Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: XCB poly-radio devices as finders, locators, scanners, sensors, and radio topology reporters. XCB devices function as “smart objects” in the TOT and combine transceivers operating in the telecommunications and the low power ISM radio spectra, with default power management setting overrides under local control of a Bluetooth modem controller, and can be authenticated on a variety of local area networks (LANs), personal area networks (PANs), piconets and cellular networks. Finding, wayfinding, tracking, scanning, locating and proximity monitoring are provided as complementary services supplemented by a Bluetooth Proximity Locator Services Toolkit, Cellular Remote Locator Services Toolkit, and a “Tap-2-Connect” community-supported on-demand lost-and-found data or voice link between an owner and a passerby who finds a lost smart object.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a battery radio jacket with flexible printed circuit operably mountable on an external surface of a standard battery, typically with a conductive adhesive backing, the jacket having end tabs for electrically connecting with the anode and cathode of the battery. Powered in parallel with a battery-operated appliance or load (“host asset”), the radio jacket transmits a unique radio identifier useful in finding and tracking the host asset. For convenience, the battery radio jacket as assembled on a standard battery, fits into the battery-receiving compartment of the battery-operated appliance without modification of the form factor of the battery. Optionally the radio jacket may include a switch for radio control of power to the appliance or load. The battery radio jackets enable radio links to smart devices such as smartphones and may be operated by a cloud host as part of a system for finding and tracking assets and for sensing and reporting battery status and environmental data.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a battery radio jacket with flexible printed circuit operably mountable on an external surface of a standard battery, typically with a conductive adhesive backing, the jacket having end tabs for electrically connecting with the anode and cathode of the battery. Powered in parallel with a battery-operated appliance or load (“host asset”), the radio jacket transmits a unique radio identifier useful in finding and tracking the host asset. For convenience, the battery radio jacket as assembled on a standard battery, fits into the battery-receiving compartment of the battery-operated appliance without modification of the form factor of the battery. Optionally the radio jacket may include a switch for radio control of power to the appliance or load. The battery radio jackets enable radio links to smart devices such as smartphones and may be operated by a cloud host as part of a system for finding and tracking assets and for sensing and reporting battery status and environmental data.

Abstract: Autonomous cellular transceivers for data logging, tracking and managing shipments, the devices having auto-provisioning capability. To auto-provision itself, the cellular device must be associated in a digital record with a particular shipment or object based on physical attachment or proximity—without manual assistance. Subsequent logging, tracking and managing records in a database or databases accessible to one or more users must be updated to reflect that assignment. Auto-provisioning is achieved by associating a cellular identification number of the autonomous cellular device with a shipment or object having a unique shipping identification number or an inventory identification number. Once the identifiers are coupled, the system creates a “shipment profile” of relevant data collected by a sensor or sensors on the cellular device while en route. The system will monitor, log, and report timepoint, waypoint, condition of the goods (as evidenced or extrapolated from sensor data) while in transit.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: In a tracking device system, a networked smart device is enabled to cause execution of an executable function if a trigger condition of a conditional rule is satisfied. The conditional rules are customizable on a user interface of the smart device. The trigger condition may be any sensor information from a tracking device, or a location, a time, a date, a button press, a proximity, and more generally a trigger condition can be any condition that has a truth value by which an IF/THEN conditional rule can be evaluated and either is satisfied or is not. Executable functions for use in conditional rules may be selected from functions of the smart device, but also may include functions of a remote apparatus or functions such as an alarm state activation of a tracking device. Tracking devices have portable Bluetooth radiosets. According to one embodiment, a smart device is a smartphone, smartwatch or other personal computing device.

Abstract: Autonomous cellular transceivers for data logging, tracking and managing shipments, the devices having auto-provisioning capability. To auto-provision itself, the cellular device must be associated in a digital record with a particular shipment or object based on physical attachment or proximity—without manual assistance. Subsequent logging, tracking and managing records in a database or databases accessible to one or more users must be updated to reflect that assignment. Auto-provisioning is achieved by associating a cellular identification number of the autonomous cellular device with a shipment or object having a unique shipping identification number or an inventory identification number. Once the identifiers are coupled, the system creates a “shipment profile” of relevant data collected by a sensor or sensors on the cellular device while en route. The system will monitor, log, and report timepoint, waypoint, condition of the goods (as evidenced or extrapolated from sensor data) while in transit.

Abstract: In a tracking device, a crescent-shaped printed circuit board partially encircles a battery to minimize a thickness of the tracking device. A speaker and a light-emitting diode emit alerts upon receiving a command of a control apparatus or in response to a motion or a temperature sensed by a sensor. A local network has one hub for tracking a plurality of tracking devices and a wider area network has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of the plurality of tracking devices. The wide area network tracks the plurality of tracking devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data. An apparatus and methods for finding and tracking a plurality of radiotag/objects designated as a group 303 by a user.

Abstract: In a tracking device, a crescent-shaped printed circuit board partially encircles a battery to minimize thickness of the tracking device. A speaker and a light-emitting diode emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus or in response to a motion or temperature sensed by a sensor. A local network has one hub for tracking a plurality of tracking devices and a wider area network has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of the plurality of tracking devices. The wide area network tracks the plurality of tracking devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: In a tracking device 10, a crescent-shaped PCB 12 partially encircles a battery 15 to minimize thickness of the device 10. A speaker 23 and an LED 24 emit alerts upon command of a control apparatus 37 or in response to motion or temperature sensed by sensor 25. A local network 40 has one hub 41 to tracking devices 33 and a wider area network 45 has multiple hubs for more detailed tracking of devices 33. A wide area network 50 tracks devices anywhere and stores data of each tracking device including its last known position and its sensor data.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.

Abstract: Remote actuation of machines or machine systems is realized by a system for coupling a radiobeacon to a smart device and in turn to a broader network. The smart device is configured as a proximity-actuated “community nodal device” by an application that operates as part of the system. The community nodal device is given instructions to function as a “soft switch”: to automatically “upswitch”, amplify, and broadcast low energy, local area radiobeacon “messages” to a cloud-based server, where the message is interpreted according to rules or policies established by an operator, and a command is transmitted for execution to a remote device. Conventional smart devices generally discard data not addressed to the owner of the smart device.