
     In some examples, each segment  13  of the adhesive tape platform  12  includes its own respective energy source including energy harvesting elements that can harvest energy from the environment. 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  13  that are in a given length of the adhesive tape platform  12 . In other examples, when a given length of the adhesive tape platform  12  includes multiple segments  13 , the energy sources in the respective segments  13  are configured to supply power to the transducing components  14  in all of the segments  13  in the given length of the adhesive tape platform  12 . In some of these examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and concurrently activated to power the transducing components  14  in all of the segments  13  at the same time. In other examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and alternately activated to power the transducing components  14  in respective ones of the adhesive tape platform segments  13  at different time periods, which may or may not overlap. 
       FIG.  2    shows an example adhesive tape platform  30  that includes a set of adhesive tape platform segments  32  each of which includes a respective set of embedded wireless transducing circuit components  34 , and a backing sheet  36  with a release coating that prevents the adhesive segments  32  from adhering strongly to the backing sheet  36 . Each adhesive tape platform segment  32  includes an adhesive side facing the backing sheet  36 , and an opposing non-adhesive side  40 . In this example, a particular segment  32 ′ of the adhesive tape platform  30  has been removed from the backing sheet  36  and affixed to an envelope  44 . Each segment  32  of the adhesive tape platform  30  can be removed from the backing sheet  36  in the same way that adhesive labels can be removed from a conventional sheet of adhesive labels (e.g., by manually peeling a segment  32  from the backing sheet  36 ). In general, the non-adhesive side  40 ′ of the segment  32 ′ may include any type of writing, markings, decorative designs, or other ornamentation. In the illustrated example, the non-adhesive side  40 ′ of the segment  32 ′ includes writing or other markings that correspond to a destination address for the envelope  44 . The envelope  44  also includes a return address  46  and, optionally, a postage stamp or mark  48 . 
     In some examples, segments of the adhesive tape platform  12  are 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 platform  12 . In addition, the operator can take a picture of a asset including the adhesive tape platform and any barcodes associated with the asset and, thereby, create a persistent record that links the adhesive tape platform  12  to the asset. In addition, the human operator typically will send the picture to a network service and/or transmit the picture to the adhesive tape platform  12  for storage in a memory component of the adhesive tape platform  12 . 
     In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit components  34  that are embedded in a segment  32  of the adhesive tape platform  12  are activated when the segment  32  is removed from the backing sheet  32 . In some of these examples, each segment  32  includes an embedded capacitive sensing system that can sense a change in capacitance when the segment  32  is removed from the backing sheet  36 . As explained in detail below, a segment  32  of the adhesive tape platform  30  includes 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 components  34  in the segment  32  in response to the detection of a change in capacitance between the segment  32  and the backing sheet  36  as a result of removing the segment  32  from the backing sheet  36 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a block diagram of the components of an example wireless transducing circuit  70  that includes a number of communication systems  72 ,  74 . Example communication systems  72 ,  74  include a GPS system that includes a GPS receiver circuit  82  (e.g., a receiver integrated circuit) and a GPS antenna  84 , and one or more wireless communication systems each of which includes a respective transceiver circuit  86  (e.g., a transceiver integrated circuit) and a respective antenna  88 . Example wireless communication systems include a cellular communication system (e.g., GSM/GPRS), a Wi-Fi communication system, an RF communication system (e.g., LoRa), a Bluetooth communication system (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy system), a Z-wave communication system, and a ZigBee communication system. The wireless transducing circuit  70  also includes a processor  90  (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), one or more energy storage devices  92  (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 transducers  94  (e.g., sensors and/or actuators, and, optionally, one or more energy harvesting transducer components). In some examples, the conventional single or multiple cell battery may be a watch style disk or button cell battery that is associated electrical connection apparatus (e.g., a metal clip) that electrically connects the electrodes of the battery to contact pads on the flexible circuit  116 . 
     Examples of sensing transducers  94  include a capacitive sensor, an altimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, 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, and a humidity sensor. Examples of actuating (e.g., energy emitting) transducers  94  include light emitting components (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). 
     In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit  70  includes a memory  96  for storing data, including, e.g., profile data, state data, event data, sensor data, localization data, security data, and one or more unique identifiers (ID)  98  associated with the wireless transducing circuit  70 , such as a product ID, a type ID, and a media access control (MAC) ID, and control code  99 . In some examples, the memory  96  may be incorporated into one or more of the processor  90  or transducers  94 , or may be a separate component that is integrated in the wireless transducing circuit  70  as shown in  FIG.  3   . The control code typically is implemented as programmatic functions or program modules that control the operation of the wireless transducing circuit  70 , including a tape node communication manager that manages the manner and timing of tape node communications, a tape node power manager that manages power consumption, and a tape node connection manager that controls whether connections with other tape nodes are secure connections or unsecure connections, and a tape node storage manager that securely manages the local data storage on the node. The tape node connection manager ensures the level of security required by the end application and supports various encryption mechanisms. The tape node power manager and tape 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 tape nodes described herein may result in the performance of similar or different functions. 
       FIG.  4    is a top view of a portion of an example flexible adhesive tape platform  100  that shows a first segment  102  and a portion of a second segment  104 . Each segment  102 ,  104  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  includes a respective set  106 ,  108  of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  70 . The segments  102 ,  104  and their respective sets of components  106 ,  108  typically are identical and configured in the same way. In some other embodiments, however, the segments  102 ,  104  and/or their respective sets of components  106 ,  108  are different and/or configured in different ways. For example, in some examples, different sets of the segments of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  have 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 platform  100  (see  FIG.  4   ) according to a roll-to-roll fabrication process is described in connection with  FIGS.  6 ,  7 A, and  7 B  of U.S. Pat. No. 10,262,255, issued Apr. 16, 2019, 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.  5 A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment  102  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  106  corresponding to the first tape node type (i.e., white). The flexible adhesive tape platform segment  102  includes an adhesive layer  112 , an optional flexible substrate  110 , and an optional adhesive layer  114  on the bottom surface of the flexible substrate  110 . If the bottom adhesive layer  114  is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly) adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer  114 . In some examples, the adhesive layer  114  includes an adhesive (e.g., an acrylic foam adhesive) that has a high bond strength that is sufficient to prevent removal of the adhesive segment  102  from a surface on which the adhesive layer  114  is adhered without destroying the physical or mechanical integrity of the adhesive segment  102  and/or one or more of its constituent components. In some examples, the optional flexible substrate  110  is implemented as a prefabricated adhesive tape that includes the adhesive layers  112 ,  114  and the optional release liner. In other examples, the adhesive layers  112 ,  114  are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate  110  during the fabrication of the adhesive tape platform  100 . The adhesive layer  112  bonds the flexible substrate  110  to a bottom surface of a flexible circuit  116 , that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect the processor  90 , a low power wireless communication interface  81  (e.g., a Zigbee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interface, or other low power communication interface), a timer circuit  83 , transducing and/or energy harvesting component(s)  94  (if present), the memory  96 , and other components in a device layer  122  to each other and to the energy storage component  92  and, thereby, enable the transducing, tracking and other functionalities of the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  102 . The low power wireless communication interface  81  typically includes one or more of the antennas  84 ,  88  and one or more of the wireless circuits  82 ,  86 . 
       FIG.  5 B  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment  103  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  106  corresponding to the second tape node type (i.e., green). In this example, the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  103  differs from the segment  102  shown in  FIG.  5 A  by the inclusion of a medium power communication interface  85  (e.g., a LoRa interface) in addition to the low power communications interface that is present in the first tape node type (i.e., white). The medium power communication interface has longer communication range than the low power communication interface. In some examples, one or more other components of the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  103  differ, for example, in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source). 
       FIG.  5 C  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment  105  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  106  corresponding to the third tape node type (i.e., black). In this example, the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  105  includes a high power communications interface  87  (e.g., a cellular interface; e.g., GSM/GPRS) and an optional medium and/or low power communications interface  85 . The high power communication range provides global coverage to available infrastructure (e.g. the cellular network). In some examples, one or more other components of the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  105  differ, for example, in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source). 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 C  show examples in which the cover layer  128  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  includes one or more interfacial regions  129  positioned over one or more of the transducers  94 . In examples, one or more of the interfacial regions  129  have features, properties, compositions, dimensions, and/or characteristics that are designed to improve the operating performance of the platform  100  for specific applications. In some examples, the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  includes multiple interfacial regions  129  over respective transducers  94 , which may be the same or different depending on the target applications. Example interfacial regions include an opening, an optically transparent window, and/or a membrane located in the interfacial region  129  of the cover  128  that is positioned over the one or more transducers and/or energy harvesting components  94 . Additional details regarding the structure and operation of example interfacial regions  129  are described in U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/680716, filed Jun. 5, 2018, PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/064919, filed Dec. 11, 2018, U.S. Pat. No. 10,885,420, issued Jan. 4, 2021, U.S. Pat. No. 10,902,310 issued Jan. 25, 2021, and US Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/670712, filed May 11, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     In some examples, a flexible polymer layer  124  encapsulates the device layer  122  and thereby reduces the risk of damage that may result from the intrusion of contaminants and/or liquids (e.g., water) into the device layer  122 . The flexible polymer layer  124  also planarizes the device layer  122 . This facilitates optional stacking of additional layers on the device layer  122  and also distributes forces generated in, on, or across the adhesive tape platform segment  102  so as to reduce potentially damaging asymmetric stresses that might be caused by the application of bending, torqueing, pressing, or other forces that may be applied to the flexible adhesive tape platform segment  102  during use. In the illustrated example, a flexible cover  128  is bonded to the planarizing polymer  124  by an adhesive layer (not shown). 
     The flexible cover  128  and the flexible substrate  110  may have the same or different compositions depending on the intended application. In some examples, one or both of the flexible cover  128  and the flexible substrate  110  include flexible film layers and/or paper substrates, where the film layers may have reflective surfaces or reflective surface coatings. Example compositions for the flexible film layers include polymer films, such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other plastics. The optional adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the flexible cover  128  and the adhesive layers  112 ,  114  on the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate  110  typically include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a silicon-based adhesive). In some examples, the adhesive layers are applied to the flexible cover  128  and the flexible substrate  110  during manufacture of the adhesive tape platform  100  (e.g., during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process). In other examples, the flexible cover  128  may be implemented by a prefabricated single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and the flexible substrate  110  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 polymer layer  124  is composed of a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone). 
     In some examples, the energy storage device  92  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 interface  81  and/or the processor(s)  90  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 some examples, the flexible circuit  116  is formed on a flexible substrate by printing, etching, or laminating circuit patterns on the flexible substrate. In some examples, the flexible circuit  116  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 multistep 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 flexible adhesive tape platform segments  102  shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C , the flexible circuit  116  is a single access flex circuit that interconnects the components of the adhesive tape platform on a single side of the flexible circuit  116 . In other examples, the flexible circuit  116  is a double access flex circuit that includes a front-side conductive pattern that interconnects the low power communications interface  81 , the timer circuit  83 , the processor  90 , the one or more transducers  94  (if present), and the memory  96 , and allows through-hole access (not shown) to a back-side conductive pattern that is connected to the flexible battery (not shown). In these examples, the front-side conductive pattern of the flexible circuit  116  connects the communications circuits  82 ,  86  (e.g., receivers, transmitters, and transceivers) to their respective antennas  84 ,  88  and to the processor  90 , and also connects the processor  90  to the one or more sensors  94  and the memory  96 . The backside conductive pattern connects the active electronics (e.g., the processor  90 , the communications circuits  82 ,  86 , and the transducers) on the front-side of the flexible circuit  116  to the electrodes of the flexible battery  116  via one or more through holes in the substrate of the flexible circuit  116 . 
     Depending on the target application, the wireless transducing circuits  70  are distributed across the flexible adhesive tape platform  100  according to a specified sampling density, which is the number of wireless transducing circuits  70  for a given unit size (e.g., length or area) of the flexible adhesive tape platform  100 . In some examples, a set of multiple flexible adhesive tape platforms  100  are provided that include different respective sampling densities in order to seal different asset sizes with a desired number of wireless transducing circuits  70 . In particular, the number of wireless transducing circuits per asset size is given by the product of the sampling density specified for the adhesive tape platform and the respective size of the adhesive tape platform  100  needed to seal the asset. This allows an automated packaging system to select the appropriate type of flexible adhesive tape platform  100  to use for sealing a given asset with the desired redundancy (if any) in the number of wireless transducer circuits  70 . In some example applications (e.g., shipping low value goods), only one wireless transducing circuit  70  is used per asset, whereas in other applications (e.g., shipping high value goods) multiple wireless transducing circuits  70  are used per asset. Thus, a flexible adhesive tape platform  100  with a lower sampling density of wireless transducing circuits  70  can be used for the former application, and a flexible adhesive tape platform  100  with a higher sampling density of wireless transducing circuits  70  can be used for the latter application. In some examples, the flexible adhesive tape platforms  100  are color-coded or otherwise marked to indicate the respective sampling densities with which the wireless transducing circuits  70  are distributed across the different types of adhesive tape platforms  100 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 A , in some examples, each of one or more of the segments  270 ,  272  of a flexible adhesive tape platform  274  includes a respective one-time wake circuit  275  that delivers power from the respective energy source  276  to the respective wireless circuit  278  (e.g., a processor, one or more transducers, and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. In some of these examples, the wake circuit  275  is configured to transition from an off state to an on state when the voltage on the wake node  277  exceeds a threshold level, at which point the wake circuit transitions to an on state to power-on the segment  270 . In the illustrated example, this occurs when the user separates the segment from the adhesive tape platform  274 , for example, by cutting across the adhesive tape platform  274  at a designated location (e.g., along a designated cut-line  280 ). In particular, in its initial, un-cut state, a minimal amount of current flows through the resistors R 1  and R 2 . As a result, the voltage on the wake node  277  remains below the threshold turn-on level. After the user cuts across the adhesive tape platform  274  along the designated cut-line  280 , the user creates an open circuit in the loop  282 , which pulls the voltage of the wake node above the threshold level and turns on the wake circuit  275 . As a result, the voltage across the energy source  276  will appear across the wireless circuit  278  and, thereby, turn on the segment  270 . In particular embodiments, the resistance value of resistor R 1  is greater than the resistance value of R 2 . In some examples, the resistance values of resistors R 1  and R 2  are 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 an adhesive tape platform includes a respective sensor and a respective wake circuit that delivers power from the respective energy source to the respective one or more of the respective wireless circuit components  278  in 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 adhesive tape platform and configured to detect the stretching of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tape platform. 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 an adhesive tape platform and configured to detect the separation of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment from a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tape platform. 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 adhesive tape platform and configured to detect bending of the tracking adhesive tape platform segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the adhesive tape platform. 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.  6 B  shows another example of an adhesive tape platform  294  that delivers power from the respective energy source  276  to the respective tracking circuit  278  (e.g., a processor, one or more transducers, and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. This example is similar in structure and operation as the adhesive tape platform  294  shown in  FIG.  6 A , except that the wake circuit  275  is implemented by a switch  296  that is configured to transition from an open state to a closed state when the voltage on the switch node  277  exceeds a threshold level. In the initial state of the adhesive tape platform  294 , the voltage on the switch node is below the threshold level as a result of the low current level flowing through the resistors R 1  and R 2 . After the user cuts across the adhesive tape platform  294  along the designated cut-line  280 , the user creates an open circuit in the loop  282 , which pulls up the voltage on the switch node above the threshold level to close the switch  296  and turn on the wireless circuit  278 . 
       FIG.  6 C  shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional front view of an example adhesive tape platform  300  and a perspective view of an example asset  302 . 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 source  302  to turn on the wireless transducing circuit  306  in response to establishing an electrical connection between two power terminals  308 ,  310  that are integrated into the adhesive tape platform. In particular, each segment of the adhesive tape platform  300  includes a respective set of embedded tracking components, an adhesive layer  312 , and an optional backing sheet  314  with a release coating that prevents the segments from adhering strongly to the backing sheet  314 . In some examples, the power terminals  308 ,  310  are 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 platform  300 . In operation, the adhesive tape platform can be activated by removing the backing sheet  314  and applying the exposed adhesive layer  312  to a surface that includes an electrically conductive region  316 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive region  316  is disposed on a portion of the asset  302 . When the adhesive backside of the adhesive tape platform  300  is adhered to the asset with the exposed terminals  308 ,  310  aligned and in contact with the electrically conductive region  316  on the asset  302 , an electrical connection is created through the electrically conductive region  316  between the exposed terminals  308 ,  310  that completes the circuit and turns on the wireless transducing circuit  306 . In particular embodiments, the power terminals  308 ,  310  are electrically connected to any respective nodes of the wireless transducing circuit  306  that would result in the activation of the tracking circuit  306  in response to the creation of an electrical connection between the power terminals  308 ,  310 . 
     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  54 . In these examples, if the tape node cannot confirm that the user/operator is an authorized user, the tape node will turn itself off. 
     Deployment of Tape Nodes 
       FIG.  7    shows an example network communications environment  400  (also referred to herein as an “IOT system”  400  or “tracking system”  400 ) that includes a network  402  that supports communications between one or more servers  404  executing one or more applications of a network service  408 , mobile gateways  410 ,  412 , a stationary gateway  414 , and various types of tape nodes that are associated with various assets (e.g., parcels, equipment, tools, persons, and other things). Each member of the IOT system  400  may be referred to as a node of the IOT system  400 , including the tape nodes, other wireless IOT devices, gateways (stationary and mobile), client devices, and servers. In some examples, the network  402  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 network  402  includes communications infrastructure equipment, such as a geolocation satellite system  416  (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  406  leverage the above-mentioned communications technologies to create a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes that 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 the communication uses the infrastructure security mechanisms. In case of communications among tapes nodes, the communication is secured through a custom security mechanism. In certain cases, tape nodes can also be configured to support block chain to protect the transmitted and stored data. 
     A set of tape nodes can be configured by the network service  408  to create hierarchical communications network. The hierarchy can 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). Tape nodes can be assigned to different levels of a hierarchical network according to one or more of the above-mentioned factors. For example, the hierarchy can 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 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 can be formulated as an optimization problem with battery capacity of nodes, power consumption in various modes of operation, desired latency, external environment, etc. and can 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 can 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 asset, or other stationary or mobile object (e.g., a structural element of a warehouse, or a vehicle, such as a delivery truck) or stationary object (e.g., a structural element of a building). This process activates the tape node and causes the tape node to communicate with a server  404  of the network service  408 . In this process, the tape node may communicate through one or more other tape nodes in the communication hierarchy. In this process, the network server  404  executes the network service application  406  to programmatically configure tape nodes that are deployed in the environment  400 . In some examples, there are multiple classes or types of tape nodes, where each tape node class has a different respective set of functionalities and/or capacities. 
     In some examples, the one or more network service servers  404  communicate over the network  402  with one or more gateways that are configured to send, transmit, forward, or relay messages to the network  402  and activated tape nodes that are associated with respective assets and within communication range. Example gateways include mobile gateways  410 ,  412  and a stationary gateway  414 . In some examples, the mobile gateways  410 ,  412 , and the stationary gateway  414  are able to communicate with the network  402  and with designated sets or groups of tape nodes. 
     In some examples, the mobile gateway  412  is a vehicle (e.g., a delivery truck or other mobile hub) that includes a wireless communications unit  416  that is configured by the network service  408  to communicate with a designated set of tape nodes, including a peripheral tape node  418  in the form of a label that is adhered to an asset  420  contained within a parcel  421  (e.g., an envelope), and is further configured to communicate with the network service  408  over the network  402 . In some examples, the peripheral tape node  418  includes a lower power wireless communications interface of the type used in, e.g., tape node  102  (shown in  FIG.  5 A ), and the wireless communications unit  416  is implemented by a tape node (e.g., one of tape node  103  or tape node  105 , respectively shown in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C ) that includes a lower power communications interface for communicating with tape nodes within range of the mobile gateway  412  and a higher power communications interface for communicating with the network  402 . In this way, the tape nodes  418  and  416  create a hierarchical wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, bridging, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the peripheral tape node  418  and the network service  408  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In some examples, the mobile gateway  410  is a mobile phone that is operated by a human operator and executes a client application  422  that is configured by the network service  408  to communicate with a designated set of tape nodes, including a master tape node  424  that is adhered to a parcel  426  (e.g., a box), and is further configured to communicate with the network service  408  over the network  402 . In the illustrated example, the parcel  426  contains a first parcel labeled or sealed by a tape node  428  and containing a first asset  430 , and a second parcel labeled or sealed by a tape node  432  and containing a second asset  434 . As explained in detail below, the master tape node  424  communicates with each of the peripheral tape nodes  428 ,  432  and communicates with the mobile gateway  408  in accordance with a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes. In some examples, each of the peripheral tape nodes  428 ,  432  includes a lower power wireless communications interface of the type used in, e.g., tape node  102  (shown in  FIG.  5 A ), and the master tape node  424  is implemented by a tape node (e.g., tape node  103 , shown in  FIG.  5 B ) that includes a lower power communications interface for communicating with the peripheral tape nodes  428 ,  432  contained within the parcel  426 , and a higher power communications interface for communicating with the mobile gateway  410 . The master tape node  424  is operable to relay wireless communications between the tape nodes  428 ,  432  contained within the parcel  426  and the mobile gateway  410 , and the mobile gateway  410  is operable to relay wireless communications between the master tape node  424  and the network service  408  over the wireless network  402 . In this way, the master tape node  424  and the peripheral tape nodes  428  and  432  create a hierarchical wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the peripheral tape nodes  428 ,  432  and the network service  408  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In some examples, the stationary gateway  414  is implemented by a server executing a server application that is configured by the network service  408  to communicate with a designated set  440  of tape nodes  442 ,  444 ,  446 ,  448  that are adhered to respective parcels containing respective assets  450 ,  452 ,  454 ,  456  on a pallet  458 . In other examples, the stationary gateway  414  is implemented by a tape node (e.g., one of tape node  103  or tape node  105 , respectively shown in  FIGS.  5 B and  5 C ) that is adhered to, for example, a wall, column or other infrastructure component of the environment  400 , and includes a lower power communications interface for communicating with tape nodes within range of the stationary gateway  414  and a higher power communications interface for communicating with the network  402 . In one embodiment, each of the tape nodes  442 - 448  is a peripheral tape node and is configured by the network service  408  to communicate individually with the stationary gateway  414 , which relays communications from the tape nodes  442 - 448  to the network service  408  through the stationary gateway  414  and over the communications network  402 . In another embodiment, one of the tape nodes  442 - 448  at a time is configured as a master tape node that transmits, forwards, relays, or otherwise communicate wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the other tape nodes on the pallet  458 . In this embodiment, the master tape node may be determined by the tape nodes  442 - 448  or designated by the network service  408 . In some examples, the tape node with 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 tape nodes), another one of the tape nodes assumes the role of the master tape node. In some examples, a master tape node  459  is adhered to the pallet  458  and is configured to perform the role of a master node for the tape nodes  442 - 448 . In these ways, the tape nodes  442 - 448 ,  458  are configurable to create different hierarchical wireless networks of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, bridging, or otherwise communicating wireless messages with the network service  408  through the stationary gateway  414  and over the network  402  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In the illustrated example, the stationary gateway  414  also is configured by the network service  408  to communicate with a designated set of tape nodes, including a master tape node  460  that is adhered to the inside of a door  462  of a shipping container  464 , and is further configured to communicate with the network service  408  over the network  402 . In the illustrated example, the shipping container  464  contains a number of parcels labeled or sealed by respective peripheral tape nodes  466  and containing respective assets. The master tape node  416  communicates with each of the peripheral tape nodes  466  and communicates with the stationary gateway  415  in accordance with a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes. In some examples, each of the peripheral tape nodes  466  includes a lower power wireless communications interface of the type used in, e.g., tape node  102  (shown in  FIG.  5 A ), and the master tape node  460  is implemented by a tape node (e.g., tape node  103 , shown in  FIG.  5 B ) that includes a lower power communications interface for communicating with the peripheral tape nodes  466  contained within the shipping container  464 , and a higher power communications interface for communicating with the stationary gateway  414 . 
     In some examples, when the doors of the shipping container  464  are closed, the master tape node  460  is operable to communicate wirelessly with the peripheral tape nodes  466  contained within the shipping container  464 . In an example, the master tape node  460  is configured to collect sensor data from the peripheral tape nodes and, in some embodiments, process the collected data to generate, for example, one or more histograms from the collected data. When the doors of the shipping container  464  are open, the master tape node  460  is programmed to detect the door opening (e.g., with an accelerometer component of the master tape node  460 ) and, in addition to reporting the door opening event to the network service  408 , the master tape node  460  is further programmed to transmit the collected data and/or the processed data in one or more wireless messages to the stationary gateway  414 . The stationary gateway  414 , in turn, is operable to transmit the wireless messages received from the master tape node  460  to the network service  408  over the wireless network  402 . Alternatively, in some examples, the stationary gateway  414  also is operable to perform operations on the data received from the master tape node  460  with the same type of data produced by the master node  459  based on sensor data collected from the tape nodes  442 - 448 . In this way, the master tape node  460  and the peripheral tape nodes  466  create a hierarchical wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the peripheral tape nodes  466  and the network service  408  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In an example of the embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , there are three classes of tape nodes: a short range tape node, a medium range tape node, and a long range tape node, as respectively shown in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 C . The short range tape nodes typically are adhered directly to parcels containing assets. In the illustrated example, the tape nodes  418 ,  428 ,  432 ,  442 - 448 ,  466  are 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 medium range tape nodes typically are adhered to objects (e.g., a box  426  and a shipping container  460 ) that are associated with multiple parcels that are separated from the medium range tape nodes by a barrier or a large distance. In the illustrated example, the tape nodes  424  and  460  are medium range tape nodes. The medium range tape nodes typically communicate with a medium power wireless communication protocol (e.g., LoRa or Wi-Fi). The long-range tape nodes typically are adhered to mobile or stationary infrastructure of the wireless communication environment  400 . In the illustrated example, the mobile gateway tape node  412  and the stationary gateway tape node  414  are long range tape nodes. The long range tape nodes typically communicate with other nodes using a high power wireless communication protocol (e.g., a cellular data communication protocol). In some examples, the mobile gateway tape node  436  is adhered to a mobile vehicle (e.g., a truck). In these examples, the mobile gateway  412  may be moved to different locations in the environment  400  to assist in connecting other tape nodes to the server  404 . In some examples, the stationary gateway tape node  414  may be attached to a stationary structure (e.g., a wall) in the environment  400  with a known geographic location. In these examples, other tape nodes in the environment can determine their geographic location by querying the gateway tape node  414 . 
     Wireless Communications Network 
       FIG.  8    shows an example hierarchical wireless communications network of tape nodes  470 . In this example, the short range tape node  472  and the medium range tape node  474  communicate with one another over their respective low power wireless communication interfaces  476 ,  478 . The medium range tape node  474  and the long range tape node  480  communicate with one another over their respective medium power wireless communication interfaces  478 ,  482 . The long range tape node  480  and the network server  404  communicate with one another over the high power wireless communication interface  484 . In some examples, the low power communication interfaces  476 ,  478  establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the Bluetooth LE protocol, the medium power communication interfaces  452 ,  482  establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the LoRa communications protocol, and the high power communication interface  484  establishes wireless communications with the server  404  in 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, a server  404  of the network service  408  designates 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 assets containing respective assets. In order to conserve power, the tape nodes typically communicate according to a schedule promulgated by the server  404  of the network service  408 . 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  404  transmits 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 server network node  404 , either directly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long range tape node  416  adhered to the mobile vehicle  412  or the long range tape node  414  adhered to an infrastructure component of the environment  400 ). In other examples, the master tape node processes the information contained in the received data packets and transmits the processed information to the server network node  404 . 
       FIG.  9    shows an example method of creating a hierarchical communications network. In accordance with this method, a first tape node is adhered to a first asset in a set of associated assets, 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.  9   , block  490 ). A second tape node is adhered to a second asset 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.  9   , block  492 ). An application executing on a computer system (e.g., a server  404  of a network service  408 ) 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.  9   , block  494 ). 
     In other embodiments, the second tape node is assigned the role of the master node of the first tape node. 
     Distributed Agent Operating System 
     As used herein, the term “node” refers to both a tape node and a non-tape node (i.e., a node or wireless device that is not an adhesive tape platform) 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 may be assigned a respective unique identifier, according to some embodiments. 
     The following disclosure describes 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 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’s mission (or objective) is 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 define 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 items. Examples of an item includes, but are not limited to 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 items. 
     Communication paths between tape and/or non-tape nodes may be represented by a graph of edges between the corresponding assets (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 to  FIG.  10 A , a node  520  (Node A) is associated with an asset  522  (Asset A). In some embodiments, the node  520  may be implemented as a tape node that is used to seal the asset  522  or it may be implemented as a label node that is used to label the asset  522 ; alternatively, the node  520  may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the asset  522  or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the asset  522 . In the illustrated embodiment, the node  520  includes a low power communications interface  524  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). Another node  526  (Node B), which is associated with another asset  530  (Asset B), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface  528  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). 
     In an example scenario, in accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, node  526  (Node B) requires a connection to node  520  (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 node  520  (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 path  532  with 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 to  FIG.  10 B , a node  534  (Node C) is associated with an asset  535  (Asset C). In the illustrated embodiment, the Node C includes a low power communications interface  536  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface), and a sensor  537  (e.g., a temperature sensor). Another node  538  (Node D), which is associated with another asset  540  (Asset D), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface  542  (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 path  544  with 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 to  FIG.  10 C , a pallet  550  is associated with a master node  551  that includes a low power communications interface  552 , a GPS receiver  554 , and a cellular communications interface  556 . In some embodiments, the master node  551  may be implemented as a tape node or a label node that is adhered to the pallet  550 . In other embodiments, the master node  551  may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the body of the pallet  550  or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the pallet  550 . 
     The pallet  550  provides a structure for grouping and containing assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  each of which is associated with a respective peripheral node  558 ,  560 ,  562  (Node E, Node F, and Node G). Each of the peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562  includes a respective low power communications interface  564 ,  566 ,  568  (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nodes E, F, G and the master node  551  are connected to each of the other nodes over a respective low power communications path (shown by dashed lines). 
     In some embodiments, the assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  are grouped together because they are related. For example, the assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  may share the same shipping itinerary or a portion thereof. In an example scenario, the master pallet node  550  scans for advertising packets that are broadcasted from the peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562 . In some examples, the peripheral nodes broadcast advertising packets during respective scheduled broadcast intervals. The master node  551  can determine the presence of the assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  in the vicinity of the pallet  550  based 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 nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562 , the master node  551  transmits respective requests to the server to associate the master node  551  and the respective peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562 . 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 assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  are intended to be grouped together (e.g., they share the same itinerary or certain segments of the same itinerary), the server authorizes the master node  551  to associate the peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562  with one another as a grouped set of assets. 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 asset. 
     In some embodiments, after an initial set of assets is assigned to a multi-asset group, the master node  551  may identify another asset arrives in the vicinity of the multi-asset group. The master node may request authorization from the server to associate the other asset with the existing multi-asset group. If the server determines that the other asset is intended to ship with the multi-asset group, the server instructs the master node to merge one or more other assets with currently grouped set of assets. After all assets are grouped together, the server authorizes the multi-asset group to ship. In some embodiments, this process may involve releasing the multi-asset group from a containment area (e.g., customs holding area) in a shipment facility. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562  include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated assets  559 ,  561 ,  563 . 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 node  551  can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system  570  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver  554  component of the master node  551 . In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master pallet node  551  can 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 node  551  has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  from the master node  551  can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node  551  receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node  551  can then transmit its own location and the locations of the asset nodes E, F, and G to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cell tower  572 . Other methods of determining the distance of each of the assets  559 ,  561 ,  563  from the master node  551 , 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 node  551  reports the location data and the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562  or the master node  551 ) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path  571  on a cellular network  572 . 
     In some examples, nodes are able to autonomously detect logistics execution errors if assets that suppose to travel together no longer travel together, and raise an alert. For example, a node (e.g., the master node  551  or one of the peripheral nodes  558 ,  560 ,  562 ) alerts the server when the node determines that a particular asset  559  is being or has already been improperly separated from the group of assets. The node may determine that there has been an improper separation of the particular asset  559  in a variety of ways. For example, the associated node  558  that is bound to the particular asset  559  may include an accelerometer that generates a signal in response to movement of the asset from the pallet. In accordance with its intelligent agent program code, the associated node  558  determines that the master node  551  has not disassociated the particular asset  559  from the group and therefore broadcasts advertising packets to the master node, which causes the master node  551  to monitor the average signal strength of the advertising packets and, if the master node  551  determines that the signal strength is decreasing over time, the master node  551  will issue an alert either locally (e.g., through a speaker component of the master node  551 ) or to the server. 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 D , a truck  580  is configured as a mobile node or mobile hub that includes a cellular communications interface  582 , a medium power communications interface  584 , and a low power communications interface  586 . The communications interfaces  580 - 586  may be implemented on one or more tape and non-tape nodes. In an illustrative scenario, the truck  580  visits a storage facility, such as a warehouse  588 , to wirelessly obtain temperature data generated by temperature sensors in the medium range nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594 . The warehouse  588  contains nodes  590 ,  592 , and  594  that are associated with respective assets  591 ,  593 ,  595 . In the illustrated embodiment, each node  590 - 594  is a medium range node that includes a respective medium power communications interface  596 ,  602 ,  608 , a respective low power communications interface  598 ,  604 ,  610  and one or more respective sensors  600 ,  606 ,  612 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the asset nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594  and the truck  580  is connected to each of the other ones of the asset 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 interfaces  584  and  586  (e.g., a LoRa communications interface and a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface) on the node on the truck  580  is programmed to broadcast advertisement packets to establish connections with other network nodes within range of the truck node. A warehouse  588  includes medium range nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594  that are associated with respective containers  591 ,  593 ,  595  (e.g., assets, boxes, pallets, and the like). When the truck node’s low power interface  586  is within range of any of the medium range nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594  and 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 nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594 , 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 path  614  or a LoRa formatted communication path  617 ), the truck node determines the identity information for the medium range node  590  (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 warehouse  588 , the truck  580  initially may communicate with the nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594  using 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 truck  580 , the truck  580  will 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 truck node  584 , the medium range node  590  transmits an indication of its measured temperature data to the truck node. The truck node repeats the process for each of the other medium range nodes  592 ,  594  that generate temperature measurement data in the warehouse  588 . The truck node reports the collected (and optionally processed, either by the medium range nodes  590 ,  592 ,  594  or the truck node) temperature data to a server over a cellular communication path  616  with a cellular network  618 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  10 E , a master node  630  is associated with an item  632  (e.g., an asset) and grouped together with other items  634 ,  636  (e.g., assets) that are associated with respective peripheral nodes  638 ,  640 . The master node  630  includes a GPS receiver  642 , a medium power communications interface  644 , one or more sensors  646 , and a cellular communications interface  648 . Each of the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  includes a respective medium power communications interface  650 ,  652  and one or more respective sensors  654 ,  656 . 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 nodes  630   638 ,  640  communicate through respective LoRa communications interfaces over LoRa formatted communications paths  658 ,  660 ,  662 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the master and peripheral nodes  638 ,  638 ,  640  include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated assets  632 ,  634 ,  636 . 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 node  630  periodically broadcasts advertising packets in the surrounding area. When the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  are within range of master node  630 , and are operating in a listening mode, the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  will extract the address of master node  630  and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the advertising packets. If, according to their respective programmatic code, the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  determine that hey are authorized to connect to the master node  630 , the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  will attempt to pair with the master node  630 . In this process, the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  and the master node and the peripheral nodes determine each other’s identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a respective communication path  658 ,  660  with each of the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  (e.g., a LoRa formatted communication path), the master node  630  determines certain information about the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640 , 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 paths  658 ,  660  with the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640 , the master node  630  transmits requests for the peripheral nodes  638 ,  640  to transmit their measured and/or locally processed temperature data to the master node  630 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the master node  630  can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system  666  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver  642  component of the master node  630 . In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master node  630  can 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 node  630  has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the assets  634 ,  636  from the master node  630  can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node  630  receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node  630  can then transmit its own location and the locations of the asset nodes E, F, and G to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cell tower  672 . Other methods of determining the distance of each of the assets  634 ,  636  from the master node  630 , 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 node  630  reports the location data the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes  634 ,  636  or the master node  630 ) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path  670  on a cellular network  672 . 
     Failure Detecting Tracking Device for Electrical Power Lines 
       FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  show example states of overhead electrical power lines  1110 A,  1110 B, according to some embodiments. In  FIG.  11 A , the overhead electrical power lines (also referred to herein as “overhead power lines”)  1110 A,  1110 B are held up in the air by a utility structure  1105 . The overhead power lines  1110 A,  1110 B may be collectively referred to as the overhead power lines  1110 , overhead electrical power lines  1110 , or power lines  1110 , herein. The overhead power lines  1110  and the utility structure  1105  are all part of and associated with an electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution system (also referred to herein as a “power grid” or “electrical grid”) which may include, but is not limited to, power stations, electrical substations for stepping voltage up or down, electrical power transmission infrastructure, and electrical power distribution infrastructure. The utility structure may be an electrical pole, a transmission tower, or some other supporting structure for holding, guiding, and/or supporting the overhead power lines  1110 A,  1110 B (collectively referred to herein as). The power lines  1110  may be insulated electrical power lines or uninsulated electrical power lines. The power lines may be low voltage (less than 1000 volts), medium voltage (between 1000 volts and 69 kV), high voltage (above 69 kV), extra high voltage (above 345 kV), or ultra high voltage (above 800 kV). The power lines  1110  may be used for distribution, subtransmission, or transmission of electrical power. Although not shown here, the power lines  1110  may also be connected to ground infrastructure equipment such as transformers, electrical substations, or other electrical equipment located on the ground. In some cases, the power lines  1110  may directly connect to equipment or other parts of buildings. The power lines may also lead into the ground and extend underground to connect to equipment. 
       FIG.  11 B  shows the overhead power line  1110 B in a failure state after a failure event has occurred. In the example of  FIG.  11 B , the failure event includes the overhead power line  1110 B falling off of the utility structure  1105 . The failure event results in the potential loss of power transmission and environmental hazards, such as a fire resulting from the overhead power lines coming into physical contact with objects in the environment, such as a tree or a building. In other examples, a failure event may include the overhead power line being damaged or altered, the overhead power line not conducting or transmitting power over a distance, damage or alteration to the utility structure, the utility structure falling over or leaning away from a standard position/orientation, 
       FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  show examples of detecting failure states of overhead electrical power lines  1210 A,  1210 B using failure detecting tape nodes  1220 A,  1220 B, according to some embodiments. A failure detecting tape node may include one or more sensors for detecting failure states of the respective electrical power line. The one or more sensors may include a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, an altimeter, an electrical induction sensor, an orientation sensor, a motion sensor, an electrical current sensor, an electromagnetic field sensor, a hall sensor, a voltage sensor, a temperature sensor, a heat sensor, a smoke detector sensor, a chemical sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, or some other type of sensor. In some embodiments, a failure detecting tape node includes an absolute orientation or motion sensor, such as a 9-axis orientation or motion sensor that includes a combination of gyroscope sensors, accelerometers, and geomagnetic sensors for determining the orientation of a tracked object. 
     A failure detecting tape node, as discussed herein, is an embodiment of the adhesive tape platform shown in  FIGS.  1 A- 6 C  and includes the wireless transducing circuit  70 . A failure detecting tape node may be a flexible device with a flexible substrate  110  configured to bend at some or all portions of the failure detecting tape node, according to some embodiments, or may be a rigid device with a rigid housing and structure, according to other embodiments. Since many of the infrastructure components of an electrical grid are outdoors, the failure detecting tape node includes weatherproofing protection. This may include weatherproof materials and sealants for preventing ingress of moisture or other contaminants. For example, a substrate and cover layer of a failure detecting tape node may include weatherproof materials that act as a barrier to water and other contaminants. Additionally hydrophobic coatings, water repellant coatings, and other coatings may be applied to the failure detecting tape. Adhesives, adhesive layers (such as adhesive tapes), and epoxies may be used to seal portions of the failure detecting tape, and the adhesives, adhesive layers, and epoxies may have weatherproofing qualities such as using hydrophobic materials. Materials and construction of the failure detecting tape node may comply with weatherproofing standards such as IPX4, IPX5, IPX6, IPX6K water resistance ratings and other such standards. Various embodiments of the failure detecting tape node are shown in greater detail in  FIGS.  12 C- 12 F  and  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B , 
       FIG.  12 A  shows overhead power lines  1210 A,  1210 B in an example normal operating condition. The power lines  1210 A and  1210 B include respective failure detecting tracking devices  1220 A,  1220 B attached to the power lines.  FIG.  12 B  shows a first overhead power line  1210 A in a first failure state, in which the first overhead power line  1210 A has become tangled.  FIG.  12 A  also shows a second overhead power line in a second failure state, where the second overhead power line  1210 B has fallen off of a utility structure  1205 , in this case a utility pole or a transmission tower. Each of the power lines  1210 A,  1210 B have a respective failure detecting tracking device  1220 A,  1220 B attached to the power line. In some embodiments, as shown in the  FIGS.  12 A- 12 E , the failure detecting tracking devices  1220 A,  1220 B are embodiments of the adhesive tape platform shown in  FIG.  1 - 6 C . The failure detecting tracking devices may also be referred to as “failure detecting tape nodes,” herein. 
     Each of the failure detecting tape nodes includes one or more sensors for collecting sensor data on the ambient conditions and events of the power liens  1210 A,  1210 B. The failure detecting tape nodes  1220 A,  1220 B are configured to determine if the respective power line is in a failure state, based on sensor data collected by the failure detecting tape nodes. In some embodiments, the failure detecting tape nodes wirelessly communicate with each other to determine the failure states and to validate the determinations. When a failure state is detected, the failure detecting tape nodes wirelessly communicate alerts to other nodes of the tracking system  400 , and the tracking system  400  performs follow-up actions to resolve the failure states, emergencies, and other issues in the power lines  1220 A,  1220 B. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking system  400  is integrated with a controlling system for an electrical grid. For example, the tracking system  400  may provide data to a utility service provider’s control system for the electrical grid through apps, APIs, and direct communication with the tracking system  400 . In response to receiving an alert, the follow-up action performed may include actions performed by the controlling system of the electrical grid. The follow-up action may be performed automatically by the controlling system software, according to some embodiments, or it may be performed manually by a utilities operator user who has access to the controlling system and data from the tracking system  400 . For example, the follow-up action may include cutting off transmission of power to a section of an electrical grid. In another example, the follow-up action may include disabling or enabling functions at an electrical substation or transformer. 
       FIGS.  12 C- 12 F  show various examples of failure detecting tape components, according to some embodiments.  FIGS.  12 C- 12 D  show examples of failure detecting tape nodes  1220 C,  1220 D that include energy harvesting components, according to some embodiments. In  FIG.  12 C , the failure detecting tape node  1220 C includes a solar panel  1225  which charges a battery of the tape node  1220 C when light is incident at the solar panel  1225 . Since many of the infrastructure components of an electrical grid are placed outdoors, the failure detecting tape node including the solar panel  1225  may benefit from frequent or occasional exposure to sunlight. 
     In  FIG.  12 D , the failure detecting tape node includes an energy harvesting circuit  1230  which charges the battery  1235  of the tape node  1220 D. The energy harvesting circuit  1230  may include an inductive loop which inductively harvests electrical energy from the electrical current flowing through the electrical power line  1210 A. In some optional embodiments, the failure detecting tape node  1220 D includes an aperture  1227  for the electrical power line  1210 A to pass through, however the failure detecting tape node  1220 D including the energy harvesting circuit is not limited to embodiments with an aperture  1227  for passing the electrical power line  1210 A through and may still harvest energy from the electromagnetic fields surrounding the electrical power line  1210 A without the aperture  1227 . In embodiments including the aperture  1227 , at least a portion of the inductive loop of the energy harvesting circuit  1230  surrounds the electrical power line  1210 A and is able to harvest energy from electromagnetic fields surrounding the overhead power line  1210 A due to the current transmitted through the electrical power line  1210 A. In other embodiments, a portion of the failure detecting tape node  1220 D including the inductive loop is wrapped around the electrical power line  1210 A. 
     The inductive loop of the energy harvesting circuit  1230  may also be part of an induction sensing circuit used to measure changes in the electromagnetic field around the overhead power line  1210  for detecting failure events. For example, if current stops flowing through the overhead power line at a portion near or at the location of the failure detecting tape node  1220 D, the failure detecting tape node  1220 D will detect a corresponding change in the electromagnetic fields due to inductance using the inductive loop and induction sensing circuit. The failure detecting tape node  1220 D may then determine that a change in the current flow of the power line  1210 A has occurred and report the event to the tracking system  400  as a potential failure event. Similarly, if the electrical power line  1210 A falls from a utility structure, the motion of the electrical power line may cause changes in the electromagnetic fields near the failure detecting tape node  1220 D, which is detected by the induction sensing circuit. The failure detecting tape node  1220 D may determine a potential failure event corresponding to the power line  1210 A falling has occurred based on the measured changes in the electromagnetic fields and report it to the tracking system  400 . 
     Changes in the current flowing through the line may be used to detect a fault current or risk of a future fault current. A fault current wis a current that flows through a circuit or an electrical grid during an electrical fault or failure. Changes in the current can be detected by an inductive current sensor, a current transducer, a hall sensor, or an electromagnetic field sensor that is integrated with the failure detecting tape node and can be used to detect the occurrence or the future risk of a fault current that may result in or be resultant from failure of the electrical grid. 
       FIGS.  12 E- 12 F  show different ways of attaching the failure detecting tape node to an overhead power line, according to some embodiments. Although not shown in  FIGS.  12 E- 12 F , the failure detecting tape nodes  1260 ,  1270  in  FIGS.  12 E- 12 F  may include the energy harvesting components shown in  FIGS.  12 C- 12 D  and other electrical components. 
       FIG.  12 E  shows a foldable adhesive tape node  1260  which is an embodiment of a failure detecting tape node which attaches to the overhead power line  1210 A by being folded around the overhead power line  1210 A and adhered to itself and the overhead power line  1210 A. The foldable adhesive tape node  1260  is shown from another perspective in a flat, unbent state in  FIG.  15 A . The foldable adhesive tape node  1260  includes an adhesive side that includes an adhesive layer on the substrate and a non-adhesive side which may not include an adhesive layer on the cover layer. The foldable adhesive tape node  1260  is configured to be bent in a bending region around the overhead power line  1210 A. The bending region does not contain any electronic components or circuitry that cannot withstand a radius of bending corresponding to being bent around the overhead power line  1210 A. In some instances, the radius of bending in the bending region corresponds to the radius of the overhead power line  1210 A. The critical electronic components and components that are not flexible are positioned outside of the bending area in the foldable adhesive tape node  1260 . Conductive traces, flexible circuit boards, and other flexible electronics may be positioned to overlap with the bending region, according to some embodiments. 
     The foldable adhesive tape node  1260  is folded around the overhead power line  1210 A, such that a portion of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  on the adhesive side is adhered to another portion of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  on the adhesive side. Portions of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  on the adhesive side may also be adhered to the overhead power line  1210 A itself. Optionally, a weight may be included in, on, or separately attached to the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  at one or more of the ends of the foldable adhesive tape node to aid the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  in maintaining a vertical orientation when hanging on the overhead power line  1210 A, under normal operating conditions for the overhead power line  1210 A. This may be used to differentiate measured changes in orientation of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  due to environmental factors such as slight winds that are not related to failure events from measured changes in orientation that correspond to failure events. 
       FIG.  12 F  shows a puncturable tape node  1270  that is attached to the overhead power line  1210 A using a fastener. In the example of  FIG.  12 F , the fastener  1275  passes through an aperture that is made by puncturing the puncturable tape node  1270 , but in other embodiments, a different fastener may attach a failure detecting tape node to the overhead power line  1210 A, without needing to pass through an aperture in the failure detecting tape node. For example, a fastener may attach to a failure detecting tape node using a clip, vise, or clamp that grips a portion of the failure detecting tape node. The fastener  1275  in  FIG.  12 F  is a device that attaches to the puncturable tape node  1270  by passing through the aperture  1280  and looping or hooking around the overhead power line  1210 A. The fastener  1275  appears as a carabiner in  FIG.  12 F , but in other embodiments, the fastener  1275  may be a hook, a loop, a string, a cord, a wire, a nail, a piece of hardware, or some other type of fastener. The puncturable tape node  1270  is shown from another perspective in  FIG.  12 B . Similar to the bending region of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260 , the puncturable tape node  1270  includes a puncture region that does not include electrical components that would be damage from being punctured. Further discussion of a puncture region in an adhesive tape node platform may be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 17/558,556, filed on Dec. 21, 2021, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     In some embodiments, the aperture  1280  is made by a user puncturing the puncturable tape node  1270  in a puncture region of the tape node  1270  at a time of installation or before installing the tape node  1270  on the overhead power line  1210 A. In other embodiments, the aperture  1280  may be pre-made in the tape node  1270  before the user receives the tape node  1270  or at a time of manufacturing the tape node  1270 . For example, the aperture  1280  may be made by a hole punch, a drill, a cutting tool, or some other tool. In some embodiments, the aperture  1280  may be made by pushing or moving a sharp portion of a fastener through the puncture region of the tape node  1270 . In other embodiments, a perforation in the tape node  1270  may be made in the a shape of the aperture  1280  that aids the user in creating the aperture with a tool or by hand at a time of installation, by cutting or tearing along the perforation. 
       FIG.  12 G  shows an example of using an array of failure detecting tape nodes  1250 A,  1250 B (collectively referred to as the failure detecting tape node arrays  1250  or the arrays of failure detecting tape nodes  1250 ) on a respective electrical power line  1210 A,  1210 B to detect a failure state of the electrical power line, according to some embodiments. An array of failure detecting tape nodes  1250 A may use each tape node in the array  1250 A to redundantly detect failure states of the respective electrical power line  1210 A. The tape nodes in the arrays may communicate with each other to quickly validate determined failure states or operating conditions with low latency, by performing validation locally at the tape nodes (e.g., using the computational power of the tape nodes) without needing to communicate with a server or another remote device. 
     For example, if one of the failure detecting tape nodes in the array  1250 A detects a potential failure event based on its sensor readings corresponding to the overhead power line  1210 A falling off of the utility structure  1205 , the one failure detecting tape node may communicate with the other tape nodes in the array  1250 A to determine if the other tape nodes also have sensor readings that correspond to the same or a similar event. If more than a threshold number of the tape nodes in the array  1250 A report back to the one failure detecting tape node that a same or similar event has been detected, the one failure detecting tape node may then validate its own detection of the failure event without having to communicate with a server or other remote entity in the tracking system  400 . This allow for low latency validation of failure event detection. The one failure detecting tape node may then respond by reporting the detected failure event to another wireless node of the tracking system  400 . The other wireless node may be a tape node attached to the utility structure  1205  or a tape node or gateway located elsewhere. In some embodiments, a failure detecting tape node may include cellular or satellite communication systems and may directly transmit a notification of the detected event to the tracking system  400  using a cellular network connection. 
     For critical use cases, such as monitoring high voltage electrical power lines, redundant monitoring may be beneficial for accurate detection of failure events. Redundant monitoring may also decrease the risk of failure to detect events. For example, if only a single failure detecting tape node is used, a malfunctioning of the failure detecting tape node may result in the tracking system  400  may result in a failure event not being detected or not being detected quickly by the tracking system  400 . Failure to detect a catastrophic event in time may result in undesirable or dangerous conditions, property damage, power outage, and other risks. The arrays of failure detecting tape nodes  1250  allow for higher assurance that a failure event will not be missed by tracking system  400 . 
       FIG.  13    is a flow chart for an example method  1301  of detecting that an overhead line has experienced a failure event, according to some embodiments. The overhead line is any line, wire, cable, structure or portion of a structure that is suspended in the air. The method  1301  includes attaching  1310  a wireless tracking device (e.g., failure detecting tape node) an overhead power line. The wireless tracking device monitors  1320  sensor data collected by one or more sensor on the wireless tracking device. In some examples, the sensor is a vibration sensor or an accelerometer which detects the motion of the overhead power line. Based on collected sensor data, the wireless tracking device determines  1330  that the overhead line has experienced a failure event. For example, a wireless tracking device including an accelerometer may measure acceleration data when the overhead power line falls from a utility structure (e.g., an electrical pole or a transmission tower) towards the ground. Comparing the measured acceleration data to known acceleration data signatures for a falling overhead power line, the wireless tracking device may detect a failure event corresponding to the overhead power line falling off the utility structure. Responsive to determining that the overhead line has experienced a failure event, the wireless tracking device wirelessly transmits  1440  an alert to another node of a tracking system. The alert may be transmitted to a nearby wireless node, such as a gateway node for bridging communications from the failure detecting tape nodes and a server of the wireless communication system. In other examples, the alert may be transmitted to a tape node that is on a nearby utility structure. The alert may be wirelessly transmitted to nearby wireless nodes using short range wireless communication systems and protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi, to wireless nodes at further distances using medium range wireless communication systems and protocols such as LoRa or LoRaWAN, or over long ranges using long range wireless communication systems such as cellular communications (e.g., 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G cellular and data communications) or satellite communications. 
     In the case that a failure event is detected, a server of the tracking system may receive the alert and perform a follow-up action. The follow-up action may include notifying a user of the tracking system  400  or an operator of a utility service provider, making changes to the operation of a utility service, such as cutting off power to a region of the electrical grid surrounding the wireless tracking device, notifying emergency services, dispatching service people for a repair or intervention, or by broadcasting alarms and messages to people near the wireless tracking device. For example, in the event of a fallen overhead power line, the tracking system  400  and the operator of the utility service provider may transmit audio (over a phone call) and text messages to the phones of users known to be located in an area near where the overhead power line has fallen, to warn them to evacuate in case of a potential catastrophic fire. 
       FIG.  14    is a flow chart for an example method  1401  of detecting a failure state of an electrical line, according to some embodiments. The electrical line may be an overhead power line, an underground power line, or another type of electrical line. In other embodiments, the electrical line is not part of an electrical grid but is another type of line that carries electrical current. The method  1401  includes attaching  1410  a wireless tracking device (e.g., failure detecting tape node) to an overhead line. The wireless tracking device monitors  1420  electrical current data corresponding to electrical current flowing through the electrical line, magnetometer data, or induction data collected by a sensor on the wireless tracking device. For example, the wireless tracking device may include an induction sensor that measures changes in the electromagnetic fields outside of the electrical line. Based on collected sensor data, the wireless tracking device determines  1430  that an uncharacteristic flow of current is occurring in the electrical line which corresponds to a failure state of the overhead line. The flow of the current may be below a low threshold value or above a high threshold value, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the electrical current may be an alternating current and the frequency of the alternating current may be below a low threshold value or above a high threshold value. In some embodiments, the uncharacteristic flow of current may be detected based on detecting jitter in the current, noise, or some other property. 
     Responsive to determining that the electrical line is in the failure state, the wireless tracking device wirelessly transmits  1440  an alert to another node of a tracking system. The same discussion above with respect to step  1330  in  FIG.  13    applies to the wireless transmission  1430  of the alert. 
       FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  show examples of failure detecting tape nodes, according to various embodiments.  FIG.  15 A  shows an example of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  from a perspective showing the non-adhesive side. The foldable adhesive tape node includes wireless transducing components  106  in regions that do not overlap the bending region  1510 . Only components that are flexible, flexible conductive traces, and flexible circuit boards are located in areas that overlap the bending region  1510 . A graphic  1515  displays areas where users may fold or bend the tape node  1260  without damaging the internal electronics and text to guide the users where to fold the device, according to some embodiments. Additional graphics may warn users not to bend the tape node  1260  in areas outside of the bending region  1510 . 
     Optionally, the foldable adhesive tape node  1260  may include a weight that is located at one of the ends of the foldable adhesive tape node  1260 , away from the center of the tape node  1260 . The tape node  1260  may include weights at both ends. The weight may be positioned inside the tape node or on the outside of the tape node attached to the exterior of the substrate or cover layer. In other embodiments, a weight is not included in or on the tape node  1260 , but the components of the tape node  1260  are arranged such that the weight of the tape node  1260  is distributed not at the center, but at the ends. 
       FIG.  15 B  shows an example of the puncturable tape node  1270 . The puncturable tape node  1270  includes a puncture region  1530  and a graphic  1540  which indicates the position of the puncture region and includes text instructions for users. The puncturable tape node  1270  may also include a weight on or in the tape node  1270  at the end of the puncturable tape node away from the end where the tape node attaches to the overhead power line. 
     System for Detecting Failure Events and Response in an Electrical Grid 
       FIG.  16    is an example diagram of a client device displaying an installation interface  1610  for an app used to track tape nodes installed on electrical lines  1620 , according to some embodiments. A user of the app may install a tape node at a location on an electrical line and then mark the location of the tape node with a pin  1630  on a map  1615  shown in the interface  1610 . The app may then update a database on a server of the tracking system  400 , according to the inputs from the user on the interface  1610  indicating the location and other information on the installed tape node. Locations for infrastructure components of the electrical grid may also be represented in the installation interface  1610  overlaid on the map  1615 . Examples include graphical elements which represent the location of substations  1650 A,  1650 B and graphical elements that represent the location of ground infrastructure equipment  1660 A,  1660 B. The installation interface  1610  may also display graphical elements representing the locations of other failure detecting tape nodes and other wireless nodes of the tracking system  400  that are associated with the electrical grid which have previously been installed and have had their locations registered to the tracking system. 
       FIG.  17    is an example diagram of a client device  1601  displaying a map viewing interface  1710  for an app used to track tape nodes and other wireless nodes of the tracking system  400  installed on or near electrical lines  1620  and other electrical grid infrastructure components, according to some embodiments. The map viewing interface  1610  may display the same map  1615  and the same layout of the electrical lines  1620  in an area, as is displayed in the installation interface  1610 , according to some embodiments. The map viewing interface  1710 , displays the locations of previously installed tape nodes on electrical lines  1620  in an area corresponding to the map  1615 . The locations are indicated by pins  1720  overlaid on the map  1615 . The app may receive the location data and other data from a database of the tracking system  400 . In the example of  FIG.  17   , the pins are represented by circles on the interface  1710 , however in other embodiments, other graphical representations may be used. In further embodiments, the map viewing interface  1710  also displays information on each of the tape nodes (e.g., operational status, sensor data, etc.) on the interface overlaid on the map  1615 . The information may be displayed as text or represented graphically. For example, the operational status of a tape node may be represented by a color of a pin corresponding to the location for that tape node. 
     When a user provides an input corresponding to a selection of one of the pins  1720 , the map viewing interface displays additional details on the failure detecting tape node represented by the selected pin. The additional detail may include an identifier of the tape node, data on the electrical grid infrastructure object being monitored by the tape node, a current status of the tape node, a current status of the electrical grid infrastructure object being monitored, sensor data, a log of events detected by the tape nod, other data, or some combination thereof. The additional detail may be displayed in another window or in a popup that is overlaid in the map viewing interface  1710 . 
       FIG.  18    is a flow chart for an example method  1801  of assigning a location to a failure detecting tape node using an installation interface on a client device app, according to some embodiments. The method  1801  includes displaying  1810  a map, on an installation interface of an app or web app displayed on a client device, including a visual representation of an electrical grid in a geographic area associated with the map. The installation interface may also display graphical node elements representing the locations of failure detecting tape nodes and other wireless nodes that have previously been installed and are registered (with a location already assigned to them) in the tracking system  400  overlaid on the map. Infrastructure components of the electrical grid may additionally be represented in the installation interface on the map. The app receives  1820  a user input in the installation interface corresponding to a location on the map. The user input is made by the user on the client device to indicate the location on the map where a failure detecting tape node has been installed. The user input may be a touch input on a touchscreen, a selection using a user input device such as a mouse or keyboard, or some other input. For example, using a touchscreen on a smartphone or tablet, the user may tap a location on the map that corresponds to the geographic location where the failure detecting tape node is installed. The app also receives  1830  data corresponding to a failure detecting tape node, the data including at least an identifier of the failure detecting tape node. The data may be received  1830  by a user inputting the data manually in the installation interface or by wireless communication between the client device and the failure detecting tape node. The app assigns  1840  a location to the failure detecting tape node corresponding to the received user input and the displayed portion of the map in the installation interface. In other embodiments, the location is assigned based on location data of the client device and not based on the user input. For example, if the client device is a smartphone, the location may be assigned based on location data on the smartphone’s location based on cellular triangulation or trilateration or based on GPS location data. The client device then transmits  1850  the assigned location and at least a portion of the data received from the failure detecting tape node to a server of the tracking system which stores  1850  the assigned location and the location’s association with the failure detecting tape node in a database, along with other data received from the client device. 
       FIG.  19    is a flow chart for an example method  1901  of displaying the locations of and data from failure detecting tape nodes on a map viewing interface on an app or web app, according to some embodiments. The method  1901  includes displaying  1910  a map, on a map viewing interface of an app or web app displayed on a client device, including a visual representation of an electrical grid in a geographic area associated with the map. Receiving  1920  data at the client device from a server of the tracking system  400  for a plurality of failure detecting tape nodes installed on the electrical grid at locations in the geographic area, the received data including identifiers and location data for each of the failure detecting tape. The location data may be based on location data assigned to tape nodes during an installation and initialization process such as the one described above with respect to  FIG.  18    using an installation interface in the same app on the client device. Based on the received data, the map viewing interface displays  1930  graphical node elements, each representing a failure detecting tape node or, overlaid on the map at locations corresponding to the geographic locations of the failure detecting tape nodes. The graphical node elements are graphical symbols or text representing the locations of the failure detecting tape nodes. Additionally, other wireless nodes of the tracking system and infrastructure components of the electrical grid may be represented in the map viewing interface. In the map viewing interface, a user input is received  1940  corresponding to a selection of a first graphical node element displayed in the map viewing interface. The user input may be a touch input on a touchscreen, a selection using a user input device such as a mouse or keyboard, or some other input. For example, the user may tap a touch screen displaying the map viewing interface at a location of the first graphical node element. In response, the app retrieves  1950  data associated with a first failure detecting tape node corresponding to the first graphical node element from a database. Alternatively, the app may cause the client device to directly retrieve  1950  data from the first failure detecting tape node  1950  over a wireless communication connection. The data may include an identifier for the failure detecting tape node, an identifier for an infrastructure component of the electrical grid associated with the failure detecting tape node, an operational status of the failure detecting tape node, a determination of the operational status of the electrical grid at the location of the failure detecting tape node, sensor data captured by the failure detecting tape node, a log of events detected by the failure detecting tape node, other data, or some combination thereof. At least a portion of the retrieved data or data based on the retrieved data is then displayed  1960  in the map viewing interface. 
       FIG.  20    shows an example portion of a system  2101  for detecting failure events for infrastructure components of an electrical grid, according to some embodiments. The portion of the system includes failure detecting tape nodes  2010  each installed on an overhead electrical line  2005 . The overhead electrical line  2005  may be supported by a utility structure such as a nearby transmission tower  2020 . The system also includes a failure detecting tape node  2030 , referred to herein as a tower tape node  2030  on the transmission tower  2020 . Near the overhead electrical lines  2005 , a ground infrastructure equipment  2040  may be installed on the ground that is associated with the electrical grid that includes the overhead electrical lines  2005  and the transmission tower  2020 . The ground infrastructure  2040  may include any equipment associated with the electrical grid. Examples include, but are not limited to, pad mounted transformers, step-down transformers, step-up transformers, and other electrical infrastructure equipment. A tape node  2050  or a gateway device may be installed at or inside the ground infrastructure. 
     The failure detecting tape nodes  2030  on the transmission tower  2020  may monitor conditions of the electrical grid that differ from those monitored by the failure detecting tape nodes  2010  installed on the overhead electrical lines  2005 . Similarly, the tape node  2050  on the ground infrastructure may monitor conditions of the electrical grid that differ from those monitored by the failure detecting tape nodes  2010  installed on the overhead electrical lines  2005  and the tower tape nodes  2030  installed on the transmission tower  2020 . For example, the tower tape nodes  2030  may measure a tilt of the transmission tower  2020  to detect if a transmission tower is leaning or about to fall over. In another example, the ground tape node  2050  may monitor temperature for detecting failure of the ground infrastructure equipment  2040  caused by heat or temperature. 
       FIG.  21    is an interaction diagram for the example portion of a system  2101  for detecting failure events for infrastructure components of an electrical grid shown in  FIG.  20   , according to some embodiments. The ground infrastructure nodes  2110  (including any tape nodes and gateway devices installed near, on, or in ground infrastructure equipment) communicate with nearby overhead nodes  2120  including failure detecting tape nodes installed on overhead electrical lines, transmission towers, and other utility structures. The ground infrastructure nodes  2110  may act as a master which collects sensor data and logs events detected by the failure detecting tape nodes that are nearby, according to some embodiments. The ground infrastructure nodes  2110  may upload data to client devices  2130  of users that are nearby or to a server  2140  of the failure detecting system. The failure detecting system may maintain a database of sensor data and events detected. The server may also send notifications and instructions to the user’s client device  2130 . For example, the server may prompt a user via an app on the client device to perform intervention or repairs at a location in the electrical grid where a failure event has been detected by the failure detecting system. 
     In some embodiments, the ground infrastructure nodes are capable of controlling functions and change configurations of the ground infrastructure equipment that they are associated with. For example, the ground infrastructure nodes may instruct the associated ground infrastructure equipment perform an intervention action, such as deenergizing the ground infrastructure equipment or deenergizing a portion of the electrical grid affected by a failure event. In some examples, the ground infrastructure equipment may be equipment configured to control the transmission of electricity through portions of the electrical grid, such as lengths of overhead power lines. This may be done to avoid a dangerous scenario or prevent a hazardous condition such as a fire. In embodiments, the ground infrastructure nodes can intervene with the ground infrastructure equipment without needing to communicate with the server  2140 , in order to reduce latency between the detection of a failure event and the implementation of an intervention action. In an example, a failure detecting tape node  2010  detects that a overhead power line has fallen from a utility structure towards the ground and transmits an alert of the fall event to the ground infrastructure node  2110 . In response, the ground infrastructure node instructs the ground infrastructure equipment to deenergize the overhead power line that has fallen. 
       FIG.  22    is a flow chart for an example method  2201  of determining locations of potential points of failure in an electrical grid using a system for failure detection, according to some embodiments. The system for failure detection includes the tracking system  400  or components of the tracking system  400 . The method includes receiving, at a ground tape node attached to a ground infrastructure equipment, data from nearby failure detecting tape nodes. The nearby failure detecting tape nodes may be attached to overhead power lines and/or one or more transmission towers. Based on the received data and/or based on data generated by the ground tape node, the ground tape node detects  2220  an event indicative of potential failure of the overhead power line, the overhead power line, or the ground infrastructure equipment. The event may include detecting that an overhead power line has fallen from a utility structure, that a ground infrastructure equipment has malfunctioned, that an overhead power line has become damaged, that electrical transmission has stopped or is under a threshold level of current or voltage, that the electrical transmission is over a threshold level of current or voltage, some other event indicative of failed electrical power transmission, or some combination thereof, according to some embodiments. 
     The ground tape node then transmits  2230 , data corresponding to the detected event to another wireless node of the tracking system  400 . The other wireless node may be another tape node, a gateway device, another communication device, a user client device, or a server of the tracking system  400 . The data may be relayed through the tracking system  400  until it is received by a server of the tracking system  400 , according to some embodiments. Based on the data received by the tracking system, one or more locations for potential points of failure in an electrical grid are determined  2240 . For example, other ground tape nodes may report similar failure events and the tracking system may determine multiple points of failure. Further, the tracking system may determine an origin point of the failure where an event that has caused the failure occurred. The tracking system responds by transmitting  2250  a notification corresponding to the detected event to a user. The user may be an operator of the utility service associated with the electrical grid being monitored by the system for failure detection. Additionally, the determined locations are displayed  2260  in a map viewing interface of a client device app associated with the system for failure detection. For example, the locations may be shown in the map viewing interface  1710  shown in  FIG.  17   . Optionally, the ground tape node may transmit instructions to the ground infrastructure equipment to deenergize the ground infrastructure equipment or deenergize a portion of the electrical grid, in response to determining that a failure event has occurred. 
     Computer Apparatus 
       FIG.  22    shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus  320  that, 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. 
     The computer apparatus  320  includes a processing unit  322 , a system memory  324 , and a system bus  326  that couples the processing unit  322  to the various components of the computer apparatus  320 . The processing unit  322  may 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 memory  324  includes 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 memory  324  may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for the computer apparatus  320 , and a random access memory (RAM). The system bus  326  may 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 apparatus  320  also includes a persistent storage memory  328  (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 bus  326  and 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 apparatus  320  using one or more input devices  330  (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 monitor  332 , which is controlled by a display controller  334 . The computer apparatus  320  also may include other input/output hardware (e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). The computer apparatus  320  connects to other network nodes through a network adapter  336  (also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC). 
     A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory  324 , including application programming interfaces  338  (APIs), an operating system (OS)  340  (e.g., the Windows® operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington U.S.A.), software applications  341  including one or more software applications programming the computer apparatus  320  to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, or processes of the locationing and/or tracking systems described herein, drivers  342  (e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols  344 , and data  346  (e.g., input data, output data, program data, a registry, and configuration settings). 
     Examples of the subject matter described herein, including the disclosed systems, methods, processes, functional operations, and logic flows, can be implemented in data processing apparatus (e.g., computer hardware and digital electronic circuitry) operable to perform functions by operating on input and generating output. Examples of the subject matter described herein also can be tangibly embodied in software or firmware, as one or more sets of computer instructions encoded on one or more tangible non-transitory carrier media (e.g., a machine readable storage device, substrate, or sequential access memory device) for execution by data processing apparatus. 
     The details of specific implementations described herein may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any claimed invention. For example, features that are described in connection with separate embodiments may also be incorporated into a single embodiment, and features that are described in connection with a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple separate embodiments. In addition, the disclosure of steps, tasks, operations, or processes being performed in a particular order does not necessarily require that those steps, tasks, operations, or processes be performed in the particular order; instead, in some cases, one or more of the disclosed steps, tasks, operations, and processes may be performed in a different order or in accordance with a multi-tasking schedule or in parallel. 
     Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. 
     Additional Embodiments 
     Failure detecting tape nodes are attached to electrical power line (e.g., overhead power line). Failure detecting tape nodes are configured to detect a failure state of the electrical power line. An example failure state would be a state where an overhead power line has fallen down or fallen off of an electrical pole, tower (e.g., transmission tower), utility pole, or some other structure. Failure detection for electrical or overhead lines using the failure detecting tape node is not limited to detecting failure in electrical power lines. In some embodiments, failure detection may be used to detect failure in any line or object that is suspended in the air or hung overhead. 
     The failure detecting tape nodes are part of a failure detection system which enables low latency, continuous detection of failure states and failure events. The failure detection system includes the tracking system  400  or components of the tracking system  400 . Failure events are events that may results in a potential failure state of the line. The failure detection system may be coupled to a controlling system of the electrical grid that allows the electrical grid to disable or deenergize a transformer when a nearby or associated power line falls or experiences a failure state. 
     The failure detection system uses low latency communication between local wireless nodes to quickly detect failure states and perform responsive actions. Failure states may be detected by failure detecting tape nodes using vibration sensing, accelerometers for detecting motion of the power lines corresponding to the lines falling down, becoming twisted or tangled, or other mechanical failure, inductive sensing for detecting excursions of electromagnetic waves that correspond to power line failure. 
     If failure detecting tape node detects a failure state, the tape nodes wirelessly report to a wireless node of the tracking system. Some failure detecting tape nodes may be equipped with cellular or satellite communications systems and may report directly to a server of the tracking system. 
     In response to detecting failure, the failure detection system may perform response actions. When the tape node reports the failure state of an electrical power line, the power line operator (e.g., utility service operator) may de-power, de-energize, or deactivate the power line, in response. This may be to avoid an emergency situation like a fire outbreak. The failure detecting tape nodes may report the failure state of the electrical power line falling off a utility structure (e.g., utility pole, transmission tower, etc.) before the electrical power line hits the ground or hits structures below the power line (e.g., trees, buildings, etc.). In response, the electrical power line is deenergized before the electrical power line hits the ground, buildings, or other structures, avoiding risk of an emergency situation or hazard. 
     Before a fault current is detected or an electrical line falls to ground, a failure detecting tape node or other tracking device sends signal to an associated transformer to deenergize the line. This in essence makes the electrical line a “Smart Wire” by attaching the failure detecting tape node to the electrical line. Edge computing is performed at the failure detecting tape nodes for immediate decision and support. Additionally, the network of failure detecting tape nodes tracked by the failure detection system allow the system to pinpoint exactly where the issue causing failure is located for repair and diagnosis. 
     Gateways or tape nodes local to the power line perform computations to determine failure states of the electrical power line. Low latency achieved by computing and communicating locally to the electrical power line, minimizing the need for wireless communications which add latency to the overall system. 
     The failure detecting system may detect emergencies that are related to or affect the electrical grid. For example, failure detecting tape node may include one or more temperature sensors. The failure detecting tape node may determine risk of wild fire based on detected temperature and transmit alerts based on determined risk. 
     If an emergency situation is detected, the failure detecting tape node may make a call (using a cellular communication system) to an emergency service (e.g., fire department or 911). Additionally or alternatively, the failure detecting tape node may report directly to the server of the tracking system or to an operator of the tracking system. 
     In embodiments, a failure detecting tape node is wrapped around an electrical line/conductor. The tape node may include an inductive loop and an inductive sensor circuit coupled to the inductive loop for detecting changes in electromagnetic fields induced by changes in the current in the electrical line/conductor. In some embodiments, a failure detecting tape node is attached to the side of a transformer to measure temperature, vibration, tilt of the transformer. The senso data is reported to the tracking system and failure detection system. 
     Raise alerts based on excursions of the tracked sensor data from baseline readings. Failure detecting tape node may charge off induction, in some embodiments, thus never needing to replace sensors, according to some embodiments. Alternatively, failure detecting tape node may include a solar panel which charges the tape node. 
     Additional Configuration Information 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments of the disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. 
     Some portions of this description describe the embodiments of the disclosure in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on information. These algorithmic descriptions and representations are commonly used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work effectively to others skilled in the art. These operations, while described functionally, computationally, or logically, are understood to be implemented by computer programs or equivalent electrical circuits, microcode, or the like. Furthermore, it has also proven convenient at times, to refer to these arrangements of operations as modules, without loss of generality. The described operations and their associated modules may be embodied in software, firmware, hardware, or any combinations thereof. 
     Any of the steps, operations, or processes described herein may be performed or implemented with one or more hardware or software modules, alone or in combination with other devices. In one embodiment, a software module is implemented with a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium containing computer program code, which can be executed by a computer processor for performing any or all of the steps, operations, or processes described. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, and/or it may comprise a general-purpose computing device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the computer. Such a computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, which may be coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, any computing systems referred to in the specification may include a single processor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased computing capability. 
     Embodiments of the disclosure may also relate to a product that is produced by a computing process described herein. Such a product may comprise information resulting from a computing process, where the information is stored on a non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium and may include any embodiment of a computer program product or other data combination described herein. 
     Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the disclosure, which is set forth in the following claims.