Tagging of metal pins for mounted objects with light-activated microtransponders

An assembly comprising a plastic or metal pin with a transponder affixed thereto, wherein the transponder is a light-triggered MTP comprising a photocell on one face, wherein the pin has a main axis, a length along that main axis, two ends, including an end that is sharpened, and having at the other end a head with a width extending through the main axis, wherein the pin with the exception of the head is smooth and has a diameter of about 1/10 inch or less, wherein the head width is substantially smaller than the pin length,

• wherein the largest of height, length, and width of the MTP is 1.2 mm or less,
• wherein the length and width defines an attachment area,
• wherein for a metal pin the MTP is adhered to a flat surface that encompasses the attachment area, and there is a transparent or semi-transparent polymer, adhesive, hybrid glass or sputtered silica covering and encasing the MTP,
• wherein the MTP is affixed with the photocell face oriented to be read through the transparent or semi-transparent polymer, adhesive, hybrid glass or sputtered silica,
• wherein for a plastic pin the MTP is embedded in the plastic, and
• wherein the plane in which the transponder resides is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the pin, such that the MTP must queried with triggering light from above the pin head.