Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CONTROL MONITORING USING WIRELESS [RACKING DEVICES
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No.
63/215,379,
titled "Valve Position Monitoring Using Wireless Tracking Devices,- filed June
25th, 2021,
and to U.S. Patent Application Number 63/291,467, titled "Smart Wireless
Tracking Belt,"
filed December 20th, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] In some cases, tracking devices may be used to collect data on assets
that do
not 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
[0004] In one embodiments, a system for detecting a setting of a control for
equipment, includes: a tracking device, having: a sensor that senses a
position of the control,
a memory storing the position and a setting module having non-transitory
computer-readable
instructions, and, a processor coupled to the sensor and the memory and
configured to
execute the setting module to analyze the position to determine the setting of
the control; and,
a battery that supplies power to the sensor, the memory, and the processor.
[0005] In another embodiment, a method for lockout/tagout using a wireless
tracking
device, includes: detecting unexpected movement of the wireless tracking
device by: reading
sensor data from at least one movement sensor of the wireless tracking device;
and
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processing the sensor data to detect movement of the wireless tracking device;
and generating
an alert when the unexpected movement is detected.
100061 In another embodiment, a method for lockout/tagout using a wireless
tracking
device, includes: detecting unexpected movement of a control of equipment by:
reading
sensor data from at least one sensor of the wireless tracking device; and
processing the sensor
data to determine the control has moved; and generating an alert when the
control is moved
unexpectedly.
100071 In another embodiments, a wireless tracking device for monitoring
position of
a control, includes: a sensor that senses a position of the control; a memory
storing the
position and non-transitory computer-readable instructions; a processor
coupled to the sensor
and the memory and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to
determine
change in a position of the control; and a battery that supplies power to the
sensor, the
memory, and the processor. The wireless tracking device is flexible and has an
adhesive
surface that, in use, adheres the wireless tracking device to the control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] 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.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic showing the non-adhesive surface of one segment
of the
adhesive tape agent platform of FIG. 1, in embodiments.
100101 FIG. 3 is a schematic showing one example adhesive tape platform that
includes a set of adhesive tape platform segments, in embodiments.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of an example
wireless
transducing circuit that includes one or more wireless communication modules,
in
embodiments.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
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[0015] FIG. 8 shows one example hierarchical wireless communications network
of
tape nodes, in embodiments.
100161 FIG. 9 shows one example method of creating a hierarchical
communications
network, in embodiments.
[0017] FIGs. 10A and 10B show example communication between tape nodes
attached to packages, in embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 10C shows example communication between a tape node attached to a
pallet and tape nodes attached to packages on the pallet, in embodiments.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 12 shows a master node associated with alogistic item that is
grouped
together with other logistic items associated with peripheral nodes, in
embodiments.
[0021] FIGs. 13A and 13B each show one example wake circuit that delivers
power
to a tracking circuit in response to an event, in embodiments.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIGs. 14A and 14B shows a wireless tracking device attached to a valve
handle of a control valve that controls flow of fluid through a pipe, in
embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 14C shows wireless transducing circuit of the wireless tracking
device of
FIGs. 14A and 14B, in embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating one example rigid wireless tracking
device
attached to a valve handle of a control valve that controls flow of fluid
through a pipe, in
embodiments.
100261 FIG. 16 is a perspective diagram illustrating two example wireless
tracking
devices(1)(2) monitoring positions of two control levers(1)(2) of a control
unit, in
embodiments.
[0027] FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of one example control lever
illustrating use
of a tape node positioned on a shaft of control lever to determine a position
or setting of
control lever, in embodiments.
[0028] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example scenario that
uses an
alternative form factor wireless tracking device that uses mechanical sensing
of movement
and/or position of a control lever that moves in a horizontal plane, in
embodiments.
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[0029] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating example intervention
information,
in embodiments.
100301 FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless
tracking belt that uses hook and loop fastening and magnetic closure sensing,
where a magnet
is positionable on the belt for different sized use.
[0031] FIG. 20B is a schematic diagram illustrating the wireless transducing
circuit of
the smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 20A in further example detail.
100321 FIGs. 21A and 21B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example
single-
use smart security device in an open position prior to use, and in a closed
position during use,
respectively, in embodiments.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example wireless cable-
locking device, in embodiments.
[0034] FIGs. 23A and 23B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example smart
padlock that is key-operated and shown in open and closed states,
respectively, in
embodiments.
[0035] FIGs. 24A and 24B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example smart
padlock that is button-operated that is shown in open and closed states,
respectively, in
embodiments.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart two-part
cable
lock for coupling two objects together, in embodiments.
100371 FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart cable, in
embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example stamp device
attached
to a bolt, in embodiments.
100391 FIGs. 28A and 28B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example
magnetic
valve monitoring device, in embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating one example method for sensing
movement
of a control for equipment, in embodiments.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of a smart
wireless
tracking belt to monitor and/or implement alockout/tagout protocol, in
embodiments.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one example method for implementing
a
lockout/tagout protocol using smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 30, in
embodiments.
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[0043] FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless
tracking belt with an attached warning display, in embodiments.
100441 FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario
where the
smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 30 is looped through physical lockout
control, in
embodiments.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario
where the
smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 32, with attached warning display, is
looped through
physical lockout control, in embodiments.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario
where the
smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 30 is deployed around the closed shackle
of padlock and
fastened on itself, in embodiments.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario
where the
smart wireless tracking belt of FIG. 32, with attached warning display, is
looped through
physical lockout control with padlock, in embodiments.
100481 FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of the smart
wireless
tracking belt of FIG. 30 to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol
for a valve
that controls flow of a fluid through a pipe, in embodiments.
[0049] FIG. 38A shows the single-use smart security device of FIGs. 21A and
21B
being used to lockout/tagout of a door where two authorized personnel are
required to be
present when single-use smart security device is deactivated and removed from
door, in
embodiments.
[0050] FIG. 38B shows a wireless transducing circuit of the single-use smart
security
device of FIGs. 21A and 21B in further example detail, in embodiments.
[0051] FIG. 39 shows one example 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
[0052] 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.
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Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are intended to provide a
comprehensible
description of the invention without being limiting.
100531 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.
100541 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".
[0055] 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.
[0056] 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.
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[0057] 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.
[0058] 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".
[0059] 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.
100601 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.
[0061] 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.
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[0062] 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.
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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.
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[0065] 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
[0066] 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.
[0067] 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
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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.
[0068] 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.
[0069] 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).
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[0070] 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.
[0071] 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 if
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.
[0072] 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
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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.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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.
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[0075] 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).
[0076] 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.
[0077] 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
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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.
[0078] 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 No. 15/842,861, filed December
14, 2017, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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 laver 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
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(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.
[0081] 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.
100821 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.
[0083] 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
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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).
[0084] 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. 62/680716, filed June 5,2018, and US Provisional Patent
Application No.
62/670712, filed May 11,2018.
[0085] 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).
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[0086] 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).
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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
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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.
[0089] 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".
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[0090] 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.
[0091] 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). Network communications environment 700 may
also be
called a wireless tracking system 700. 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.
[0092] 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 interne ,
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.
[0093] 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
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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.
100941 A network of tape nodes may be configured by the network service to
create
hierarchical communications network. The hierarchy may be defined in terms of
one or more
factors, including functionality (e.g., wireless transmission range or power),
role (e.g.,
master-tape node vs. peripheral-tape node), or cost (e.g., a tape node
equipped with a cellular
transceiver vs. a peripheral tape node equipped with a Bluetooth LE
transceiver). As
described above with reference to the agents, tape nodes may be assigned to
different levels
of a hierarchical network according to one or more of the above-mentioned
factors. For
example, the hierarchy may be defined in terms of communication range or
power, where
tape nodes with higher-power or longer-communication range transceivers are
arranged at a
higher level of the hierarchy than tape nodes with lower-power or lower-range
power or
lower range transceivers. In another example, the hierarchy is defined in
terms of role, where,
e.g., a master tape node is programmed to bridge communications between a
designated
group of peripheral tape nodes and a gateway node or server node. The problem
of finding an
optimal hierarchical structure may be formulated as an optimization problem
with battery
capacity of nodes, power consumption in various modes of operation, desired
latency,
external environment, etc. and may be solved using modern optimization methods
e.g. neural
networks, artificial intelligence, and other machine learning computing
systems that take
expected and historical data to create an optimal solution and may create
algorithms for
modifying the system's behavior adaptively in the field.
[0095] 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
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each tape node class has a different respective set of functionalities and/or
capacities, as
described herein with respect to the "agents."
100961 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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
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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. 613 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.
[0099] 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.
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[0100] 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. 613 and 6C)
that is adhered
to, for example, a wall, column or other infrastructure component of the
physical premise'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.
[0101] 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.
[0102] 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
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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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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
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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.
[0105] 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.
[0106] 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
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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.
[0107] 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 speci fled 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.
[0108] 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
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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.
[0109] 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.
[0110] 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
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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.
[0111] 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).
[0112] 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.
[0113] 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
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objectives. In some embodiments, optimization is achieved using a simulation
environment
for optimizing key performance indicators (PKIs).
101141 In some embodiments, the nodes are programmed to operate individually
or
collectively as autonomous intelligent agents. In some embodiments, nodes are
configured to
communicate and coordinate actions and respond to events. In some embodiments,
a node is
characterized by its identity, its mission, and the services that it can
provide to other nodes. A
node's identity is defined by its capabilities (e.g., battery life, sensing
capabilities, and
communications interfaces). A node may be defined by the respective program
code,
instructions, or directives it receives from another node (e.g., a server or a
master node) and
the actions or tasks that it performs in accordance with that program code,
instructions, or
directives (e.g., sense temperature every hour and send temperature data to a
master node to
upload to a server). A node's services may be defined by the functions or
tasks that it is
permitted to perform for other nodes (e.g., retrieve temperature data from a
peripheral node
and send the received temperature data to the server). At least for certain
tasks, once
programmed and configured with their identities, missions, and services, nodes
can
communicate with one another and request services from and provide services to
one another
independently of the server.
[0115] 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.
[0116] 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.
[0117] 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
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connected edges between nodes is represented by a sequence of the node
identifiers that
defines a communication path between a set of nodes.
101181 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).
[0119] 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'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's
identity information (e.g., master node), Node A's capabilities include
reporting its current
battery life, and Node A's services include transmitting its current battery
life to other nodes.
In response to a request from Node B, Node A transmits an indication of its
current battery
life to Node B.
[0120] 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
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low power communications interface 1042 (e.g., a Bluetooth Low-Energy
communications
interface).
101211 In an example scenario, in accordance with the programmatic code stored
in
its memory, Node D requires a connection to Node C to perform a task that
involves
checking the temperature in the vicinity of Node C. Initially, Node D is
unconnected to any
other nodes. In accordance with the programmatic code stored in its memory,
Node D
periodically broadcasts advertising packets in the surrounding area. When Node
C is within
range of Node D and is operating in a listening mode, Node C will extract the
address of
Node D and potentially other information (e.g., security information) from the
advertising
packet. If, according to its programmatic code, Node C determines that it is
authorized to
connect to Node D, Node C will attempt to pair with Node D. In this process,
Node C and
Node D determine each other's identities, capabilities, and services. For
example, after
successfully establishing a communication path 1044 with Node C (e.g., a
Bluetooth Low
Energy formatted communication path), Node D determines Node C's identity
information
(e.g., a peripheral node), Node C's capabilities include retrieving
temperature data, and Node
C's services include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. In response
to a request
from Node D, Node C transmits its measured and/or locally processed
temperature data to
Node D.
[0122] 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.
[0123] 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).
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[0124] 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.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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
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sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light sensors, and
orientation
sensors.
101271 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.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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
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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.
[0130] 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.
101311 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'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's
identities,
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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's capabilities include retrieving temperature data, and the medium range
node's services
include transmitting temperature data to other nodes. Depending of the size of
the warehouse
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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] 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,
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vibration sensors, shock sensors, pressure sensors, altitude sensors, light
sensors, and
orientation sensors.
101341 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'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.
[0135] 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.
101361 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 Ito a server
over a cellular
interface connection with a cellular network 1272. Other methods of
determining the distance
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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.
101371 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.
101381 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. hi 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 R1 and R2. 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 R1 is
greater than the
resistance value of R2. In some examples, the resistance values of resistors
R1 and R2 are
selected based on the overall design of the adhesive product system (e.g., the
target wake
voltage level and a target leakage current).
101391 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
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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.
[0140] 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 R1 and R2. 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.
[0141] 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
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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).
101421 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.
[0143] 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
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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
tums 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.
[0144] 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
Equipment Setting Monitoring
[0145] A wireless tracking device (e.g., adhesive tape node or rigid tracking
device)
may be attached to a control (e.g., a valve, a lever, a handle, etc.) of
equipment.
Advantageously, the wireless tracking device collects data from at least one
sensor
incorporated therein and determines a position and/or setting of the control.
The at least one
sensor may include one or more of: a magnetometer, an accelerometer, a
gyroscope, a
geolocation sensor (e.g., GPS), an optical sensor, an image sensor, a time-of-
flight sensor
(e.g., a transceiver to detect time of flight data, signal strength, as used
for trilateration,
triangulation, etc.), an acoustic sensor, an infrared sensor, and so on. The
wireless tracking
device may determine its positioned when static and/or when moving. For
example, a single
wireless tracking device may include at least one sensor that collects data
for determining a
position and/or change in position, of the control.
[0146] FIGs. 14A and 14B shows a wireless tracking device 1402 attached to a
valve
handle 1404 of a control valve 1406 that controls flow of fluid through a pipe
1408. Wireless
tracking device 1402 may represent any of segment 113 of FIG. 1, and segments
640, 670
and 680 of FIGs. 6A-6C. FIG. 14C shows wireless transducing circuit 410 of
wireless
tracking device 1402 where control code 430 includes a setting module 1420,
implemented as
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machine-readable instructions that are executable by processor 420 to cause
wireless tracking
device 1402 to implement the following functions.
101471 In FIG. 14A, valve 1406 is closed and in FIG. 14B valve 1406 is open.
FIGs.
14A and 14B are best viewed together with the following description. In
certain
embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402 has an adhesive layer that adheres
to valve
handle 1404. In other embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402 has an
adhesive layer that
adheres to itself to attach to valve handle 1404 such that it does not move
relative to valve
handle 1404. Other methods of attaching wireless tracking device 1402 to valve
handle 1404
such that is does not move relative to valve handle 1404 may be used without
departing from
the scope hereof
[0148] When possible, setting module 1420 may implement a calibration/learning
period after deployment of wireless tracking device 1402 to learn a range of
movement of
valve handle 1404. For the calibration/learning period, an operator moves
valve handle 1404
between a minimum position (e.g., valve 1406 is closed) and a maximum position
(e.g., valve
1406 is fully open). Wireless tracking device 1402 detects and stores in
memory 426 a
minimum position 1422 and a maximum position 1426. Minimum position 1422 and
maximum position 1426 may define an angle of wireless tracking device 1402 and
or a
distance of wireless tracking device 1402 from a reference point (e.g.,
stationary gateway
714). Wireless tracking device 1402 may receive (e.g., from mobile gateway 710
or from
server 704) a corresponding minimum setting value 1424 and a maximum setting
value 1428.
For example, minimum setting value 1424 may be zero, and maximum setting value
may be
ten. In another example, minimum setting value 1424 is zero and maximum
setting value
1428 is 24, corresponding to a maximum of 24 gallons per minute flow rate
through valve
1406.
101491 At intervals, as valve 1406 is opened by manually turning handle 1404
or
through autonomous control, setting module 1420 uses sensor 1434 to sense
movement of
valve handle 1404 from a first position and orientation 1410 to a second
position and
orientation 1412. In certain embodiments, sensor 1434 is a highly integrated 9-
axis absolute
orientation MEMS sensor by Bosch that is a combination of a 3-axis
acceleration sensor, a
3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis geomagnetic sensor. At second position and
orientation 1412,
at least, setting module 1420 determines a current position 1430 (e.g., an
angle of wireless
tracking device 1402 and/or distance of wireless tracking device 1402 from a
reference
point). Setting module 1420 may then use a setting algorithm 1421 to calculate
a current
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setting 1432 based on one or more of: current position 1430 and minimum
position 1422,
minimum setting 1424, maximum position 1426, and maximum setting 1428. Setting
algorithm 1421 is a formulate based on linearity of flow through valve 1604
for different
positions of valve handle 1404, for example. Where valve handle 1404 makes one
or more
complete rotations when opening and closing valve 1406, setting module 1420
detects and
tracks these rotations to determine a status of valve 1402. Accordingly,
setting module 1420
detects a current position 1430 based on changes in position (using
accelerometer and/or
time-of-flight) and orientation (e.g., using a gyroscope, magnetometer, and/or
multiple
accelerometers) to determine that (a) valve handle 1404 has been moved and (b)
a new
position for valve handle 1404 based upon the change in position and
orientation and may
determine a current setting 1432 corresponding to current position 1430.
[0150] Where wireless tracking device 1402 detects its orientation and/or
position
with reference to the Earth, when valve 1406 moves relative to the Earth
(e.g., where valve
1406 is mounted in a vehicle, such as a ship, trail, truck, etc.), the
orientation of wireless
tracking device 1402 may not indicate the orientation of valve handle 1404
relative to valve
1406. Accordingly, setting module 1420 may retrieve a reference orientation
from stationary
gateway 714, where stationary gateway 714 is mounted to the same structure as
valve 1406
and does not move relative to valve 1406. Setting module 1420 thereby
determine an
orientation of valve handle 1404 relative to valve 1406. For example, setting
module 1420
may instruct stationary gateway 714 to determine its orientation relative to
the Earth at the
same time that wireless tracking device 1402 determines its orientation
relative to the Earth.
Setting module 1420 may then use changes in the orientation of the stationary
gateway 714
relative to an initially determines orientation reference of stationary
gateway 714, to adjust
the determined orientation of valve handle 1404. Accordingly, setting module
1420 may
determine a position of valve handle 1404 relative to valve 1406 irrespective
of changes in
the orientation of valve 1406.
[0151] Advantageously, setting module 1420 may detect changes in the position
of
valve handle 1404 and may determine a status of valve 1406 based upon these
changes and/or
its current position. In certain embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402
includes one or
more of: a magnetometer, an accelerometer, and a gyroscope for detecting
changes in
orientation, and movement of valve handle 1404. Multiple wireless tracking
devices may be
attached to valve handle 1404 to increase accuracy and//or reliability of
position and/or
orientation detection.
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[0152] Wireless tracking device 1402 may send (e.g., wirelessly) a
notification to
another node of wireless tracking system 700, FIG. 7. For example, setting
module 1420
may send a notification indicative of a detected change in the status of valve
1406 to mobile
gateway 710 and or server 704. In another example, where valve handle 1404 is
not expected
to move, wireless tracking device 1402 may only need detect movement
indicative of valve
handle being turned, but not need to detect a position of valve handle 1404.
For example,
where valve 1406 is expected to remain fully open during operation of certain
equipment,
wireless tracking device 1402 uses an accelerometer to detect movement of
valve handle
1404. When wireless tracking device 1402 detects movement of valve handle 1404
(e.g., a
person closes valve 1406 in error), wireless tracking device 1402 sends an
alert/notification
1413(1) to a local mobile gateway 710 (e.g., of a local supervisor) and/or
sends an
alert/notification 1413(2) to server 704. In certain embodiments, server 704
determines an
appropriate intervention and generates one or more messages to instruct a user
on how to
correct the problem. Accordingly, incorrect/undesirable operation of valve
1406 is detected
and corrective action may be initiated.
[0153] In another example, wireless tracking device 1402 may use an optical
sensor
(e.g., a camera, alight-dependent-resistor, etc.) to detect changes in light.
For example,
where a control is positioned beneath a protective opaque cover that is opened
to access the
control, by placing wireless tracking device 1402 within the cover (e.g., near
the control),
wireless tracking device 1402 may detect changes in light levels that indicate
that the cover is
opening. Accordingly, wireless tracking device 1402 may send an
alert/notification (e.g.,
alert/notification 1413) that the control is being accessed. In another
example, the optical
sensor may detect changes in one or more indicator lights of a control panel,
whereby change
in the indicator lights is indicative of a change in a control of the
equipment.
[0154] In certain embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402 may change
behavior
or its operational assignment in response to detecting a change in a position
of valve handle
1404. For example, in response to detecting a change in position of valve
handle 1404,
wireless tracking device 1402 may change to an operational assignment that
detects and
reports ambient air temperature to server 704 for example. In another example,
in response
to detecting a change in position of valve handle 1404, wireless tracking
device 1402 may
change from a first operational assignment (e.g., monitoring for movement of
valve handle
1404) to a second operational assignment (e.g., monitoring ambient air
temperature). In one
example of operation, wireless tracking device 1402 detects a change in
position of valve
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handle 1404 and reports the change to mobile gateway 710, which is local to
(e.g., at the
same site, same building, same room) wireless tracking device 1402. For
example, mobile
device 710 may be carried by a supervisor for valve 1406 and/or equipment
connected
thereto. Accordingly, the local supervisor at the plant is appraised of
changes (authorized or
unauthorized) to valve 1406. Wireless tracking device 1402 may also report
changes in
position of valve 1406 to server 704 (e.g., when mobile gateway 710 fails to
acknowledge the
notification sent by wireless tracking device 1402), where application 706 may
generate one
or more notifications to mobile gateway 710. In certain embodiments, wireless
tracking
device 1402 communicates with stationary gateway 714, which relays messages to
one or
both of mobile gateway 710 and/or server 704. In certain embodiments, wireless
tracking
device 1402 uses stationary gateway 714 to detect a time of flight of
communications and/or
a signal strength for use in ti-ilateration to deterniine a position of
wireless tracking device
1402 (e.g., relative to stationary gateway 714). Stationary gateway 714 may
also collect
and/or relay information from wireless tracking device 1402 to server 704
and/or other
devices or components
[0155] Particularly, where valve 1406 is critical to a local process or
system, when
unexpected and unwanted movement of valve handle 1404 is detected, wireless
tracking
device 1402 immediately attempts to location and communicate with a local
device, such as
mobile gateway 710, such that intervention may occur quickly. Where wireless
tracking
device 1402 does not receive acknowledgements for any short-range
communications (e.g.,
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.), wireless tracking device 1402 may use other longer
range wireless
protocols (e.g., LORA, cellular, etc.) to send alert/notification 1413 to
ensure movement of
and/or changes in the position of valve 1406 are received by wireless tracking
system 700.
For example, where wireless tracking device 1402 is monitoring a control that
is critical to
system unction and/or is critical to safety of personnel, when
alert/notification 1413 is not
acknowledged, wireless tracking device 1402 uses a communication protocol with
greater
range.
[0156] In certain embodiments, server 704 represents a plant controller
whereby
wireless tracking device 1402 provides feedback to server 704 indicative of
control of the
plant, allowing server 704 to make decisions based upon a detected position
and/or changes
to valve 1406. Where valve 1406 is required to be in a certain position during
operation of
the plant, server 704 may initiate corrective actions when wireless tracking
device 1402
detect unexpected changes to the position of valve handle 1404. For example,
server 704
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may send an alert 1414 (e.g., a high priority notification) to mobile gateway
710 instructing
the supervisor to return valve 1406 to the required position. Alerts 1413 and
1414 are
described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 17.
101571 FIG. 15 is a schematic illustrating one example rigid wireless tracking
device
1502 attached to a valve handle 1504 of a control valve 1506 that controls
flow of fluid
through a pipe 1508. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 14A, 14B, and 14C where
wireless
tracking device 1402 has a flexible form factor that may conform to and
adhesively adhere to
the shape of valve handle 1404, wireless tracking device 1502 is substantially
rigid.
Accordingly, wireless tracking device 1502 may use other means for immovably
attaching to
valve handle 1504. For example, wireless tracking device 1502 may adhere to a
place that
include a clamp for attaching to valve handle 1504. Once attached to valve
handle 1504,
wireless tracking device 1502 operates similarly to wireless tracking device
1402 of FIGs.
14A, 14B, and 14C.
101581 FIG. 16 is a perspective diagram illustrating two example wireless
tracking
devices 1402(1) and 1402(2) monitoring positions of two control levers 1604(1)
and 1604(2)
of a control unit 1606. Control unit 1606 controls operation of plant
equipment and/or
machinery for example. In this example, control levers 1604 move linearly and
independently of one another. Wireless tracking device 1402(1) is attached to
control lever
1604(1) to determine a position and/or detect movement of control lever
1604(1) and wireless
tracking device 1402(2) is attached to control lever 1604(2) to determine a
position and/or
detect movement of control lever 1604(2). As described above, wireless
tracking devices
1402(1) and 1402(2) may use one or more sensors (e.g., an accelerometer) to
detect
movement of control levers 1604(1) and 1604(2), respectively. Further,
wireless tracking
devices 1402(1) and 1402(2) may determine positions of control levers 1604(1)
and 1604(2),
for example using time-of-flight calculations for communications between
wireless tracking
devices 1402(1) and 1402(2) and stationary gateway 714. Stationary gateway 714
may be
positioned near and in line with wireless tracking devices 1402 to improve
accuracy of
detected positions, for example. When changes to control levers 1604 are
detected, the
respective wireless tracking device 1402 sends alert/notification 1413
indicative of the
change and/or current position to one or both of mobile gateway 710 and/or
server 704.
101591 In certain embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402 generates an
alert/notification that includes an intervention, such as manually checking a
position of the
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control that has been changed. Optionally, the alert/notification may instruct
a person to reset
the control to a previous position or setting.
101601 FIG. 17 is a schematic side view of one example control lever 1700
illustrating
use of a tape node 1702 positioned on a shaft of control lever 1700 to
determine a position or
setting of control lever 1700. In the example of FIG. 17, control lever 1700
rotates between a
lower position 1706 and an upper position 1710, and may be positioned at any
angle
therebetween, or specific angles. For example, a center position 1708 may
represent a neutral
(stationary) position where a corresponding machine is not operation, lower
position 1706
may represent a reverse position, where the machine operates in reverse, and
upper position
1710 represents a forward position whereby the machine operates in a forward
direction.
[0161] In this example, control lever 1700 rotates on a vertical plane and
tape node
1702 uses an angle sensor (e.g., at least two accelerometers and/or a
gyroscope) to measure
an orientation relative to the Earth (e.g., using gravity) and thereby
determine a change in
angle of control lever 1704. Based on the change in angle, and a known
reference angle, tape
node 1702 may determine a setting (e.g., forward, neutral, reverse) of control
lever 1700.
[0162] In certain embodiments, tape node 1702 may communicate with one or more
of server 704, mobile gateway 710, and stationary gateway 714 of wireless
tracking system
700, FIG. 7. Similar to control valve 1406 of FIGs. 14A and 14B, where setting
of control
lever 1704 is critical, tape node 1702 may send one or both of an alert
1712(1) to mobile
gateway 710 and an alert 1712(2) to server 704 to indicate changes to control
lever 1704.
101631 FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example scenario 1800
that
uses an alternative form factor wireless tracking device 1802 that uses
mechanical sensing of
movement and/or position of a control lever 1810 that moves in a horizontal
plane. In
scenario 1800, angular and/or positional changes of a control lever (or any
other type of
control) cannot be measured accurately using orientation changes based on
gravity and/or
distance movements based on time-of-flight measurements are too small to
measure
accurately.
[0164] Wireless tracking device 1802 is fixedly attached to a housing 1808 of
a lever
1810 and includes a spool 1804 with a retracting spring 1805 and a cord 1806
that attaches, at
a distal end 1807, to lever 1810. Spring 1805 causes spool 1804 to rotate,
retracting cord
1806, such that cord 1806 is kept taught. Wireless tracking device 1802
includes wireless
transducing circuit 1812 and may operate similarly to segments 113 of FIGs. 1
and 2,
segments 640, 670, and 680 of FIGs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, tapes nodes 718, 724, 728,
732, 742,
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744, 746, 748 of FIG. 7, tape nodes 872, 876, and 882 of FIG. 8, and other
segments, tape
nodes, and wireless tracking devices described above. Wireless transducing
circuit 1812
further includes a sensor 1808 that detects rotation of spool 1804, thereby
allowing wireless
transducing circuit 1812 to detect movement of lever 1810. sensor 1808 is any
one or more
of: an optical sensor (e.g., where spool 1804 includes markings sensed by
sensor 1808), a
magnetic sensor (e.g., where spool 1804 include magnetic elements that are
sensed by sensor
1808), or any other type of sensor suitable for detecting rotation of spool
1804.
101651 In one example of operation, as lever 1810 is moved from a first
position 1814
to a second position 1816, cord 1806 is pulled by lever 18010 and unwinds from
spool 1804,
rotating spool 1804 against spring 1805, and rotation of spool 1804 is sensed
by sensor 1808
as movement of lever 1810 in a first direction. As lever is moved from second
position 1816
to first position 1814, spring 1805 causes spool 1804 to retract cord 1806,
and rotation of
spool 1804 is sensed by sensor 1808 as movement of lever 1810 in an opposite
direction.
Software within wireless transducing circuit 1812 tracks rotation of spool
1804 as level 1810
is moved and may, after calibration, determine a position of lever 1810.
Wireless tracking
device 1802 may send an alert/notification 1818 indicative of movement of
lever 1810 and
may include a determined position of lever 1810. For example, wireless
tracking device 1802
may communicate with server 704 of wireless tracking system 700 of FIG. 7,
such as by
using wireless communication with one or more of stationary gateway 714 and/or
mobile
gateway 710.
101661 Wireless tracking device 1802 may also detect rotation of nuts and
screws.
For example, distal end 1807 may be attached to a cap positioned over the nut
or screw such
that any rotation of the nut or screw moves cord 1806 and is thereby detected
by wireless
transducing circuit 1812.
101671 Any of wireless tracking devices 1402, 1702 and 1802 may be used to
detect
unwanted movement of a valve handle or control lever and may generate an
intervention that
instructs an operator or supervisor to correct the unwanted movement.
101681 FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating example intervention
information
1900 included in one or both of alert/notification 1413(1) and
alert/notification 1414 of FIGs.
14B and 16, alert/notification 1712 of FIG. 17, and alert/notification 1818 of
FIG. 18. FIG.
19 continues the embodiment of FIG. 16 but may also apply to the embodiments
of FIGs.
14A/14B, 17 and 18, where the corresponding valve and/or levers are indicated.
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[0169] Intervention information 1900 includes a floor plan 1902 (see US Patent
Application 16/857,177 and US Patent Application 17/323,995, both incorporated
herein by
reference) of an operational area that includes the location of control panel
1606 and a
location of mobile gateway 710. For example, floor plan 1902 may represent
shop floor, a
process control room, a factory building, and so on. Intervention information
1900 indicates,
using an arrow 1904 for example, a location of control panel 1606, which is
located on
equipment 1906 in this example. In certain embodiments, intervention
information 1900 also
shows a location of mobile gateway 710 (e.g., automatically updated by client
application
722 based on a determined location of mobile gateway 710). In certain
embodiments,
intervention information 1900 includes instructions and/or directions 1908 the
indicate
actions needed by an operator and/or supervisor. For example, a user of mobile
gateway 710
may be a supervisor or operator of equipment 1906, whereby intervention
information 1900
directs the attention of the user to an unexpected change at control panel
1606. Intervention
1900 may include additional information, such as landmark features, equipment
detail, and
infrastructure of wireless tracking system 700 without departing from the
scope hereof
[0170] Intervention information 1900 may also provide setting information 1950
for
control panel 1606. In one example, setting information 1950 provides details
of previous
settings for control panel 1606. For example, setting information 1950 may be
an image
captured of control panel 1606 with levers 1604 positioned at the desired
setting. in certain
embodiments, the image may be captured by mobile gateway 710 when the user set
control
panel 1606 and is uploaded to one or both of wireless tracking devices 1402(1)
and 1402(2).
In another example, setting information 1950 is a schematic illustrating new
settings for one
or both levers 1604 of control panel 1606. As shown in FIG. 19, setting
information 1950
instructs the user to ser lever 1604(1) to a value of seven, as indicated by
arrow 1952, and to
set lever 1604(2) to value of three, as indicated by arrow 1954. In other
embodiments, setting
information 1950 may have other graphics suitable for the control being set,
or may be non-
graphical (e.g., entirely alphanumeric).
[0171] FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless
tracking belt 2020 that uses hook and loop fastening and magnetic closure
sensing, where a
magnet is positionable on the belt for different sized use. FTG. 20B is a
schematic diagram
illustrating wireless transducing circuit 410 of smart wireless tracking belt
2020 in further
example detail. Control code 430 includes a lockout module 2050, implemented
as machine-
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readable instructions that, when executed by processor 420, cause smart
wireless tracking belt
2020 to implement a lockout/tagout protocol described below.
101721 Smart wireless tracking belt 2020 has a flexible belt body 2035 formed
with a
head portion 2026 and a tail portion 2028. FIG. 20A shows an outside surface
2022 (e.g., top
side) of flexible belt body 2035 formed by a fabric layer with hooks (e.g.,
the hook part of the
hook-and-loop fastener). An inside surface (e.g., a bottom side opposite to
outside surface
2022) of flexible belt body 2035, opposite outside surface 2022, is formed by
a fabric layer
with loops (e.g., the loop part of the hook-and-loop fastener). In other
embodiments, outside
surface 2022 is formed by a fabric layer with loops (e.g., the loop part of
the hook-and-loop
fastener) and inside surface 2024 (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 2026 of
smart wireless
tracking belt 2020 includes a wireless transducing circuit 2010 (e.g., similar
to wireless
transducing circuit 410 of FIG. 4) between (e.g., within a pocket formed by)
the fabrics of
outer surface 2022 and inner surface 2024. Tail portion 2028 of smart wireless
tracking belt
2020 is narrower than head portion 2026, and head portion 2026 also includes a
slot 2030,
formed with a grommet 2032, sized to receive tail portion 2028 when smart
wireless tracking
belt 2020 is attached to an object (e.g., a pallet, an asset, a control
handle/lever, or any other
suitable object to be tracked). Smart wireless tracking belt 2020 is flexible
and is attached to
the object by looping smart wireless tracking belt 2020 around the object,
passing tail portion
2028 through slot 2030, and pressing inside surface 2024 of tail portion 2028
to outside
surface 2022 of head portion 2026, thereby causing the hook-and-loop fastener
to secure
(e.g., smart wireless tracking belt 2020 fastens to itself). In certain
embodiments, slot 2030
and grommet 2032 may be omitted. In other embodiments, grommet 2032 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 2028 to fasten
smart wireless
tracking belt 2020.
[0173] One permanent magnet 2002 is in a pouch 2034 that is positionable along
tail
portion 2028. For example, pouch 2034 may include hook and loop material that
is similar to
flexible belt body 2035 and may be positioned relative to lines 2036 that may
define a usable
length of flexible belt body 2035. For example, lines 2036 may indicate a
position for pouch
2034 corresponding to a circumference of an object to which flexible belt body
2035 is to
attach. In other embodiments, pouch 2034 may include two slots (not shown)
that allow tale
portion 2028 the thread through pouch 2032, such that pouch 2034 mat slidably
position
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along tail portion 2038. Wireless transducing circuit 2010 includes a magnetic
sensor 2006
(e.g., a hall-effect sensor, hall-effect switch, magnetic switch, etc.)
positioned at or near outer
surface 2022 that detects proximity of magnet 2002 when smart wireless
tracking belt 2020 is
closed (e.g., fastened to itself as described above). Accordingly, wireless
transducing circuit
2010 uses magnetic sensor 2006 to detect a fastening state (fastened to itself
or unfastened) of
smart wireless tracking belt 2020. For example, wireless transducing circuit
2010 may read
sensor data from magnetic sensor 2006 at intervals and process the sensor data
to determine a
fastening event when magnetic sensor 2006 detects a magnetic field from magnet
2002 and
detect an unfastening event when magnetic sensor 2006 does not detects a
magnetic field
from magnet 2002. In some embodiments, the wireless transducing circuit 2010
may detect a
fastening or unfastening event when magnetic sensor 2006 detects a change in
the magnetic
field that corresponds to a respective fastening or unfastening event.
101741 In certain embodiments, pouch 2034 and magnet 2002 are omitted and
magnetic sensor 2006 is replaced by an optical sensor (e.g., a light dependent
resistor, image
sensor, etc.) that detects ambient light when smart wireless tracking belt
2020 is unfastened
and cannot detect ambient light when smart wireless tracking belt 2020 is
fastened.
Accordingly, after fastening smart wireless tracking belt 2020, and relatively
fast increase in
light detected by the optical sensor indicates that smart wireless tracking
belt 2020 is being
unfastened.
101751 Smart wireless tracking belt 2020 may include a status display 2008
(e.g., an
LED) positioned at outer surface 2022 and controlled by wireless transducing
circuit 2010.
Although shown at outer surface 2022, status display 2008 may alternatively,
or
simultaneously, be positioned at inner surface 2024 without departing from the
scope hereof
In certain embodiments, wireless transducing circuit 2010 controls status
display 2008 to
indicate a status of smart wireless tracking belt 2020. In the example of FIG.
20A, status
display 2008 includes an LED, but in other embodiments the status display 2008
may include
an LED array, an 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 2008 may display information other than a status of the
wireless tracking belt
2020.
101761 Smart wireless tracking belt 2020 may also include a seal 2014 around
magnet
2002 to prevent the magnet from falling out of pouch 2034. Seal 2014 may be
formed using
one or more of: stitching, an adhesive, a sealed pocket, thermal welding, or
some other type
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of seal and/or material. Head portion 2026 may also include a weatherproof
seal 2012 that is
positioned to protect wireless transducing circuit 2010 from the elements,
such as water,
humidity, and/or other traumatic environmental conditions.
[0177] In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt 2020 may include a
speaker 2009 for outputting an audio alert such as an alarm sound and/or a
spoken message
when smart wireless tracking belt 2020 is moved and/or unfastened.
[0178] Advantageously, smart wireless tracking belt 2020 easily attaches to
valve
handles (e.g., valve handles 1404 and 1504 of FIGs. 14A, 14B, and 15), control
levers (e.g.,
control levers 1604, 1704, and 1810 of FIGs. 16, 17, and 18), and other types
of control for
detecting movement and/or position as described above, and for lock-out tag-
out purposes as
described below with reference FIGs. 30-37.
[0179] FIGs. 21A and 21B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example
single-
use smart security device 2100 in an open position prior to use, and in a
closed position
during use, respectively. Single-use security tags made from plastic, nylon,
or similar
materials, are not smart, and only indicate breach or intrusion when the
single-use security
tag is found broken or damaged. Single-use smart security device 2100 may also
be referred
to as wireless tracking device 2100.
[0180] Single-use smart security device 2100 has a form factor that is similar
to
conventional security tags and includes a body portion 2102 and a security
loop 2104 that is
fixedly attached (e.g., a continuous molding or permanent bonding) to body
portion 2102 at a
first end 2106 and having a notch 2108 at an opposite open end 2110. Body
portion 2102
includes a receptacle 2112 sized to receive open end 2110 and including a
latch mechanism
2114 that engages notch 2108 and prevents removal of security loop 2104 from
receptacle
2112. Body portion 2102 includes a wireless transducing circuit 2116 (e.g.,
similar to
wireless transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and 20B) that adds intelligence to
security device.
[0181] In certain embodiments, security loop 2104 is conductive, or includes a
conductive thread 2118, that couples, at first end 2106, with a terminal 2120
of wireless
transducing circuit 2116, and couples, at open end 2110 with a terminal 2122
of wireless
transducing circuit 2116 when open end 2110 is secured within receptacle 2112.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2116 includes a detector 2124 (e.g., an impedance or
inductance detector)
that that detects when security loop 2104 is broken (e.g., cut) or tampered
with (e.g., shorted).
For example, detector 2124 may detect changes (e.g., increase and decrease) in
conductivity
of security loop 2104 (or conductive thread 2118) that indicates tampering or
cutting of
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security loop 2104. Wireless transducing circuit 2116 may also include at
least one motion
sensor 2126 (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) that detects movement of
single-use smart
security device 2100.
[0182] Wireless transducing circuit 2116 may also include an indicator 2128
(e.g., an
LED or other type of display) that is controlled to indicate an operational
status of single-use
smart security device 2100. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2116 may
cause
indicator 2128 to flash when detector 2124 detects that open end 2110 is
inserted and secured
within receptacle 2112, and thereafter may cause indicator 2128 to flash at
intervals to
indicate normal operation of single-use smart security device 2100. Wireless
transducing
circuit 2116 may cause indicator 2128 to flash repeatedly when detector 2124
or motion
sensor 2126 detects tampering with single-use smart security device 2100.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2116 may also include a speaker 2130 that may be
controlled to emit
audio (e.g., beeps, alarm sounds, etc.) indicative of operation of single-use
smart security
device 2100. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2116 may cause speaker
2130 to beep
twice when detector 2124 detects that open end 2110 is inserted and secured
within
receptacle 2112, and thereafter may beep at intervals to indicate normal
operation of single-
use smart security device 2100. Wireless transducing circuit 2116 may cause
speaker 2130 to
beep repeatedly or output an alarm sound when detector 2124 or motion sensor
2126 detects
tampering with single-use smart security device 2100.
[0183] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, wireless transducing
circuit 2116
may include one or more wireless communication modules 412, 414 that allow
single-use
smart security device 2100 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700 of
FIG. 7.
Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit 2116 may communicate its operational
status at
intervals and may communicate events, such as when detector 2124 detects open
end 2110
being inserted and secured within receptacle 2112, and when tampering is
detected by either
detector 2124 or motion sensor 2126. As described above for wireless
transducing circuit
410, wireless transducing circuit 2116 may include other components without
departing from
the scope hereof Similarly, certain components of wireless transducing circuit
410 that are
not required within single-use smart security device 2100 may be omitted.
[0184] As shown in FIG. 21B, open end 2110 may be passed through one or more
apertures 2152, 2154 of locking components 2156 and 2158, respectively, pnor
to being
secured within receptacle 2112. Accordingly, single-use smart security device
2100 secures
locking components 2156 and 2158 together in this example. However, unlike
conventional
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single-use security tags, single-use smart security device 2100 includes
intelligence and
communicates tampering when detected. Advantageously, single-use smart
security device
2100 may communicate through wireless tracking system 700 to report tampering
to server
704 as it occurs.
[0185] Single-use smart security device 2100 may take other forms and use
other
method of closure. For example, single-use smart security device 2100 may be
similar to a
zip tie, whereby once looped through itself it can only be removed by cutting
the strap. In
another example, single-use smart security device 2100 may use an adhesive
that bonds to
single-use smart security device 2100 with a strength that causes dame to the
device when
removal is attempted.
[0186] Advantageously, single-use smart security device 2100 may be used for
lock-
out tag-out purposes as described below with reference to FIGs. 30-37.
[0187] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example wireless cable-
locking device 2200. Wireless cable-locking device 2200 may also be referred
to as wireless
tracking device 2200. Wireless cable-locking device 2200 includes a body
portion 2202 and
a cable 2204 that is fixedly attached to body portion 2202 at a first end 2206
and having a
notch 2208 at an opposite open end 2210. Cable 2204 is a multi-stranded
flexible steel
security cable, for example. Body portion 2202 includes a receptacle 2212
sized to receive
open end 2210 and including a latch mechanism 2214 that engages notch 2208 to
prevent
removal of cable 2204 from receptacle 2212 unless intentionally released. Body
portion 2202
may include a release mechanism (e.g., key operated, combination operated,
electromechanically operated) that may be used to deactivate latch mechanism
2214 to
release open end 2210 from receptacle 2212. Advantageously, cable 2204 allows
use of
wireless cable-locking device 2200 in places where items being secured are not
close
together. Body portion 2202 includes a wireless transducing circuit 2216
(e.g., similar to
wireless transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and 20B) that adds intelligence to
wireless cable-
locking device 2200.
[0188] Cable 2204 is conductive and couples, at first end 2206, with a
terminal 2220
of wireless transducing circuit 2216, and couples, at open end 2210 with a
terminal 2222 of
wireless transducing circuit 2216 when open end 2210 is secured within
receptacle 2212.
Wireless transducing circuit 2216 includes a detector 2224 (e.g., an impedance
or inductance
detector) that that detects when cable 2204 is broken (e.g., cut) or tampered
with (e.g.,
shorted). For example, detector 2224 may detect changes (e.g., increase and
decrease) in
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conductivity of cable 2204 that indicates tampering or cutting of cable 2204.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2216 may also include at least one motion sensor 2226
(e.g.,
accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) that detects movement of wireless cable-
locking device 2200.
[0189] Wireless transducing circuit 2216 may also include an indicator 2228
(e.g., an
LED or other type of display) that is controlled to indicate an operational
status of wireless
cable-locking device 2200. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2216 may
cause
indicator 2228 to flash when detector 2224 detects that open end 2210 is
inserted and secured
within receptacle 2212, and thereafter may cause indicator 2228 to flash at
intervals to
indicate normal operation of wireless cable-locking device 2200. Wireless
transducing
circuit 2216 may cause indicator 2228 to flash repeatedly when detector 2224
or motion
sensor 2226 detects tampering with wireless cable-locking device 2200.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2216 may also include a speaker 2230 that may be
controlled to emit
audio (e.g., beeps, alarm sounds, etc.) indicative of operation of wireless
cable-locking device
2200. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2216 may cause speaker 2230 to
beep twice
when detector 2224 detects that open end 2210 is inserted and secured within
receptacle
2212, and thereafter may beep at intervals to indicate normal operation of
wireless cable-
locking device 2200. Wireless transducing circuit 2216 may cause speaker 2230
to beep
repeatedly or output an alarm sound when detector 2224 or motion sensor 2226
detects
tampering with wireless cable-locking device 2200.
[0190] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, wireless transducing
circuit 2216
may include one or more wireless communication modules 412, 414 that allow
wireless
cable-locking device 2200 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700 of
FIG. 7.
Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit 2216 may communicate its operational
status at
intervals and may communicate events, such as when detector 2224 detects open
end 2210
being inserted and secured within receptacle 2212, and when tampering is
detected by either
detector 2224 or motion sensor 2226. As described above for wireless
transducing circuit
410, wireless transducing circuit 2216 may include other components without
departing from
the scope hereof Similarly, certain components of wireless transducing circuit
410 that are
not required within wireless cable-locking device 2200 may be omitted.
[0191] Advantageously, wireless cable-locking device 2200 may be used for lock-
out
tag-out purposes as described below with reference to FIGs. 30-37.
[0192] FIGs. 23A and 23B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example smart
padlock 2300 that is key-operated and shown in open and closed states,
respectively. Smart
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padlock 2300 may also be referred to as wireless tracking device 2300. Smart
padlock 2300
includes a body portion 2302 and a shackle 2304 that is secured in the closed
state by a
locking mechanism (not shown) operated by a key 2306. Opening and closing of
smart
padlock 2300 is similar to conventional padlocks that use a key. Another
embodiment of
smart padlock 2300 includes a combination locking mechanism that does not
require key
2306. Unlike conventional padlocks, body portion 2302 further includes a
wireless
transducing circuit 2316 (e.g., similar to wireless transducing circuit 410 of
FIGs. 4 and 20B)
that includes a detector 2324 positioned within body portion 2302 to detect
when shackle
2304 is locked closed. In one embodiment, detector 2324 is a light sensor that
detects
ambient light when shackle 2304 is open and detects no light when shackle 2304
is locked
closed. In another embodiment, detector 2324 is a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall
effect sensor)
that detects when shackle 2304 is open or locked closed. In another
embodiment, detector
2324 is an inductive sensor (e.g., a coil where its inductance changes due to
proximity of
shackle 2304) that detects when shackle 2304 is open or locked closed.
Wireless transducing
circuit 2316 may also include at least one motion sensor 2326 (e_g_,
accelerometer,
gyroscope, etc.) that detects movement of smart padlock 2300.
[0193] Wireless transducing circuit 2316 may also include an indicator 2328
(e.g., an
LED or other type of display) that is controlled to indicate an operational
status of smart
padlock 2300. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2316 may cause
indicator 2328 to
flash when detector 2324 detects that shackle 2304 closes, and thereafter may
cause indicator
2328 to flash at intervals to indicate normal operation of smart padlock 2300.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2316 may cause indicator 2328 to flash repeatedly when
detector 2324 or
motion sensor 2326 detects tampering with smart padlock 2300 or when shackle
2304 opens.
Wireless transducing circuit 2316 may also include a speaker 2330 that may be
controlled to
emit audio (e.g., beeps, alarm sounds, etc.) indicative of operation of smart
padlock 2300.
For example, wireless transducing circuit 2316 may cause speaker 2330 to beep
twice when
detector 2324 detects shackle 2304 closing, and thereafter may beep at
intervals to indicate
normal operation of smart padlock 2300. Wireless transducing circuit 2316 may
cause
speaker 2330 to beep repeatedly or output an alarm sound when detector 2324 or
motion
sensor 2326 detects tampering with smart padlock 2300 or when shackle 2304
opens.
[0194] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, wireless transducing
circuit 2316
may include one or more wireless communication modules 412, 414 that allow
smart padlock
2300 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700 of FIG. 7. Accordingly,
wireless
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transducing circuit 2316 may communicate its operational status at intervals
and may
communicate events, such as when detector 2324 detects shackle 2304 closing,
when
tampering is detected by either detector 2324 or motion sensor 2326, and when
shackle 2304
opens. As described above for wireless transducing circuit 410, wireless
transducing circuit
2316 may include other components without departing from the scope hereof
Similarly,
certain components of wireless transducing circuit 410 that are not required
within smart
padlock 2300 may be omitted.
101951 In certain embodiments, wireless transducing circuit 2316 may include a
sensor 2332 that detects when key 2306 is present within body portion 2302.
For example,
sensor 2332 may be an inductance sensor that detects inductance caused by
presence of key
2306 in body portion 2302. Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit 2316 may
send a
notification to mobile gateway 710 when shackle 2304 of smart padlock 2300 is
closed and
key 2306 remains within body portion 2302 for a certain period.
[0196] Advantageously, smart padlock 2300 may be used for lock-out tag-out
purposes as described below with reference to FIGs. 30-37.
[0197] FIGs. 24A and 24B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example smart
padlock 2400 that is button-operated that is shown in open and closed states,
respectively.
Smart padlock 2400 may also be referred to as wireless tracking device 2400.
Smart padlock
2400 is similar to smart padlock 2300 of FIGs. 23A and 23B, but instead of
being key
operated, smart padlock 2400 is opened by a button 2406.
101981 Smart padlock 2400 includes a body portion 2402 and a shackle 2404 that
is
secured in the closed state by a locking mechanism (not shown) operated by a
button 2406.
Closing of smart padlock 2400 is similar to conventional padlocks, but no key
or combination
is required for opening smart padlock 2400. Instead, pressing button 2406
opens smart
padlock 2400. That is, anyone mat press the button to open smart padlock 2400.
However,
unlike conventional padlocks, body portion 2402 further includes a wireless
transducing
circuit 2416 (e.g., similar to wireless transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and
20B) that
includes a detector 2424 positioned within body portion 2402 to detect when
shackle 2404 is
locked closed. In one embodiment, detector 2424 is a light sensor that detects
ambient light
when shackle 2404 is open and detects no light when shackle 2404 is locked
closed. In
another embodiment, detector 2424 is a magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect
sensor) that detects
when shackle 2404 is open or locked closed. In another embodiment, detector
2424 is an
inductive sensor (e.g., a coil where its inductance changes due to proximity
of shackle 2404)
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that detects when shackle 2404 is open or locked closed. Wireless transducing
circuit 2416
may also include at least one motion sensor 2426 (e.g., accelerometer,
gyroscope, etc.) that
detects movement of smart padlock 2400.
[0199] Wireless transducing circuit 2416 may also include an indicator 2428
(e.g., an
LED or other type of display) that is controlled to indicate an operational
status of smart
padlock 2400. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2416 may cause
indicator 2428 to
flash when detector 2424 detects that shackle 2404 closes, and thereafter may
cause indicator
2428 to flash at intervals to indicate normal operation of smart padlock 2400.
Wireless
transducing circuit 2416 may cause indicator 2428 to flash repeatedly when
detector 2424 or
motion sensor 2426 detects tampering with smart padlock 2400 or when shackle
2404 opens.
Wireless transducing circuit 2416 may also include a speaker 2430 that may be
controlled to
emit audio (e.g., beeps, alarm sounds, etc.) indicative of operation of smart
padlock 2400.
For example, wireless transducing circuit 2416 may cause speaker 2430 to beep
twice when
detector 2424 detects shackle 2404 closing, and thereafter may beep at
intervals to indicate
normal operation of smart padlock 2400. Wireless transducing circuit 2416 may
cause
speaker 2430 to beep repeatedly or output an alarm sound when detector 2424 or
motion
sensor 2426 detects tampering with smart padlock 2400 or when shackle 2404
opens.
[0200] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, wireless transducing
circuit 2416
may include one or more wireless communication modules 412, 414 that allow
smart padlock
2400 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700 of FIG. 7. Accordingly,
wireless
transducing circuit 2416 may communicate its operational status at intervals
and may
communicate events, such as when detector 2424 detects shackle 2404 closing,
when
tampering is detected by either detector 2424 or motion sensor 2426, and when
shackle 2404
opens. As described above for wireless transducing circuit 410, wireless
transducing circuit
2416 may include other components without departing from the scope hereof
Similarly,
certain components of wireless transducing circuit 410 that are not required
within smart
padlock 2400 may be omitted.
[0201] Advantageously, smart padlock 2400 may be used for lock-out tag-out
purposes as described below with reference to FIGs. 30-37.
[0202] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart two-part
cable
lock 2500 for coupling two objects together. Smart two-part cable lock 25may
also be
referred to as wireless tracking device 2500. In one example, the two objects
are two
adjacent doors, such as on a refrigerator or two French patio doors, that
smart two-part cable
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lock 2500 prevents from opening. In another example, the two objects are a
door and a side
panel, such as a cupboard, control panel, or toolchest, that smart two-part
cable lock 2500
prevents from opening.
[0203] Smart two-part cable lock 2500 includes a first portion 2502 that
attaches to
the first object, a cable 2504 fixedly attached at one end 2506 to the first
portion 2502, and a
main body 2508 that attaches to the second object and has a receptacle 2510 to
receive an
open end 2512 of cable 2504. Main portion 2508 includes a locking mechanism
(not shown)
that secures open end 2512 within receptacle 2510. Main portion 2508 is also
shown with a
keyhole 2514 for receiving a key to open the locking mechanism and release
open end 2512
from receptacle 2510. In other embodiments, main portion 2508 may include
other
mechanisms for opening the locking mechanism to release open end 2512 from
receptacle
2510. In one example, main portion 2508 includes a combination lock, whereby
setting the
correct combination and pressing a button opens the locking mechanism to
release open end
2512 from receptacle 2510. In another example, the locking mechanism is opened
by a
button, whereby anyone can press the button to open the locking mechanism to
release open
end 2512 from receptacle 2510.
[0204] Body portion 2502 further includes a wireless transducing circuit 2516
(e.g.,
similar to wireless transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and 20B) that includes
a detector 2524
positioned within body portion 2502 to detect when open end 2512 of cable 2504
is captured
by receptacle 2510. In one embodiment, detector 2524 is a light sensor that
detects ambient
light when open end 2512 is not captured by receptacle 2510 and detects no
light when open
end 2512 is captured by receptacle 2510. In another embodiment, detector 2524
is a
magnetic sensor (e.g., hall effect sensor) that detects when open end 2512 is
present within
receptacle 2510. In another embodiment, detector 2524 is an inductive sensor
(e.g., a coil
where its inductance changes due to proximity of open end 2512) that detects
when open end
2512 is captured by receptacle 2510. Wireless transducing circuit 2516 may
also include at
least one motion sensor 2526 (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) that
detects movement of
smart two-part cable lock 2500.
[0205] Wireless transducing circuit 2516 may also include an indicator 2528
(e.g., an
LED or other type of display) that is controlled to indicate an operational
status of smart two-
part cable lock 2500. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2516 may cause
indicator
2528 to flash when detector 2524 detects that open end 2512 is inserted into
receptacle 2510,
and thereafter may cause indicator 2528 to flash at intervals to indicate
normal operation of
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smart two-part cable lock 2500. Wireless transducing circuit 2516 may cause
indicator 2528
to flash repeatedly when detector 2524 or motion sensor 2526 detects tampering
with smart
two-part cable lock 2500 or when detector 2524 indicates that open end 2512 is
released from
receptacle 2510. Wireless transducing circuit 2516 may also include a speaker
2530 that may
be controlled to emit audio (e.g., beeps, alarm sounds, etc.) indicative of
operation of smart
two-part cable lock 2500. For example, wireless transducing circuit 2516 may
cause speaker
2530 to beep twice when detector 2524 detects that open end 2512 is inserted
into receptacle
2510, and thereafter may beep at intervals to indicate normal operation of
smart two-part
cable lock 2500. Wireless transducing circuit 2516 may cause speaker 2530 to
beep
repeatedly or output an alarm sound when detector 2524 or motion sensor 2526
detects
tampering with smart two-part cable lock 2500 or when detector 2524 indicates
that open end
2512 is released from receptacle 2510.
[0206] As described above with reference to FIG. 4, wireless transducing
circuit 2516
may include one or more wireless communication modules 412, 414 that allow
smart two-
part cable lock 2500 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700 of FIG.
7
Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit 2516 may communicate its operational
status at
intervals and may communicate events, such as when detector 2524 detects that
open end
2512 is inserted into receptacle 2510, when tampering is detected by either
detector 2524 or
motion sensor 2526, and when detector 2524 indicates that open end 2512 is
released from
receptacle 2510. As described above for wireless transducing circuit 410,
wireless
transducing circuit 2516 may include other components without departing from
the scope
hereof Similarly, certain components of wireless transducing circuit 410 that
are not
required within smart two-part cable lock 2500 may be omitted.
[0207] Advantageously, smart two-part cable lock 2500 may be used for lock-out
tag-
out purposes as described below with reference to FIGs. 30-37.
[0208] FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart cable
2600.
Smart cable 2600 may also be referred to as wireless tracking device 2600.
Smart cable 2600
includes a cable 2602 with two loops 2602, 2604 formed at opposite ends of
cable 2602. In
the example shown, loop 2604 is formed by clamping an end of cable 2602 to
itself using a
clamp 2606, and loop 2608 is formed by clamping the opposite end of cable 2602
to itself
using a clamp 2610. Cable 2604 may be of any length and may be formed of a
conductive
material (e.g., multi-stranded steel). In embodiments where cable 2602 is non-
conductive
(e.g., a nylon rope), cable 2602 may include at least one conductive thread
2603.
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[0209] In the example of FIG. 26, clamp 2610 also forms a housing for a
wireless
transducing circuit 2616 (e.g., similar to wireless transducing circuit 410 of
FIGs. 4 and 20B)
that includes a detector 2624 (e.g., an impedance detector, an inductance
detector, a magnetic
detector, etc.) that detects tampering of cable 2602, and may also include one
or more of: a
movement sensor 2626 (e.g., an accelerometer, gyroscope, etc.) an indicator
2628 (e.g., an
LED), and a speaker 2630. As described above with reference to FIG. 4,
wireless
transducing circuit 2616 may include one or more wireless communication
modules 412, 414
that allow smart cable 2600 to communicate with wireless tracking system 700
of FIG. 7.
Accordingly, wireless transducing circuit 2616 may communicate its operational
status at
intervals and may communicate events, such as when detector 2624 detects
tampering or
when movement sensor 2626 detects movement indicative of tampering. As
described above
for wireless transducing circuit 410, wireless transducing circuit 2616 may
include other
components without departing from the scope hereof Similarly, certain
components of
wireless transducing circuit 410 that are not required within smart cable 2600
may be
omitted_
[0210] Detector 2624 electrically couples with cable 2602 (or thread 2603 if
included) to detect changes in one or both of impedance and inductance that
are indicative of
tampering (e.g., cutting, shorting) with cable 2602. Sensor 2626 senses
movement of clamp
2610, which may result from movement of cable 2602 that is indicative of
tampering.
[0211] A user attaches smart cable 2600 to one or more objects/assets that are
to be
protected. For example, loop 2604 may be permanently attached to a first
object, and second
loop 2608 and clamp 2610 threaded through loop on a second object, and second
loop 2608 is
secured to a loop on a third object using a conventional padlock. In another
example, cable
2602 is looped around an immovable object (e.g., a pole or fence) and then
around an object
(e.g., a bicycle) and then loops 2604 and 2608 are secured together using a
conventional
padlock.
[0212] The user activates smart cable 2600 through use of mobile gateway 710,
whereby client application 722 may communicate with wireless transducing
circuit 2616 to
transition it into an active mode. In the active mode, wireless transducing
circuit 2616 reads
detector 2624, and movement sensor 2626 if included, to detect tampering with
cable 2602
and/or loops 2604 and 2608. The user deactivates smart cable 2600 through use
of mobile
gateway 710.
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[0213] When wireless transducing circuit 2616 detect tampering in the active
mode,
wireless transducing circuit 2616 transmits an alert to wireless tracking
system 700 and/or to
mobile gateway 710 when in range. Further, wireless transducing circuit 2616
may cause
indicator 2628 to flash and/or cause speaker 2630 to output a beeping or alarm
sound.
[0214] Smart cable 2600 may also be used with one or more of single-use smart
security device 2100 of FIGs. 21A and 21B, smart padlock 2300 of FIGs. 23A and
23B and
smart padlock 2400 of FIGs. 24A and 24B (illustratively shown in FIG. 26),
whereby
wireless transducing circuit 2616 wirelessly communicates with single-use
smart security
device 2100, smart padlock 2300, and/or smart padlock 2400 to increase
security of the one
or more objects being protected by smart cable 2600.
[0215] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example stamp device
2700
attached to a bolt 2702. Stamp device 2700 may also be referred to as wireless
tracking
device 2700. In this example, bolt 2702 and nut 2704 are used to secure plates
2706 and
2708 together to prevent plate 2706 rotating relative to plate 2708. However,
in other
embodiments, bolt 2702 and nut 2704 may be used to fasten other items
together, such as
fastening an object to a structure and/or fastening other objects together.
Stamp device 2700
includes a housing 2710 with a wireless transducing circuit 2716 (e.g.,
similar to wireless
transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and 20B) and an adhesive 2712 that fixedly
attaches
housing 2710 to a head of bolt 2702. In other embodiments, housing 2702 may be
formed
(e.g., molded) to mechanically couple with the head of bolt 2702 such that it
snaps on to the
head and is retained thereon by friction.
[0216] Wireless transducing circuit 2716 includes one or more sensors 2718
(e.g.,
accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, etc.) for sensing orientation of
stamp device
2700. Accordingly, stamp device 2700 may detect when bolt 2702 rotates,
indicating that it
has become loose, which may be as a result of tampering. As described above
with reference
to FIG. 4, wireless transducing circuit 2716 may include one or more wireless
communication modules 412, 414 that allow stamp device 2700 to communicate
with
wireless tracking system 700 of FIG. 7. Accordingly, wireless transducing
circuit 2716 may
communicate its operational status at intervals and may communicate events,
such as when
detector 2724 indicates rotation indicative of bolt 2702 becoming loose. As
described above
for wireless transducing circuit 410, wireless transducing circuit 2716 may
include other
components without departing from the scope hereof Similarly, certain
components of
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wireless transducing circuit 410 that are not required within stamp device
2700 may be
omitted.
102171 In one example of operation, a user passes bolt 2702 through plates
2706 and
2708 and secures the pates together by tightening nut 2704. The user then
attaches stamp
device 2700 to the head of bolt 2702 and uses mobile gateway 710 to activate
wireless
transducing circuit 2716. Upon activation, wireless transducing circuit 2716
reads sensor
2718 to determine and store an initial orientation of stamp device 2700. At
intervals, wireless
transducing circuit 2716 reads sensor 2718 to determine a current orientation
of stamp device
2700 and compares the current orientation with the stored orientation to
determine whether
orientation of stamp device 2700 has changed, which is indicative of bolt 2702
having turned.
When the current orientation of stamp device 2700 has changed, wireless
transducing circuit
2716 sends a message to one or more of mobile gateway 710 (if within range), a
stationary
gateway 714 and/or server 704 to indicate that bolt 2702 is loose.
Advantageously, through
wireless tracking system 700 and use of stamp device 2700, the user is warned
when bolt
2702 becomes loose, such as through wear or when someone has tampered with
bolt 2702.
[0218] Stamp device 2700 may also be applied to control knobs that are used to
controls equipment. For example, a control panel may use a knob to set a
control parameter
for a machine. Advantageously, stamp device 2700 may be adhered to the control
knob to
monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout protocol for the control knob. In
another
example, stamp device 2700 may be adhered to a doorknob of a control room that
is to
remain closed during maintenance of a plant. Advantageously, stamp device 2700
may
detect movement of the doorknob (e.g., turning, rattling, pushing, pulling)
and provide a
working of a breach in lockout/tagout protocol.
[0219] FIGs. 28A and 28B are schematic diagrams illustrating one example
magnetic
valve monitoring device 2800. Magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may also
be referred
to as wireless tracking device 2800. A magnetically controlled valve 2802 is
positioned in a
pipe 2804 to control flow of a fluid through pipe 2804. Valve 2802 includes
base portion
2806 that couples with pipe 2804 and a barrel 2808 that includes a solenoid
for operating a
valve within base portion 2806.
[0220] Magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 includes a sleeve 2810 that is
sized
and shaped to slide over barrel 2808 and be retained by friction. Sleeve 2810
may couple
with a housing 2812 that contains a wireless transducing circuit 2816 (e.g.,
similar to wireless
transducing circuit 410 of FIGs. 4 and 20B). In certain embodiments, sleeve
2810 and
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housing 2812 are formed as one component (e.g., a molding or 3D printed).
Wireless
transducing circuit 2816 includes a detector 2818 (e.g., a magnetometer) that
detects when
the solenoid of valve 2802 is and is not energized. For example, the solenoid
may be
energized by an alternating current or a direct current that generates a
magnetic field that is
detected by detector 2818. Wireless transducing circuit 2816 reads detector
2818 at intervals
to determine whether the solenoid is generating a magnetic field and sends a
message to
server 704 of wireless tracking system 700 (e.g., via stationary gateway 714)
indicative of an
operating state of valve 2802. Advantageously, magnetic valve monitoring
device 2800 may
be configured to monitor valve 2802 without requiring that valve be
disconnected or
dismantled. As shown in the example of FIG. 28, sleeve 2810 slides over barrel
2808 after
valve 2802 is installed on pipe 2804.
[0221] Magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may monitor other devices that
are
solenoid operated. For example, solenoid operated switches and locks may be
monitored by
magnetic valve monitoring device 2800. In certain embodiments, a cut circuit
of wireless
transducing circuit 1816 extends through sleeve 281 0 and/or around other
parts of valve 2802
such that attempts to manually control valve 1802 break the cut circuit and is
detected by
wireless transducing circuit 2816.
[0222] Magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may also be used to monitor
devices
that are not solenoid operated but include magnetic parts that are used to
control settings of
the devices. For example, the position of a magnetic lockable ball valve,
which uses a
magnetic part to manipulate a ball that controls the flow of liquid or gas
through the valve,
may be monitored based on sensing the magnetic field from the magnetic parts
of the valve.
In this example, the control for the ball valve may be manually actuated to
change the setting
of the valve, with the magnetic field of the parts being affected by the
actuation. The
magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may detect the setting and the changes
in the setting
based on detecting the magnetic field, and/or changes to the magnetic field,
from one or more
magnetic parts in the ball valve.
[0223] FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 2900 for sensing
movement of a control for equipment. Method 2900 is for example implemented,
at least in
part within any of wireless tracking devices 1402, 1502, 1702, 1802, 2020,
2100, 2200, 2300,
2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and 2800 of FIGs. 14A and 14B, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20. 21A
and 21B,
22, 23A and 23B, 24A and 24B, 25, 26, 27, 28A and 28B, respectively.
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[0224] In block 2902, a wireless tracking device is activated to monitor a
control. For
example, wireless tracking device 1402, attached to valve handle 1404, is
initialized by
mobile gateway 710 to monitor valve handle 1404. In another example, wireless
tracking
device 1402(1), attached to control lever 1604(1), is initialized by mobile
gateway 710 to
monitor control lever 1604(1). In another example, wireless tracking device
1802 is mounted
to control panel 1808 and cord 1806 is attached to lever 1810 to monitor lever
1810. In block
2904, an initial position of the control is sensed. In one example, wireless
tracking device
1402 determines its current orientation relative to the Earth and stores the
orientation in its
memory as being representative of an initial position of valve handle 1404. In
another
example, wireless tracking device 1402(1) determines its distance from
stationary gateway
714, using time of flight, and stores the distance as being representative of
a position of lever
1604(1). In another example, wireless tracking device 1802 determines a length
of cord 1 806
extracted from spool 1804 as representing a position of lever 1810.
[0225] Blocks 2906 and 2908 repeat at intervals. Example intervals include one
second, ten seconds, one minute, rive minutes, one hour, one day, or any other
interval
suitable to the control being monitored and/or the needs of the user. In
certain embodiments,
where a longer battery life is more important than detecting change in
position of the control,
a longer interval (e.g., one day, multiple days, one week, etc.) is selected.
In block 2906, the
position of the control is sensed. For example, wireless tracking device 1402
determines its
current orientation relative to the Earth. In another example, wireless
tracking device
1402(1) uses time of flight to determine its distance from stationary gateway
714. In another
example, wireless tracking device 1802 determines, based on tracking rotation
of spool 1804,
a change in position of lever 1810. Block 2908 is a decision. If, in block
2908, method 2900
determines that the position of the control has changed, relative to the
initial position stored
in memory, method 2900 continues with block 2910; otherwise, method 2900
continues with
block 2906 at the subsequent interval. In other embodiments, blocks 2906 and
2908 detect
change in position and/or orientation of wireless tracking device 1402 over
time. For
example, where sensor 1434 indicate movement, blocks 2906 and 2908 may
integrate the
movement to determine a change in position and/or setting of the control. That
is, sensor
1434 may sense velocity or acceleration rather than absolute position. For
example, wireless
tracking device 1402 may sense a change in current, impedance, inductance,
light exposure,
or other sensed characteristic, that indicates change in the control and/or a
setting of the
equipment.
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[0226] In block 2910, the wireless tracking device sends a message indicating
that the
control has changed position. For example, wireless tracking device 1402 sends
alert/notification 1413(1) to mobile gateway 710 indicating that valve handle
1404 has been
moved. In another example, wireless tracking device 1402(1) sends a message to
server 704
indicating that lever 1604(1) has been moved. In another example, wireless
tracking device
1802 sends a message to mobile gateway 710, via stationary gateway 714,
indicating that
lever 1810 has changed position.
102271 Blocks 2912 and 2914 are optional. If included, in block 2912, a
control
setting based on the sensed position is determined. For example, wireless
tracking device
1402 determines a setting of valve 1406 based on a difference between a
current orientation
and the stored orientation. In another example, wireless tracking device
1402(1) determines a
setting of control panel 1606 based on a difference between a current distance
from stationary
gateway 714 and a previously stored distance. In another example, wireless
tracking device
1802 determines a setting change of control panel 1808 based on a difference
in the amount
of cord 1806 extracted from spool 1804 as compared to the stored amount of
cord 1806
extracted from spool 1804. If included, in block 2914, a message indicating
the control
setting is sent. For example, wireless tracking device 1402 sends
alert/notification 1413(2) to
server 704 indicating a current setting of valve 1406. In another example,
wireless tracking
device 1402(1) sends a message to server 704 indicating a setting of control
panel 1606. In
another example, wireless tracking device 1802 sends a message to mobile
gateway 710, via
stationary gateway 714, indicating a setting of control panel 1808.
[0228] Block 2916 is optional. If included, in block 2916, an intervention
indicating
a control correction is sent. In one example of block 2916, wireless tracking
device 1402(1)
sends intervention information 1900 of FIG. 19 to mobile gateway 710. Method
2900 may
then return to block 2906 to continue monitoring the control.
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
[0229] 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
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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. Other form factors for lockout and
tagout devices
may be used without departing from the scope hereof For example, any of the
above-
described segments 113 (FIGs. 1 and 2), segments 502, 504 (FIG. 5), segments
640, 670, 680
(FIGs. 6A, 6B, and 6C), tape nodes of FIGs. 7-12, wireless tracking device
1402 (FIGs. 14A,
14B and 16), wireless tracking device 1502 (FIG. 15), wireless tracking device
1702 (FIG.
17), wireless tracking device 1802 (FIG. 18), wireless tracking belt 2020
(FIG. 20A), single-
use smart security device 2100 (FIGs. 21A and 21B), wireless cable-locking
device 2200
(FIG. 22), smart padlock 2300 (FIGs. 23A and 23B), and smart padlock 2400
(FIGs. 24A and
24B), smart cable 2600 (FIG. 26), stamp device 2700 (FIG. 27), and magnetic
valve
monitoring device 2800 (FIG. 28) may be used in conjunction with non-
smart/conventional
lockout tagout accessories to implement a wireless-enabled lockout tagout
procedure. For
example, any of wireless tracking device 1402, spool based wireless tracking
device 1802
and smart stamp 2700 may be used to monitor/detect/alert for specific changes
or operations
that occur during a lockout tagout time period and may be used with a
conventional lock or
tag being used to indicate the lockout tagout time period and intervene with
operations.
These devices may also be used in conjunction with other smart lockout tagout
device
described above, such as the wireless tracking belt, the adhesive tape or the
smart locks.
[0230] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of a smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 to monitor and/or implement alockout/tagout protocol. Smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 may represent smart wireless tracking belt 2020 of FIG.
20A.
[0231] A physical lockout control 3002 implements a lockout/tagout of an
equipment
3004. For example, equipment 3004 may represent a machine in a factory that is
scheduled
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for maintenance, and physical lockout control 3002 is coupled with a power
switch of
equipment 3004 that may be physically blocked using a padlock 3006 to prevent
inadvertent
activation of equipment 3004, as part of an OSHA safety protocol. Other types
of physical
lockout control 3002 and locking devices may be used without departing from
the scope
hereof For example, authorized personnel 3008 (e.g., a service engineer
performing the
maintenance or an authorized supervisor thereof) applies padlock 3006 when
equipment 3004
is deactivated to ensure that equipment 3004 cannot be reactivated by anyone
other than
authorized personnel 3008 (e.g., the service engineer using a key to unlock
padlock 3006
when maintenance is complete and equipment 3004 may be reactivated). Although
described
for use with the OSHA safety protocol, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 and
the described
operation may be used without following the OSHA safety protocol and/or
without the use of
padlock 3006, whereby smart wireless tracking belt 3020 detects manipulation
and/or
attempted operation of equipment 3004 while such manipulation and/or operation
is
undesired (e.g., access is restricted). For example, physical lockout control
3002 may
represent any physical control lever of equipment 3004, whereby smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 detects and reports movement of, or tampering with, physical control
lever.
[0232] As shown in FIG. 30, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is looped
through
physical lockout control 3002, as is padlock 3006, and fastened on itself as
described above.
However, as illustrated by FIGs. 28 and 29, smart wireless tracking belt 3020
may operate
without padlock 3006. In one example of operation, authorized personnel 3008
uses mobile
gateway 710 to assign and/or associate smart wireless tracking belt 3020 with
one or both of
physical lockout control 3002 and equipment 3004, and then applies smart
wireless tracking
belt 3020 to physical lockout control 3002 when preparing and securing
equipment 3004 for
maintenance.
102331 When fastening is detected, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 initiates
and
reads, at intervals, one or more sensors 3024, including an accelerometer,
within smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 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 3020 that
indicates that deployment of smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is complete).
After detecting
the first settling period of inactivity, smart wireless tracking belt 3020
transitions to a
monitoring/tampering detect mode, whereby any significant movement detected by
sensors
3024 causes smart wireless tracking belt 3020 to transmit a wireless message
indicative of
detected movement (e.g., caused by tampering with physical lockout control
3002 and/or
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padlock 3006) to one or both of stationary gateway 714 (see FIG. 7) and/or
mobile gateway
710. For example, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 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.
102341 Smart wireless tracking belt 3020 may also include a warning display
3022
that may indicate the purpose of smart wireless tracking belt 3020 being used
with the
lockout/tagout protocol and may also indicate who is authorized to unfasten
and remove
smart wireless tracking belt 3020. For example, warning display 3022 may wams
unauthorized users not to remove smart wireless tracking belt 3020, and not to
change the
state of, or operate, equipment 3004. In certain embodiments, warning display
3022 is a
message and/or graphics printed on smart tracking device 3020. In other
embodiments,
warning display 3022 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 3022 may operate similarly to status
display 2008 of
FIG. 20A. In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 also
includes an audio
device (e.g., a speaker) for outputting an audio alert 3026 such as an alarm
sound and/or a
spoken message when smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is moved and/or
unfastened.
102351 In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 transmits
wireless
message 3026 indicative of detected movement to server(s) 704 via stationary
gateway 714,
and in response to message 3026 and verifying the assignment and activation of
smart
wireless tracking belt 3020, server(s) 704 sends an alert 3028 to mobile
gateway 710, via
stationary gateway 714. Mobile gateway 710 notifies authorized personnel 3008
of potential
tampering with physical lockout control 3002 in response to alert 3028. In
another example
of operation, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 transmits wireless message
3030 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 3008
is alerted
(e.g., via a sound 3032) to a potentially dangerous situation of someone
trying to activate
equipment 3004 while maintenance is taking place. In certain embodiments,
wireless
message 3026 may cause gateway 714, when in proximity of equipment 3004, to
emit an
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alarm (e.g., a sound 3034) to warn of unauthorized tampering with physical
lockout control
3002.
102361 In certain embodiments, smart wireless tracking belt 3036 transmits
wireless
message 3036 indicative of detected movement to equipment 3004 (e.g., when
equipment
3004 is smart and incudes a wireless receiver), whereby equipment 3004 may
initiate further
lockout and/or shutdown actions to prevent unwanted operation of equipment
3004.
[0237] When padlock 3006 is to be removed (e.g., when maintenance is complete
and
equipment 3004 may be reactivated), authorized personnel 3008 uses mobile
gateway to
deactivate smart wireless tracking belt 3020, removes smart wireless tracking
belt 3020 after
unfastening it. and then unlocks padlock 3006 if used. In certain embodiments,
when smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 detects proximity of a smart badge 3010 (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 3020 and/or padlock 3006)
authority to
remove smart wireless tracking belt 3020 and/or padlock 3006, smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 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.
[0238] In certain embodiments, when smart wireless tracking belt 3020 detects
unexpected movement or is unexpectedly unfastened, smart wireless tracking
belt 3020
captures a unique identifier from a nearby smart badge 3011 of a nearby person
3009 who is
unauthorized to open smart wireless tracking belt 3020. Smart wireless
tracking belt 3020
may then include the unique ID within a notification and/or alert sent by
smart wireless
tracking belt 3020 to tracking system 700.
102391 In certain embodiments, padlock 3006 may represent any one of: single-
use
smart security device 2100 of FIGs. 21A and 21B, wireless cable-locking device
2200 of
FIG. 22, smart padlock 2300 of FIGs. 23A and 23B, and smart padlock 2400 of
FIGs. 24A
and 24B, respectively. For example, any of single-use smart security device
2100, wireless
cable-locking device 2200, smart padlock 2300, and smart padlock 2400 may
collaborate
with smart wireless tracking belt 3020 to increase reliability and sensitivity
to detect
movement.
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[0240] FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating one example method 3100 for
implementing
a lockout/tagout protocol using smart wireless tracking belt 3020 of FIG. 30,
in embodiments.
Method 3100 is implemented, at least in part, by smart wireless tracking belt
3020.
[0241] In block 3102, method 3100 received assignment/association with
physical
lockout control and/or equipment. In one example of block 3102, smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 receives a wireless communication associating it with at least one of
physical lockout
control 3002 and equipment 3004. For example, server(s) 704 may include a
database for
storing relationships between an ID of smart wireless tracking belt 3020 and
an ID of
physical lockout control 3002 and/or an ID of equipment 3004.
[0242] In block 3104, method 3100 detects fastening of smart wireless tracking
belt
3020. In one example of block 3104, wireless transducing circuit 2010, as
implemented
within smart wireless tracking belt 3020, uses magnetic sensor 2006 to detect
a fastening of
smart wireless tracking belt 3020. In block 3106, method 3100 reads sensors at
intervals to
detect a settle period with no movement. In one example of block 3106, smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 reads sensors 3024 and processes at least accelerometer
data to detect a
settling period of 10 seconds of inactivity that indicates deployment of smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 is complete. In block 3108, method 3100 transitions to an
active
monitoring mode after the settling period is detected. In one example of block
3108, smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 transitions to an armed mode in which detected
movement
indicates inadvertent tampering with smart wireless tracking belt 3020 or with
padlock 3006.
In certain embodiments, in one or both of blocks 3104 and 3108, smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 logs the detected event and/or sends a wireless message indicative of a
unique ID of
smart wireless tracking belt 3020 and/or a current date and time, to server
704 and/or mobile
gateway 710, to indicate the transition into the armed mode.
102431 Blocks 3110 through 3118 repeat at intervals to detect movement and
unfastening of smart wireless tracking belt 3020. In block 3110, method 3100
reads sensor
data from one or more sensors at intervals. In one example of block 3110,
smart wireless
tracking belt 3020 reads sensor data from sensors 3024 and magnetic sensor
2006 at intervals.
[0244] Blocks 3112, 3114 and 3120 may occur substantially in parallel. In
block
3112, method 3100 determines whether sensor data captured in step indicates
movement of
the smart wireless tracking belt. In one example of block 3112, wireless
transducing circuit
2010 processes at least accelerometer data of the sensor data read in block
3110 to determine
whether smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is being moved. In block 3114,
method 3100
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detects unfastening of the smart wireless tracking belt. In one example of
block 3124,
wireless transducing circuit 2010 processes at least sensor data read from
magnetic sensor
2006 in block 3110 to determine whether smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is
unfastened.
[0245] In block 3116, method 3100 sends a message indicating detected movement
and/or unfastening. In one example of block 3116, smart wireless tracking belt
3020 sends
message 3026, indicative of detected movement with the unique ID of smart
wireless tracking
belt 3020 and a current date and time, to server 704 via gateway 714. In
another example of
block 3116, method 3100 sends message 3030, indicating detected unfastening
with the
unique ID of smart wireless tracking belt 3020 and a current date and time, to
mobile
gateway 710. In block 3118, method 3100 illuminates the status display. In one
example of
block 3118, wireless transducing circuit 2010 illuminates status display 2008.
102461 Blocks 3120, 3122, and 3124 are optional and may be omitted in
embodiments
where smart wireless tracking belt 3020 does not automatically identify
authorized
movement. If included, in block 3120, method 3100 determines authorized
deactivation. In
one example of block 3120, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 detects proximity
of a smart
badge worn by a person moving and/or unfastening smart wireless tracking belt
3020, and/or
a client device carried by a person moving and/or unfastening smart wireless
tracking belt
3020, 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 3020 and/or open
padlock 3006. In
embodiments where block 3120 is not included, smart wireless tracking belt
3020 may not
check for proximity of a smart badge wom by a person when smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 is moved. Accordingly, any movement detected by smart wireless tracking
belt 3020 is
assumed unauthorized.
102471 If included, in block 3122, method 3100 extinguishes status display. In
one
example of block 3122, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 deactivates status
display 2008 if
active. In block 3124, method 3100 transitions to an inactive mode. In one
example of block
3124, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 transitions to an inactive mode in
which smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 is not actively detecting motion and/or does not
send messages
indicative of detected motion. When deactivated, smart wireless tracking belt
3020 may send
to server 704 and/or mobile gateway 710, a deactivation message indicating the
unique ID of
smart wireless tracking belt 3020, the unique ID of the authorized personnel,
and a current
date and time.
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102481 In certain embodiments, block 3120 is invoked by any of block 3112 and
3114
when movement and/or unfastening is detected. Accordingly, when smart wireless
tracking
belt 3020 is removed by authorized personnel, smart wireless tracking belt
3020 prevents
warning messages and/or alerts from being generated and sent.
[0249] Advantageously, where multiple smart wireless tracking belts 3020 are
deployed, each has its own unique ID, and each smart wireless tracking belt
3020 may be
configured to have different, or the same, authorized personnel. For example,
each smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 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 3020 depending on the situation. In this embodiment, to remove
smart wireless
tracking belt 3020, such as to allow operation of a piece of equipment, smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 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 3020 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 3020 that includes a set of
two IDs of
authorized personnel or may be implemented by deploying two smart wireless
tracking belts
3020, where each requires a different one of the two IDs. Where two smart
wireless tracking
belts 3020 are deployed of different equipment, each may have different
requirements for
authorization from the other.
102501 FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example smart wireless
tracking belt 3220 with an attached warning display 3222. Smart wireless
tracking belt 3220
is similar to smart wireless tracking belt 3020 of FIG. 30, but excludes built-
in warning
display 3022, and includes attached warning display 3222, for example, in the
form of a tag
that conforms to OSHA lockout/tagout regulations. Further, the use of attached
warning
display 3222 allows smart wireless tracking belt 3020 to be used for different
purposes,
whereby the appropriate attached warning display 3222 is selected for the
intended use. For
example, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 may be generic, and a user writes
the relevant
information (e.g., name of authorized user, time, etc.) on attached warning
display 3222 (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 3222 may be
removed from
smart wireless tracking belt 3020. Smart wireless tracking belt 3020 may then
be used again
with another attached warning display 3222.
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[0251] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario
where smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 of FIG. 30 is looped through physical lockout
control 3002. In
this scenario, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 is used without padlock 3006
and operates to
detect movement of physical lockout control 3002 and thereby detect any
inadvertent attempt
at operating equipment 3004 and/or removal of smart wireless tracking belt
3020 therefrom.
That is, use of smart wireless tracking belt 3020 alone detects any
inadvertent attempt at
activating equipment 3004.
102521 FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario
where
smart wireless tracking belt 3220 of FIG. 32, with attached warning display
3222, is looped
through physical lockout control 3002. In this scenario, smart wireless
tracking belt 3220 is
used without padlock 3006 and operates to detect movement of physical lockout
control 3002
and/or removal of smart wireless tracking belt 3220 therefrom. Smart wireless
tracking belt
3220 includes attached warning display 3222, for example, in the form of a tag
that conforms
to OSHA lockout/tagout regulations
[0253] FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram illustrating an alternative scenario
where smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 of FIG. 30 is deployed around the closed shackle
of padlock 3006
and fastened on itself as described above. In this embodiment, smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 detects movement (e.g., tampering) with padlock 3006.
[0254] FIG. 36 is a schematic diagram illustrating one alternative scenario
where
smart wireless tracking belt 3220 of FIG. 32, with attached warning display
3222, is looped
through physical lockout control 3002 with padlock 3006.
[0255] The smart wireless tracking belt may include a waming 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.
102561 FIG. 37 is a schematic diagram illustrating example use of smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 of FIG. 30 to monitor and/or implement a lockout/tagout
protocol for a
valve 3700 that controls flow of a fluid through a pipe 3702. Smart wireless
tracking belt
3020 is looped through a handle 3704 of valve 3700 and around pipe 3702 when
valve 3700
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is closed, for example. To open valve 3700, by turning handle 3704, requires
that smart
wireless tracking belt 3020 be moved and removed. In this scenario, smart
wireless tracking
belt 3020 operates to detect movement of valve handle 3704 and thereby detect
any
inadvertent attempt at changing flow through pipe 3702 and/or removal of smart
wireless
tracking belt 3020 therefrom. That is, use of smart wireless tracking belt
3020 alone detects
any inadvertent attempt at operating valve 3700.
[0257] In this embodiment, smart wireless tracking belt 3020 serves as notice
to
operators that the position of the valve or switch 3700 should not be changed.
In certain
embodiments, the smart wireless tracking belt 3020 may be positioned with
respect to the
valve or switch 3700 in a manner that physically restricts a user from
changing the position of
the valve or switch 3700 without removing the smart wireless tracking belt
3020. Therefore,
the smart wireless tracking belt 3020 can track when the valve or switch 3700
is potentially
moved. In embodiments, the valve or switch 3700 may be locked in place, such
as using lock
3006 discussed above, and smart wireless tracking belt 3020 operates to detect
if the lock
3006 is unlocked, removed, or broken as discussed above. Smart wireless
tracking belt 3020
may operate to periodically transmit a "heartbeat signal" such as a ping or
message that
indicates the valve 3700 or lock 3006 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 3020 is shown
in FIG. 32,
multiple tracking devices may be used. For example, on smart wireless tracking
belt 3020
may be used to monitor lockout/tagout as discussed above, and another may be
used to
monitor valve position of valve 3700 as shown in FIG. 37. Alternatively, a
single device may
perform both functions (e.g., both lockout/tagout and valve position
monitoring).
[0258] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 37, wireless tracking device
1402 of
FIGs. 14A and 14B is also attached to valve handle 3704 and operates to detect
movement of
valve handle 3704 and/or a position of valve handle 3704, as described above
with respect to
FIGs. 14A and 14B. Wireless tracking device 1402 and smart wireless tracking
belt 3020
may collaborate to increase reliability and sensitivity to detect movement.
[0259] In other embodiments, wireless tracking device 1402 may operate in
place of
smart wireless tracking belt 3020 to monitor and/or implement the
lockout/tagout protocol for
valve 3700.
[0260] FIG. 38A shows single-use smart security device 2100 of FIGs. 21A and
21B
being used to lockout/tagout of a door 3802 (e.g., to a control room) and
where two
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authorized personnel 3804(1) and 3802(2) are required to be present when
single-use smart
security device 2100 is deactivated and removed from door 3802. Any of
wireless tracking
devices 1402, 1502, 1702, 1802, 2020, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600,
2700, and 2800
of FIGs. 14A and 14B, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21A and 21B, 22, 23A and 23B, 24A
and 24B, 25,
26, 27, 28A and 28B, respectively, may be used to implement lockout/tagout
protocols as
described herein. FIG. 38B shows wireless transducing circuit 410 of single-
use smart
security device 2100 in further example detail. Memory 426 of single-use smart
security
device 2100 includes a list 3820 of unique IDs 3822 of personnel authorized to
deactivate
single-use smart security device 2100, and a number required variable 3824
that indicates the
number of personnel required to be simultaneously present to deactivate single-
use smart
security device 2100. In this example, number required variable 3824 is set to
two and list
3820 includes two unique TDs 3822(1) and 3822(2) that correspond to authorized
personnel
3804(1) and 3802(2). For example, client application 722 of person 3804(1) may
include
unique ID 3822(1) and a smart badge 3806 of person 3804(2) may include unique
ID
3822(2). List 3820 may have additional unique IDs 3822 where any two of the
listed
personnel are authorized to deactivate single-use smart security device 2100.
102611 In the example of FIGs. 38A and 38B, single-use smart security device
2100 is
used to secure a lock of a control room door 3802, where security loop 2104 is
passed
through a portion of the lock to prevent operation of the lock, and then
single-use smart
security device 2100 is activated by a mobile gateway 710 or other component
of wireless
tracking system 700 of FIG. 7. Once activated, single-use smart security
device 2100
operates as described above to generate notification/alert messages and/or
interventions when
someone attempts to access through door 3802 or attempts to remove single-use
smart
security device 2100.
102621 When the lockout/tagout is to be removed, and prior to single-use smart
security device 2100 being cut and removed from the lock of door 3802, single-
use smart
security device 2100 reads unique ID 3822(1) from mobile gateway 710 of person
3804(1)
and unique ID 3822(2) from smart badge 3806 of person 3804(2). Accordingly,
when
security loop 2104 is cut, control code 430 determines that both authorized
personnel 3804(1)
and 3804(2) are present and therefore there is no security breach, and no
notification or alert
messages are generated. In certain embodiments, single-use smart security
device 2100 sends
a message to server 704 with unique IDs 3822(1) and 3822(2) to log the removal
of the
lockout/tagout protocol. When security loop 2104 is not cut, or single-use
smart security
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device 2100 otherwise deactivated, single-use smart security device 2100 may
continue to
follow the lockout/tagout protocol.
102631 When security loop 2104 is cut with fewer than the number required
value
3824 of authorized personnel present, single-use smart security device 2100
sends a
notification/alert to one or more of mobile gateway 710, static gateway 714,
and server 704 to
indicate the breach in lockout/tagout protocol.
Other embodiments and Examples of Use
[0264] The above-described solutions for monitor and/or implement a
lockout/tagout
protocol may be applied to other controls without departing from the scope
hereof For
example, any of wireless tracking devices 1402, 1502, 1702, 1802, 2020, 2100,
2200, 2300,
2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and 2800 of FIGs. 14A and 14B, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21A
and 21B,
22, 23A and 23B, 24A and 24B, 25, 26, 27, 28A and 28B, respectively, may be
used to
monitor a gate, a door, a control for a sluiceway, and so on. Advantageously,
these wireless
tracking devices may be applied to anything that controls a flow of people,
objects, and
materials, and provides a notification, alert, or intervention in response to
detecting that the
control is moved or tampered with. The use of alockout/tagout indication
informs people
that control should not be changed, and knowledge that a notification or
intervention will be
sent if a control is changed allows a person (e.g., maintenance technician) to
proceed with
safety.
102651 In certain embodiments, magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may also
be
used for lockout/tagout. For example, where magnetic valve monitoring device
2800 senses
a status change in valve 2802 that is unexpected, or that is an indication of
a control change,
magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may send a notification, alert, or
intervention. In
another example, magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 may cooperate and
report valve
operational changes to another lockout/tagout device that sends the
notification, alert, or
intervention. In another example, where magnetic valve monitoring device 2800
operates to
monitor valve 1802 at intervals, another lockout/tagout device may change the
interval to be
shorter such that magnetic valve monitoring device 2800 detects any change in
the valve
status sooner, particularly where the lockout/tagout device detects tampering.
[0266] In another example, where a device (e.g., a furnace normally run
continuously) is shut down for maintenance and requires certain checks or
procedures before
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turning it back on, the main control may be locked out, using a wireless
tracking device, until
the checks and procedure have been completed.
102671 FIG. 39 shows an example embodiment of computer apparatus 3920 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.
For example,
computer apparatus 3920 may represent any of wireless tracking devices 1402,
1502, 1702,
1802, 2020, 2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600, 2700, and 2800 of FIGs. 14A
and 14B, 15,
16, 17, 18, 20, 21A and 21B, 22, 23A and 23B, 24A and 24B, 25, 26, 27, 28A and
28B,
respectively. Computer apparatus 3920 may also represent any of smart wireless
tracking
belts 3020 and 3220 of FIGs. 30, and 32, respectively. The computer apparatus
3920 includes
a processing unit 3922, a system memory 3924, and a system bus 3926 that
couples the
processing unit 3922 to the various components of the computer apparatus 3920.
The
processing unit 3922 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
3924 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 3924 may include a read only memory (ROM) that
stores
a basic input/output system (BIOS) that contains start-up routines for the
computer apparatus
3920, and a random-access memory (RAM). The system bus 3926 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 3920
also
includes a persistent storage memory 3928 (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 3926 and contains one or more computer-readable media disks
that provide
non-volatile or persistent storage for data, data structures and computer-
executable
instructions.
[0268] A user may interact (e.g., input commands or data) with the computer
apparatus 3920 using one or more input devices 3930 (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 3932, which is controlled by a display
controller 3934. The
computer apparatus 3920 also may include other input/output hardware (e.g.,
peripheral
output devices, such as speakers and a printer). The computer apparatus 3920
connects to
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other network nodes through a network adapter 3936 (also refen-ed to as a
"network interface
card" or NIC).
102691 A number of program modules may be stored in the system memory 3924,
including application programming interfaces 3938 (APIs), an operating system
(OS) 3940
(e.g., the Windows operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of
Redmond,
Washington U.S.A.), software applications 3941 including one or more software
applications
programming the computer apparatus 3920 to perform one or more of the steps,
tasks,
operations, or processes of the positioning and/or tracking systems described
herein, drivers
3942 (e.g., a GUI driver), network transport protocols 3944, and data 3946
(e.g., input data,
output data, program data, a registry, and configuration settings).
[0270] 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
[0271] Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined
in
various ways without departing from the scope hereof The following enumerated
examples
illustrate some possible, non-limiting combinations:
[0272] (Al) A system for detecting a setting of a control for equipment
includes: a
tracking device, having: a sensor that senses a position of the control, a
memory storing the
position and a setting module having non-transitory computer-readable
instructions, and, a
processor coupled to the sensor and the memory and configured to execute the
setting module
to analyze the position to determine the setting of the control; and, a
battery that supplies
power to the sensor, the memory, and the processor.
[0273] (A2) In embodiments of (Al), the tracking device being flexible and
having an
adhesive surface that, in use, adheres the tracking device to the equipment.
[0274] (A3) In either of embodiments (Al) or (A2), the sensor being one or
more of a
magnetometer, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a compass sensor, a position
sensor, an optical
sensor, and an image sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, an acoustic sensor, and
an infrared
sensor.
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[0275] (A4) Any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A3) the tracking device further
including a
wireless communication module; wherein the processor is configured to transmit
notification
of a change in the setting to another device external to the flexible tracking
device.
[0276] (A5) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A4), the tracking device being
coupled to
a moveable portion of the equipment.
[0277] (A6) In any embodiment (A5), the moveable portion being one of: a valve
handle and a control lever.
102781 (A7) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A6), the position including
orientation of
the tracking device.
[0279] (A8) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A7), the setting module including
instructions that, when executed by the processor, operate to aggregate the
position with
another position received from another tracking device to verify the setting
of the control.
[0280] (A9) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A8), wherein, in response to a
change in
the setting, an operational assignment of the flexible tracking device is
altered from a first
operational assignment to a second operational assignment.
[0281] (A10) In any embodiment (A9), the second operational assignment
including
detecting ambient air temperature.
[0282] (All) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (A10), the setting data including
optical
data, wherein the analyzing the setting data to determine a setting includes
identifying when
an indicator light of the equipment turns on or off
102831 (Al2) In any of embodiments (Al) ¨ (All), the flexible tracking device
including a lockout circuit; wherein, when the flexible tracking device is
secured to a lockout
device, the lockout circuit is located to trigger when the lockout device is
unlocked or
tampered with.
102841 (A13) In any embodiment (Al2), the memory further storing a lockout
module
that, when executed by the processor, operates to monitor the lockout circuit;
and, when the
lockout circuit indicates the lockout device is improperly oriented, transmit
an alert to another
device.
[0285] (A14) In any embodiment (A13), the lockout module, when executed by the
processor, further operating to periodically transmit a status signal
indicating whether the
lockout circuit is properly oriented.
102861 (A15) In any of embodiments (Al2) ¨ (A14), the lockout circuit
triggering in
response to a change in inductance of the lockout circuit.
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[0287] (Al 6) In any of embodiments (Al2) ¨ (A15), the lockout circuit
triggering in
response to the lockout circuit becoming an open circuit.
102881 (A17) In any of embodiments (Al2) ¨ (A16), the lockout circuit being a
one-
time use circuit.
[0289] (B1) A method for lockout/tagout using a wireless tracking device
includes:
detecting unexpected movement of the wireless tracking device by: reading
sensor data from
at least one movement sensor of the wireless tracking device; and processing
the sensor data
to detect movement of the wireless tracking device; and generating an alert
when the
unexpected movement is detected.
[0290] (B2) In embodiments of (B1), the wireless tracking device being
attached to a
control of equipment having a lockout/tagout procedure, wherein the wireless
tracking device
detects violations of the lockout/tagout procedure.
[0291] (B3) In either of embodiments (B1) or (B2), the step of generating an
alert
including sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the
wireless tracking
device to a server, wherein the server sends a message to a mobile gateway
near the
equipment.
[0292] (B4) In any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B3), the step of generating an alert
including sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the
wireless tracking
device directly to a mobile gateway near the equipment.
[0293] (B5) In any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B4), the step of generating an alert
including sending a wireless message including a unique identifier of the
wireless tracking
device directly to a wireless receiver of the equipment.
[0294] (B6) In any of embodiments (31) ¨ (115), the step of detecting
fastening of the
wireless tracking device includes reading sensor data from a magnetic sensor
positioned in a
head portion of the wireless tracking device; and processing the sensor data
to determine
presence of a magnetic field of one magnet positioned in a pouch adjustably
positionable on a
tail portion of the wireless tracking device.
[0295] (B7) Any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B6) further including determining
unexpected unfastening of the wireless tracking device 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 magnet.
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[0296] (B8) Any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B7) 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.
[0297] (B9) Any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B8) further including receiving a
unique
ID from an external device proximate the wireless tracking device; determining
that the
unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel; and determining movement is
expected when
the unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel.
102981 (B10) Any of embodiments (B1) ¨ (B9) further including receiving a
plurality
of unique IDs from external devices proximate the wireless tracking device;
determining that
the unique IDs correspond to authorized personnel; and determining movement is
expected
when the unique IDs correspond to authorized personnel.
[0299] (Cl) A method for lockout/tagout using a wireless tracking device
includes:
detecting unexpected movement of a control of equipment by: reading sensor
data from at
least one sensor of the wireless tracking device; and processing the sensor
data to determine
the control has moved; and generating an alert when the control is moved
unexpectedly.
[0300] (C2) The embodiment (Cl) further including receiving a unique ID from
an
external device proximate the wireless tracking device; and including the
unique ID in the
alert.
[0301] (C3) Either of embodiments (Cl) or (C2) further including receiving a
unique
ID from an external device proximate the wireless tracking device; determining
that the
unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel; and determining movement of the
control is
expected when the unique ID corresponds to authorized personnel.
[0302] (D1) A wireless tracking device for monitoring position of a control
includes:
a sensor that senses a position of the control; a memory storing the position
and non-
transitory computer-readable instructions; a processor coupled to the sensor
and the memory
and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to determine
change in a
position of the control; a battery that supplies power to the sensor, the
memory, and the
processor; and wherein the wireless tracking device is flexible and has an
adhesive surface
that, in use, adheres the wireless tracking device to the control.
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