Acoustic tags for E-waste tracking

摘要

Methods, systems and acoustic tags for tracking, locating and identifying an object are disclosed. An acoustic tag may include a power source and a transmitter in electrical communication with the power source. The transmitter may be configured to transmit an acoustic signal. The power source and the transmitter may be configured to be affixed to and/or embedded in an electronic component. The acoustic signal may include a unique acoustic code that is configured to provide information pertaining to one or more of the electronic component and the recyclability of the electronic component.

主权项

1. A system to track an electronic component, the system comprising:
an acoustic tag affixed to or embedded in the electronic component, wherein the acoustic tag is configured to transmit an acoustic signal through a liquid at a time-continuous spectrum having one or more amplitude peaks at corresponding frequencies, wherein the acoustic signal comprises a unique acoustic code that is configured to provide information regarding the electronic component and a recyclability of the electronic component; one or more hydrophones, wherein each hydrophone is configured to detect the acoustic signal and transmit the detected acoustic signal over a wireless data network, wherein at least one of the one or more hydrophones is located in or on a floatation device; and a digital receiver configured to receive the acoustic signal from the wireless data network, decode the acoustic signal, and compare the decoded signal with one or more entries in a database in order to determine a source of the acoustic signal.