JP7421547B2 - Fabrication of multifunctional flexible adhesive products with sensing and wireless communication capabilities - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the fabrication of multifunctional flexible adhesive products with sensing and wireless communication capabilities.

Tracking devices can track people and objects in real time. These devices typically interface with a variety of different wireless positioning systems (e.g., Global Positioning System (GPS), cellular network systems (e.g., GSM), and wireless local area networks (e.g., systems of Wi-Fi access points)). Based on their communications, ascertain information about their physical location. However, there is no single approach that provides continuous tracking information under all circumstances. For example, GPS tracking requires tracking devices to have at least 4 GPS tracking in urban and indoor environments is problematic because two GPS satellites must be displayed simultaneously with an unobstructed line of sight.Vision-based positioning, wireless-based positioning (e.g. received signal strength indicator Various positioning techniques have been developed for tracking in indoor environments, including (RSSI) triangulation and fingerprinting techniques), and acoustic background fingerprinting. However, each of these techniques requires specific infrastructure. Because they require support (eg, wireless access points at known locations) and/or prior knowledge of the target environment (eg, predetermined fingerprint maps), they are associated with a unique set of problems and limitations. Dead reckoning positioning based on motion sensor measurements may also be used, but the positioning accuracy of this approach is limited.

Incorporate multiple positioning mechanisms to provide positioning capabilities across heterogeneous environments ranging from environments with positioning equipment (e.g., satellites, cellular towers, and wireless access points) to environments without positioning equipment Tracking devices have been proposed. However, incorporating a variety of different positioning components into a tracking device significantly complicates integration and makes it difficult to optimize weight, size, cost, and battery life for a given application. In addition to that, positioning techniques used in areas without infrastructure support are well known to be highly inaccurate and typically involve signals emitted from multiple colocated tracking devices (e.g. A person must physically pass through the storage facility until he or she is close enough to the target to distinguish the RFID signals. Therefore, there remains a need to address the lack of sufficient infrastructure to support continuous tracking across different environments.

This document unobtrusively integrates the components necessary to implement a combination of different positioning techniques, providing useful auxiliary functions that would otherwise result in additional materials, labor, and expense. We describe a low-cost, multi-functional tracking system with a form factor that is also capable of performing useful ancillary functions that may need to be performed.

In an aspect, the tracking system not only provides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, and securing tracking system components, but also provides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, and securing tracking system components, as well as for manufacturing, storing, shipping, and tracking applications for people and objects. Acts as an adhesive product that can be deployed seamlessly and unobtrusively into a variety of tracking applications and workflows, including shipping and other logistics-like asset management workflows involving moving products and other physical objects It is implemented as an adhesive product that integrates the tracking components within a flexible adhesive structure so as to also maintain the flexibility required for this purpose.

Adhesive products can have a variety of form factors, including multilayer rolls or sheets containing multiple divisible adhesive segments, each with tracking features. Once deployed, each adhesive segment can function as an adhesive tape, label, sticker, decal, etc., as well as a discreet position tracker, for example. In examples, each adhesive segment can track location information autonomously or collectively with other activated segments. In the autonomous mode of operation, the adhesive segment may be configured to communicate with a variety of different wireless positioning systems and equipment to determine or assist in determining information regarding its geographic or relative location. can. In the collective mode of operation, sets of segments communicate additively with each other to self-organize and self-configure, e.g. Mechanisms or opportunities may be created to capture and/or share captured location information.

Embodiments of the subject matter described herein provide methods, processes, systems, apparatuses, and methods for implementing one or more methods and processes for enabling tracking and fabrication functions of the described systems and apparatuses. a tangible, non-transitory carrier medium encoded with one or more program instructions to do so.

According to certain embodiments, the tracked adhesive product includes multiple segments of a flexible laminate structure comprising a flexible cover and a flexible substrate laminated to a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. Each segment includes the following components: a flexible antenna, a wireless communication system coupled to the flexible antenna, a processor coupled to the wireless communication system, an energy source coupled to the processor and the wireless communication system, and instructions. at least one non-transitory processor-readable medium comprising: instructions that, when executed by the processor, control a wireless communication system to communicate with one or more network nodes associated with a location service; A processor is configured to perform operations comprising communicating a message.

In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of segments includes a flexible antenna, a wireless communication system, and a processor located in a device layer between the flexible cover and the substrate. In some examples, the energy source is located in the device layer, and in other examples, the energy source is located between the device layer and the flexible substrate. In some examples, the energy source includes a cylindrical single cell battery disposed in a device layer between the flexible cover and the substrate. In some examples, the energy source includes a flat flexible battery disposed between the device layer and the substrate.

Some embodiments include a flexible planarization layer between the device layer and the flexible cover, the planarization layer planarizing the device layer with a substantially flat side facing the flexible cover. In some examples, the flexible planar layer includes flexible epoxy.

In certain embodiments, the flexible cover and the peripheral portion of the flexible substrate are bonded together.

Certain embodiments of the tracking adhesive product further include a flexible cover of the tracking adhesive product and a peripheral sidewall adhered to the flexible substrate. In some examples, the peripheral sidewall includes an extension of one or both of the flexible cover and the flexible substrate.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the components are disposed in a first device layer and another one or more of the components are disposed in a second device layer. In some examples, the interposer is between a first device layer and a second device layer, and connects one or more of the components of the first device layer to a component of the second device layer. one or more through interposer vias electrically coupled to one or more through interposer vias;

In certain embodiments, the flexible substrate and pressure sensitive adhesive layer are elements of a prefabricated adhesive tape. The flexible cover can be an element of prefabricated adhesive tape. Each segment may further include one or more sensors selected from altimeters, gyrators, accelerometers, temperature sensors, and strain sensors.

In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of segments is configured to automatically turn on in response to separation of the respective segment from the tracking adhesive product. In some examples, each of the plurality of segments includes a respective wake circuit that transfers power from a respective energy source to a respective processor and a respective wireless communication system in response to an event. In some examples, each wake circuit transfers power to the processor and wireless communication system in response to a cut across the tracking adhesive product that creates an open circuit in the respective wake circuit's electrical path. In some examples, the segments include respective sensors and respective wake circuits communicate power to respective processors and respective wireless communication systems in response to the output of the sensors. In some examples, the segments include strain sensors that generate wake signals based on changes in strain in the respective segments. In some examples, the segments include capacitive sensors that generate wake signals based on changes in capacitance of the respective segments. In some examples, the segments include near field communication sensors that generate wake signals based on changes in inductance of the respective segments.

In certain embodiments, the flexible cover includes visible boundaries of respective portions of the tracking adhesive product that correspond to segments. In some examples, the tracked adhesive product is in the form of a roll comprising multiple segments. In some examples, the tracked adhesive product is in the form of a flat sheet with multiple segments.

In certain embodiments, different portions of the tape communicate via a roll communication network.

In certain embodiments, a mobile phone is used to configure the tape (e.g., wake-up conditions, tracking interval), and the user uses a tracking adhesive product to create a unique tape, such as a photo of the package they wish to track. Associate with unique information.

In certain embodiments, the frequency of determining location can be different from the frequency of communicating location information.

In certain embodiments, the communication medium is also used for positioning (eg, a separate cellular connection and a separate GPS).

In certain embodiments, the tape proactively sends a signal to address an upcoming battery shortage (eg, via shutdown or by transitioning to a lower battery consumption mode).

Certain embodiments perform a method of making a tracked adhesive product. According to these embodiments, a flexible tape substrate is provided that includes a first adhesive layer. At each respective segment location along the flexible tape substrate, one or more device layers are formed, the one or more device layers comprising one or more additional adhesive layers, an energy source, and an energy source. and respective flexible circuits electrically connecting one or more components configured to perform one or more location tracking functions. A flexible tape cover with a second adhesive layer is provided. One or more device layers between the flexible tape substrate and the flexible tape cover are annealed to form a flexible composite tracked adhesive product structure.

In some examples of fabrication methods, the energy source includes a flexible battery, and the one or more components electrically connected by the respective flexible circuits include a processor, a flexible antenna, and a wireless communication circuit. The method further includes securing a processor, a flexible antenna, and a wireless communication circuit on each flexible circuit at locations on the flexible carrier tape corresponding to respective segment locations to form respective flexible circuit assemblies. Be prepared. Each respective flexible circuit assembly is incorporated into one of the one or more device layers at a respective segment location along the flexible tape substrate.

In some examples, the fabrication method further includes planarizing each device layer with a flexible polymer adhesive.

Other features, aspects, objects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

1 is a schematic illustration of a package sealed for shipping using segments of an exemplary tracked adhesive product dispensed from a roll; FIG.

1B is a schematic top view of a portion of a segment of the exemplary tracking adhesive product shown in FIG. 1A; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of an example envelope carrying segments of an example tracked adhesive product dispensed from a backing sheet; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of an example network environment that supports location tracking using segments of tracking adhesive products; FIG.

1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary tracked adhesive product segment; FIG.

1 is a schematic top view of a length of an exemplary tracking adhesive product; FIG.

5B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of the tracked adhesive product shown in FIG. 5A; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for making a tracked adhesive product.

1 is a schematic side view of a tracked adhesive product manufacturing system; FIG.

1 is a schematic side view of a tracked adhesive product manufacturing system; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a length of an exemplary tracking adhesive product.

8B is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary implementation of the tracking adhesive product shown in FIG. 8A; FIG.

7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second exemplary implementation of the tracking adhesive product shown in FIG. 6; FIG.

1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of an exemplary tracked adhesive product segment; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a length of an exemplary tracking adhesive product.

12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a first exemplary implementation of the tracking adhesive product shown in FIG. 11; FIG.

12 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a second exemplary implementation of the tracking adhesive product shown in FIG. 11; FIG.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a length of an exemplary tracking adhesive product.

FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a length of an exemplary tracking adhesive product.

1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an exemplary tracking adhesive product and an exemplary package; FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example computing device.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify similar elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to schematically depict major features of the exemplary embodiments. The drawings are not intended to depict all features of actual embodiments or the relative dimensions of the illustrated elements and are not drawn to scale.

Herein, it is separated from the adhesive product (e.g., by cutting, tearing, peeling, etc.) and attached to a variety of different surfaces to unobtrusively perform any of a wide variety of different tracking applications. A tracked adhesive product is described that includes a plurality of segments. Examples of such applications include inventory tracking, package tracking, people tracking, animal (eg, pet) tracking, manufacturing parts tracking, and vehicle tracking. In an exemplary embodiment, each segment of the adhesive product includes an energy source, wireless communication capabilities, and an energy source that enable the segment to perform one or more positioning functions and report positioning results to a remote server or other computer system. and processing functions. The tracking components of the system are made with flexible adhesives that protect the tracking components from damage while maintaining the flexibility necessary to function as adhesive products (e.g., adhesive tapes and labels) for use in a variety of tracking applications and workflows. enclosed within the structure. In addition to tracking capabilities, example embodiments extend the utility of the platform by providing supplemental information regarding the condition and/or characteristics of the environment of the tracked article, object, vehicle, or person over time. It also includes one or more sensors.

This specification also describes systems and processes for fabricating flexible multifunctional adhesive products in an efficient and low cost manner. In addition to using roll-to-roll and/or sheet-to-sheet manufacturing techniques, fabrication systems and processes optimize the placement and integration of tracked components within flexible bonded structures to provide high flexibility and durability. It is configured to accomplish this. In this way, these fabrication systems and processes can produce useful and reliable tracked adhesive products that can also provide positioning and, in some instances, ambient sensing functionality. This capability, along with low production costs, facilitates ubiquitous deployment of the adhesive product segment, thereby eliminating at least some of the problems arising from gaps in traditional positioning infrastructure coverage that prevent continuous tracking across heterogeneous environments. It is expected that this will reduce the

FIG. 1A shows an example package 10 sealed for shipping using an example tracking adhesive product 12 that includes an embedded tracking component 14. In this example, segments 13 of tracked adhesive product 12 are dispensed from roll 16 and applied to parcel 10. Tracked adhesive product 12 includes an adhesive surface 18 and a non-adhesive surface 20. Tracking adhesive product 12 can be dispensed from roll 16 in the same manner as any conventional packaging tape, shipping tape, or duct tape. For example, tracked adhesive product 12 may be dispensed from roll 16 by hand and placed across the seam where the two top flaps of package 10 meet, either by hand or with a cutting instrument (e.g., scissors or an automatic or manual tape dispenser). can be cut to the appropriate length either using a

Referring to FIG. 1B, in some examples, the non-adhesive surface 20 of the segment 13 of the adhesive product 12 may convey instructions, warnings, or other information to a person or machine (e.g., a barcode reader), or Contains writing or other markings that may be purely decorative and/or recreational. In the illustrated example, segments 13 of tracked adhesive product 12 include a two-dimensional barcode 22, written instructions 24 (i.e., "cut here"), and instructions for the user where to cut tracked adhesive product 12. including an associated cutting line 26 shown. Writing instructions 24 and cutting lines 26 are typically printed or otherwise marked on the top non-adhesive surface 20 of tracking adhesive product 12 during manufacturing. Alternatively, the two-dimensional barcode 22 may be marked on the non-adhesive surface 20 of the tracking adhesive product 12 during manufacture of the adhesive product 12, or as needed, for example using a printer or other marking device. Accordingly, the non-adhesive side 20 of the tracking adhesive product 12 may be marked.

To avoid damage to the tracking features of the segments of tracking adhesive product 12, cutting lines 26 typically define boundaries between adjacent segments at locations without tracking components 14. The spacing between tracking component 14 and cutting line 26 may vary depending on the intended tracking or adhesive application. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the length of tracked adhesive product 12 dispensed to seal package 10 corresponds to a single segment of tracked adhesive product 12. In other examples, the length of tracking adhesive product 12 necessary to seal the package or otherwise perform the adhesive function to which the tracking adhesive product is applied may include multiple segments 13 of tracking adhesive product 12. , one or more of its segments 13 may be activated upon cutting a length of tracked adhesive product 12 from roll 16 and/or adding a length of tracked adhesive product to package 10 .

In some examples, tracking components 14 embedded in one or more segments 13 of tracking adhesive product 12 are activated when adhesive product 12 is cut along cutting line 26 . In these examples, tracked adhesive product 12 includes tracked components 14 in one or more segments of tracked adhesive product 12 in response to being separated from adhesive product 12 (e.g., along cut line 26). (e.g., a thin film battery or a conventional cell battery, such as a conventional wrist watch style battery).

In some examples, each segment 13 of tracked adhesive product 12 includes its own respective energy source. In some of these examples, each energy source powers only the components of its respective tracked adhesive product segment, regardless of the number of consecutive segments 13 in a given length of tracked adhesive product 12. configured to do so. In other examples, if a given length of tracked adhesive product 12 includes multiple segments 13, the energy source in each segment 13 may The tracking component 14 is configured to power the tracking component 14 . In some of these examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and activated simultaneously to power the tracking components 14 of all segments 13 simultaneously. In other of these examples, the energy sources are connected in parallel and activated alternately to activate each segment of tracked adhesive product segment 13 at different time intervals that may or may not overlap. Power the tracking component 14.

FIG. 2 shows a set of adhesive segments 32 each including a respective set of embedded tracking components 34 and a backing sheet 36 having a release coating that prevents the adhesive segments 34 from strongly adhering to the backing sheet 36. 3 shows an example of a tracked adhesive product 30 that includes. Each segment 32 includes an adhesive surface facing backing sheet 36 and an opposing non-adhesive surface 40 . In this example, certain segments 32' of tracking adhesive product 30 have been removed from backing sheet 36 and applied to envelope 44. Each segment 32 of tracked adhesive product 30 is removed from backing sheet 36 in the same manner as an adhesive label is removed from a sheet of conventional adhesive labels (e.g., by manually peeling segments 32 from backing sheet 36). Can be done. Generally, the non-adhesive surface 40' of the segment 32' may include any type of writing, markings, decorative designs, or other embellishments. In the illustrated example, the non-adhesive surface 40' of the segment 32' includes writing or other markings corresponding to the destination address of the envelope 44. Envelope 44 also includes a return address 46 and, optionally, a stamp or mark 48.

In some examples, tracking components 34 embedded in segments 32 of tracking adhesive product 12 are activated when segments 32 are removed from backing sheet 32. In some of these examples, each segment 32 includes an embedded capacitive sensing system that can sense changes in capacitance when the segment 32 is removed from the backing sheet 36. As described in detail below, the segments 32 of the adhesive article 30 are activated in response to the detection of a change in capacitance between the segments 32 and the backing sheet 36 resulting from the removal of the segments 32 from the backing sheet 36. , includes one or more implantable energy sources (eg, thin film batteries, or common disk-shaped cell batteries) that can be configured to power tracking components 34 within segment 32 .

FIG. 3 illustrates an example network environment 50 that includes a network 52 that supports communications between a tracking service 54, positioning equipment 56, and client devices 58. Network 52 may include one or more of a wide area network, a local area network, a public network (e.g., the Internet), a private network (e.g., intranets and extranets), a wired network, and a wireless network. Including multiple network communication systems and technologies. The positioning equipment 56 includes (i) a satellite-based tracking system 60 (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR) that transmits geographic location data that can be received by a suitably equipped receiver within the segment of the tracking adhesive product; ii) cellular-based systems that implement one or more cell-based positioning techniques using mobile communication technologies (e.g., GSM, GPRS, CDMA, etc.); and (iii) wireless access points (e.g., Wi-Fi 56) and other shorter range positioning techniques (e.g., ultrasound positioning and/or dead reckoning based on motion sensor measurements). .

As described in detail below, position data for one or more activated tracking adhesive product segments 64 may be obtained using one or more of the positioning systems and techniques described above.

For example, tracking adhesive product segment 64 that includes a GPS receiver is operable to receive location data (eg, geographic location data) from a global positioning system (GPS). In this process, tracking adhesive product segment 64 periodically monitors signals from multiple GPS satellites. Each signal includes information regarding the time the signal was transmitted and the position of the satellite at the time of transmission. Based on the location and time information of each of the four or more satellites, the GPS receiver determines the geographic location of the tracking adhesive product segment 64 and the offset of its internal clock from true time. Depending on its configuration, the tracking adhesive product segment 64 either forwards the received GPS location data to the tracking service 54 to determine its geographic location, or it first determines the geographic location from the received GPS location data. Location coordinates may be calculated and the calculated geographic location coordinates may be reported to tracking service 54. However, tracking adhesive product segment 64 can only determine its GPS position if it can simultaneously receive signals from at least four GPS satellites. As a result, GPS positioning is typically limited or unavailable in urban environments and indoor locations.

Instead of or in addition to GPS positioning, tracking adhesive product segment 64 may be configured to determine or assist in determining its location using terrestrial positioning techniques. For example, received signal strength indicator (RSSI) techniques may be used to determine the location of tracking adhesive product segment 64. These techniques include, for example, fingerprint matching, trilateration, and triangulation. In the exemplary RSSI fingerprinting process, one or more predetermined wireless maps of the target area are mapped to at least three wireless signal sources (e.g., cellular towers or RSSI fingerprints obtained from measurements of wireless access points). The predetermined radio map is typically stored in a database accessible by tracking service 54. In an exemplary RSSI triangulation and trilateration process, the position of tracking adhesive product segment 64 is determined from measurements of signals transmitted from at least three omnidirectional wireless signal sources (e.g., cellular towers or wireless access points). can. Examples of triangulation and trilateration positioning techniques include the use of one or more of time of arrival (TOA), angle of arrival (AOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), and uplink time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) techniques. obtain. RSSI fingerprint matching, trilateration, and triangulation techniques work with a variety of different communication standards and protocols, including GSM, CDMA, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), LoRa, ZigBee, Z-wave, and RF. Can be used with cellular and wireless access points configured to communicate with any

In some examples, tracking adhesive product segment 64 that includes a GSM/GPRS transceiver may scan the GSM frequency band for signals transmitted from one or more GSM cellular towers. For each signal received by tracking adhesive product segment 64, tracking adhesive product segment 64 can determine the signal strength and the identity of the cellular tower that transmitted the signal. Tracking adhesive product segment 64 may transmit the signal strength and transmitter identifier to tracking service 54 to determine the location of adhesive product segment 64 . If signal strength and transmitter identification are only available from one cellular tower, tracking service 54 may determine the location of tracking adhesive product segment 64 using nearest neighbor positioning techniques. If signal strength and transmitter identifiers are received from more than one cellular tower, the tracking service 54 uses positioning techniques such as fingerprint matching, trilateration, and triangulation to locate the tracked adhesive product segment 64. The position of can be calculated.

In some examples, tracking adhesive product segment 64 that includes a Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) transceiver scans a Wi-Fi frequency band for signals transmitted from one or more Wi-Fi access points. Can be done. For each signal received by tracking adhesive product segment 64, tracking adhesive product segment 64 can determine the signal strength and identity of the access point that transmitted the signal. Tracking adhesive product segment 64 may transmit signal strength and transmitter identifier information to tracking service 54 to determine the location of adhesive product segment 64 . If signal strength and transmitter identification information is only available from one Wi-Fi access point, tracking service 54 may determine the location of adhesive product segment 64 using nearest neighbor positioning techniques. If signal strength and transmitter identifier information is received from more than one Wi-Fi access point, tracking service 54 uses positioning techniques such as trilateration and triangulation to locate adhesive product segment 64 . Can calculate position. Location of tracked adhesive product segments 64 in areas (e.g., indoor and outdoor locations such as malls, warehouses, airports, and shipping ports) where one or more radio maps were generated using RSSI fingerprint matching. can also be determined.

In some examples, the wireless transceiver of tracking adhesive product segment 64 transmits a wireless signal (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, LoRa, ZigBee, Z-wave, and/or RF signals) can be transmitted. The wireless signal can function as a beacon that can be detected by a mobile computing device (eg, a mobile phone) suitably configured to locate the source of the beacon. In some examples, a user (e.g., an operator affiliated with tracking service 54) uses a mobile computing device to identify an area that includes an identifier of target tracking adhesive product segment 64 and that constitutes target tracking adhesive product segment 64. (e.g., a warehouse) to begin emitting wireless beacon signals. In some examples, target tracking adhesive product segment 64 does not begin emitting wireless beacon signals until the user/operator self-authenticates with tracking service 54 .

Tracking service 54 includes one or more computing resources (eg, server computers) located at the same or different geographic locations. Tracking service 54 executes positioning application 62 to determine the location of activated tracking adhesive product segment 64 . In some examples, based on execution of positioning application 62, tracking service 54 receives position data from one or more of adhesive product segments 64. In some examples, tracking service 54 processes data received from tracking adhesive product segment 64 to determine the physical location of tracking adhesive product segment 64. For example, the adhesive product segment 64 obtains positioning information from signals received from satellite systems (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR), cell towers, or wireless access points, transmits the positioning information to the tracking service 54, and transmits the positioning information to the tracking adhesive. It may be configured to confirm the physical location of product segment 64. In other examples, the tracking adhesive product segment 64 ascertains their respective physical locations from signals received from satellite systems (e.g., GPS, GLONASS, and NAVSTAR), cell towers, or wireless access points and their respective physical locations. The location of the target is configured to be transmitted to tracking service 54 . In either or both cases, tracking service 54 typically includes positioning information and/or determined physical location of each tracking adhesive product segment in conjunction with a unique identifier for each of the tracking adhesive product segments. Store. The stored data is used by the tracking service 54 to determine time, location, and status (e.g., sensor-based) information about the tracking adhesive product segment 64 and the object or person to which the tracking adhesive product segment 64 is attached. can be used by Examples of such information include tracking the current location of tracked adhesive product segment 64, determining the physical path traveled by tracked adhesive product segment 64 over time, and identifying stop locations and durations.

As shown in FIG. 3, client device 58 includes a client application 66 and a display 68. Client application 66 establishes a session with tracking service 54 during which the client application obtains information regarding the location of tracking adhesive product segment 64 . In some examples, a user of client device 58 must be authenticated before accessing tracking service 54. In this process, the user typically presents the system with multiple authentication factors (eg, username and password). After the user is authenticated, the tracking service 54 sends data associated with the user's account to the client device 58, including information about the tracking adhesive product segment 64 associated with the user's account. The information may include, for example, the current location of a particular tracked adhesive product segment 64, the physical path traveled by the tracked adhesive product segment 64 over time, stop locations and duration, and the status and/or (associated with the tracked adhesive product segment 64). may include changes in state information (measured by one or more sensors). This information may be presented in a user interface on display 68. Location and status information may be displayed on the user interface in any of a variety of different ways, such as tables, charts, or maps. In some examples, location and status data displayed on the user interface is updated in real time.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the components of segment 70 of tracked adhesive product 64. Tracking adhesive product segment 70 includes several communication systems 72 , 74 , an energy source 76 , a processor 78 , and optionally one or more sensors 80 . The example communication systems 72, 74 include a GPS system that includes a GPS receiver circuit 82 (e.g., a receiver semiconductor circuit) and a GPS antenna 84, each with a respective transceiver circuit 86 (e.g., a transceiver semiconductor circuit) and a respective one or more wireless communication systems including an antenna 88. Exemplary wireless communication systems include cellular communication systems (e.g., GSM/GPRS), Wi-Fi communication systems, RF communication systems (e.g., LoRa), Bluetooth communication systems (e.g., Bluetooth Low Energy systems), Z-wave communication systems. , and ZigBee communication systems. Tracked adhesive product segment 70 also includes a processor 90 (e.g., a microcontroller or microprocessor), an energy source 92 (e.g., a printed flexible battery or a conventional single or multiple cell battery), and optionally one or more A plurality of sensors 94 are included. Exemplary sensors include capacitive sensors, altimeters, gyroscopes, accelerometers, temperature sensors, strain sensors, pressure sensors, light sensors, and humidity sensors. In some examples, tracking adhesive product segment 70 includes memory 96 for storing data (eg, positioning data and a unique identifier 98 associated with segment 70). In some examples, memory 96 may be incorporated into one or more of processor 90 or sensor 94, or may be a separate component integrated into tracked adhesive product segment 70, as shown in FIG. can.

Each segment 70 of tracking adhesive product 64 provides a cost-effective platform for interconnecting, optimizing, and securing components of tracking systems, as well as for people and object tracking applications, manufacturing, and storage. Flexible adhesive products (e.g. functional The components of the tracking system are integrated with a flexible adhesive structure such that it also maintains the flexibility necessary to function as a flexible adhesive tape or label. In addition, to facilitate the ubiquitous deployment of the tracked adhesive product segment, the disclosed tracked adhesive products are manufactured using cost-effective fabrication methods including roll-to-roll and sheet-to-sheet fabrication processes. Designed to.

In this regard, the components of tracked adhesive product 64 are designed and arranged to optimize performance, flexibility, and robustness for each target application. This includes factors such as material selection, component placement, and mechanical integrity of the integrated system. To this end, electronic design automation tools are used to develop tracked adhesive products, given defined performance goals (e.g., mechanical integrity goals, electrical performance goals, and/or wireless communication performance goals). Optimize the design of the entire configuration layer. This includes electromagnetic behavior across the layer, thermal behavior, electrical parasitic behavior across the layer (e.g. inductance, capacitance, and resistance) and mechanical behavior (e.g. bending and pressing of the bonding pattern of tracked adhesive product 64). impact). Based on these simulations, rules for integrating layers, rules for selecting the number of layers, and types of layers (e.g., through interposer vias, component layers, cover layers, substrate layers, and adhesive layers) are developed. Process technology design rules are developed for designing tracked adhesive products, including rules for selecting . In some examples, design rules are developed regarding the placement of components in different layers of tracked adhesive product 64. For example, minimum spacing and/or proximity rules are developed for placement of antennas, rigid structural components, flexible components, passive components, and active components. In these examples, rigid structures and active components, such as communication circuits 82, 86 (e.g., receivers, transmitters, and transceivers) and processor 90, have greater minimum spacing requirements than flexible and passive components. can have In some examples, rigid structural components are spaced according to minimum spacing rules to meet mechanical integrity and flexibility performance goals. In some examples, active components are arranged according to minimum spacing rules to meet thermal performance goals. In some examples, design rules are developed for hierarchical assembly of tracked adhesive products by integrating smaller tracked adhesive product components to form a larger integrated tracked adhesive product system.

FIG. 5A shows a top view of a portion of an exemplary tracked adhesive product 100, including a first segment 102 and a portion of a second segment 104. Each segment 102, 104 of tracking adhesive product 100 includes a respective set of tracking components 106, 108. The segments 102, 104 and their respective sets of tracking components 106, 108 are typically identical and similarly configured. However, in some other embodiments, each set of segments 102, 104 and/or tracking components 106, 108 may be different and/or configured differently. For example, in some examples, different sets of segments of tracking adhesive product 100 may have different sets or configurations of tracking components designed and/or optimized for different tracking applications, or may have different sets or configurations of tracking components designed and/or optimized for different tracking applications. Different sets of adhesive product segments may have different decorations and/or different (eg, alternating) lengths.

FIG. 5B shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of segment 102 of tracking adhesive product 100 that includes tracking component 106. Tracked adhesive product segment 102 includes a flexible substrate 110 having an adhesive layer 112 on its top surface and an optional adhesive layer 114 on its bottom surface. If a bottom adhesive layer 114 is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly) adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer 114. In some examples, flexible substrate 110 is implemented as a prefabricated adhesive tape that includes adhesive layers 112, 114 and an optional release liner. In other examples, adhesive layers 112, 114 are applied to the top and bottom surfaces of flexible substrate 110 during fabrication of tracked adhesive product 100. Adhesive layer 112 couples flexible substrate 110 to the bottom surface of flexible battery 116, and adhesive layer 118 connects flexible battery 116, processor 90, circuitry 82, antenna 84, and other components in device layer 122 to each other. and is coupled to a flexible circuit 120 that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connects to a flexible battery 116, thereby enabling tracking and other functions of the tracked adhesive product segment 102. In some examples, adhesive layer 118 is implemented with double-sided adhesive tape. In other examples, adhesive layer 118 is implemented with a flexible adhesive (eg, silicone) that can flatten the top of the flexible battery layer. Flexible polymer layer 124 encapsulates device layer 122, thereby reducing the risk of damage that may result from ingress of contaminants and/or liquids (eg, water). Flexible polymer layer 124 also planarizes device layer 122. This facilitates the lamination of additional layers on the device layer 122 and also distributes the forces generated within, on, or across the tracked adhesive product segment 102, such as those caused by applying bending, torque, or pressing. reducing potentially damaging asymmetrical stresses or other forces on the tracking adhesive product segment 102 during use. Flexible cover 128 is bonded to planarized polymer 124 by adhesive layer 128.

Flexible cover 126 and flexible substrate 110 can have the same or different compositions depending on the intended positioning application. Flexible cover 126 and flexible substrate 110 typically include a flexible film layer and/or a paper substrate. Exemplary compositions of flexible film layers include polymeric films such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other plastics. Adhesive layer 128 on the bottom surface of flexible cover 126 and adhesive layers 112, 114 on the top and bottom surfaces of flexible substrate 110 typically include pressure sensitive adhesives. In some examples, adhesive layers 128, 112, 110 are applied to flexible cover 126 and flexible substrate 110 during manufacture of tracked adhesive product 100 (eg, during a roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication process). In other examples, the flexible cover 126 may be implemented with a prefabricated single-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, and the flexible substrate 110 may be implemented with a prefabricated double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, either type tapes can also be easily incorporated into roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet fabrication processes. In some examples, flexible polymer layer 122 is comprised of flexible epoxy (eg, silicon).

In some examples, flexible battery 116 includes a printed electrochemical cell that includes a flat arrangement of anodes and cathodes and battery contact pads. In some examples, flexible batteries may include lithium ion cells or nickel cadmium electrochemical cells. Flexible battery 116 is typically formed by a process that involves printing or laminating electrochemical cells onto a flexible substrate (eg, a layer of polymeric film). In some examples, such as the example shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, other components may be integrated on the same substrate as flexible battery 116. For example, one or more of flexible antennas 84, 88, circuits 82, 86, 120, and/or processor 90 may be integrated onto a flexible battery board. In some examples, one or more of these other components (eg, a flexible antenna and flexible interconnect circuitry) may also be printed on the flexible battery substrate.

In some examples, flexible circuit 120 is formed on a flexible substrate by printing, etching, or laminating a circuit pattern onto the flexible substrate. In some examples, the flexible circuit 120 is one or more of a single-sided flex circuit, a double-access or back-beared flex circuit, a sculpted flex circuit, a double-sided flex circuit, a multilayer flex circuit, a rigid structure flex circuit, and a polymer thick film flex circuit. It can be implemented by more than one. Single-sided flexible circuits have a single conductive layer, for example made of metal or conductive (eg, metal-filled) polymer, on a flexible dielectric film. Double-access or back-beared flexible circuits have a single conductor layer but are treated so that selected features of the conductor pattern can be accessed from both sides. Sculpted flex circuits are formed using a multi-step etching process that produces flex circuits with finished copper conductors that vary in thickness along their respective lengths. Multilayer flex circuits have three or more layers of conductors, and the layers are typically interconnected using plated through holes. A rigid flex circuit is a hybrid structure of flex circuits, consisting of a rigid substrate and a flexible substrate laminated together into a single structure, with the layers typically interconnected electrically via plated through-holes. Connected. In polymer thick film (PTF) flex circuits, circuit conductors are printed on a polymer base film, where there can be a single conductor layer or multiple conductor layers, each insulated from each other by a printed insulating layer.

In the exemplary tracked adhesive product segments 102, 104 shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, a flexible circuit 120 interconnects the communication systems 72, 74, the processor 90, one or more sensors 94, and the memory 96; It is a double access flex circuit that includes a front side conductive pattern that allows through-hole access (not shown) to the back side conductive pattern connected to the flexible battery 116. In these examples, the conductive pattern on the front side of flexible circuit 120 connects communication circuits 82, 86 (e.g., receivers, transmitters, and transceivers) to their respective antennas 84, 88 and processor 90, and 90 is connected to one or more sensors 94 and memory 96. The conductive pattern on the back side connects active electronics (e.g., processor 90, communication circuits 82, 86, and sensors) on the front side of flexible circuit 120 to the flexible circuit 120 through one or more through holes in the substrate of flexible circuit 120. Connect to the electrode of battery 116.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary method 130 of fabricating adhesive product 100 (see FIGS. 5A-5B) according to a roll-to-roll fabrication process.

In accordance with method 130, double-sided adhesive flexible tape substrate 110 is unwound (FIG. 6, block 132). In this example, flexible tape substrate 110 includes adhesive layers 112, 114 on the top and bottom surfaces of flexible tape substrate 110, respectively (ie, flexible tape substrate 110 incorporates layers 112 and 114). In some examples, flexible substrate 110 may be implemented with a prefabricated double-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape. In other examples, adhesive layers 112, 114 are applied to flexible substrate 110 during manufacture of adhesive article 100 (eg, in a process step preceding process block 132).

Flexible battery 116 on tape is unwound and adhered to the top of flexible tape substrate 110 by adhesive layer 112 (FIG. 6, block 134). In some examples, each flexible battery 116 is prefabricated. In some of these examples, flexible battery 116 is printed and/or laminated onto a roll of flexible base tape. Each flexible battery 116 includes one or more printed electrochemical cells, an anode, and a cathode. During assembly of tracked adhesive product 100, individual flexible batteries 116 are automatically separated from the roll of flexible base tape and attached to the top of flexible tape substrate 110 in spaced locations. In some examples, each flexible battery 116 is placed in a respective segment 102, 104 of tracked adhesive product 100.

Double-sided adhesive tape 118 is applied to the top of the flexible battery (Figure 6, block 136). In some other examples, instead of applying double-sided adhesive tape 118, an adhesive flat layer can be deposited on top of the flexible battery. In some of these other examples, the adhesive flat layer creates a flat surface for the device layer throughout each segment 102, 104 of the tracked adhesive product 100.

The components of flexible circuit 120 are assembled and attached to flexible circuit 120 (FIG. 6, block 138). In some examples, this assembly occurs in a separate tape-based, roll-to-roll, or sheet-to-sheet process, parallel to the main process flow. The resulting flexible circuit assembly is attached to adhesive planar layer 118 (FIG. 6, block 140). In this way, the fabrication process continues until one or more smaller tape-based modules (i.e., system-on-tape) are produced, such as the flexible circuit assembly produced at block 138, and then into a larger system-on-tape. Includes an integrated hierarchical assembly approach.

As discussed above, in some examples, flexible circuit 120 includes a topside conductive pattern that interconnects communication systems 72, 74, processor 90, one or more sensors 94, and memory 96; It is a double access flex circuit that allows through-hole access to the backside conductive traces that are mechanically and electrically connected to the battery 116. In these examples, the conductive pattern on the front side of flexible circuit 120 connects communication circuits 82, 86 to their respective antennas 84, 88 and processor 90, and also connects processor 90 to one or more sensors 94 and Connect to memory 96. Active electronics (e.g., processor 90, communication circuits 82, 86, and sensors) on the front side of flexible circuit 120 are connected to conductive patterns on the back side of flexible circuit 120 by one or more through-hole vias in the substrate of flexible circuit 120. electrically connected to. The backside conductive pattern defines contact pads that are mechanically and electrically coupled to the electrodes of the flexible battery 116 for powering the active electronics on the front side of the flexible circuit 120. In some examples, the contact pad is coupled to the flexible battery electrode using a conductive ink or conductive adhesive. In other examples, flexible battery 116 may be printed on the front side of flexible circuit 120, in which case a single-sided flex circuit may be used instead of a double access flex circuit.

A flexible polymer planar layer 124 is deposited on top of the flexible circuit assembly (Figure 6, block 142). In some examples, the flexible polymer is a flexible epoxy (eg, silicone). Flexible polymer layer 124 encapsulates device layer 122, thereby reducing the risk of damage that may result from ingress of contaminants and/or liquids (eg, water). Flexible polymer layer 124 also planarizes device layer 122. In some examples, flexible polymer layer 124 planarizes the entirety of each segment 102, 104 of adhesive article 100.

A single-sided flexible tape cover 126 is unwound and adhered to the top of the epoxy flat layer 124 (FIG. 6, block 144). In this example, flexible tape cover 126 includes a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on the back side of flexible tape cover 126 (ie, flexible tape cover 126 incorporates layer 128). In some examples, flexible tape cover 126 may be implemented with a prefabricated single-sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape. In other examples, adhesive layer 128 is applied to flexible tape cover 126 during manufacture of adhesive article 100 (eg, in a process step that precedes process block 144).

After the flexible tape cover is adhered to the top of the epoxy flat layer 124, the resulting multilayer tracked adhesive product structure is laminated (FIG. 6, block 146). In some examples, the multilayer tracked adhesive product structure is annealed at a suitable annealing temperature (eg, 120° C.). A variety of different annealing equipment can be used to anneal the multilayer tracked adhesive product structure. In some examples, the multilayer tracked adhesive product structure is annealed in a laminator.

Referring to FIG. 7A, in one example, a laminator 150 is used to anneal and laminate components of tracked adhesive product 100. In this example, the laminate roll 152 of the laminator 150 receives a programmed heating intensity profile designed to avoid or at least minimize degradation of heat-sensitive components of the tracked adhesive product 100, such as the flexible battery 116. Can be applied over time.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in another example, a laminator 160 including an anvil 162 and an embossing roller 164 is used to create a bonding pattern designed to control one or more different specific properties of a tracked adhesive product. Anneal and laminate the multilayer tracked adhesive product structure. For example, the combination of pressure and embossing patterns selected to enhance adhesion between the constituent layers of adhesive tracking product 100. The bonding pattern is also designed to enhance adhesion between the layers while preserving the functionality and performance of the electronic and other components of the adhesive tracking product 100, such as the flexible battery 116 and antennas 84, 88. be able to. For example, the constituent layers of adhesive tracking product 100 may include one or more antenna structures or characteristics that result in a reduction in one or more performance characteristics (e.g., gain, radiation pattern, efficiency, and impedance matching) of the antenna. The embossed pattern can be embossed with an embossed pattern having a spatial frequency selected to minimize any deformation or other change in .

FIGS. 8A and 8B each illustrate a portion of an exemplary tracking adhesive product 170 (line 8B in FIG. -8B) and a side cross-sectional view, respectively. The structure and operation of the tracked adhesive product 170 and its components are similar to the tracked adhesive product 170, except that the tracked adhesive product 170 further includes lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 extending along the sides of the tracked adhesive product 170. It substantially corresponds to product 100 and its components (see FIGS. 5A and 5B). In particular, each lateral ruggedization feature 180, 182 wraps around a respective longitudinal side of tracked adhesive product 170 from bottom adhesive layer 114 to the top surface of cover 126. The lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 are typically rectangular sheets of tape formed of a polymeric film such as polyester, polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and/or other plastic materials. In some examples, the lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 are tracked adhesives using an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive such as a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone). Coupled to product 170. The lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 improve the durability of the tracked adhesive product 170 by bonding a common flexible sheet to the exposed edges of the constituent layers on each side of the tracked adhesive product 170. In this manner, the lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 hold the sheets together and reduce the chance that the sides of the constituent layers of the tracked adhesive product 170 will fray and/or delaminate. Provide additional structural support.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative example tracking adhesive product 184 with lateral ruggedization features. In this example, the lateral ruggedization features 180, 182 of the exemplary tracking adhesive product 170 described above are implemented by lateral extensions of the exemplary flexible substrate 186. In this example, the lateral sides of flexible substrate 186 extend laterally and wrap around the lateral sides of tracking adhesive product 184. In some examples, the lateral extensions of the flexible substrate 186 are bonded to a tracking adhesive product using an adhesive such as a pressure sensitive adhesive or other adhesive such as a flexible epoxy (e.g., silicone). 170.

FIG. 10 shows a side cross-sectional view of an example tracking adhesive product 190 that includes a stacked arrangement of first and second interconnected device layers 192, 194. In this example, the stacked arrangement of device layers 192, 194 provides tracking adhesive product 190 with a tightly integrated structure that occupies a relatively small areal footprint in the tape structure and active components (e.g., processor 90, wireless a possible optimal placement of circuits 200, 202, and sensors 203).

First device layer 192 includes flexible circuitry 196 and planar layer 198, which can be flexible epoxy (eg, silicon). Flexible circuit 196 includes one or more wiring layers interconnecting processor 90 and wireless circuits 200, 202 to each other and to flexible battery 116. In some examples, wireless circuit 200 is a GPS receiver and wireless circuit 202 is a Wi-Fi transceiver 202.

Second device layer 194 includes a flexible interposer 204 and a planar layer 206, which can be a flexible epoxy (eg, silicon). Flexible interposer 204 includes one or more wiring layers (not shown) that connect sensor 203 to contact pads 214 on flexible interposer 204. The contact pads 214 are connected to the electrodes of the flexible battery 116 by a pair of connected vias 216, 218 (i.e., "through-tape vias") that extend through the flexible interposer 204, the planar layer 198, and the flexible circuit 196, respectively. connected to. In addition, antennas 208, 210 are connected to respective wireless circuits 200, 202 by respective through-tape vias 220, 222.

In the exemplary tracking adhesive product 190, placing antennas 208, 210 and sensors 203 on top device layer 194 may improve the performance of these devices. For example, locating the antennas 208, 210 in the upper device layer 194 improves one or more transmit and/or receive performance characteristics (e.g., gain, radiation pattern, efficiency, and impedance matching) of the antennas 208, 210. It is possible. Additionally, placing the sensors 203 in the upper device layer 194 may improve their performance. For example, depending on the type of sensor, one or more of the sensors 203 may require direct access or exposure to the external environment. Examples of these types of sensors include temperature sensors, ambient humidity sensors, ambient pressure sensors, ambient light sensors, and sound sensors. For these types of sensors, one or more apertures or windows can be created in the flexible cover 126 and optionally through the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 128 and the flat layer 206.

In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the tracking components 106, 108 in each segment 102, 104 are grouped in the center of their respective segments 102, 104. Such placement is used to achieve certain performance goals, such as improved electrical performance (e.g., lower parasitic resistance, capacitance, and inductance) as a result of placing components closer together. can be advantageous. However, such improvements may conflict with other design objectives and considerations, such as improved flexibility, which makes tracking components 106, 108 in each segment 102, 104 Increasing and dispersing the minimum spacing requirements longitudinally along the length of the segments 102, 104 and/or laterally along the width and/or tracking reduces the flexibility of the tracked adhesive product. This can be achieved by avoiding interleaving of rigid structural components in different layers across the lateral and/or longitudinal extent of the adhesive product segments 102, 104. In addition, for at least some applications, it may be necessary to reduce the number of laminated flexible substrates in a tracked adhesive product to meet flexibility, heat dissipation, or other performance goals. Thus, in some examples, tracking components, sensor components, energy sources, and other components of a tracking adhesive product can be incorporated into a single device layer.

FIG. 11 shows a top view of a portion of an exemplary tracking adhesive product 230, including a first segment 232 and a portion of a second segment 234. Each segment 232, 234 of tracking adhesive product 230 includes a respective set of tracking components 236, 238, and may optionally include a respective set of one or more sensor components. In the exemplary tracked adhesive product 230, the tracking components 236, 238 (and optional sensor components) are arranged laterally across a larger area of the tracked adhesive product 230 to meet greater minimum spacing and flexibility requirements. and/or distributed longitudinally. Additionally, instead of stacking the tracking components 236 of a given segment in multiple layers, the tracking components 236, 238 (and optional sensor components) are arranged in a single device layer.

FIG. 12A shows a side cross-sectional view of a portion of segment 232 of tracking adhesive product 231 that includes tracking component 236. Tracking adhesive product segment 232 includes a flexible substrate 110 with an adhesive layer 112 on its top surface and an optional adhesive layer 114 on its bottom surface. If a bottom adhesive layer 114 is present, a release liner (not shown) may be (weakly) adhered to the bottom surface of the adhesive layer 114. Adhesive layer 112 connects flexible substrate 110 to a processor, a circuit (e.g., a wireless receiver circuit, a wireless transmitter circuit, or a wireless transceiver circuit), an antenna, and other components (e.g., one or more) in a device layer. sensors) to each other and to a flexible battery 240, to the bottom side of a flexible circuit 242 that includes one or more wiring layers (not shown), thereby providing tracking and other enable functionality. Flexible polymer layer 244 encapsulates the device layers, thereby reducing the risk of damage that may result from ingress of contaminants and/or liquids (eg, water). The flexible polymer layer 244 also flattens the device, which distributes forces generated within, on, or across the tracked adhesive product segment 232 and prevents bending, torque, pressing, or other forces against the tracked adhesive product segment 231. Reduces potentially damaging asymmetrical stresses that can be caused by applying force. Flexible cover 246 is bonded to planarized polymer 244 by an adhesive layer 248.

FIG. 12B shows a side cross-sectional view of an alternative segment 250 of tracked adhesive product 231 shown in FIG. 12A. The only difference between this alternative 250 and the example 232 shown in FIG. , has been replaced by an associated electrical connection device 254 (eg, a metal clip) that electrically connects the electrodes of battery 252 to contact pads on flexible circuit 242.

Because battery power is finite and the power needs of a particular tracked adhesive product segment are generally unknown, some examples of tracked adhesive product segments are preconfigured in a power-off state until a predetermined event occurs. The power remains off. In some cases, the predetermined event indicates that the adhesive product segment has been deployed for use in the field. Exemplary events are cutting a segment of tracked adhesive product from a roll, bending a segment of tracked adhesive product when peeling from a roll, separating a segment of tracked adhesive product from a sheet, and tracking adhesive and detecting changes in the condition of the product.

Referring to FIG. 13A, in some examples, each one or more of the segments 270, 272 of the tracking adhesive product 274 may be powered from a respective energy source 276 to a respective tracking circuit 278 (e.g., by a processor) in response to an event. and one or more wireless communication circuits). In some of these examples, wake circuit 275 is configured to transition from an off state to an on state when the voltage at wake node 277 exceeds a threshold level, at which point the wake circuit Turn on the power Transition to the on state. In the illustrated example, this occurs when the user separates the segment from the tracked adhesive product 274, e.g., by cutting across the tracked adhesive product 274 at a specified location (e.g., along the specified cutting line 280). It happens. In particular, in the initial, undisconnected state, a minimum amount of current flows through resistors R ₁ , R ₂ . As a result, the voltage at wake node 270 remains below the threshold turn-on level. After the user cuts across the tracking adhesive product 274 along the designated cutting line 280, the user creates an open circuit in the loop 282, which causes the voltage at the wake node to rise above the threshold level. and turn on the wake circuit 275. As a result, the voltage across energy source 276 appears across tracking circuit 278, thereby turning on segment 270. In certain embodiments, the resistance of resistor R ₁ is greater than the resistance of R ₂ . In some examples, the resistance values of resistors R ₁ , R ₂ are selected based on the overall design of the adhesive product system (eg, target wake voltage level and target leakage current).

In some examples, each one or more of the segments of the tracking adhesive product is powered by a respective sensor and, depending on the output of the sensor, a respective one or more of the respective tracking components 278 from a respective energy source. and respective wake circuits that transmit power to the plurality of wake circuits. In some examples, each sensor is a strain sensor that generates a wake signal based on changes in strain of the respective segment. In some of these examples, the strain sensor is attached to the tracked adhesive product and configured to detect stretching of the tracked adhesive product segment as the segment is being peeled from the roll or sheet of tracked adhesive product. In some examples, each sensor is a capacitive sensor that generates a wake signal based on a change in capacitance of the respective segment. In some of these examples, the capacitive sensor is attached to the tracked adhesive product and configured to detect separation of the tracked adhesive product segment from the roll or sheet of tracked adhesive product. In some examples, each sensor is a flex sensor that generates a wake signal based on a change in curvature of the respective segment. In some of these examples, the flex sensor is attached to the tracked adhesive product and configured to detect bending of the tracked adhesive product segment as the segment is peeled from the roll or sheet of tracked adhesive product. In some examples, each sensor is a near field communication sensor that generates a wake signal based on changes in the inductance of the respective segment.

FIG. 13B shows another example of a tracking adhesive product 294 that transfers power from a respective energy source 276 to a respective tracking circuit 278 (eg, a processor and one or more wireless communication circuits) in response to an event. This example has the following features in structure and operation, except that wake circuit 275 is replaced by switch 296 configured to transition from an open state to a closed state when the voltage at switch node 277 exceeds a threshold level. Similar to tracking adhesive product 294 shown in FIG. 13A. In the initial state of tracking adhesive product 294, the voltage at the switch node is below the threshold level as a result of the low current level flowing through resistors R ₁ and R ₂ . After the user cuts across the tracked adhesive product 294 along the designated cutting line 280, the user creates an open circuit in the loop 282, which raises the voltage at the switch node above the threshold level and disconnects the switch. 296 and turns on tracking circuit 278.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic front cross-sectional view of an exemplary tracking adhesive product 300 and a perspective view of an exemplary package 302. Instead of activating the tracked adhesive product in response to separating a segment of the tracked adhesive product from a roll or sheet of tracked adhesive product, this example In response to establishing an electrical connection, the energy source 302 is configured to provide power to turn on the tracking circuit 306. In particular, each segment of tracked adhesive product 300 has a respective set of embedded tracking components and an optional backing sheet 314 having an adhesive layer 312 and a release coating that prevents the segments from strongly adhering to the backing sheet 314. including. In some examples, the power terminals 308, 310 are comprised of a conductive material (e.g., a metal such as copper) that may be printed or otherwise patterned and/or deposited on the back side of the tracking adhesive product 300. . In operation, the tracked adhesive product may be activated by removing the backing sheet 314 and applying the exposed adhesive layer 312 to a surface containing the conductive areas 316. In the illustrated embodiment, conductive region 316 is located on a portion of luggage 302. When the adhesive back side of the tracking adhesive product 300 is adhered to the package at the aligned exposed terminals 308, 310 and contacts the conductive area 316 on the package 302, electrical conduction between the exposed terminals 308, 310 occurs. An electrical connection is made by the active region 316 to complete the circuit and turn on the tracking circuit 306. In certain embodiments, the power terminals 308, 310 are electrically connected to any respective node of the tracking circuit 306, and in response to creating the electrical connection between the power terminals 308, 310, the tracking circuit 306 Activate.

In some examples, after being turned on, the adhesive product segment communicates with the tracking service 54 to ensure that the user/operator associated with the adhesive product segment is an authorized user who has authenticated himself to the tracking service 54. Make sure that In these examples, if the adhesive product segment cannot verify that the user/operator is an authorized user, the adhesive product segment will automatically turn off.

FIG. 15 illustrates one or more of tracking service system 54, network system 52, client system 58, and positioning equipment 56, either alone or in combination with one or more other computing devices. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a computer device operable to implement one or more of the computer systems described herein, including;

Computing device 320 includes a processing unit 322 , a system memory 324 , and a system bus 326 that couples processing unit 322 to various components of computing device 320 . Processing unit 322 may include one or more data processors, each of which may take the form of any one of a variety of commercially available computer processors. System memory 324 typically includes one or more computer-readable media associated with a software application address space that defines addresses available to software applications. System memory 324 may include read only memory (ROM) that stores a basic input/output system (BIOS), including startup routines for computing device 320, and random access memory (RAM). System bus 326 may be a memory bus, peripheral bus, or local bus and may be compatible with any of a variety of bus protocols including PCI, VESA, Micro Channel, ISA, and EISA. Computing device 320 also has persistent storage memory coupled to system bus 326 and including one or more computer-readable media disks that provide non-volatile or persistent storage for data, data structures, and computer-executable instructions. 328 (eg, hard drives, floppy drives, CD ROM drives, magnetic tape drives, flash memory devices, and digital video disks).

A user interacts with computing device 320 using one or more input devices 330 (e.g., one or more keyboards, computer mice, microphones, cameras, joysticks, physical motion sensors, and touch pads). For example, input commands or data). Information may be displayed through a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed to the user on display monitor 332 controlled by display controller 334. Computing device 320 may also include other input/output hardware (eg, peripheral output devices such as speakers and printers). Computing device 320 connects to other network nodes via a network adapter 336 (also referred to as a "network interface card" or NIC).

an application programming interface 338 (API); an operating system (OS) 340 (e.g., the Windows operating system available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Washington U.S.A.); A software application 341 includes one or more software applications that program computing device 320 to perform one or more of the steps, tasks, operations, or processes of a positioning and/or tracking system, and a driver 342 (e.g., A number of program modules may be stored in system memory 324, including GUI drivers), network transfer protocols 344, and data 346 (eg, input data, output data, program data, registry, and configuration settings).

Examples of the subject matter described herein, including the disclosed systems, methods, processes, functional operations, and logical flows, operate on inputs and generate outputs to perform functions. can be implemented in operative data processing equipment (e.g., computer hardware and digital electronic circuitry). Examples of the subject matter described herein may be implemented on one or more tangible, non-transitory carrier media (e.g., a machine-readable storage device, a substrate, or a sequential access memory device) for execution by a data processing apparatus. It may also be embodied in software or firmware as one or more sets of encoded computer instructions.

The particular implementation details described herein may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions and should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the claimed invention. For example, features described in the context of separate embodiments can also be incorporated into a single embodiment, and features described in the context of a single embodiment can also be incorporated into multiple separate embodiments. can be implemented. In addition, disclosure of steps, tasks, acts, or processes performed in a particular order does not necessarily require that those steps, tasks, acts, or processes be performed in a particular order; In addition, in some cases, one or more of the disclosed steps, tasks, acts, and processes may be performed in a different order, according to a multitasking schedule, or in parallel.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the claims.

Claims (4)

1. A method of making a flexible adhesive product (12), comprising:
providing a flexible substrate (110) comprising a first adhesive layer (112);
An antenna (84), a wireless communication system (72, 74), a processor (78), and an energy source (116, 242, 252) at each of a plurality of respective segment locations on the flexible substrate (110). and a respective wake circuit (275) with an input node (277), the device layer (122) comprising: a tracking component having an input node (277); and a respective wake circuit (275) with an input node (277); transitioning from an off state to an on state in response to a cut across the wake circuit of the flexible adhesive product along a cut line defining a boundary of the wake circuit (275), creating an open circuit in the electrical path of the respective wake circuit (275); Raise the voltage at the input node (277) above a threshold turn-on voltage, thereby closing an electrical path and connecting the energy source (92) to the processor (90) and the wireless communication system (72). forming a device layer (122) configured to couple to;
annealing the at least one device layer (122) between the flexible substrate (110) and the flexible cover (126) to form a flexible laminate structure;
The forming is performed by the processor (78) and at least one sensor (94) operable to generate ambient data characterizing an environmental condition of the segment at each of a plurality of respective segment locations. processing the ambient data; storing the processed ambient data; and controlling the wireless communication system (72, 74) to send a wireless message comprising the processed ambient data. a non-transitory processor-readable medium configured with instructions configuring the processor (78) to perform operations comprising: transmitting to one or more network nodes;
further comprising electrically connecting an output of the sensor (94) to an input of the respective wake circuit in each of the plurality of segments, the respective said wake circuit communicates power from said energy source (116, 242, 252) to a respective said processor (78) and a respective said wireless communication system in response to an output of said sensor (94) ; A method characterized by : 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein in each of the plurality of segments, the sensor (94) is a strain sensor that generates a wake signal based on a change in strain in the respective segment. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein in each of the plurality of segments, the sensor (94) is a capacitive sensor that generates a wake signal based on a change in capacitance in the respective segment. 2. The method of claim 1 , wherein in each of the plurality of segments, the sensor (94) is a near field communication sensor that generates a wake signal based on a change in inductance in the respective segment.