Patent Publication Number: US-2022238002-A1

Title: Wireless tracking belts for asset tracking

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/141,149, titled “Wireless Tracking Belts for Asset Tracking,” filed Jan. 25, 2021, U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/215,379, titled “Valve Position Monitoring Using Wireless Tracking Devices,” filed Jun. 25, 2021, and U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 63/291,467, titled “Smart Wireless Tracking Belt,” filed Dec. 20, 2021, each of which is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In environments wherein large numbers of assets are being managed, stored, and transported, it is often difficult to migrate to updated equipment. For example, it may be prohibitively expensive to purchase new equipment. Implementing retrofits to existing equipment, too, is often costly, requiring manpower and time that interrupt or stop a normal flow of operations in order to gather existing equipment, implement retrofits, and to deploy the retrofitted equipment. 
     In some cases, tracking devices may be used to collect data on assets that don&#39;t have an inherent capability to collect and transmit data. However, a conventional tracking device may be exposed to physical damage or trauma. In particular, assets that are used in environments or applications that have a high risk of physical damage may not be well suited for electronics devices that are sensitive to physical damage or trauma. 
     SUMMARY 
     A tracking device may have a flexible belt body configured to loop around a portion of an asset or around a portion of a container or support, such as a pallet, for assets, objects or items. The flexible belt body has first and second physical connectors that connect together. For example, the first and second physical connectors may be respective fabric strips of hook-and-loop fasteners. The flexible belt body further has a first region comprising one or more sensitive electronic components and a second region comprising one or more durable electronic components or electronic components benefitting from exposure during operation. The tracking device is oriented on the portion of the asset such that the first region is positioned towards an interior section of the asset and that the second region is positioned towards an exterior section of the asset. 
     Because a container or support may be used over multiple phases of transportation of assets, or may be reused across multiple assets, multiple asset types, and/or under multiple conditions of transportation, the first and second physical connectors of the flexible belt body are configured such that the connection is maintained under stress experienced during one or more phases of standard transport. For example, stress during standard transportation may include vibration or shaking, handling by users or by machinery, changes in temperature (e.g., via refrigeration units), changes in pressure (e.g., transportation via airplane), and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible belt body is configured to loop around a central portion of the asset. For example, if the asset is a pallet, the flexible belt body is configured to be looped around a center stringer of the pallet. The center stringer may be, for example, a stringer or runner of the pallet. In further embodiments, a stringer or runner of the pallet may comprise a solid or notched beam. In other embodiments, the center stringer may include a block. The center stringer may include a wood material, a metal material, a plastic material, polymer material, a composite material, some other material, or some combination thereof. The pallet may include a plurality of center stringers, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the flexible belt body may be looped around other portions of the pallet, e.g., other stringers on the pallet and/or top or bottom deck boards, or may be looped around portions of other equipment, e.g., arms or handles on machinery that may be valuable to track. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking device further comprises a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code. The two-dimensional barcode is oriented so as to be accessible from an exterior of the pallet when the flexible belt body is looped around the portion of the pallet and the first and second portions of the flexible belt body are connected. In some embodiments, the tracking device further comprises one or more graphics, such as illustrations or written instructions, directing a user of the tracking device to position the tracking device on the pallet and to connect the first and second portions of the flexible belt body. 
     A method is further disclosed herein for retrofitting assets with tracking devices and tracking the assets. A tracking device is looped around a portion of an asset. For example, the tracking device comprises a flexible belt body configured to be looped around a center stringer of a pallet. The flexible belt body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions configured to connect, e.g., the first and second portions being respective strips of hook-and-loop fastener. The flexible belt body further comprises a first region and a second region, the first region having one or more sensitive electronic components and the second region having one or more durable electronic components or electronic components benefitting from exposure during operation. The tracking device is oriented on the portion of the asset such that the first region is positioned towards an interior section of the asset and that the second region is positioned towards an exterior section of the asset. The tracking device is connected via the first and second portions of the flexible belt body. The tracking device is initialized. For example, the tracking device is initialized via a user of the wireless tracking system scanning a QR code or other barcode on the tracking device with a mobile phone or other client device. Responsive to the tracking device being initialized, the retrofitted asset may be deployed in the environment and tracked during operation. 
     Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification include methods, processes, systems, apparatus, and tangible non-transitory carrier media encoded with one or more program instructions for carrying out one or more methods and processes for enabling the various functionalities of the described systems and apparatus. 
     Other features, aspects, objects, and advantages of the subject matter described in this specification will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     In one embodiment, a smart wireless tracking belt includes a wireless transducing circuit, and a flexible belt body. The flexible belt body has a first region having a first portion of the wireless transducing circuit, a second region having a second portion of the wireless transducing circuit, a first physical connector, and a second physical connector. The first physical connector and the second physical connector are configured to removably couple together causing the flexible belt body to form a loop. When the flexible belt body forms the loop, the first region has a different orientation to the second region. 
     In another embodiment, a method uses a smart wireless tracking belt for lockout/tagout. The method includes determining deployment of the smart wireless tracking belt by detecting fastening of the smart wireless tracking belt and reading sensors of the smart wireless tracking belt to determine no movement is detected during a settling period. The method then detects unexpected movement of the smart wireless tracking belt by reading sensor data from at least one movement sensor of the smart wireless tracking belt and processing the sensor data to detect movement of the smart wireless tracking belt. The method generates an alert when the unexpected movement is detected. 
     In another embodiment, a smart wireless tracking belt includes a flexible belt body having a head portion including a wireless transducing circuit, a tail portion having a plurality of magnets spaced along its length, a first physical connector and a second physical connector that removably couples with the first physical connector to cause the flexible belt body to form a loop. The wireless transducing circuit includes a magnetic sensor, at least one processor, and memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to: detect an unfastening event when the magnetic sensor does not sense the at least one of the magnets as the tail portion is unfastened from the head portion; and transmit a wireless message indicative of the unfastening event to a remote server. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic showing one example adhesive tape-agent platform, including wireless transducing circuit, used to seal a package for shipment, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic showing the non-adhesive surface of one segment of the adhesive tape agent platform of  FIG. 1 , in embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic showing one example adhesive tape platform that includes a set of adhesive tape platform segments, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating components of an example wireless transducing circuit that includes one or more wireless communication modules, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a portion of an example flexible adhesive tape platform that shows a first segment and a portion of a second segment, in embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-C  show cross sectional side views of three flexible adhesive tape agent platforms that each include a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit of  FIG. 5 , in embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  shows an example network communications environment that includes a network supporting communications between servers, mobile gateways, a stationary gateway, and various types of tape nodes associated with various assets, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  shows one example hierarchical wireless communications network of tape nodes, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  shows one example method of creating a hierarchical communications network, in embodiments. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  show example communication between tape nodes attached to packages, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 10C  shows example communication between a tape node attached to a pallet and tape nodes attached to packages on the pallet, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 11  shows a truck configured as a mobile node, or mobile hub, with a cellular communications interface, a medium-power communications interface, and a low power communications interface, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 12  shows a master node associated with a logistic item that is grouped together with other logistic items associated with peripheral nodes, in embodiments. 
         FIGS. 13A and 13B  each show one example wake circuit that delivers power to a tracking circuit in response to an event, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 13C  shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional front view of an example adhesive tape platform and a perspective view of an example asset, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing one example smart wireless tracking belt retrofitted to a pallet, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic view showing the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 14  in further example detail, in embodiments. 
         FIGS. 16A-16B  are diagrammatic views of the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIGS. 14 and 15  showing example graphics that facilitate correct retrofitting of the smart wireless tracking belt onto the asset or the pallet, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating one example method for retrofitting and tracking a pallet in an environment, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic diagram illustrating the outer surface of one example smart wireless tracking belt, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram illustrating the inner surface of the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 18  in further example detail, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating one example method for automatically activating a smart wireless tracking belt when attached to an asset, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 21A  is a perspective view illustrating the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 18  in a fastened state, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 21B  is a perspective view illustrating the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 18  in an unfastened state, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cut smart wireless tracking belt that represents the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 18  after the tail portion has been cut to shorten a length of the smart wireless tracking belt, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section A-A of the cut smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 22 , illustrating further example detail, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  is perspective view of the cut smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 22  wrapped around an object and fastened to itself, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of a smart wireless tracking belt to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart illustrating one example method for implementing a lockout/tagout protocol using the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 25 , in embodiments. 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless tracking belt with an attached warning display, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 28  is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario where the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 25  is looped through physical lockout control, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 29  is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario where the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 27 , with an attached warning display, is looped through a physical lockout control, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 30  is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario where the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 25  is looped through a physical lockout control with a padlock, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 31  is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario where the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 27 , with an attached warning display, is looped through a physical lockout control with a padlock, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 32  is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of the smart wireless tracking belt of  FIG. 25  to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol for a valve that controls flow of a fluid through a pipe, in embodiments. 
         FIG. 33  shows one example of computer apparatus 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, in embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention is not limited in any way to the illustrated embodiments. Instead, the illustrated embodiments described below are merely examples of the invention. Therefore, the structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting the claims. The disclosure merely provides bases for the claims and representative examples that enable one skilled in the art to make and use the claimed inventions. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are intended to provide a comprehensible description of the invention without being limiting. 
     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. 
     In some contexts, the term “agent” may refer to a “node”, and an “agent” or “node” may be adhesively applied to a surface and denoted as a “tape node” or “tape agent”. These terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context. Further, the “agent” or “node” may have two forms of hierarchy: one depending on the functionality of the “agent” or “node”, such as the range of a wireless communication interface, and another depending on which “agent” or “node” may control another “agent” or “node”. For example, an agent with a low-power wireless-communication interface may be referred to a “master agent”. 
     In some embodiments, a low-power wireless communication interface may have a first wireless range and be operable to implement one or more protocols including Zigbee, near-field communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy, Bluetooth Classic, Wi-Fi, and ultra-wideband. For example, the low-power wireless-communication interface may have a range of between 0 and 300 meters or farther, depending on the implemented protocol. The communication interface implementation, e.g., Zigbee or Bluetooth Low Energy, may be selected based upon the distance of communication between the low-power wireless-communication interface and the recipient, and/or a remaining battery level of the low-power wireless-communication interface. 
     An agent with a medium-power wireless communication-interface may be referred to as a “secondary agent”. The medium-power wireless communication interface may have a second wireless range and be operable to implement one or more protocols including Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy interface, LoRa. For example, the medium-power wireless-communication interface may have a range of between 0 and 20 kilometers. The communication interface implementation, e.g., Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, or LoRa, may be selected based upon the distance of communication between the medium-power wireless-communication interface and the recipient, and/or a remaining battery level of the medium-power wireless-communication interface. 
     An agent with a high-power wireless communication-interface may be referred to as a “tertiary agent”. The high-power wireless communication interface may have a third wireless range and be operable to implement one or more protocols including Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRa, Global System for Mobile Communication, General Packet Radio Service, cellular, near-field communication, and radio-frequency identification. For example, the high-power wireless-communication interface may have a global range, where the high-power wireless-communication interface may communicate with any electronic device implementing a similar communication protocol. The communication interface protocol selected may depend on the distance of communication between the high-power wireless-communication interface and a recipient, and/or a remaining battery level of the high-power wireless-communication interface. 
     In some examples, a secondary agent may also include a low-power wireless-communication interface and a tertiary agent may also include low and medium-power wireless-communication interfaces, as discussed below with reference to  FIGS. 6A-C . Further continuing the example, a “master agent”, a “secondary agent”, or a “tertiary agent” may refer to a “master tape node”, a “secondary tape node”, or a “tertiary tape node”. 
     With regard to the second form of hierarchy, the “agent”, “node”, “tape agent”, and “tape node”, may be qualified as a parent, child, or master, depending on whether a specific “agent” or “node” controls another “agent” or “node”. For example, a master-parent agent controls the master-child agent and a secondary or tertiary-parent agent controls a master-child agent. The default, without the qualifier of “parent” or “child” is that the master agent controls the secondary or tertiary agent Further, the “master tape node” may control a “secondary tape node” and a “tertiary tape node”, regardless of whether the master tape node is a parent node. 
     Further, each of the “agents”, “nodes”, “tape nodes”, and “tape agents” may be referred to as “intelligent nodes”, “intelligent tape nodes”, “intelligent tape agents”, and/or “intelligent tape agents” or any variant thereof, depending on the context and, for ease, may be used interchangeably. 
     Further, each of the “agents”, “nodes”, “tape nodes”, and “tape agents” may include flexible or non-flexible form factors unless otherwise specified. Thus, each of the “agents”, “nodes”, “tape nodes”, and “tape agents” include flexible and non-flexible (rigid) form factors, or a combination thereof including flexible components and non-flexible components. 
     An adhesive tape platform includes a plurality of segments that may 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. In certain embodiments, each segment of an adhesive tape platform has an energy source, wireless communication functionality, transducing functionality (e.g., sensor and energy harvesting 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 (e.g., formed by tape nodes and/or other network components). 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 US Patent Application Publication No. US-2018-0165568-A1. For example, 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 may provide local sensing, wireless transmitting, and positioning 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 logistics applications across heterogeneous environments. 
     As used herein, the term “or” refers 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 terms “module,” “manager,” “component”, and “unit” refer to hardware, software, or firmware, or a combination thereof. The term “processor” or “computer” or the like includes one or more of: a microprocessor with one or more central processing unit (CPU) cores, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a system-on-chip (SoC), a microcontroller unit (MCU), and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a memory controller, bus controller, and other components that manage data flow between said processor associated memory, and other components communicably coupled to the system bus. Thus the terms “module,” “manager,” “component”, and “unit” may include computer readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, implement the functionality discussed herein with respect to said “module,” “manager,” “component”, and “unit”. 
     Adhesive Tape Agent Platform 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic showing one example adhesive tape-agent platform  112 , including wireless transducing circuit  114 , used to seal a package  110  for shipment. In this example, a segment  113  of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  is dispensed from a roll  116  and affixed to the package  110 . The adhesive tape-agent platform  112  includes an adhesive side  118  and a non-adhesive surface  120 . The adhesive tape-agent platform  112  may be dispensed from the roll  116  in the same way as any conventional packing tape, shipping tape, or duct tape. For example, the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  may be dispensed from the roll  116  by hand, laid across the seam where the two top flaps of the package  110  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 tape agents include tape agents having non-adhesive surface  120  that carry one or more coatings or layers (e.g., colored, light reflective, light absorbing, and/or light emitting coatings or layers). Further, the segment  113  may include an identifier  122  (e.g., a QR code, RFID chip, etc.) that may be used to associate the segment  113  with the package  110 , as discussed below. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic showing the non-adhesive surface  120  of the segment  113  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  of  FIG. 1  including writing or other markings that convey instructions, warnings, or other information to a person or machine (e.g., a bar code reader), or may simply be decorative and/or entertaining. For example, different types of adhesive tape-agent platforms may be marked with distinctive colorations to distinguish one type of adhesive tape agent platform from another. In the illustrated example of  FIG. 2 , the segment  113  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  includes an identifier  122  (e.g., a two-dimensional bar code, such as a QR Code), written instructions  224  (e.g., “Cut Here”), and an associated cut line  226  that indicates where the user should cut the adhesive tape agent platform  112 . The written instructions  224  and the cut line  226  typically are printed or otherwise marked on the top non-adhesive surface  120  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  during manufacture. The identifier  122  (e.g., a two-dimensional bar code), on the other hand, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface  120  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  during the manufacture of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  or, alternatively, may be marked on the non-adhesive surface  120  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  as needed using, for example, a printer or other marking device. 
     To avoid damaging the functionality of the segments of the adhesive tape agent platform  112 , the cut lines  226  may demarcate the boundaries between adjacent segments at locations that are free of any active components of the wireless transducing circuit  114 . The spacing between the wireless transducing circuit  114  and the cut lines  226  may vary depending on the intended communication, transducing and/or adhesive taping application. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  that is dispensed to seal the package  110  corresponds to a single segment of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112 . In other examples, the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  needed to seal a package or otherwise serve the adhesive function for which the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  is being applied may include multiple segments  113  of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112 , one or more of which segments  113  may be activated upon cutting the length of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  from the roll  116  and/or applying the segment  113  of the adhesive tape agent platform to the package  110 . 
     In some examples, the wireless transducing circuits  114  embedded in one or more segments  113  of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  are activated when the adhesive tape agent platform  112  is cut along the cut line  226 . In these examples, the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  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 wireless transducing circuit  114  in one or more segments of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  in response to being separated from the adhesive tape-agent platform  112  (e.g., along the cut line  226 ). 
     In some examples, each segment  113  of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  includes its own respective energy source. In some embodiments, the energy source is a battery of a type described above, an energy harvesting component or system that harvests energy from the environment, or both. In some of these examples, each energy source is configured to only supply power to the components in its respective adhesive tape platform segment regardless of the number of contiguous segments that are in a given length of the adhesive tape-agent platform  112 . In other examples, when a given length of the adhesive tape agent platform  112  includes multiple segments  113 , the energy sources in the respective segments  113  are configured to supply power to the wireless transducing circuit  114  in all of the segments  113  in the given length of the adhesive tape agent platform  112 . In some of these examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and concurrently activated to power the wireless transducing circuit  114  in all of the segments  113  at the same time. In other examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and alternately activated to power the wireless transducing circuit  114  in respective ones of the segments  113  at different time periods, which may or may not overlap. 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic showing one example adhesive tape platform  330  that includes a set of adhesive tape platform segments  332  each of which includes a respective set of embedded wireless transducing circuit components  334 , and a backing sheet  336  with a release coating that prevents the adhesive segments  332  from adhering strongly to the backing sheet  336 . Adhesive tape platform  330  may represent adhesive tape platform  112  of  FIG. 1 . Each adhesive tape platform segment  332  includes an adhesive side facing the backing sheet  336 , and an opposing non-adhesive side  340 . In this example, a particular segment  332  of the adhesive tape platform  330  has been removed from the backing sheet  336  and affixed to an envelope  344 . Each segment  332  of the adhesive tape platform  330  can be removed from the backing sheet  336  in the same way that adhesive labels can be removed from a conventional sheet of adhesive labels (e.g., by manually peeling a segment  332  from the backing sheet  336 ). In general, the non-adhesive side  340  of the segment  332  may include any type of writing, markings, decorative designs, or other ornamentation. In the illustrated example, the non-adhesive side  340  of the segment  332  includes writing or other markings that correspond to a destination address for the envelope  344 . The envelope  44  also includes a return address  346  and, optionally, a postage stamp or mark  348 . 
     In some examples, segments of the adhesive tape platform  330  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  330 . In addition, the operator can take a picture of a parcel including the adhesive tape platform and any barcodes associated with the parcel and, thereby, create a persistent record that links the adhesive tape platform  330  to the parcel. In addition, the human operator typically will send the picture to a network service and/or transmit the picture to the adhesive tape platform  330  for storage in a memory component of the adhesive tape platform  330 . 
     In some examples, the wireless transducing circuit components  334  that are embedded in a segment  332  of the adhesive tape platform  330  are activated when the segment  332  is removed from the backing sheet  336 . In some of these examples, each segment  332  includes an embedded capacitive sensing system that can sense a change in capacitance when the segment  332  is removed from the backing sheet  336 . As explained in detail below, a segment  332  of the adhesive tape platform  330  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  334  in the segment  332  in response to the detection of a change in capacitance between the segment  332  and the backing sheet  336  as a result of removing the segment  332  from the backing sheet  336 . 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating components of an example wireless transducing circuit  410  (e.g., an agent) that includes one or more wireless communication modules  412 ,  414 . Each wireless communication module  412 ,  414  includes a wireless communication circuit  413 ,  416 , and an antenna  415 ,  418 , respectively. Each wireless communication circuit  413 ,  416  may represent a receiver or transceiver integrated circuit that implements one or more of GSM/GPRS, Wi-Fi, LoRa, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Z-wave, and ZigBee. The wireless transducing circuit  410  also includes a processor  420  (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), a solid-state atomic clock  421 , at least one energy store  422  (e.g., non-rechargeable or rechargeable printed flexible battery, conventional single or multiple cell battery, and/or a super capacitor or charge pump), one or more sensing transducers  424  (e.g., sensors and/or actuators, and, optionally, one or more energy harvesting transducers). In some examples, the conventional single or multiple cell battery may be a watch style disk or button cell battery that is in an associated electrical connection apparatus (e.g., a metal clip) that electrically connects the electrodes of the battery to contact pads on the wireless transducing circuit  410 . 
     Sensing transducers  424  may represent one or more of 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, a humidity sensor, a light emitting units (e.g., light emitting diodes and displays), electro-acoustic transducers (e.g., audio speakers), electric motors, and thermal radiators (e.g., an electrical resistor or a thermoelectric cooler). 
     Wireless transducing circuit  410  includes a memory  426  for storing data, such as profile data, state data, event data, sensor data, localization data, security data, and/or at least one unique identifier (ID)  428  associated with the wireless transducing circuit  410 , such as one or more of a product ID, a type ID, and a media access control (MAC) ID. Memory  426  may also store control code  430  that includes machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor  420 , cause processor  420  to perform one or more autonomous agent tasks. In certain embodiments, the memory  426  is incorporated into one or more of the processor  420  or sensing transducers  424 . In other embodiments, memory  426  is integrated in the wireless transducing circuit  410  as shown in  FIG. 4 . The control code  430  may implement programmatic functions or program modules that control operation of the wireless transducing circuit  410 , including implementation of an agent communication manager that manages the manner and timing of tape agent communications, a node-power manager that manages power consumption, and a tape agent connection manager that controls whether connections with other nodes are secure connections (e.g., connections secured by public key cryptography) or unsecure connections, and an agent storage manager that securely manages the local data storage on the wireless transducing circuit  410 . In certain embodiments, a node connection manager ensures the level of security required by the end application and supports various encryption mechanisms. In some examples, a tape agent power manager and communication manager work together to optimize the battery consumption for data communication. In some examples, execution of the control code by the different types of nodes described herein may result in the performance of similar or different functions. 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of a portion of an example flexible adhesive tape platform  500  that shows a first segment  502  and a portion of a second segment  504 . Each segment  502 ,  504  of the flexible adhesive tape platform  500  includes a respective set  506 ,  508  of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  410  of  FIG. 4 . The segments  502 ,  504  and their respective sets of components  506 ,  508  typically are identical and configured in the same way. In some other embodiments, however, the segments  502 ,  504  and/or their respective sets of components  506 ,  508  are different and/or configured in different ways. For example, in some examples, different sets of the segments of the flexible adhesive tape platform  500  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  500  according to a roll-to-roll fabrication process is described in connection with  FIGS. 6A-6C  and as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/842,861, filed Dec. 14, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     The instant specification describes an example system of adhesive tape platforms (also referred to herein as “tape nodes”) that can be used to implement a low-cost wireless network infrastructure for performing monitoring, tracking, and other asset management functions relating to, for example, parcels, persons, tools, equipment and other physical assets and objects. The example system includes a set of three different types of tape nodes that have different respective functionalities and different respective cover markings that visually distinguish the different tape node types from one another. In one non-limiting example, the covers of the different tape node types are marked with different colors (e.g., white, green, and black). In the illustrated examples, the different tape node types are distinguishable from one another by their respective wireless communications capabilities and their respective sensing capabilities. 
       FIG. 6A  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment  640  of a flexible adhesive tape agent platform (e.g., platform  500  of  FIG. 5 ) that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  410  corresponding to the first tape-agent type (e.g., white). The segment  640  includes an adhesive layer  642 , an optional flexible substrate  644 , and an optional adhesive layer  646  on the bottom surface of the flexible substrate  644 . When the bottom adhesive layer  646  is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly) adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer  646 . In certain embodiments where adhesive layer  646  is included, the adhesive layer  646  is an adhesive (e.g., an acrylic foam adhesive) with a high-bond strength that is sufficient to prevent removal of the segment  640  from a surface on which the adhesive layer  646  is adhered to without destroying the physical or mechanical integrity of the segment  640  and/or one or more of its constituent components. 
     In certain embodiments including the optional flexible substrate  644 , the optional flexible substrate  644  is a prefabricated adhesive tape that includes the adhesive layers  642  and  646  and the optional release liner. In other embodiments including the optional flexible substrate  644 , the adhesive layers  642 ,  646  are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate  644  during the fabrication of the adhesive tape platform. The adhesive layer  642  may bond the flexible substrate  644  to a bottom surface of a flexible circuit  648 , that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect the processor  650 , a low-power wireless-communication interface  652  (e.g., a Zigbee, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) interface, or other low power communication interface), a clock and/or a timer circuit  654 , transducing and/or transducer(s)  656  (if present), the memory  658 , and other components in a device layer  660  to each other and to the energy storage device  662  and, thereby, enable the transducing, tracking and other functionalities of the segment  640 . The low-power wireless-communication interface  652  typically includes one or more of the antennas  415 ,  418  and one or more of the wireless communication circuits  413 ,  416  of  FIG. 4 . The segment  640  may further include a flexible cover  690 , an interfacial region  692 , and a flexible polymer layer  694 . 
       FIG. 6B  shows a cross-sectional side-view of a portion of an example segment  670  of a flexible adhesive tape agent platform (e.g., platform  500  of  FIG. 5 ) that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  410  corresponding to a second tape-agent type (e.g., green). The segment  670  is similar to the segment  640  shown in  FIG. 6A  but further includes a medium-power communication-interface  672 ′ (e.g., a LoRa interface) in addition to the low-power communications-interface  652 . The medium-power communication-interface  672 ′ has a longer communication range than the low-power communication-interface  652 ′. In certain embodiments, one or more other components of the segment  670  differ from the segment  640  in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source). The segment  670  may include further components, as discussed above and below with reference to  FIGS. 6A, and 6C . 
       FIG. 6C  shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of an example segment  680  of the flexible adhesive tape-agent platform that includes a respective set of the components of the wireless transducing circuit  410  corresponding to the third tape-node type (e.g., black). The segment  680  is similar to the segment  670  of  FIG. 6B , but further includes a high-power communications-interface  682 ″ (e.g., a cellular interface; e.g., GSM/GPRS) in addition to a low-power communications-interface  652 ″ and may include a medium-power communications-interface  672 ″. The high-power communications-interface  682 ″ has a range that provides global coverage to available infrastructure (e.g., the cellular network). In certain embodiments, one or more other components of the segment  680  differ from the segment  670  in functionality or capacity (e.g., larger energy source). 
       FIGS. 6A-6C  show embodiments in which the flexible covers  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ of the respective segments  640 ,  670 , and  680  include one or more interfacial regions  692 ,  692 ′,  692 ″ positioned over one or more of the transducers  656 ,  656 ′,  656 ″. In certain embodiments, one or more of the interfacial regions  692 ,  692 ′,  692 ″ have features, properties, compositions, dimensions, and/or characteristics that are designed to improve the operating performance of the platform for specific applications. In certain embodiments, the flexible adhesive tape platform includes multiple interfacial regions  692 ,  692 ′,  692 ″ over respective transducers  656 ,  656 ′,  656 ″, which may be the same or different depending on the target applications. Interfacial regions may represent one or more of an opening, an optically transparent window, and/or a membrane located in the interfacial regions  692 ,  692 ′,  692 ″ of the flexible covers  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ that is positioned over the one or more transducers and/or transducers  656 ,  656 ′,  656 ″. Additional details regarding the structure and operation of example interfacial regions  692 ,  692 ′,  692 ″ are described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/680,716, filed Jun. 5, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/670,712, filed May 11, 2018. 
     In certain embodiments, a planarizing polymer  694 ,  694 ′,  694 ″ encapsulates the respective device layers  660 ,  660 ′,  660 ″ and thereby reduces the risk of damage that may result from the intrusion of contaminants and/or liquids (e.g., water) into the device layer  660 ,  660 ′,  660 ″. The flexible polymer layers  694 ,  694 ′,  694 ″ may also planarize the device layers  660 ,  660 ′,  660 ″. This facilitates optional stacking of additional layers on the device layers  660 ,  660 ′,  660 ″ and also distributes forces generated in, on, or across the segments  640 ,  670 ,  680  so as to reduce potentially damaging asymmetric stresses that might be caused by the application of bending, torquing, pressing, or other forces that may be applied to the segments  640 ,  670 ,  680  during use. In the illustrated example, a flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ is bonded to the planarizing polymer  694 ,  694 ′,  694 ″ by an adhesive layer (not shown). 
     The flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ and the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ may have the same or different compositions depending on the intended application. In some examples, one or both of the flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ and the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ include flexible film layers and/or paper substrates, where the film layers may have reflective surfaces or reflective surface coatings. Compositions for the flexible film layers may represent one or more of polymer films, such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other plastics. The optional adhesive layer on the bottom surface of the flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ and the adhesive layers  642 ,  642 ′,  642 ″,  646 ,  646 ′,  646 ″ on the top and bottom surfaces of the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ typically include a pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., a silicon-based adhesive). In some examples, the adhesive layers are applied to the flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ and the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ during manufacture of the adhesive tape-agent platform (e.g., during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process). In other examples, the flexible cover  690 ,  690 ′,  690 ″ may be implemented by a prefabricated single-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape and the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ may be implemented by a prefabricated double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape; both kinds of tape may be readily incorporated into a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process. In some examples, the flexible substrate  644 ,  644 ′,  644 ″ is composed of a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone). 
     In certain embodiments, the energy storage device  662 ,  662 ′,  662 ″ is a flexible battery that includes a printed electrochemical cell, which includes a planar arrangement of an anode and a cathode and battery contact pads. In some examples, the flexible battery may include lithium-ion cells or nickel-cadmium electro-chemical cells. The flexible battery typically is formed by a process that includes printing or laminating the electro-chemical cells on a flexible substrate (e.g., a polymer film layer). In some examples, other components may be integrated on the same substrate as the flexible battery. For example, the low-power wireless-communication interface  652 ,  652 ′,  652 ″ and/or the processor(s)  650 ,  650 ′,  650 ″ may be integrated on the flexible battery substrate. In some examples, one or more of such components also (e.g., the flexible antennas and the flexible interconnect circuits) may be printed on the flexible battery substrate. 
     In examples of manufacture, the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ is formed on a flexible substrate by one or more of printing, etching, or laminating circuit patterns on the flexible substrate. In certain embodiments, the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ is implemented by one or more of a single-sided flex circuit, a double access or back-bared flex circuit, a sculpted flex circuit, a double-sided flex circuit, a multi-layer flex circuit, a rigid flex circuit, and a polymer-thick film flex circuit. A single-sided flexible circuit has a single conductor layer made of, for example, a metal or conductive (e.g., metal filled) polymer on a flexible dielectric film. A double access or back bared flexible circuit has a single conductor layer but is processed so as to allow access to selected features of the conductor pattern from both sides. A sculpted flex circuit is formed using a multi-step etching process that produces a flex circuit that has finished copper conductors that vary in thickness along their respective lengths. A multilayer flex circuit has three of more layers of conductors, where the layers typically are interconnected using plated through holes. Rigid flex circuits are a hybrid construction of flex circuit consisting of rigid and flexible substrates that are laminated together into a single structure, where the layers typically are electrically interconnected via plated through holes. In polymer thick film (PTF) flex circuits, the circuit conductors are printed onto a polymer base film, where there may be a single conductor layer or multiple conductor layers that are insulated from one another by respective printed insulating layers. 
     In the example segments  640 ,  670 ,  680  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C , the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ represents a single-access flex-circuit that interconnects the components of the adhesive tape platform on a single side of the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″. However, in other embodiments, the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ represents a double access flex circuit that includes a front-side conductive pattern that interconnects the low-power communications interface  652 ,  652 ′,  652 ″, the timer circuit  654 ,  654 ′,  654 ″, the processor  650 ,  650 ′,  650 ″, the one or more sensor transducers  656 ,  656 ′,  656 ″ (if present), and the memory  658 ,  658 ′,  658 ″, and allows through-hole access (not shown) to a back-side conductive pattern that is connected to the flexible battery (not shown). In these embodiments, the front-side conductive pattern of the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ connects the communications circuits  652 ,  652 ′,  652 ″,  672 ′,  672 ″,  682 ″ (e.g., receivers, transmitters, and transceivers) to their respective antennas and to the processor  650 ,  650 ′,  650 ″ and also connects the processor  650 ,  650 ′,  650 ″ to the one or more sensors and the memory  658 ,  658 ′, and  658 ″. The backside conductive pattern connects the active electronics (e.g., the processor  650 ,  650 ′,  650 ″, the communications circuits  652 ,  652 ′,  652 ″,  672 ′,  672 ″,  682 ″ and the transducers) on the front-side of the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″ to the electrodes of the energy storage device  662 ,  662 ′,  662 ″ via one or more through holes in the substrate of the flexible circuit  648 ,  648 ′,  648 ″. 
     The various units of the segments  640 ,  670 ,  680  shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  may be arranged to accommodate different objects or structures (e.g., trash bins, fire extinguishers, etc.) and sensors may be added to, or subtracted from, the segments  640 ,  670 , and  680 , according to a particular task. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example network communications environment  700  that includes a network  702  that supports communications between one or more servers  704  executing one or more applications of a network service  708 , mobile gateways  710  (a smart device mobile gateway),  712  (a vehicle mobile gateway), a stationary gateway  714 , and various types of tape nodes that are associated with various assets (e.g., parcels, equipment, tools, persons, and other things). Hereinafter “tape nodes” may be used interchangeably with the “agents”, as described above, with reference to  FIGS. 1-6C ; the “agents” are in the form of a “tape node” attached to different objects, e.g., an asset, storage container, vehicle, equipment, etc.; the master agent may be referred to as a master tape node, a secondary agent may be referred to as a secondary tape node; and a tertiary agent may be referred to as a tertiary tape node. 
     In some examples, the network  702  (e.g., a wireless network) includes one or more network communication systems and technologies, including any one or more of wide area networks, local area networks, public networks (e.g., the internet), private networks (e.g., intranets and extranets), wired networks, and wireless networks. For example, the network  702  includes communications infrastructure equipment, such as a geolocation satellite system  770  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR), cellular communication systems (e.g., GSM/GPRS), Wi-Fi communication systems, RF communication systems (e.g., LoRa), Bluetooth communication systems (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy system), Z-wave communication systems, and ZigBee communication systems. 
     In some examples, the one or more network service applications leverage the above-mentioned communications technologies to create a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes improves asset management operations by reducing costs and improving efficiency in a wide range of processes, from asset packaging, asset transporting, asset tracking, asset condition monitoring, asset inventorying, and asset security verification. Communication across the network is secured by a variety of different security mechanisms. In the case of existing infrastructure, a communication link uses the infrastructure security mechanisms. In the case of communications among tapes nodes, the communication is secured through a custom security mechanism. In certain cases, tape nodes may also be configured to support block chain to protect the transmitted and stored data. 
     A network of tape nodes may be configured by the network service to create hierarchical communications network. The hierarchy may be defined in terms of one or more factors, including functionality (e.g., wireless transmission range or power), role (e.g., master-tape node vs. peripheral-tape node), or cost (e.g., a tape node equipped with a cellular transceiver vs. a peripheral tape node equipped with a Bluetooth LE transceiver). As described above with reference to the agents, tape nodes may be assigned to different levels of a hierarchical network according to one or more of the above-mentioned factors. For example, the hierarchy may be defined in terms of communication range or power, where tape nodes with higher-power or longer-communication range transceivers are arranged at a higher level of the hierarchy than tape nodes with lower-power or lower-range power or lower range transceivers. In another example, the hierarchy is defined in terms of role, where, e.g., a master tape node is programmed to bridge communications between a designated group of peripheral tape nodes and a gateway node or server node. The problem of finding an optimal hierarchical structure may be formulated as an optimization problem with battery capacity of nodes, power consumption in various modes of operation, desired latency, external environment, etc. and may be solved using modern optimization methods e.g. neural networks, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning computing systems that take expected and historical data to create an optimal solution and may create algorithms for modifying the system&#39;s behavior adaptively in the field. 
     The tape nodes may be deployed by automated equipment or manually. In this process, a tape node typically is separated from a roll or sheet and adhered to a parcel (e.g., asset  720 ) or other stationary (e.g., stationary gateway  714 ) or mobile object (e.g., a, such as a delivery truck, such as mobile gateway  712 ) or stationary object (e.g., a structural element of a building). This process activates the tape node (e.g., the tape node  718 ) and causes the tape node  718  to communicate with the one or more servers  704  of the network service  708 . In this process, the tape node  718  may communicate through one or more other tape nodes (e.g., the tape nodes  742 ,  744 ,  746 ,  748 ) in the communication hierarchy. In this process, the one or more servers  704  executes the network service application  706  to programmatically configure tape nodes  718 ,  724 ,  728 ,  732 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746 ,  748 , that are deployed in the network communications environment  700 . In some examples, there are multiple classes or types of tape nodes (e.g., the master agent, secondary agent, or tertiary agent discussed herein), where each tape node class has a different respective set of functionalities and/or capacities, as described herein with respect to the “agents.” 
     In some examples, the one or more servers  704  communicate over the network  702  with one or more gateways  710 ,  712 ,  714  that are configured to send, transmit, forward, or relay messages to the network  702  in response to transmissions from the tape nodes  718 ,  724 ,  728 ,  732 ,  742 ,  744 ,  746 ,  748  that are associated with respective assets and within communication range. Example gateways include mobile gateways  710 ,  712  and a stationary gateway  714 . In some examples, the mobile gateways  710 ,  712 , and the stationary gateway  714  are able to communicate with the network  702  and with designated sets or groups of tape nodes. 
     In some examples, the mobile gateway  712  is a vehicle (e.g., a delivery truck or other mobile hub) that includes a wireless communications unit  716  that is configured by the network service  708  to communicate with a designated network of tape nodes, including tape node  718  (e.g., a master tape node) in the form of a label that is adhered to a parcel  721  (e.g., an envelope) that contains an asset  720 , and is further configured to communicate with the network service  708  over the network  702 . In some examples, the tape node  718  includes a lower-power wireless-communications interface of the type used in, e.g., segment  640  (shown in  FIG. 6A ), and the wireless communications unit  716  may implemented by a secondary or tertiary tape node (e.g., one of segment  670  or segment  680 , respectively shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C ) that includes a lower-power communications interfaces for communicating with tape nodes within range of the mobile gateway  712  and a higher-power communications-interface for communicating with the network  702 . In this way, the tape node  718  and wireless communications unit  716  create a hierarchical wireless network of tape nodes for transmitting, forwarding, bridging, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the tape node  718  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In some examples, a mobile gateway  710  is a mobile phone that is operated by a human operator and executes a client application  722  that is configured by a network service to communicate with a designated set of tape nodes, including a secondary or tertiary tape node  724  that is adhered to a parcel  726  (e.g., a box), and is further configured to communicate with a server  704  over the network  702 . In the illustrated example, the parcel  726  contains a first parcel labeled or sealed by a master tape node  728  and containing a first asset  730 , and a second parcel labeled or sealed by a master tape node  732  and containing a second asset  734 . The secondary or tertiary tape node  724  communicates with each of the master tape nodes  728 ,  732  and also communicates with the mobile gateway  710 . In some examples, each of the master tape nodes  728 ,  732  includes a lower-power wireless-communications interface of the type used in, e.g., segment  640  (shown in  FIG. 6A ), and the secondary/tertiary tape node  724  is implemented by a tape node (e.g., segment  670  or segment  680 , shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C ) that includes a low-power communications interface for communicating with the master tape nodes  728 ,  732  contained within the parcel  726 , and a higher-power communications interface for communicating with the mobile gateway  710 . The secondary or tertiary tape node  724  is operable to relay wireless communications between the master tape nodes  728 ,  732  contained within the parcel  726  and the mobile gateway  710 , and the mobile gateway  710  is operable to relay wireless communications between the secondary or tertiary tape node  724  and the server  704  over the network  702 . In this way, the master tape nodes  728  and  732  and the secondary or tertiary tape node  724  create a wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the master tape nodes  728 ,  732 , the secondary or tertiary tape node  724 , and the network service (not shown) in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In some embodiments, the client application  722  is installed on a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) that may also operate as mobile gateway  710 . The client application  722  may cause the mobile device to function as a mobile gateway  710 . For example, the client application  722  runs in the background to allow the mobile device to bridge communications between tape nodes that are communicating on one protocol to other tape nodes that are communicating on another protocol. For example, a tape node transmits data to the mobile device through Bluetooth, and the mobile device (running the client application  722 ) relays that data to the server  704  via cellular (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) or Wi-Fi. Further, the client application  722  may cause the mobile device to establish a connection with, and receive pings (e.g., alerts to nearby assets that an environmental profile threshold has been exceeded), from the tape nodes or from the server  704 . The tape nodes or server may request services (e.g., to display alert messages within a graphical user interface of the mobile device, relay messages to nearby tape nodes or mobile or stationary gateways, delegate tasks to the mobile device, such as determining the location of the tape node, etc.) from the mobile device. For example, the mobile device running the client application  722  may share location data with the tape node, allowing the tape node to pinpoint its location. 
     In some examples, the stationary gateway  714  is implemented by a server  704  executing a network service application  706  that is configured by the network service  708  to communicate with a designated set  740  of master tape nodes  742 ,  744 ,  746 ,  748  that are adhered to respective parcels containing respective assets  750 ,  752 ,  754 ,  756  on a pallet  758 . In other examples, the stationary gateway  714  is implemented by a secondary or tertiary tape node  760  (e.g., segments  670  or  680 , respectively shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C ) that is adhered to, for example, a wall, column or other infrastructure component of the physical premise&#39;s environment  700 , and includes a low-power communications interface for communicating with nodes within range of the stationary gateway  714  and a higher-power communications interface for communicating with the network  702 . 
     In one embodiment, each of the master tape nodes  742 - 748  is a master tape node and is configured by the network service  708  to communicate individually with the stationary gateway  714 , which relays communications from the master tape nodes  742 - 748  to the network service  708  through the stationary gateway  714  and over the network  702 . In another embodiment, one of the master tape nodes  742 - 748  at a time is configured to transmit, forward, relay, or otherwise communicate wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the other master nodes on the pallet  758 . In this embodiment, the master tape node may be determined by the master tape nodes  742 - 748  or designated by the network service  708 . In some examples, the master tape nodes  742 - 748  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 master tape nodes), another one of the master tape nodes assumes the role of the master tape node. In some examples, a master tape node  759  is adhered to the pallet  758  and is configured to perform the role of a master node for the other master tape nodes  742 - 748 . In these ways, the master tape nodes  742 - 748 ,  759  are configurable to create different wireless networks of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, bridging, or otherwise communicating wireless messages with the network service  408  through the stationary gateway  714  and over the network  702  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In the illustrated example, the stationary gateway  714  also is configured by the network service  708  to communicate with a designated network of tape nodes, including the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  that is adhered to the inside of a door  762  of a shipping container  764 , and is further configured to communicate with the network service  708  over the network  702 . In the illustrated example, the shipping container  764  contains a number of parcels labeled or sealed by respective master tape nodes  766  and containing respective assets. The secondary or tertiary tape node  760  communicates with each of the master tape nodes  766  within the shipping container  764  and communicates with the stationary gateway  714 . In some examples, each of the master tape nodes  766  includes a low-power wireless communications-interface (e.g., the low-power wireless-communication interface  652 , with reference to  FIG. 6A ), and the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  includes a low-power wireless-communications interface (low-power wireless-communication interfaces  652 ′,  652 ″, with reference to  FIGS. 6B-6C ) for communicating with the master tape nodes  766  contained within the shipping container  764 , and a higher-power wireless-communications interface (e.g., medium-power wireless-communication interface  672 ′, medium-power wireless-communication interface  672 ″, high-power wireless-communication interface  682 ″, with reference to  FIGS. 6B-6C ) for communicating with the stationary gateway  714 . In some examples, either a secondary or tertiary tape node, or both, may be used, depending on whether a high-power wireless-communication interface is necessary for sufficient communication. 
     In some examples, when the doors of the shipping container  764  are closed, the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  is operable to communicate wirelessly with the master tape nodes  766  contained within the shipping container  764 . In some embodiments, both a secondary and a tertiary node are attached to the shipping container  764 . Whether a secondary and a tertiary node are used may depend on the range requirements of the wireless-communications interface. For example, if out at sea a node will be required to transmit and receive signals from a server located outside the range of a medium-power wireless-communications interface, a tertiary node will be used because the tertiary node includes a high-power wireless-communications interface. 
     In an example, the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  is configured to collect sensor data from master tape nodes  766  and, in some embodiments, process the collected data to generate, for example, statistics from the collected data. When the doors of the shipping container  764  are open, the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  is programmed to detect the door opening (e.g., using a photodetector or an accelerometer component of the secondary or tertiary tape node  760 ) and, in addition to reporting the door opening event to the network service  708 , the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  is further programmed to transmit the collected data and/or the processed data in one or more wireless messages to the stationary gateway  714 . The stationary gateway  714 , in turn, is operable to transmit the wireless messages received from the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  to the network service  708  over the network  702 . Alternatively, in some examples, the stationary gateway  714  also is operable to perform operations on the data received from the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  with the same type of data produced by the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  based on sensor data collected from the master tape nodes  742 - 748 . In this way, the secondary or tertiary tape node  760  and master tape node  766  create a wireless network of nodes for transmitting, forwarding, relaying, or otherwise communicating wireless messages to, between, or on behalf of the master tape node  766 , the secondary or tertiary tape nodes  760 , and the network service  708  in a power-efficient and cost-effective way. 
     In an example of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , there are three types of backward compatible tape nodes: a short-range master tape node (e.g., segment  640 ), a medium-range secondary tape node (e.g., segment  670 ), and a long-range tertiary tape node (e.g. segment  680 ), as respectively shown in  FIGS. 6A-6C  (here, “tape node” is used interchangeably with “agent”, as described with reference to  FIGS. 1-6C ). The short-range master tape nodes typically are adhered directly to parcels containing assets. In the illustrated example, the master tape nodes  718 ,  728 ,  732 ,  742 - 748 ,  766  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 segment  670  are typically adhered to objects (e.g., a parcel  726  and a shipping container  764 ) that are associated with multiple parcels that are separated from the medium-range tape nodes by a barrier or a long distance. In the illustrated example, the secondary and/or tertiary tape nodes  724  and  760  are medium-range tape nodes. The medium-range tape nodes typically communicate with low and medium-power wireless-communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, LoRa, or Wi-Fi). The segments  680  typically are adhered to mobile or stationary infrastructure of the network communications environment  700 . 
     In the illustrated example, the mobile gateway  712  and the stationary gateway  714  are implemented by, e.g., segment  680 . The segments  680  typically communicate with other nodes using a high-power wireless-communication protocol (e.g., a cellular data communication protocol). In some examples, the wireless communications unit  416  (a secondary or tertiary tape node) is adhered to a mobile gateway  712  (e.g., a truck). In these examples, the wireless communications unit  716  may be moved to different locations in the network communications environment  700  to assist in connecting other tape nodes to the wireless communications unit  716 . In some examples, the stationary gateway  714  is a tape node that may be attached to a stationary structure (e.g., a wall) in the network communications environment  700  with a known geographic location (e.g., GPS coordinates). In these examples, other tape nodes in the environment may determine their geographic location by querying the stationary gateway  714 . 
     In some examples, in order to conserve power, the tape nodes typically communicate according to a schedule promulgated by the network service  708 . The schedule usually dictates all aspects of the communication, including the times when particular tape nodes should communicate, the mode of communication, and the contents of the communication. In one example, the server (not shown) transmits programmatic Global Scheduling Description Language (GSDL) code to the master tape node and each of the secondary and tertiary tape nodes in the designated set. In this example, execution of the GSDL code causes each of the tape nodes in the designated set to connect to the master tape node at a different respective time that is specified in the GSDL code, and to communicate a respective set of one or more data packets of one or more specified types of information over the respective connection. In some examples, the master tape node simply forwards the data packets to the server  704 , either directly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long-range tape node, such as wireless communication unit  716 , adhered to the mobile gateway  712 , or a long-range tape node, such as stationary gateway  714 , that is adhered to an infrastructure component of the network communications environment  700 ). In other examples, the master tape node processes the information contained in the received data packets and transmits the processed information to the server  704 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an example hierarchical wireless communications network  870  of tape nodes. In this example, the short-range tape node  872  and the medium range tape node  876  communicate with one another over their respective low power wireless communication interfaces  874 ,  878 . The medium range tape node  876  and the long-range tape node  882  communicate with one another over their respective medium power wireless communication interfaces  880 ,  884 . The long-range tape node  882  and the one or more network service servers  804  (e.g., server(s)  704 ,  FIG. 7 ) running applications  806  (e.g., application(s)  706 ,  FIG. 7 ) communicate with one another over the high-power communication interface  884 . In some examples, the low power communication interfaces  874 ,  878  establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the Bluetooth LE protocol, the medium power communication interfaces  880 ,  884  establish wireless communications with one another in accordance with the LoRa communications protocol, and the high-power communication interface  886  establishes wireless communications with the one or more network service servers  804  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, one or more network service servers  804  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 packages containing respective assets. In order to conserve power, the tape nodes typically communicate according to a schedule promulgated by the one or more network service servers  804 . The schedule usually dictates all aspects of the communication, including the times when particular tape nodes should communicate, the mode of communication, and the contents of the communication. In one example, the one or more network service servers  804  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 one or more network service servers  804 , either directly or indirectly through a gateway tape node (e.g., the long-range wireless communication unit  716  adhered to the mobile gateway  712  (which could be a vehicle, ship, plane, etc.) or the stationary gateway  714  is a long-range tape node adhered to an infrastructure component of the environment  700 ). In other examples, the master tape node processes the information contained in the received data packets and transmits the processed information to the one or more network service servers  804 / 704 . 
       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 parcel in a set of associated parcels, the first tape node including a first type of wireless communication interface and a second type of wireless communication interface having a longer range than the first type of wireless communication interface ( FIG. 9 , block  990 ). A second tape node is adhered to a second parcel in the set, the second tape node including the first type of wireless communication interface, wherein the second tape node is operable to communicate with the first tape node over a wireless communication connection established between the first type of wireless communication interfaces of the first and second tape nodes ( FIG. 9 , block  992 ). An application executing on a computer system (e.g., the one or more network service servers  804  of a network service  808 ) 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  994 ). 
     As used herein, the term “node” refers to both a tape node and a non-tape node unless the node is explicitly designated as a “tape node” or a “non-tape node.” In some embodiments, a non-tape node may have the same or similar communication, sensing, processing and other functionalities and capabilities as the tape nodes described herein, except without being integrated into a tape platform. In some embodiments, non-tape nodes can interact seamlessly with tape nodes. Each node is assigned a respective unique identifier. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure further describe a distributed software operating system that is implemented by distributed hardware nodes executing intelligent agent software to perform various tasks or algorithms. In some embodiments, the operating system distributes functionalities (e.g., performing analytics on data or statistics collected or generated by nodes) geographically across multiple intelligent agents that are bound to logistic items (e.g., parcels, containers, packages, boxes, pallets, a loading dock, a door, a light switch, a vehicle such as a delivery truck, a shipping facility, a port, a hub, etc.). In addition, the operating system dynamically allocates the hierarchical roles (e.g., master and slave roles) that nodes perform over time in order to improve system performance, such as optimizing battery life across nodes, improving responsiveness, and achieving overall objectives. In some embodiments, optimization is achieved using a simulation environment for optimizing key performance indicators (PKIs). 
     In some embodiments, the nodes are programmed to operate individually or collectively as autonomous intelligent agents. In some embodiments, nodes are configured to communicate and coordinate actions and respond to events. In some embodiments, a node is characterized by its identity, its mission, and the services that it can provide to other nodes. A node&#39;s identity is defined by its capabilities (e.g., battery life, sensing capabilities, and communications interfaces). A node may be defined by the respective program code, instructions, or directives it receives from another node (e.g., a server or a master node) and the actions or tasks that it performs in accordance with that program code, instructions, or directives (e.g., sense temperature every hour and send temperature data to a master node to upload to a server). A node&#39;s services may be defined by the functions or tasks that it is permitted to perform for other nodes (e.g., retrieve temperature data from a peripheral node and send the received temperature data to the server). At least for certain tasks, once programmed and configured with their identities, missions, and services, nodes can communicate with one another and request services from and provide services to one another independently of the server. 
     Thus, in accordance with the runtime operating system every agent knows its objectives (programmed). Every agent knows which capabilities/resources it needs to fulfill objective. Every agent communicates with every other node in proximity to see if it can offer the capability. Examples include communicate data to the server, authorize going to lower-power level, temperature reading, send an alert to local hub, send location data, triangulate location, any boxes in same group that already completed group objectives. 
     Nodes can be associated with logistic items. Examples of a logistic item includes, for example, a package, a box, pallet, a container, a truck or other conveyance, infrastructure such as a door, a conveyor belt, a light switch, a road, or any other thing that can be tracked, monitored, sensed, etc. or that can transmit data concerning its state or environment. In some examples, a server or a master node may associate the unique node identifiers with the logistic items. 
     Communication paths between tape and/or non-tape nodes may be represented by a graph of edges between the corresponding logistic items (e.g., a storage unit, truck, or hub). In some embodiments, each node in the graph has a unique identifier. A set of connected edges between nodes is represented by a sequence of the node identifiers that defines a communication path between a set of nodes. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10A , a node  1020  (Node A) is associated with a package  1022  (Package A). In some embodiments, the node  1020  may be implemented as a tape node that is used to seal the package  1022  or it may be implemented as a label node that is used to label the package  1022 ; alternatively, the node  1020  may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the package  1022  or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the package  1022 . In the illustrated embodiment, the node  1020  includes a low power communications interface  1024  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). Another node  1026  (Node B), which is associated with another package  1030  (Package B), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface  1028  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). 
     In an example scenario, in accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, node  1026  (Node B) requires a connection to node  1020  (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  1020  (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&#39;s identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a communication path  1032  with Node A (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted communication path), Node B determines Node A&#39;s identity information (e.g., master node), Node A&#39;s capabilities include reporting its current battery life, and Node A&#39;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. 10B , a node  1034  (Node C) is associated with a package  1035  (Package C). In the illustrated embodiment, the Node C includes a low power communications interface  1036  (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface), and a sensor  1037  (e.g., a temperature sensor). Another node  1038  (Node D), which is associated with another package  1040  (Package D), is similarly equipped with a compatible low power communications interface  1042  (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&#39;s identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a communication path  1044  with Node C (e.g., a Bluetooth Low Energy formatted communication path), Node D determines Node C&#39;s identity information (e.g., a peripheral node), Node C&#39;s capabilities include retrieving temperature data, and Node C&#39;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. 10C , a pallet  1050  is associated with a master node  1051  that includes a low-power communications interface  1052 , a GPS receiver  1054 , and a cellular communications interface  1056 . In some embodiments, the master node  1051  may be implemented as a tape node or a label node that is adhered to the pallet  1050 . In other embodiments, the master node  1051  may be implemented as a non-tape node that is inserted within the body of the pallet  1050  or embedded in or otherwise attached to the interior or exterior of the pallet  1050 . 
     The pallet  1050  provides a structure for grouping and containing packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  each of which is associated with a respective peripheral node  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062  (Node E, Node F, and Node G). Each of the peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062  includes a respective low power communications interface  1064 ,  1066 ,  1068  (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the nodes E, F, G, and the master node  1051  are connected to each of the other nodes over a respective low power communications path (shown by dashed lines). 
     In some embodiments, the packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  are grouped together because they are related. For example, the packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  may share the same shipping itinerary or a portion thereof. In an example scenario, the master pallet node  1051  scans for advertising packets that are broadcasted from the peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062 . In some examples, the peripheral nodes broadcast advertising packets during respective scheduled broadcast intervals. The master node  1051  can determine the presence of the packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  in the vicinity of the pallet  1050  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  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062 , the master node  1051  transmits respective requests to the server to associate the master node  1051  and the respective peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062 . In some examples, the master tape node requests authorization from the server to associate the master tape node and the peripheral tape nodes. If the corresponding packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  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  1051  to associate the peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062  with one another as a grouped set of packages. In some embodiments, the server registers the master node and peripheral tape node identifiers with a group identifier. The server also may associate each node ID with a respective physical label ID that is affixed to the respective package. 
     In some embodiments, after an initial set of packages is assigned to a multi package group, the master node  1051  may identify another package arrives in the vicinity of the multi-package group. The master node may request authorization from the server to associate the other package with the existing multi-package group. If the server determines that the other package is intended to ship with the multi-package group, the server instructs the master node to merge one or more other packages with currently grouped set of packages. After all packages are grouped together, the server authorizes the multi-package group to ship. In some embodiments, this process may involve releasing the multi-package group from a containment area (e.g., customs holding area) in a shipment facility. 
     In some embodiments, the peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062  include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063 . Examples of such environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, vibration sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light sensors, and orientation sensors. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the master node  1051  can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system  1070  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver  1054  component of the master node  1051 . In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master pallet node  1051  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  1051  has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  from the master node  1051  can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node  1051  receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node  1051  can then transmit its own location and the locations of the package nodes E, F, and G to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cellular network  1072 . Other methods of determining the distance of each of the packages  1059 ,  1061 ,  1063  from the master node  1051 , 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  1051  reports the location data and the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062  or the master node  1051 ) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path  1071  on a cellular network  1072 . 
     In some examples, nodes are able to autonomously detect logistics execution errors if packages that are supposed to travel together no longer travel together and raise an alert. For example, a node (e.g., the master node  1051  or one of the peripheral nodes  1058 ,  1060 ,  1062 ) alerts the server when the node determines that a particular package  1059  is being or has already been improperly separated from the group of packages. The node may determine that there has been an improper separation of the particular package  1059  in a variety of ways. For example, the associated peripheral node  1058  that is bound to the particular package  1059  may include an accelerometer that generates a signal in response to movement of the package from the pallet. In accordance with its intelligent agent program code, the associated peripheral node  1058  determines that the master node  1051  has not disassociated the particular package  1059  from the group and therefore broadcasts advertising packets to the master node, which causes the master node  1051  to monitor the average signal strength of the advertising packets and, if the master node  1051  determines that the signal strength is decreasing over time, the master node  1051  will issue an alert either locally (e.g., through a speaker component of the master node  1051 ) or to the server. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a truck  1180  is configured as a mobile node or mobile hub that includes a cellular communications interface  1182 , a medium-power communications interface  1184 , and a low power communications interface  1186 . The communications interfaces  1180 - 1186  may be implemented on one or more tape and non-tape nodes. In an illustrative scenario, the truck  1180  visits a logistic storage facility, such as a warehouse  1188 , to wirelessly obtain temperature data generated by temperature sensors in the medium range nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194 . The warehouse  1188  contains nodes  1190 ,  1192 , and  1194  that are associated with respective logistic containers  1191 ,  1193 ,  1195 . In the illustrated embodiment, each node  1190 - 1194  is a medium range node that includes a respective medium power communications interface  1196 ,  1102 ,  1108 , a respective low power communications interface  1198 ,  1104 ,  1110  and one or more respective sensors  1100 ,  1106 ,  1112 . In the illustrated embodiment, each of the package nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194  and the truck  1180  is connected to each of the other ones of the package nodes through a respective medium power communications path (shown by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the medium power communications paths are LoRa formatted communication paths. 
     In some embodiments, the communications interfaces  1184  and  1186  (e.g., a LoRa communications interface and a Bluetooth Low Energy communications interface) on the node on the truck  1180  is programmed to broadcast advertisement packets to establish connections with other network nodes within range of the truck node. A warehouse  1188  includes medium range nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194  that are associated with respective logistic containers  1191 ,  1193 ,  1195  (e.g., packages, boxes, pallets, and the like). When the truck node&#39;s low power interface  1186  is within range of any of the medium range nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194  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  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194 , the truck node will attempt to pair with the medium range node. In this process, the truck node and the medium range node determine each other&#39;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  1114  or a LoRa formatted communication path  1117 ), the truck node determines the identity information for the medium range node  1190  (e.g., a peripheral node), the medium range node&#39;s capabilities include retrieving temperature data, and the medium range node&#39;s services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. Depending of the size of the warehouse  1188 , the truck  1180  initially may communicate with the nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194  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  1180 , the truck  1180  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 medium-power communication interface  1184 , the medium range node  1190  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  1192 ,  1194  that generate temperature measurement data in the warehouse  1188 . The truck node reports the collected (and optionally processed, either by the medium range nodes  1190 ,  1192 ,  1194  or the truck node) temperature data to a server over a cellular communication path  1116  with a cellular network  1118 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a master node  1230  is associated with a logistic item  1232  (e.g., a package) and grouped together with other logistic items  1234 ,  1236  (e.g., packages) that are associated with respective peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240 . The master node  1230  includes a GPS receiver  1242 , a medium power communications interface  1244 , one or more sensors  1246 , and a cellular communications interface  1248 . Each of the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  includes a respective medium power communications interface  1250 ,  1252  and one or more respective sensors  1254 ,  1256 . In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral and master nodes are connected to one another other over respective pairwise communications paths (shown by dashed lines). In some embodiments, the nodes  1230 ,  1238 ,  1240  communicate through respective LoRa communications interfaces over LoRa formatted communications paths  1258 ,  1260 ,  1262 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the master and peripheral nodes  1230 ,  1238 ,  1240  include environmental sensors for obtaining information regarding environmental conditions in the vicinity of the associated logistic items  1232 ,  1234 ,  1236 . Examples of such environmental sensors include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, acceleration sensors, vibration sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light sensors, and orientation sensors. 
     In accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory, the master node  1230  periodically broadcasts advertising packets in the surrounding area. When the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  are within range of master node  1230 , and are operating in a listening mode, the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  will extract the address of master node  1230  and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the advertising packets. If, according to their respective programmatic code, the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  determine that they are authorized to connect to the master node  1230 , the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  will attempt to pair with the master node  1230 . In this process, the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  and the master node  1230  determine each other&#39;s identities, capabilities, and services. For example, after successfully establishing a respective communication path  1258 ,  1260  with each of the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  (e.g., a LoRa formatted communication path), the master node  1230  determines certain information about the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240 , such as their identity information (e.g., peripheral nodes), their capabilities (e.g., measuring temperature data), and their services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. 
     After establishing LoRa formatted communications paths  1258 ,  1260  with the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240 , the master node  1230  transmits requests for the peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  to transmit their measured and/or locally processed temperature data to the master node  1230 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the master node  1230  can determine its own location based on geolocation data transmitted by a satellite-based radio navigation system  1266  (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) and received by the GPS receiver  1242  component of the master node  1230 . In an alternative embodiment, the location of the master node  1230  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  1230  has ascertained its location, the distance of each of the logistic items  1234 ,  1236  from the master node  1230  can be estimated based on the average signal strength of the advertising packets that the master node  1230  receives from the respective peripheral node. The master node  1230  can then transmit its own location and the locations of the package nodes H, J, and I to a server over a cellular interface connection with a cellular network  1272 . Other methods of determining the distance of each of the logistic items  1234 ,  1236  from the master node  1230 , 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  1230  reports the location data, the collected and optionally processed (e.g., either by the peripheral nodes peripheral nodes  1238 ,  1240  or the master node  1230 ) sensor data to a server over a cellular communication path  1270  on a cellular network  1272 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13A , in some examples, each of one or more of the segments  1370 ,  1372  of a tracking adhesive product  1374  includes a respective circuit  1375  that delivers power from the respective energy source  1376  to the respective tracking circuit  1378  (e.g., a processor and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. In some of these examples, the wake circuit  1375  is configured to transition from an off-state to an on-state when the voltage on the wake node  1377  exceeds a threshold level, at which point the wake circuit transitions to an on-state to power-on the segment  1370 . In the illustrated example, this occurs when the user separates the segment from the tracking adhesive product  1374 , for example, by cutting across the tracking adhesive product  1374  at a designated location (e.g., along a designated cut-line  1380 ). 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  1377  remains below the threshold turn-on level. After the user cuts across the tracking adhesive product  1374  along the designated cut-line  1380 , the user creates an open circuit in the loop  1382 , which pulls the voltage of the wake node above the threshold level and turns on the wake circuit  1375 . As a result, the voltage across the energy source  1376  will appear across the tracking circuit  1378  and, thereby, turn on the segment  1370 . 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 a tracking adhesive product includes a respective sensor and a respective wake circuit that delivers power from the respective energy source to the respective one or more components of the respective tracking circuit  1378  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 tracking adhesive product and configured to detect the stretching of the tracking adhesive product segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a capacitive sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in capacitance in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the capacitive sensor is affixed to a tracking adhesive product and configured to detect the separation of the tracking adhesive product segment from a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a flex sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in curvature in the respective segment. In some of these examples, the flex sensor is affixed to a tracking adhesive product and configured to detect bending of the tracking adhesive product segment as the segment is being peeled off a roll or a sheet of the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, the respective sensor is a near field communications sensor that produces a wake signal based on a change in inductance in the respective segment. 
       FIG. 13B  shows another example of a tracking adhesive product  1394  that delivers power from the respective energy source  1376  to the respective tracking circuit  1378  (e.g., a processor and one or more wireless communications circuits) in response to an event. This example is similar in structure and operation as the tracking adhesive product  1394  shown in  FIG. 13A , except that the wake circuit  1375  is replaced by a switch  1396  that is configured to transition from an open state to a closed state when the voltage on the switch node  1377  exceeds a threshold level. In the initial state of the tracking adhesive product  1394 , 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 tracking adhesive product  1394  along the designated cut-line  1380 , the user creates an open circuit in the loop  1382 , which pulls up the voltage on the switch node above the threshold level to close the switch  1396  and turn on the tracking circuit  1378 . 
     A wireless sensing system includes a plurality of wireless nodes configured to detect tampering in assets. Tampering may include, but is not limited to, opening assets such as boxes, containers, storage, or doors, moving the asset without authorization, moving the asset to an unintended location, moving the asset in an unintended way, damaging the asset, shaking the asset in an unintended way, orienting an asset in a way that it is not meant to be oriented. In many cases, these actions may compromise the integrity or safety of assets. Wireless nodes associated with the asset are configured to detect a tampering event. In an embodiment, a tampering event is associated with an action, a time, and a location. In an embodiment, the wireless nodes communicate the tampering event to the wireless sensing system. The wireless sensing system is configured to provide a notification or alert to a user of the wireless sensing system. In some embodiments, a wireless node may directly transmit the notification or alert to the user. In other embodiments, a wireless node may include a display that indicates whether or not a tampering event has occurred (e.g., the display may be an indicator light or LED). 
     Alerts may be transmitted to server/cloud, other wireless nodes, a client device, or some combination thereof. For example, in an embodiment, a wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data, detects a tampering event, and transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system (e.g., without communicating with a server or cloud of the wireless sensing system). In another embodiment, a wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data and transmits the sensor data to a gateway, parent node (e.g., black tape), or client device. The gateway, parent node, or client device detects a tampering event based on the received sensor data and transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system. In another embodiment, the wireless node of the wireless sensing system captures sensor data, detects a tampering event, and transmits information describing the tampering event to a server or cloud of the wireless sensing system. The server or cloud of the wireless sensing system transmits an alarm to a user of the wireless sensing system. 
       FIG. 13C  shows a diagrammatic cross-sectional front view of an example adhesive tape platform  1300  and a perspective view of an example asset  1302 . 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  1304  to turn on the wireless transducing circuit  1306  in response to establishing an electrical connection between two power terminals  1308 ,  1310  that are integrated into the adhesive tape platform. In particular, each segment of the adhesive tape platform  1300  includes a respective set of embedded tracking components, an adhesive layer  1312 , and an optional backing sheet  1314  with a release coating that prevents the segments from adhering strongly to the backing sheet  1314 . In some examples, the power terminals  1308 ,  1310  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  1300 . In operation, the adhesive tape platform can be activated by removing the backing sheet  1314  and applying the exposed adhesive layer  1312  to a surface that includes an electrically conductive region  1316 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electrically conductive region  1316  is disposed on a portion of the asset  1302 . When the adhesive backside of the adhesive tape platform  1300  is adhered to the asset with the exposed terminals  1308 ,  1310  aligned and in contact with the electrically conductive region  1316  on the asset  1302 , an electrical connection is created through the electrically conductive region  1316  between the exposed terminals  1308 ,  1310  that completes the circuit and turns on the wireless transducing circuit  1306 . In particular embodiments, the power terminals  1308 ,  1310  are electrically connected to any respective nodes of the wireless transducing circuit  1306  that would result in the activation of the tracking circuit  1306  in response to the creation of an electrical connection between the power terminals  1308 ,  1310 . 
     In some examples, after a tape node is turned on, it will communicate with the network service to confirm that the user/operator who is associated with the tape node is an authorized user who has authenticated himself or herself to the network service. In these examples, if the tape node cannot confirm that the user/operator is an authorized user, the tape node will turn itself off. 
     Tracking Belts for Asset Tracking 
     A tracking device comprises a flexible belt body configured to loop around a portion of an asset. In some embodiments, the asset is a container or support for other objects or items. In further embodiments, the asset is a pallet. The flexible belt body has a first portion and a second portion configured to be connected. For example, the first and second portions may be respective fabric strips of hook-and-loop fasteners. In other examples, the first and second portions may be respective portions of adhesives, buckles, snaps, clasps, buttons, zippers, squeeze buckles, or g-hooks. In other examples, other methods of connecting the first and second portion of the flexible belt body may be used, such that the first and second portion of the flexible belt body may be connected easily and quickly—e.g., within five minutes and without requiring the use of additional tools. 
     Further, because a container or support may be used over multiple phases of transportation of assets, or may be reused across multiple assets, multiple asset types, and/or under multiple conditions of transportation, the first and second portions of the flexible belt body are configured such that the connection is maintained under stress experienced during one or more phases of standard transport. For example, stress during standard transportation may include vibration or shaking, handling by users or by machinery, changes in temperature (e.g., via refrigeration units), changes in pressure (e.g., transportation via airplane), and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the flexible belt body is configured to loop around a central portion of the asset. For example, if the asset is a pallet, the flexible belt body is configured to be looped around a center stringer of the pallet. The center stringer may be, for example, a stringer or runner of the pallet. In further embodiments, a stringer or runner of the pallet may comprise a solid or notched beam. In other embodiments, the center stringer may include a block. The center stringer may include a wood material, a metal material, a plastic material, polymer material, a composite material, some other material, or some combination thereof. The pallet may include a plurality of center stringers, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the flexible belt body may be looped around other portions of the pallet, e.g., other stringers on the pallet and/or top or bottom deck boards, or may be looped around portions of other equipment, e.g., arms or handles on machinery that may be valuable to track. 
     The tracking device further comprises electronic components. The electronic components comprise an antenna, a wireless communications system, a processor, and an energy source, wherein each of the electronic components are electrically connected. The electronic components may additionally comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising electronic instructions for operation of the tracking device. In some embodiments, the electronic components further comprise one or more sensors configured to capture sensor data describing an environment of the pallet. The sensors may be, for example, one or more of: a GPS sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, an altimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a flex sensor, and a strain sensor. 
     In some embodiments, the electronic components are similar or the same as those described in conjunction with  FIG. 4 , and thus any functionality or component of the “agents” discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-13C  may apply to, and be included in, the following embodiments. In other embodiments, the electronic components may comprise additional, fewer, or different components than those described in  FIG. 4 , based on, for example, desired functions for the tracking device or environmental conditions under which the tracking device operates. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the electronic components are positioned closer to a top surface of the tracking device than to a bottom surface contacting or facing a portion of the pallet, such that the electronic components are oriented away from the portion of the pallet when the first and second portions of the flexible belt body are connected. Because the tracking device is looped around the portion of the pallet, electronic components positioned on a bottom surface of the tracking device risk impacting the portion of the pallet, and the tracking device may be damaged in the process of retrofitting the pallet or during transportation. In some embodiments wherein the flexible belt body is tightly wrapped around a portion of the pallet, electronic components positioned on a bottom surface of the tracking device additionally risk impacting each other. As such, electronic components are positioned on or closer to a top surface of the tracking device when the tracking device is equipped to a pallet and the flexible belt body is connected. 
     In some embodiments, one or more electronic components are more sensitive or fragile, e.g., trackers, are positioned on the tracking device in a first region of the tracking device. The first region of the tracking device is configured to be positioned towards an interior of the asset when the flexible belt body is wrapped around a portion of the asset, so as to receive protection by structural components of the asset from environmental stress or impacts. More durable electronic components or components that benefit from exposure to the exterior of the asset, e.g., light sensors that may detect more valuable data if exposed to an exterior of the pallet or solar-powered sensors or other components that require exposure to the environment of the asset, are positioned on a second region of the tracking device. The second region of the tracking device is configured to be positioned on or oriented towards an exterior of the asset when the flexible belt body is wrapped around the portion of the asset. For example, if the asset is a pallet, the first region of the tracking device is positioned in or oriented towards an interior section of the pallet, and the second region of the tracking device is positioned or oriented towards the exterior of the pallet when the flexible belt body is wrapped around the center stringer of the pallet. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking device further comprises a two-dimensional barcode, such as a QR code. The two-dimensional barcode is oriented towards an exterior of the asset when the flexible belt body is looped around the portion of the asset and the first and second portions of the flexible belt body are connected, such that a user of the tracking device is able to access and scan the two-dimensional barcode after installation of the tracking device on the asset. In some embodiments, the tracking device may be initialized responsive to a user of the tracking device scanning a QR code, e.g., using a mobile phone or other client device that transmits an instruction to the tracking device to begin standard operation for deployment into an environment. In other embodiments, the tracking device or the wireless tracking system  400  provides information to a mobile phone or other client device responsive to the mobile phone or client device scanning the QR code, e.g., information describing assets associated with a pallet; a destination or starting location associated with a pallet; historic journeys performed by the pallet; sensor data captured and stored by the tracking device during a journey; and the like. In other embodiments, a barcode, a different kind of two-dimensional barcode, or some other graphical code is used, instead of a QR code. 
     In some embodiments, the tracking device further comprises one or more graphics, such as illustrations or written instructions, directing a user of the tracking device to position the tracking device on the pallet and to connect the first and second portions of the flexible belt body. For example, the illustrations and written instructions may direct a user of the tracking device to correctly position the first and second portions of the flexible belt body to ensure a secure connection, and/or may direct the user of the tracking device to loop the tracking device around a correct portion of a pallet. In some embodiments, the illustrations and written instructions instruct the user to orient the tracking device such that the first region and the second region are oriented correctly as described above. 
     A method is further disclosed herein for retrofitting pallets with tracking devices and deploying retrofitted pallets. A tracking device is looped around a portion of a pallet. For example, the tracking device comprises a flexible belt body configured to be looped around a center stringer of a pallet. The flexible belt body comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions configured to connect, e.g., the first and second portions being respective strips of hook-and-loop fastener. The tracking device is oriented such that a first region of the tracking device is positioned towards an interior of the asset, so as to protect one or more sensitive or fragile electronic components positioned in the first region of the device, and such that a second region of the tracking device is positioned towards an exterior of the asset, so as to expose one or more durable electronic components or components that benefit from exposure to the exterior of the asset, as discussed previously. For example, the tracking device is rotated, twisted, adjusted, or otherwise oriented to correctly position the first and second regions relative to the asset. In some embodiments, the components in the first region of the device are protected from physical damage by portions of the asset by being positioned in the interior where external force or trauma cannot reach the first region. The tracking device is connected via the first and second portions of the flexible belt body. The tracking device is initialized. For example, the tracking device is initialized via a user of the wireless tracking system scanning a QR code or other barcode on the tracking device with a mobile phone or other client device. Responsive to the tracking device being initialized, the retrofitted pallet may be deployed in the environment. 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view showing a smart wireless tracking belt  1420 , also referred to as a tracking device or tracking belt, retrofitted to a pallet  1400 , in accordance with some embodiments. The pallet  1400  has top and bottom sets of deck boards including deck boards  1405 A,  1405 B (collectively referred to as deck boards  1405 ) and a set of stringers  1410 , including a center stringer  1410 A and at least stringers  1410 B and  1410 C positioned at each side of the pallet. The pallet  1400  may have additional or fewer deck boards  1405  and stringers  1410  than shown in  FIG. 14 , and the deck boards and stringers may be oriented or shaped differently than shown in  FIG. 14 . For example, the pallet  1400  may be a plastic pallet wherein the deck boards  1405  are a single, monolithic component, or the pallet may have smaller or larger gaps between the deck boards and/or the stringers  1410 . In the example of  FIG. 14 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is looped around the center stringer  1410 A of the pallet  1400  and positioned such that electronic components of the tracking device are positioned along a top surface of the tracking device or closer to the top surface than to a bottom surface of the tracking device (where the top surface does not directly contact the center stringer of the pallet). 
     The pallet  1400  comprises an interior section  1415  and an exterior section. As shown in  FIG. 14 , an interior section  1415  of the pallet  1400  is defined as a space between the top set of deck boards  1405 A, the bottom set of deck boards  1405 B, and the stringers  1410 B,  1410 C at each side of the pallet  1400 . Because the interior section  1415  of the pallet  1400  is enclosed by the sets of deck boards  1405  and the stringers  1410 B,  1410 C, objects within the interior section of the pallet are protected from exposure to, for example, physical damage during transportation. In contrast, an exterior of the pallet  1400  is represented by one or more exposed portions of the pallet, e.g., the tops of the top set of deck boards  1405 A, the bottoms of the bottom set of deck boards  1405 B, and the exterior faces of the stringers  1410 B,  1410 C at each side of the pallet. Objects placed, adhered, or otherwise attached to the exterior of the pallet  1400  may be exposed to physical damage, as well as other sensory input such as light and audio data. 
     In other embodiments, the interior section  1415  of a pallet  1400  may be defined as a space between single, monolithic components. In other embodiments, the interior section  1415  of the pallet  1400  may be a subset of the space described in conjunction with  FIG. 14 , e.g., may be defined as a space between the top and bottom sets of deck boards  1405 A,  1405 B, stringers  1410 B at sides of pallet  1400 , and a center stringer  1410 A of pallet  1400 . 
     In other embodiments, where smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is associated with an asset, the interior section of an asset may be defined as any protected space in an interior cavity of the asset. Smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is looped around any portion of the asset such that a first region of the tracking device having sensitive components is oriented or positioned towards the protected interior section of the asset, and such that a second region of the tracking device having durable components or components that benefit from exposure to the exterior of the component is oriented or positioned towards an exterior section of the asset. For example, the asset may be a box having an interior, protected section and an exterior section, wherein smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is looped around a handle of the box. In other examples, other types of assets may be used. 
       FIG. 15  is a diagrammatic view showing smart wireless tracking belt  1420  of  FIG. 14  in further example detail, in embodiments. Smart wireless tracking belt  1420  includes a two-dimensional barcode  1520  (e.g., a QR code), electronic components (e.g., wireless transducing circuit  410  of  FIG. 4 ) in a first region  1525 , one or more graphics  1515 , and a first physical connector  1505  and a second physical connector  1510  that connect together. Advantageously, the smart wireless tracking belt  1420  removably attaches to itself to form a loop. The first and second physical connectors  1505 ,  1510  may be, for example, respective parts of a hook-and-loop fastener. In other examples, the first and second physical connectors  1505 ,  1510  may be respective parts of other methods of fastening or connecting the portions, e.g., adhesives, buckles, snaps, clasps, buttons, zippers, squeeze buckles, g-hooks, and the like. 
     Smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may include a status display  1508  (e.g., an LED) positioned at an outer surface and controlled by the electronic components (e.g., wireless transducing circuit  410 ) within first region  1525 . Although shown position at the outer surface, status display  1508  may alternatively, or simultaneously, be positioned at an inner surface of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  without departing from the scope hereof In certain embodiments, wireless transducing circuit  410  controls status display  1508  to indicate a status of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  and/or a status of an asset (e.g., pallet  1400 ) to which smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is attached. In one example, wireless transducing circuit  410  controls status display  1508  to indicate that first and second physical connectors  1505 ,  1510  have been unfastened or that tampering of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  has been detected. In another example, wireless transducing circuit  410  controls status display  1508  to indicate that smart wireless tracking belt  1420 , and thus any asset/pallet to which it is attached, is in not in an intended location, or that it is in a location that it should not be in (e.g., by comparison of an itinerary for the asset assigned to, and being tracked by, the smart wireless tracking belt  1420 , and the current location determined by the smart wireless tracking belt  1420 ). In another example, wireless transducing circuit  410  controls status display  1508  to indicate that smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is out of network communication range, such as when smart wireless tracking belt  1420  cannot make one or more of LoRa, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi, or other wireless connection. In another example, wireless transducing circuit  410  controls status display  1508  to indicate that smart wireless tracking belt  1420  has detected mishandling of the asset or pallet, such as when detected movements are outside of a defined tolerance for the asset or pallet, thereby indicating when inspection and/or repair of the asset or pallet is needed. Advantageously, status display  1508  may alert a user when intervention may be necessary. 
     In some embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may comprise multiple sets of electronic components (e.g., multiple wireless transducing circuit  410 , or components of wireless transducing circuit  410  divided into multiple sets of components). For example, a first set of electronic components is positioned within smart wireless tracking belt  1420  to have antennae and/or sensors oriented towards an interior of a pallet when smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is attached to pallet  1400 , and a second set of electronic components is positioned within smart wireless tracking belt  1420  to have antennae and/or sensors oriented towards an exterior of pallet  1400 . 
     As shown by the example orientation of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  in  FIG. 14 , the two-dimensional barcode  1520  and the first region  1525  with the electronic components are configured so as to be oriented towards an exterior section of the pallet  1400  when retrofitted to the pallet. Further, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may be positioned, when retrofitted to pallet  1400 , such that the two-dimensional barcode  1520  is accessible from an exterior of the pallet. As described above, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  includes the first region  1525  that may have sensitive electronic components and/or electronic components requiring protection and/or shielding during transportation and a second region  1530  that may have more durable electronic components and/or electronic components that benefit from exposure to an exterior of the pallet  1400  during transportation (e.g., light and/or noise sensors). Smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is constructed such that, when smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is correctly positioned on the pallet  1400 , the first region  1525  is oriented towards an interior of the pallet to reduce the likelihood that the electronic components would sustain damage during transportation of the pallet. For example, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is configured such that it may attach to the asset or the pallet where portions of the asset and/or the pallet  1400  shield the first region  1525  of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  from physical damage. The second region  1530  is oriented towards an exterior of the pallet  1400  so as to enable electronic devices to gather adequate data during transportation. In some embodiments, one or more electronic components of the first region  1525  and the second region  1530  may additionally be positioned along a top surface of the tracking device  1420 , so as to avoid direct contact with a central stringer or other portion of the pallet  1400  when positioned on the pallet. 
     In some embodiments, fragile or sensitive electronic components positioned in the first region  1525  of the tracking device  1420  include one or more of: PCB, memory storage components, communications systems, energy storage components, antennae, and one or more sensors that do not require access to an exterior of the pallet. In some embodiments, the tracking device  1420  further comprises a means of reinforcing the first region  1425  so as to further reduce the likelihood of damaging the fragile or sensitive electronic components. For example, a portion of a substrate layer of the first region  1525  of the tracking device  1420  may be a stiffer substrate material than other regions of the tracking device. In another example, the first region  1525  of the tracking device  1420  may comprise an additional substrate layer or layer of other protective material, wherein the additional substrate layer may or may not be present in other regions of the tracking device. In another example, a protective cover, such as a plastic or Plexiglass film, may be applied to the first region  1425  of the tracking device  1420  (e.g., during initialization or prior to deployment). In some embodiments, electronic components positioned in the second region  1530  of the tracking device  1420  include one or more of: solar-powered energy harvesting components, one or more sensors (e.g., light sensors, sound sensors, pressure sensors, temperature sensors) that capture more accurate data when oriented towards an exterior of the pallet, regions of the tracking device having no electronic components, regions of the tracking device comprising only conductive traces, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  has a flexible belt form factor, such that smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may be looped around the center stringer  1410 A of the pallet  1400 . For example, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  has a flexible belt body  1535  that supports other components of smart wireless tracking belt  1420 . In other embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may comprise a substantially rigid section (e.g., a stiff or rigid structure including one or more electronic components) affixed to a flexible belt that may be looped around a portion of the asset or the pallet  1400  without impacting the integrity of the rigid section. In other embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may have other form factors and/or structures, and the electronic components may be distributed differently across smart wireless tracking belt  1420 . 
       FIGS. 16A-16B  are diagrammatic views of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  of  FIGS. 14 and 15  showing example graphics that facilitate correct retrofitting of the smart wireless tracking belt onto the asset or the pallet  1400 , in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 16A  shows a first side of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  with the first physical connector  1505  configured to connect to a second portion  1510 , an illustration  1605  directing a user of the tracking device to make a connection between the first physical connector  1505  (“TAB B”) and the second physical connector  1510  (“TAB A”), and written instructions  1610  for retrofitting the pallet  1400  with smart wireless tracking belt  1420  (“Loop tracking device around center stringer of pallet, this side down. Place Tab B over Tab A, press down firmly to connect.”) and initializing the tracking device for deployment into an environment (“Scan QR code to initialize”). 
       FIG. 16B  shows a second side of smart wireless tracking belt  1420 , opposite the first side, with the second physical connector  1510  configured to connect to the first physical connector  1505 , graphics  1515  directing a user of the tracking device to make a connection between the first physical connector  1505  (“TAB B”) and the second physical connector  1510  (“TAB A”), and the two-dimensional barcode  1520 .  FIG. 16B  also shows the first region  1525  and the second region  1530  that may each include electronic components. 
     In other embodiments, the first and second sides of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may include additional, fewer, or different graphics for directing the user of the tracking device to retrofit a pallet with the tracking device and to initialize the tracking device for deployment into an environment. Instructions for initializing the tracking device may include, for example, shaking the tracking device prior to retrofitting the pallet; cutting or tearing a portion of the tracking device; and the like. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart illustrating one example method  1700  for retrofitting and tracking a pallet in an environment, in accordance with some embodiments. In block  1705 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  of  FIGS. 14, 15, 16A and 16B  is looped around a portion of a pallet  1400 . The flexible belt form factor of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  allows it to be wrapped around structure of pallet  1400 . In block  1710 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is positioned such that first region  1525  is oriented towards an interior of pallet  1400  and second region  1530  is oriented towards an exterior of pallet  1400 . In block  1715 , first physical connector  1505  and second physical connector  1510  are connect together. For example, in embodiments wherein the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  are respective parts of a hook-and-loop type fastener, the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  are connected by a user of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  aligning the first physical connector  1505  with the second physical connector  1510  and applying pressure to force the physical connectors  1505  and  1510  together. In other examples, the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  are connected via other methods, such as by via fastening of a buckle or button, applying an adhesive, or by another entity in an environment using an automatic dispenser or application device. 
     Block  1720  is optional. If included, in block  1720 , the smart wireless tracking belt detects that it is fastened. In one example of block  1720 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  detects fastening of the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  together. In one example of block  1720 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  determines that captured vibration data (e.g., from an accelerometer or other sensor of wireless transducing circuit  410 ) corresponds to fastening of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  to pallet  1400 . In certain embodiments, wireless transducing circuit  410  detects coupling of first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  together using one or more of electrical signals, magnetic signals, and so on. In certain embodiment, when coupling of first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510  together is detected, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  causes status display  1508  to indicate (e.g., by temporary illumination or flashing) that smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is secured, and thereby ready to initiate operation. 
     In block  1725 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is initialized. In one example of block  1725 , a user initializes smart wireless tracking belt  1420  by scanning two-dimensional barcode  1520  of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  using a mobile phone or other client device. Based on the scanned two-dimensional barcode  1520 , the mobile phone or other client device wirelessly transmits (e.g., using one or more of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, protocols, etc.) an instruction to smart wireless tracking belt  1420  instructing smart wireless tracking belt  1420  to begin a tracking operation. In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  initiates the tracking operation automatically responsive to detecting fastening of the first and second physical connectors together, in block  1720 . In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  initiates the tracking operation automatically responsive to capturing and analyzing sensor data corresponding to a start of operation. For example, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may initiate the tracking operation when captured vibration data corresponds to loading of pallet  1400  by a forklift and/or when sensor data corresponds to movement of pallet  1400  by a vehicle (e.g., a truck). In certain embodiment, when tracking operations are initiated, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may cause status display  1508  to indicate (e.g., by temporarily illumination or flashing) that smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is initiated. In another embodiment, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  initiates the tracking operation in response to receiving an instruction via a gateway node, server, tape node, or other entity of the tracking network (e.g., network communications environment  700  of  FIG. 7 ). 
     In block  1730 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  tracks movement of pallet  1400 . Since pallet  1400  is retrofitted with smart wireless tracking belt  1420 , as pallet  1400  is deployed into the environment, movements of pallet  1400  are tracked by smart wireless tracking belt  1420 . In certain scenarios, pallet  1400  is deployed with at least one other pallet that is retrofitted with tracing devices. In certain scenarios, not all pallets are retrofitted with a tracking device. Tracking device  1420  may communicate with one or more other tracking devices of the other retrofitted pallets. For example, where multiple pallets are collectively moving to a shared destination, tracking device  1420  of each retrofitted pallet  1400  may communicate during transportation and may cooperate to share (e.g., divide) functions to be performed during the transportation. In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  is associated with assets being transported on pallet  1400 , and/or may receive or access information describing the transportation to be executed, such as an expected destination, functions to be performed during the transportation, an expected timeline of events such as loading and unloading, and the like. 
     In block  1735 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  detects unfastening of the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510 . In one embodiment, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  detect movement indicative of unfastening of the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510 . In other embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  uses one or more of electrical signals, magnetic signals, and so on, to detect unfastening of the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510 . In certain embodiment, upon detecting unfastening of the first and second physical connectors  1505  and  1510 , smart wireless tracking belt  1420  activates status display  1508 , thereby warning of potential tampering and/or unauthorized removal. 
     In other embodiments, method  1700  may comprise different, fewer, or additional steps than those shown in  FIG. 17  and described above, and method  1700  may be performed by one or more entities of a wireless tracking system (e.g., network communications environment  700 ). Additionally, the blocks described in  FIG. 17  may be performed in a different order. 
     Advantageously, the flexible belt form factor of smart wireless tracking belt  1420  also allows it to attach to an asset to be tracked. Smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may be wrapped and secured around a suitably sized and positioned structural element of the asset or smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may be wrapped and secured around a carrying handle of a case (or similar container) protecting the asset. For example, where the asset has an interior section or cavity forming a protected space between one or more elements of the asset that form an exterior portion, smart wireless tracking belt  1420  may be positioned around one of the elements forming the exterior portion of the asset such that first region  1525  is positioned towards or within the interior section of the asset and the second region  1530  is oriented towards or positioned at the exterior section of the asset. 
       FIG. 18  a schematic diagram illustrating an outer surface  1822  (e.g., top side) of one example smart wireless tracking belt  1820 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 19  is a schematic diagram illustrating inner surface  1824  (e.g., bottom side) of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  of  FIG. 18  in further example detail.  FIGS. 18 and 19  are best viewed together with the following description. 
     Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may represent smart wireless tracking belt  1420  of  FIGS. 14 and 15  and uses a hook-and-loop type fastener. Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  has a flexible belt body  1835  formed with a head portion  1826  and a tail portion  1828 .  FIG. 18  shows an outside surface  1822  (e.g., top side) of flexible belt body  1835  formed by a fabric layer with hooks (e.g., the hook part of the hook-and-loop fastener). An inside surface  1824  (e.g., a bottom side) of flexible belt body  1835 , opposite outside surface  1822 , is formed by a fabric layer with loops (e.g., the loop part of the hook-and-loop fastener). In other embodiments, outside surface  1822  is formed by a fabric layer with loops (e.g., the loop part of the hook-and-loop fastener) and inside surface  1824  (e.g., a bottom side) is formed by a fabric layer with hooks (e.g., the hook part of the hook-and-loop fastener). A head portion  1826  of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  includes a wireless transducing circuit  1810  (e.g., similar to wireless transducing circuit  410  of  FIG. 4 ) between (e.g., within a pocket formed by) the fabrics of outer surface  1822  and inner surface  1824 . Tail portion  1828  of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is narrower than head portion  1826 , and head portion  1826  also includes a slot  1830 , formed with a grommet  1832 , sized to receive tail portion  1828  when smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is attached to an object (e.g., a pallet, an asset, or any other suitable object to be tracked). Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is flexible and is attached to the object by looping smart wireless tracking belt  1820  around the object, passing tail portion  1828  through slot  1830 , and pressing inside surface  1824  of tail portion  1828  to outside surface  1822  of head portion  1826 , thereby causing the hook-and-loop fastener to secure (e.g., smart wireless tracking belt  1820  fastens to itself). In certain embodiments, slot  1830  and grommet  1832  may be omitted. In other embodiments, grommet  1832  may be replaced with a buckle (e.g., similar to a belt buckle) that includes at least one prong that may be passed through one of at least one hole within tail portion  1828  to fasten smart wireless tracking belt  1820 . 
     A plurality of permanent magnets  1802  are spaced at intervals  1804  along tail portion  1828  and positioned within (e.g., between outer surface  1822  and inner surface  1824 ) tail portion  1828 . In certain embodiments, magnets  1802  are electromagnets (e.g., a magnetic coil) activated by wireless transducer circuit  1810 . In these embodiments, part of the wireless transducer circuit  1810 , such as conductive traces or wires, may extend to the tail portion  1828  and connect to the electromagnets. Wireless transducing circuit  1810  includes a magnetic sensor  1806  (e.g., a hall-effect sensor, hall-effect switch, magnetic switch, etc.) positioned at or near outer surface  1822  that detects proximity of at least one of magnets  1802  when smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is closed (e.g., fastened to itself as described above). Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit  1810  uses magnetic sensor  1806  to detect a fastening state (fastened to itself or unfastened) of smart wireless tracking belt  1820 . For example, wireless transducing circuit  1810  may read sensor data from magnetic sensor  1806  at intervals and process the sensor data to determine a fastening event when magnetic sensor  1806  detects a magnetic field from one or more of magnets  1802  and detect an unfastening event when magnetic sensor  1806  does not detects a magnetic field from any of magnets  1802 . In some embodiments, the wireless transducing circuit  1810  may detect a fastening or unfastening event when magnetic sensor  1806  detects a change in the magnetic field that corresponds to a respective fastening or unfastening event. 
     Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may include a status display  1808  (e.g., an LED) positioned at inner surface  1824  and controlled by wireless transducing circuit  1810 . Although shown at inner surface  1824 , status display  1808  may alternatively, or simultaneously, be positioned at outer surface  1822  without departing from the scope hereof. In certain embodiments, wireless transducing circuit  1810  controls status display  1808  to indicate a status of smart wireless tracking belt  1820 . In the example of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the status display  1808  includes an LED, but in other embodiments the status display  1808  may include an LED array, a LCD display panel, an LED display, an OLED display, a flexible display panel, one or more micro LEDs, or some other type of display. In some embodiments, the status display  1808  may display information other than a status of the wireless tracking belt  1820 . 
     Advantageously, smart wireless tracking belt  1820  includes a plurality of first cut lines  1810 , at intervals along outer surface  1822  of tail portion  1828 , and second cut lines  1910 , at intervals along inner surface  1824  of tail portion  1828  and aligned with first cut lines  1810 , marking locations where a user may cut tail portion  1828  to shorten a length of smart wireless tracking belt  1820 . For example, the user may customize the length of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  for an intended application. Cut lines  1810  and  1910  are positioned between magnets  1802  and thereby guide the user where to cut to avoid magnets  1802 . 
     The smart wireless tracking belt may also include a seal  1814  around each magnet to prevent the magnet from falling out of tail portion  1828  when it is cut. Seal  1814  may be formed using one or more of: stitching, an adhesive, a sealed pocket, thermal welding, or some other type of seal and/or material. Head portion  1826  may also include a weatherproof seal  1812  that is positioned to protect wireless transducing circuit  1810  from the elements, such as water, humidity, and/or other traumatic environmental conditions. 
       FIG. 20  is a flowchart illustrating one example method  2000  for automatically activating a smart wireless tracking belt when attached to an asset. Steps  2010  through  2020  of method  2000  are implemented by smart wireless tracking belt  1820  of  FIGS. 18 and 19  for example. In block  2005 , the smart wireless tracking belt is looped around a portion of an asset and fastened to itself In one example, the flexible belt form factor of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  allows it to be wrapped around suitable structure of an asset, the tail portion  1828  passed through slot  1830 , and pressed against head portion  1826 , as described above. In block  2010 , fastening of the smart wireless tracking belt is detected. In one example of block  2010 , wireless transducing circuit  1810  uses magnetic sensor  1806  to detect a magnetic field of at least one magnet  1802 , which is indicative that smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is fastened. 
     In block  2015 , smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is initialized. In one example of block  2015 , in response to detecting the fastening of the smart wireless tracking device  1820  in block  2010 , smart wireless tracking device  1820  automatically initiates its tracking operation. In block  2020 , the smart wireless tracking belt tracks movement. In one example of block  2020 , the wireless transducing circuit  1810  starts tracking movement of smart wireless tracking belt  1820 , and thereby movement of any asset that it is secured around. In block  2025 , unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt is detected. In one example, wireless transducing circuit  1810  determines, using magnetic sensor  1806 , that the magnetic field from magnets  1802  is not detected and thereby determines that the smart wireless tracking belt  1820  has been unfastened. In certain embodiments, when unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is unexpected and/or unauthorized, wireless transducing circuit  1810  activates status display  1808  to indicate the unauthorized removal of smart wireless tracking belt  1820 . In certain embodiments when unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is unauthorized, smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may transmit a message indicative of the unfastening to another device (e.g., a server and/or mobile gateway). 
     In other embodiments, method  2000  may comprise different, fewer, or additional steps than those shown in  FIG. 20  and described above, and method  2000  may be performed by one or more entities of a wireless tracking system (e.g., network communications environment  700 ). Additionally, the blocks described in  FIG. 20  may be performed in a different order. 
     Advantageously, the flexible belt form factor of smart wireless tracking belt  1820  also allows it to attach to an asset to be tracked. Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may be wrapped and secured around a suitably sized and positioned structural element of the asset or smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may be wrapped and secured around a carrying handle of a case (or similar container) protecting the asset. 
       FIG. 21A  is a perspective view illustrating smart wireless tracking belt  1820  of  FIG. 18  in a fastened state and  FIG. 21B  is a perspective view illustrating smart wireless tracking belt  1820  in an unfastened state. As shown in  FIG. 21A , smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is closed (e.g., fastened to itself) such that tail portion  1828  overlaps head portion  1826 , whereby wireless transducer circuit  1810 , using magnetic sensor  1806 , detects a magnetic field from at least one magnet  1802 , and thereby determines that smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is closed. 
     When smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is unfastened, as shown in  FIG. 21B , magnetic sensor  1806  does not detect the magnetic field from any of magnets  1802 , and wireless transducer circuit  1810  thereby determines that smart wireless tracking belt  1820  is unfastened. In response to detecting a change in the fastened and/or unfastened states, wireless transducer circuit  1810  may control status display  1808  to indicate the change in state, such as by controlling status display  1808  to illuminate or flash corresponding to the detected state change. For example, upon detecting a change from a fastened state to an unfastened state, wireless transducer circuit  1810  may cause status display  1808  to illuminate continuously or to flash. Further, even when refastened, wireless transducer circuit  1810  may maintain illumination of status display  1808  to indicate that smart wireless tracking belt  1820  was unfastened. 
     Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may record, within internal memory, each fastening and unfastening event detected with a corresponding tag that include a time and date of the event. Smart wireless tracking belt  1820  may also send a message of the event to a server (e.g., server(s)  704 ,  FIG. 7 ) of network communication environment  700 . 
       FIG. 22  is a schematic diagram illustrating a cut smart wireless tracking belt  2220  that represents smart wireless tracking belt  1820  of  FIG. 18  after tail portion  1828  has been cut, at cut location  2202 , to shorten a length of smart wireless tracking belt  2220 . Advantageously, smart wireless tracking belt  2220  is still able to detect its fastened and unfastened status after the cut. 
       FIG. 23  is a schematic diagram showing a cross-section A-A of cut smart wireless tracking belt  2220  of  FIG. 22 , illustrating further example detail, according to some embodiments. Smart wireless tracking belt  2220  includes a flexible substrate  2302  supporting wireless transducer circuit  1810  and magnets  1802  and seals  1814  that are covered by a cover layer  2304 . Outer surface  1822  is formed by a fabric layer with hooks  2306  and inner surface  1824  is formed by a fabric layer with loops  2310 . In certain embodiments, wireless transducer circuit  1810  may be further protected by a weather resistant seal  2314  that substantially surrounds wireless transducer circuit  1810 . 
       FIG. 24  is perspective view of cut smart wireless tracking belt  2220  of  FIG. 22  wrapped around an object  2402  and fastened to itself. Advantageously, smart wireless tracking belt  2220  is easily fitted to object  2402  and automatically detects when it is fastened to itself and thereby automatically begins tracking of object  2402 . 
     Lockout/Tagout 
     The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) indicates that ‘Lockout/tagout” refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard employees from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or maintenance activities. This requires, in part, that a designated individual turns off and disconnects the machinery or equipment from its energy source(s) before performing service or maintenance and that the authorized employee(s) either lock or tag the energy-isolating device(s) to prevent the release of hazardous energy and take steps to verify that the energy has been isolated effectively. If the potential exists for the release of hazardous stored energy or for the re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, the employer must ensure that the employee(s) take steps to prevent injury that may result from the release of the stored energy. Lockout devices hold energy-isolation devices in a safe or “off” position. They provide protection by preventing machines or equipment from becoming energized because they are positive restraints that no one can remove without a key or other unlocking mechanism, or through extraordinary means, such as bolt cutters. Tagout devices, by contrast, are prominent warning devices that an authorized employee fastens to energy-isolating devices to warn employees not to reenergize the machine while he or she services or maintains it. Tagout devices are easier to remove and, by themselves, provide employees with less protection than do lockout devices.&#39; 
       FIG. 25  is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of a smart wireless tracking belt  2520  to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol. Smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may represent smart wireless belt  1820  of  FIGS. 18-21B  and cut smart wireless belt  2220  of  FIGS. 22-24 . 
     A physical lockout control  2502  implements a lockout/tagout of an equipment  2504 . For example, equipment  2504  may represent a machine in a factory that is scheduled for maintenance, and physical lockout control  2502  is coupled with a power switch of equipment  2504  that may be physically blocked using a padlock  2506  to prevent inadvertent activation of equipment  2504 , as part of an OSHA safety protocol. Other types of physical lockout control  2502  and locking devices may be used without departing from the scope hereof. For example, authorized personnel  2508  (e.g., a service engineer performing the maintenance or an authorized supervisor thereof) applies padlock  2506  when equipment  2504  is deactivated to ensure that equipment  2504  cannot be reactivated by anyone other than authorized personnel  2508  (e.g., the service engineer using a key to unlock padlock  2506  when maintenance is complete and equipment  2504  may be reactivated). Although described for use with the OSHA safety protocol, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and the described operation may be used without following the OSHA safety protocol and/or without the use of padlock  2506 , whereby smart wireless tracking belt  2520  detects manipulation and/or attempted operation of equipment  2504  while such manipulation and/or operation is undesired (e.g., access is restricted). For example, physical lockout control  2502  may represent any physical control lever of equipment  2504 , whereby smart wireless tracking belt  2520  detects and reports movement of, or tampering with, physical control lever. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is looped through physical lockout control  2502 , as is padlock  2506 , and fastened on itself as described above. However, as illustrated by  FIGS. 28 and 29 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may operate without padlock  2506 . In one example of operation, authorized personnel  2508  uses mobile gateway  710  to assign and/or associate smart wireless tracking belt  2520  with one or both of physical lockout control  2502  and equipment  2504 , and then applies smart wireless tracking belt  2520  to physical lockout control  2502  when preparing and securing equipment  2504  for maintenance. 
     When fastening is detected, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  initiates and reads, at intervals, one or more sensors  2524 , including an accelerometer, within smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and processes the accelerometer data to detect a settling period (e.g., 10 seconds) of inactivity (e.g., no movement of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  that indicates that deployment of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is complete). After detecting the first settling period of inactivity, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  transitions to a monitoring/tampering detect mode, whereby any significant movement detected by sensors  2524  causes smart wireless tracking belt  2520  to transmit a wireless message indicative of detected movement (e.g., caused by tampering with physical lockout control  2502  and/or padlock  2506 ) to one or both of stationary gateway  714  (see  FIG. 7 ) and/or mobile gateway  710 . For example, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may transmit a notification to server  704  of tracking system  700 , either directly using a long range wireless communication system (e.g., cellular or satellite communications) onboard the smart wireless tracking belt or indirectly by transmitting the notification to a gateway node or another wireless node using an onboard short range or medium range wireless communication system (e.g., BLE or LoRa) and the gateway node or other wireless node relays the notification to server  704 . 
     Smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may also include a warning display  2522  that may indicate the purpose of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  being used with the lockout/tagout protocol and may also indicate who is authorized to unfasten and remove smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . For example, warning display  2522  may warns unauthorized users not to remove smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , and not to change the state of, or operate, equipment  2504 . In certain embodiments, warning display  2522  is a message and/or graphics printed on smart tracking device  2520 . In other embodiments, warning display  2522  is an electronic display (e.g., an LED, an LED panel, another light emitting element, an electronic paper display, an OLED display, an LCD display, or some other type of display). Warning display  2522  may operate similarly to status display  1808  of  FIGS. 18 and 19 . In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  also includes an audio device (e.g., a speaker) for outputting an audio alert  2526  such as an alarm sound and/or a spoken message when smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is moved and/or unfastened. 
     In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  transmits wireless message  2526  indicative of detected movement to server(s)  704  via stationary gateway  714 , and in response to message  2526  and verifying the assignment and activation of smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , server(s)  704  sends an alert  2528  to mobile gateway  710 , via stationary gateway  714 . Mobile gateway  710  notifies authorized personnel  2508  of potential tampering with physical lockout control  2502  in response to alert  2528 . In another example of operation, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  transmits wireless message  2530  indicative of detected movement directly to mobile gateway  710 , when in range, or via gateway  714  when mobile gateway  710  is not in range. Advantageously, authorized personnel  2508  is alerted (e.g., via a sound  2532 ) to a potentially dangerous situation of someone trying to activate equipment  2504  while maintenance is taking place. In certain embodiments, wireless message  2526  may cause gateway  714 , when in proximity of equipment  2504 , to emit an alarm (e.g., a sound  2534 ) to warn of unauthorized tampering with physical lockout control  2502 . 
     In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt  2536  transmits wireless message  2536  indicative of detected movement to equipment  2504  (e.g., when equipment  2504  is smart and includes a wireless receiver), whereby equipment  2504  may initiate further lockout and/or shutdown actions to prevent unwanted operation of equipment  2504 . 
     When padlock  2506  is to be removed (e.g., when maintenance is complete and equipment  2504  may be reactivated), authorized personnel  2508  uses mobile gateway to deactivate smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , removes smart wireless tracking belt  2520  after unfastening it, and then unlocks padlock  2506  if used. In certain embodiments, when smart wireless tracking belt  2520  detects proximity of a smart badge (e.g., a wireless enabled badge that transmits a unique ID) and/or a client device (e.g., mobile gateway  710  that transmits a unique ID) that indicates (e.g., based on the unique ID identifying a person authorized to remove smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and/or padlock  2506 ) authority to remove smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and/or padlock  2506 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may transition to a deactivated mode, whereby events of the detected movement and/or unfastening are send to server(s)  704  together with the unique ID indicating authorization, and therefore no alarm is generated. 
       FIG. 26  is a flowchart illustrating one example method  2600  for implementing a lockout/tagout protocol using smart wireless tracking belt  2520  of  FIG. 25 , in embodiments. Method  2600  is implemented, at least in part, by smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . 
     In block  2602 , method  2600  received assignment/association with physical lockout control and/or equipment. In one example of block  2602 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  receives a wireless communication associating it with at least one of physical lockout control  2502  and equipment  2504 . For example, server(s)  704  may include a database for storing relationships between an ID of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and an ID of physical lockout control  2502  and/or an ID of equipment  2504 . 
     In block  2604 , method  2600  detects fastening of smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . In one example of block  2604 , wireless transducing circuit  1810 , as implemented within smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , uses magnetic sensor  1806  to detect a fastening of smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . In block  2606 , method  2600  reads sensors at intervals to detect a settle period with no movement. In one example of block  2606 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  reads sensors  2524  and processes at least accelerometer data to detect a settling period of 10 seconds of inactivity that indicates deployment of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is complete. In block  2608 , method  2600  transitions to an active monitoring mode after the settling period is detected. In one example of block  2608 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  transitions to an armed mode in which detected movement indicates inadvertent tampering with smart wireless tracking belt  2520  or with padlock  2506 . In certain embodiments, in one or both of blocks  2604  and  2608 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  logs the detected event and/or sends a wireless message indicative of a unique ID of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and/or a current date and time, to server  704  and/or mobile gateway  710 , to indicate the transition into the armed mode. 
     Blocks  2610  through  2618  repeat at intervals to detect movement and unfastening of smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . In block  2610 , method  2600  reads sensor data from one or more sensors at intervals. In one example of block  2610 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  reads sensor data from sensors  2524  and magnetic sensor  1806  at intervals. 
     Blocks  2612 ,  1614  and  1620  may occur substantially in parallel. In block  2612 , method  2600  determines whether sensor data captured in step indicates movement of the smart wireless tracking belt. In one example of block  2612 , wireless transducing circuit  1810  processes at least accelerometer data of the sensor data read in block  2610  to determine whether smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is being moved. In block  2614 , method  2600  detects unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt. In one example of block  2624 , wireless transducing circuit  1810  processes at least sensor data read from magnetic sensor  1806  in block  2610  to determine whether smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is unfastened. 
     In block  2616 , method  2600  sends a message indicating detected movement and/or unfastening. In one example of block  2616 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  sends message  2526 , indicative of detected movement with the unique ID of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and a current date and time, to server  704  via gateway  714 . In another example of block  2616 , method  2600  sends message  2530 , indicating detected unfastening with the unique ID of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and a current date and time, to mobile gateway  710 . In block  2618 , method  2600  illuminates the status display. In one example of block  2618 , wireless transducing circuit  1810  illuminates status display  1808 . 
     Blocks  2620 ,  2622 , and  2624  are optional and may be omitted in embodiments where smart wireless tracking belt  2520  does not automatically identify authorized movement. If included, in block  2620 , method  2600  determines authorized deactivation. In one example of block  2620 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  detects proximity of a smart badge worn by a person moving and/or unfastening smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , and/or a client device carried by a person moving and/or unfastening smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , receives a unique ID from the smart badge or client device, validates (e.g., within an internal lookup table and/or by communication with server  704 ) that the unique ID indicates authorization to deactivate smart wireless tracking belt  2520  and/or open padlock  2506 . In embodiments where block  2620  is not included, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may not check for proximity of a smart badge worn by a person when smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is moved. Accordingly, any movement detected by smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is assumed unauthorized. 
     If included, in block  2622 , method  2600  extinguishes status display. In one example of block  2622 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  deactivates status display  1808  if active. In block  2624 , method  2600  transitions to an inactive mode. In one example of block  2624 , smart wireless tracking belt  2520  transitions to an inactive mode in which smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is not actively detecting motion and/or does not send messages indicative of detected motion. When deactivated, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may send to server  704  and/or mobile gateway  710 , a deactivation message indicating the unique ID of smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , the unique ID of the authorized personnel, and a current date and time. 
     In certain embodiments, block  2620  is invoked by any of block  2612  and  2614  when movement and/or unfastening is detected. Accordingly, when smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is removed by authorized personnel, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  prevents warning messages and/or alerts from being generated and sent. 
     Advantageously, where multiple smart wireless tracking belts  2520  are deployed, each has its own unique ID, and each smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may be configured to have different, or the same, authorized personnel. For example, each smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may store a set of IDs for authorized personnel, where the set of authorized personnel is different (sets may have overlap) or the same for each smart wireless tracking belt  2520  depending on the situation. In this embodiment, to remove smart wireless tracking belt  2520 , such as to allow operation of a piece of equipment, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may require two operators (e.g., an authorized employee and their supervisor) present such that both IDs are concurrently detected. In further example, to unlock a piece of equipment smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may require that two people of different authority levels (or security access authorization) be present. Such operation may be implemented by one smart wireless tracking belt  2520  that includes a set of two IDs of authorized personnel or may be implemented by deploying two smart wireless tracking belts  2520 , where each requires a different one of the two IDs. Where two smart wireless tracking belts  2520  are deployed of different equipment, each may have different requirements for authorization from the other. 
       FIG. 27  is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless tracking belt  2720  with an attached warning display  2722 . Smart wireless tracking belt  2720  is similar to smart wireless tracking belt  2520  of  FIG. 25 , but excludes built-in warning display  2522 , and includes attached warning display  2722 , for example, in the form of a tag that conforms to OSHA lockout/tagout regulations. Further, the use of attached warning display  2722  allows smart wireless tracking belt  2520  to be used for different purposes, whereby the appropriate attached warning display  2722  is selected for the intended use. For example, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may be generic, and a user writes the relevant information (e.g., name of authorized user, time, etc.) on attached warning display  2722  (e.g., a label tag) with pen, marker, or label maker (or digitally using a user device and associated database of tracking tags). After user, attached warning display  2722  may be removed from smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . Smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may then be used again with another attached warning display  2722 . 
       FIG. 28  is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario where smart wireless tracking belt  2520  of  FIG. 25  is looped through physical lockout control  2502 . In this scenario, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is used without padlock  2506  and operates to detect movement of physical lockout control  2502  and thereby detect any inadvertent attempt at operating equipment  2504  and/or removal of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  therefrom. That is, use of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  alone detects any inadvertent attempt at activating equipment  2504 . 
       FIG. 29  is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario where smart wireless tracking belt  2720  of  FIG. 27 , with attached warning display  2722 , is looped through physical lockout control  2502 . In this scenario, smart wireless tracking belt  2720  is used without padlock  2506  and operates to detect movement of physical lockout control  2502  and/or removal of smart wireless tracking belt  2720  therefrom. Smart wireless tracking belt  2720  includes attached warning display  2722 , for example, in the form of a tag that conforms to OSHA lockout/tagout regulations 
       FIG. 30  is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario where smart wireless tracking belt  2520  of  FIG. 25  is deployed around the closed shackle of padlock  2506  and fastened on itself as described above. In this embodiment, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  detects movement (e.g., tampering) with padlock  2506 . 
       FIG. 31  is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario where smart wireless tracking belt  2720  of  FIG. 27 , with attached warning display  2722 , is looped through physical lockout control  2502  with padlock  2506 . 
     The smart wireless tracking belt may include a warning display that warns unauthorized users not to remove the smart wireless tracking belt and not to change the state of or operate the equipment (removing the portion from isolation). The warning display may be a message and/or graphics printed on the smart tracking device, for example. In other examples, the warning display is an electronic display (such as an LED, an LED panel, another light emitting element, an electronic paper display, an OLED display, an LCD display, or some other type of display). The smart wireless tracking belt may also include a speaker for playing an audio alarm when the smart wireless tracking belt is unfastened. 
       FIG. 32  is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  of  FIG. 25  to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol for a valve  3200  that controls flow of a fluid through a pipe  3202 . Smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is looped through a handle  3204  of valve  3200  and around pipe  3202  when valve  3200  is closed, for example. To open valve  3200 , by turning handle  3204 , requires that smart wireless tracking belt  2520  be moved and removed. In this scenario, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  operates to detect movement of valve handle  3204  and thereby detect any inadvertent attempt at changing flow through pipe  3202  and/or removal of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  therefrom. That is, use of smart wireless tracking belt  2520  alone detects any inadvertent attempt at operating valve  3200 . 
     In this embodiment, smart wireless tracking belt  2520  serves as notice to operators that the position of the valve or switch  3200  should not be changed. In certain embodiments, the smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may be positioned with respect to the valve or switch  3200  in a manner that physically restricts a user from changing the position of the valve or switch  3200  without removing the smart wireless tracking belt  2520 . Therefore, the smart wireless tracking belt  2520  can track when the valve or switch  3200  is potentially moved. In embodiments, the valve or switch  3200  may be locked in place, such as using lock  2506  discussed above, and smart wireless tracking belt  2520  operates to detect if the lock  2506  is unlocked, removed, or broken as discussed above. Smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may operate to periodically transmit a “heartbeat signal” such as a ping or message that indicates the valve  3200  or lock  2506  has not been removed, locked, broken, or changed positions (or whether such removal, lock, break, or position change has occurred). 
     In embodiments, although only one smart wireless tracking belt  2520  is shown in  FIG. 32 , multiple tracking devices may be used. For example, on smart wireless tracking belt  2520  may be used to monitor lockout/tagout as discussed above, and another may be used to monitor valve position of valve  3200  as shown in  FIG. 32 . Alternatively, a single device may perform both functions (e.g., both lockout/tagout and valve position monitoring). 
     Additional Embodiments 
     In other embodiments, the tracking devices may be applied to other entities in the environment, e.g., forklifts or other machinery that may be moved. In these embodiments, the tracking devices may have the flexible belt form factor and may be looped around, for example, a handle or portion of a frame of the machinery. Alternately, the tracking devices may have other form factors, e.g., form factor similar to that of a luggage tag, or tapes, stickers, and the like. 
     In other embodiments, the tracking devices may be applied to specific assets in the environment, e.g., valuable assets requiring individualized tracking. 
     In other embodiments, entities in the environment (e.g., pallets) may be retrofitted on a rolling basis, e.g., as required for given assets or journeys, such that standard operations of the environment are not slowed or delayed by the retrofitting. In other embodiments, entities in the environment may be retrofitted in batches, en masse, or on other timescales. 
       FIG. 33  shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus  3320  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  3320  includes a processing unit  3322 , a system memory  3324 , and a system bus  3326  that couples the processing unit  3322  to the various components of the computer apparatus  3320 . The processing unit  3322  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  3324  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  3324  may include a read only memory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for the computer apparatus  3320 , and a random-access memory (RAM). The system bus  3326  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  3320  also includes a persistent storage memory  3328  (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  3326  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  3320  using one or more input devices  3330  (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  3332 , which is controlled by a display controller  3334 . The computer apparatus  3320  also may include other input/output hardware (e.g., peripheral output devices, such as speakers and a printer). The computer apparatus  3320  connects to other network nodes through a network adapter  3336  (also referred to as a “network interface card” or NIC). 
     A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory  3324 , including application programming interfaces  3338  (APIs), an operating system (OS)  3340  (e.g., the Windows® operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash. U.S.A.), software applications  3341  including one or more software applications programming the computer apparatus  3320  to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, or processes of the positioning and/or tracking systems described herein, drivers  3342  (e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols  3344 , and data  3346  (e.g., input data, output data, program data, a registry, and configuration settings). 
     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. 
     Changes may be made in the above methods and systems without departing from the scope hereof. It should thus be noted that the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings should be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The following claims are intended to cover all generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present method and system, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. 
     Combination of Features 
     (A1) A smart wireless tracking belt includes a wireless transducing circuit and a flexible belt body having a first region having a first portion of the wireless transducing circuit, a second region having a second portion of the wireless transducing circuit, a first physical connector, and a second physical connector. The first physical connector and the second physical connector are configured to removably couple together causing the flexible belt body to form a loop and when the flexible belt body forms the loop, the first region has a different orientation to the second region. 
     (A2) In embodiments of (A1), the flexible belt body forming a head portion and a tail portion including a plurality of magnets spaced along its length, the head portion including the wireless transducing circuit including a magnetic sensor, at least one processor, and memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to detect a fastening event when the magnetic sensor senses at least one of the magnets in response to the tail portion being fastened to the head portion. 
     (A3) Embodiments of either (A1) or (A2), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to detect an unfastening event when the magnetic sensor does not sense the at least one of the magnets in response to the tail portion being fastened to the head portion. 
     (A4) Embodiments of any of (A1)-(A3), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to store each of the fastening event and the unfastening event in the memory. 
     (A5) Embodiments of any of (A1)-(A4), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to transmit a wireless message to a server for each of the fastening event and the unfastening event. 
     (A6) Embodiments of any of (A1)-(A5), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to cause the status display to indicate the unfastening event. 
     (A7) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A6), the head portion forming a slot that receives the tail portion when the smart wireless tracking belt is fastened to form a loop. 
     (A8) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A7), the first physical connector is positioned at a first end of the flexible belt body and the second physical connector is positioned at a second end of the flexible belt body, opposite the first end. 
     (A9) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A8), the first physical connector and the second physical connector are selected from the group consisting of: adhesives, buckles, snaps, clasps, buttons, zippers, squeeze buckles, or g-hooks. 
     (A10) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A9), when the flexible belt body forms the loop, the first physical connector is on an outer layer of the loop and the second physical connector is on an inner layer of the loop. 
     (A11) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A10), the wherein the first physical connector and the second physical connector are respective parts of a hook-and-loop fastener. 
     (A12) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A11), at least one second electronic component, wherein the first electronic component is more resilient than the second electronic component, and wherein the smart wireless tracking belt protects the second region more than the first region. 
     (A13) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A12), second electronic component requiring a second orientation, wherein, when the first physical connector and the second physical connector are coupled together, the first electronic component is in the first orientation, and the second electronic component is in the second orientation. 
     (A14) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A13), when looped around part of a pallet, the second orientation is in a direction away from the pallet and the second portion comprises one or more sensors configured to capture sensor data of an environment of the pallet. 
     (A15) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A14), the one or more sensors include one or more of: a GPS sensor, a capacitive sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a sound sensor, an altimeter, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a temperature sensor, a flex sensor, and a strain sensor. 
     (A16) Embodiments of any of (A1)-(A15), further including one or more graphics displayed on an external surface of the flexible belt body to aid a user in orienting the flexible belt body on the pallet. 
     (A17) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A16), the first portion comprises one or more of: PCB, memory storage components, communications systems, energy storage components, antennae, and one or more sensors that do not require access to the exterior of the pallet. 
     (A18) In embodiments of any of (A1)-(A17), the part of the pallet is a center stringer. 
     (A19) Embodiments of any of (A1)-(A18), further including a two-dimensional barcode displayed on an exterior surface of the flexible belt body. 
     (A20) A method for lockout/tagout using a smart wireless tracking belt includes determining deployment of the smart wireless tracking belt, detecting unexpected movement of the smart wireless tracking belt, and generating an alert when the unexpected movement is detected. The method determines deployment of the smart wireless tracking belt by detecting fastening of the smart wireless tracking belt and reading sensors of the smart wireless tracking belt to determine no movement is detected during a settling period, The method detects unexpected movement of the smart wireless tracking belt by reading sensor data from at least one movement sensor of the smart wireless tracking belt and processing the sensor data to detect movement of the smart wireless tracking belt. 
     (A21) In embodiments of (A20), generating an alert further includes sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the smart wireless tracking belt to a server, wherein the server sends a message to a mobile gateway near the equipment. 
     (A22) In embodiments of either of (A20) and (A21), generating an alert further includes sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the smart wireless tracking belt directly to a mobile gateway near the equipment. 
     (A23) In embodiments of either of (A20)-(A22), generating an alert includes sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the smart wireless tracking belt directly to a wireless receiver of the equipment. 
     (A24) In embodiments of any of (A20)-(A23), detecting fastening of the smart wireless tracking belt includes reading sensor data from a magnetic sensor positioned in a head portion of the smart wireless tracking belt, and processing the sensor data to determine presence of a magnetic field of at least one magnet positioned in a tail portion of the smart wireless tracking belt. 
     (A25) Embodiments of any of (A20)-(A24), further including determining unexpected unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt by reading sensor data from the magnetic sensor at intervals and processing the sensor data to determine when the magnetic sensor does not sense the at least one magnet. 
     (A26) Embodiments of any of (A20)-(A25), further including logging at least one of the detected fastening, the detected unfastening, and the detected unexpected movement, and sending the log to an external device. 
     (A27) Embodiments of any of (A20)-(A26), further including receiving a unique ID from an external device proximate the smart wireless tracking belt, determining that the unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel, and determining movement is expected when the unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel. 
     (A28) A smart wireless tracking belt includes a flexible belt body having a head portion including a wireless transducing circuit, a tail portion having a plurality of magnets spaced along its length, a first physical connector, and a second physical connector that removably couples with the first physical connector to cause the flexible belt body to form a loop. The wireless transducing circuit including a magnetic sensor, at least one processor, a wireless communication system, and memory storing machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to: detect an unfastening event when the magnetic sensor does not sense the at least one of the magnets as the tail portion is unfastened from the head portion, and transmit a wireless message indicative of the unfastening event to a remote server. 
     (A29) In embodiments of (A28), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to detect a fastening event when the magnetic sensor senses at least one of the magnets as the tail portion is fastened to the head portion, and transmit a wireless message indicative of the fastening event to the remote server. 
     (A30) In embodiments of either (A28) or (A29), the memory further including machine-readable instruction that, when executed by the at least one processor, control the wireless transducing circuit to read sensor data from the movement sensor at intervals, process the sensor data to detect movement of the smart wireless tracking belt, and transmit a wireless message indicative of the detected movement to the remote server. 
     (A31) In embodiments of any of (A28)-(A30), further including a warning display warning unauthorized users not to remove the smart wireless tracking belt. 
     (A32) In embodiments of any of (A28)-(A31), the warning display including a message and/or graphics printed on the flexible belt body. 
     (A33) In embodiments of any of (A28)-(A32), the warning display including a message and/or graphics printed on a tag that is attached to the flexible belt body. 
     (A34) In embodiments of any of (A28)-(A33), the smart wireless tracking belt being operable for warning of lockout/tagout violations.