Systems (100) and methods (900) for reading Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") tags. The methods comprise: coupling a wearable RFID tag reader directly to a person's hand or forearm; transmitting a first interrogation signal from a first antenna of the wearable RFID tag reader being worn on a person's hand or forearm; receiving, by the wearable RFID reader, a first response signal generated by and transmitted from a first RFID tag in response to the first interrogation signal; and processing the first response signal to identify, locate or track a first object of interest.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
2.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR LOCATING TAGS WITHIN A SPACE
Systems (100) and methods (600) for determining a location of an object within space. The methods comprise: generating Inertial Reference Measurement Data ("IRMD"); reading RFID inventory tags by an RF ID reader; processing IRMD to determine an RFID reader orientation and position estimates at a time of each RFID inventory tag read; defining cones associated with each RFID inventory tag, mapping the cones to a model; analyzing the model to identify a set of cones which overlap each other and are associated with reads for a respective RFID inventory tag; and deriving a position estimate for the respective inventory tag based on intersecting portions of the cones in the set of cones. Each cone has: a vertex which is the RFID reader position estimate at a respective time; and an angle which is in inverse proportion to a signal strength of a signal received from a respective RFID inventory tag.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
3.
SELF-DETACHING ANTI-THEFT DEVICE WITH POWER REMOVAL STATION
Systems and methods for operating a security tag. The methods involve: establishing an electrical connection between the security tag and an external Power Removal Station ("PRS"); performing operations by the security tag to authenticate a detach command sent from the external PRS; allowing power to be supplied from the external PRS to an electro¬ mechanical component of the security tag when the detach command is authenticated; and actuating the electro-mechanical component so that a pin of the security tag transitions from an engaged position to an unengaged position without any human assistance or mechanical assistance by a device external to the security tag.
Systems (100) and methods (400) for determining a location of an object within a facility. The methods involve: performing operations by beacons to illuminate a plurality of Zone-Of-Interests ("ZOIs") including objects within the facility; performing operations by a handheld reader to read RFK) tags coupled to the objects; performing operations by a beacon receiver to obtain a first location identifier transmitted from a first beacon while the handheld reader is reading the RFID tags; using the first location identifier to determine approximate locations of the RFID tags which were read in time proximity to the beacon receiver's reception of the location identifier; and optionally generating a three dimensional map showing locations of the RFID tags. Notably, the beacon receiver is an accessory of the handheld receiver or a standalone device worn by an operator of the handheld device.
G01S 13/74 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
G06Q 10/087 - Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
5.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LOW ENERGY LINKS IN WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORKS
Systems (100) and methods (200) for operating a sensor system. The methods comprise: performing first operations by a Wireless Sensor Network (102) to (a) configure operations of WSN end nodes (104, 134-138) and (b) control Bluetooth Low Energy ("BLE") link activity within a BLE network; and performing second operations by the BLE network to (a) find people or objects (156) within a specified area and (b) provide services to users of mobile communication devices which are BLE enabled (152) and reside within the specified area.
H04W 4/021 - Services related to particular areas, e.g. point of interest [POI] services, venue services or geofences
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
H04L 67/52 - Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
System (100) and method for providing customer service based theft deterrent. The method comprises: identifying each item (150) of a plurality of items that is being removed from display equipment (104) by the person (108); determining whether the person is performing an action associated with a potential theft of the item that was previously removed from the display equipment by the person; and perform actions to initiate a customer service based interaction in response to a determination that the person is performing the action associated with the potential theft of the item. The customer service based interaction is initiated with the person such that the person is deterred from committing theft. Notably, the person is at a location within a facility other than at an exit of the facility when the customer service based interaction occurs.
Systems (100) and methods (400) for powering an electrical load (322) in an environment. The methods involve using a battery (310) to simultaneously supply electrical energy to control electronics (308, 316) and a Super Capacitor ("SC") storage element (314) immediately after a system has been disposed in the environment and turned on. In effect, the control electronics are caused to perform intended functions thereof nearly instantaneously after turning on the system. The SC storage element is charged from a first charge state in which approximately zero volts exist across terminals thereof to a second charge state in which greater than zero volts exists across the terminals. The SC storage element is then used to supply electrical energy to the electrical load of the system so as to cause the electrical load to perform intended functions thereof.
Systems and methods for controlling access to a Restricted Area ("RA"). The methods involve: determining whether a person desires to enter RA: checking whether the person is authorized to enter RA using a first unique identifier associated with a wearable access sensor being worn thereby; causing the person's Portable Communication Device ("PCD") to transmit a second unique identifier and location information useful in determining the PCD's location within a surrounding environment, when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter RA; using the second unique identifier and location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point of RA; and causing actuation of a. mechanical actuator to enable the person's entrance into RA when it is determined that the person desires to enter RA, the person is authorized to enter RA, and the person is currently located at the access point of RA.
Systems and methods for operating an RFID transponder (102). The methods involve: performing energy harvesting operations by a voltage scavenging device (130) of the RFID transponder to collect energy from an RF field, magnetic field, heat, light or movement of the RFID transponder; increasing or decreasing, by a voltage converter of the RFID transponder, a voltage level of a signal received from the voltage scavenging device to a sub-threshold voltage level that is at least one order of magnitude below a normal operating range for the RFID transponder; and supplying an operating voltage at the sub-threshold voltage level to at least a transceiver circuit (124) of the RFID transponder.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
Systems (100) and methods (1000) for operating a Security Tag ("ST"). The methods involve rotating a Rotational Clip ("RC") of ST (132) towards a Housing Base ("HB") of ST until RC (406) contacts a latch (610) disposed within HB (404), where an article resides between a first pad (602) fixedly coupled to RC and a second pad (604) movably coupled to HB. An angled surface (626) of RC slides against an angled surface (624) of the latch so as to cause compression of a cap spring (614) and a latch spring (612). The cap spring is disposed in HB such that a center axis (818) thereof is perpendicular to a center axis (816) of the latch spring. When the latch becomes aligned with an aperture (628) formed in the rotational clip, the latch travels into the aperture as result from a pushing force applied thereto by the latch spring.
System (100) and method for determining where an object or person (702) is located in an EAS detection zone (150). The methods involve: simultaneously emitting a first signal from a first emitter (108) and a second signal from a second emitter (202); concurrently detecting the first and second signals during a first period of time by each of a first detector (110) and a second detector (204); and determining where the object or person is within the EAS detection zone based on a pattern of a signal output from at least one of the first and second detectors which reflects that at least one of the first and second signals is blocked by the object or person during at least one of a second period of time and a third period of time in which the object or person is traveling through the EAS detection zone.
System (100) and method for providing store intelligence. The methods involve: generating sensor data relating to movement of a security tag (122) by at least one sensor of a plurality of sensors (126) disposed in the security tag; analyzing, by an electronic device (140) remotely located from the security tag, the sensor data to determine if the security tag is currently being moved in an abnormal manner; and selectively performing, by the electronic device, first operations facilitating facility security if a determination is made that the security tag is currently being moved in an abnormal manner.
Systems (100) and methods (400-1000) for providing store intelligence. The methods involve: communicating a First Unique IDentifier ("FUID") between a beacon of a Proximity System ("PS") disposed adjacent to an EAS system of a facility and a Mobile Communication Device ("MCD") possessed by a person; communicating FUID and a Second UID ("SUID") to an Intelligence System ("IS"), where FUID and SU1D collectively comprise a UID of the beacon and a USD of the MCD; capturing a Time Stamped Image ("TSI") of the person using a camera of the proximity system; communicating TSI to IS for storage; and performing operations at IS to enhance the security/safety of the facility by using FUID to detect an entrance/exit of the person to/from the facility and at least one of SUID and TSI to make a first determination as to an identification of the person.
Systems (100) and methods (600) for detecting a location of an EAS security tag (112). The methods involve: determining a first amplitude of a response signal generated by the EAS security tag and received at a first pedestal (102a), and a second amplitude of the response signal received at a second pedestal (102b); processing the first and second amplitudes to determine whether the EAS security tag resides within a specified distance range of the first or second pedestal, a detection zone of an EAS detection system, or a backfield of the EAS detection system; issuing an alarm when the EAS security tag is determined to reside within the specified distance range of the first/second pedestal or the detection zone of the EAS detection system; and preventing issuance of the alarm when the EAS security tag is determined to reside in the backfield of the EAS detection system.
Systems (100) and methods (600-800) for adaptively controlling a transmitter field in an Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") detection system. The methods comprise: detecting, by at least one first proximity sensor (108a, 108b), a presence of a first person located in proximity to a pedestal (102a, 102b) of the EAS detection system; determining a first distance from the first proximity sensor to the first person; and using the first distance to adaptively control the transmitter field of the EAS detection system.
A damping control system disposed at a location of an antenna resonant circuit (804) detects an exciter signal produced by a remotely located EAS transmitter (802). The damping control system generates a switch control signal in response to the detection of an EAS exciter signal burst. The switch control signal is used to reduce a Q factor of the antenna resonant circuit by selectively controlling at least one switching element (816) connected to the antenna resonant circuit. The damping control system controls a timing of the switch control signal so as to reduce the Q factor at a predetermined time selected to reduce ringing at a trailing edge of each periodic burst.
Systems and methods for making a marker housing. The methods comprise: forming a first housing portion from a flexible material so as to have a planar shape; and forming a second housing portion (700) from the flexible material so as to comprise a cavity in which resonator and bias elements of the marker can be housed when the second housing portion is coupled to the first housing portion. The cavity is defined by two opposing short sidewalls (708, 712), two opposing elongate sidewalls (706, 710) and a bottom sidewall. The two opposing elongate sidewalls are stiffened such that crushing and bending thereof is made difficult. The stiffening is achieved by forming a plurality of first stiffener edge features (714) along an exterior surface of each of the two opposing elongate sidewalls which partially define the cavity of the second housing portion.
Systems (100) and methods for adaptively controlling a transmitter field in an EAS detection system. The method comprises: detecting the presence of a first person located in proximity to a first pedestal (102a) of the EAS detection system using a first proximity sensor (302a) disposed on the first pedestal; determining a first distance value representing a distance from the first pedestal to the first person whose presence was previously detected using distance information obtained from the first proximity sensor; using the first distance value to select a criteria for use in determining whether the alarm issuance should be inhibited; and adaptively controlling the alarm issuance if the criteria which was previously selected is met based at least on a first amplitude of a security tag signal received at the first pedestal.
Systems and methods for making a marker. The methods comprise: obtaining a resonator material which has been annealed under a tensile force selected to provide a maximum resonant amplitude at a bias field Hmax in the marker; and providing with the bias material of the marker an operating bias field Ho p eratin g with a value less than a value of said bias field Hmax. The value of Ho p erat i n g is reduced by performing at least one of the following operations: selectively modifying a geometry of a bias material which is to be disposed in a housing of the marker; selectively modifying a spacing between the resonator material and the bias material arranged in a stacked configuration; and partially de-gaussing the bias material subsequent to being fully saturated.
Systems (100) and methods (600) for controlling operations of a Handheld Scanning and Deactivation ("HSD") device. The methods comprise: determining whether a human is located within a defined distance range of the HSD device; preventing first operations from being performed by the HSD device which cause a magnetic field to be generated, if it is determined that said human is located within the defined distance range of said HSD device; and initiating the first operations if it is determined that the human is not located within the defined distance range of the HSD device. The first operations comprise (1) interrogation operations for detecting a presence of an electronic article surveillance security tag and/or (2) deactivation operations for deactivating an electronic article surveillance security tag.
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G06K 7/08 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by means detecting the change of an electrostatic or magnetic field, e.g. by detecting change of capacitance between electrodes
21.
ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE TAG WITH TAMPER RESISTANT MAGNETIC LOCK
Method for operating a magnetically controlled lock in an EAS tag (100) involves the application of a magnetic field to a plunger (322) within a housing (102) of the EAS tag. The applied magnetic field is used to cause a translational movement of the plunger in a first direction. The method can further involve causing a latch (320) to pivot about a pivot axis (807) by using the translational motion (1002) of the plunger to apply a torque (1004) to the latch. Rotation of the latch in this way causes it to move to an unlocked position which releases a locking pin (106).
Systems (100) and methods (1300) for selectively preventing an unauthorized detachment of a security tag (100) from an article (114). The methods involve: coupling the security tag to the article by locking a tack assembly (110) to a securement member (206) disposed within a housing (104) of the security tag; guiding an external tool (102) into a channel (500) formed within the security tag for releasing the tack assembly from the securement member; and obstructing the external tool's access to the securement member by biasing a post (602) into a first position in which the post at least partially extends into the channel. A magnetic field may be applied to the security tag so as to transition the post from the first position to a second position in which the external tool's access to the securement member is no longer obstructed by the post.
Interference in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is reduced by transmitting warning pulse at a predetermined time following the EAS marker exciter pulse. The predetermined time and duration of the warning pulse are chosen so that the warning pulse acts upon a noise interference avoidance process in a second non-cooperative EAS unit. More particularly, the warning electromagnetic pulse causes a timing change in a second synchronized electromagnetic exciter pulse produced by the second EAS unit when the second synchronized electromagnetic, exciter pulse is concurrent with the first receive interval. This timing change causes the second EAS unit to no longer interfere with the first EAS unit.
Systems (100) and methods (1100) for activating an Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") element deactivator. The methods involve: obtaining customer-related data from a customer of a business organization who is attempting to deactivate an E AS element of at least one item; obtaining transaction data contained in a receipt issued upon completion of a checkout transaction for the customer; communicating the customer-related data, transaction data and a unique identifier for an EAS element deactivation system to a remote computing device; processing the customer-related data and transaction data to obtain confirmation that the customer has recently successfully completed the checkout transaction for the item and the EAS element of the item has not yet been deactivated; and activating the EAS element deactivator of the EAS element deactivation system subsequent to when the confirmation is obtained.
Systems (100) and methods (1500) for operating a security tag (132) of an Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") system. The methods involving: attaching a clip (210) to a curved sidewall (202) of an article (102) such that a central body (304) of the security tag is vertically aligned with a central axis of the curved sidewall; maintaining the vertical alignment by locating first and second flanges (306, 502) of the security tag against respective opposing surface areas of the curved sidewall; wrapping a securement member (212) of the security tag around an elongate structure (204) of the article which is offset from the curved sidewall in at least one direction and which protrudes away from a main body (218) of the article; and locking the securement member in a position wrapped around the elongate structure of the article using a mechanical locking mechanism (214) of the security tag.
Systems (100) and methods (1400) for verifying a detachment of a security tag (108) from an article. The methods comprise: producing by a detaching unit (106) a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency when the security tag is in proximity thereto; generating, by a non-linear electrical circuit (504) of the security tag, a third signal from the first and second signals applied thereto; ceasing generation of the third signal by the non-linear electrical circuit when at least a first portion (306) of the security tag is moved a certain distance from the detaching unit; and determining by the detaching unit that the first portion of the security tag has been decoupled from a second portion (318) of the security tag when the third signal is no longer being generated by the non-linear electrical circuit.
A deactivator device for a mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) systems includes a pair of spaced apart, fixed position electromagnets positioned and configured such that magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets aid one another to form a combined magnetic field; a battery; a capacitor; and an electronics assembly including a microcontroller configured to control storage of energy from the battery in the capacitor and to selectively provide a deactivation or activation pulse from the capacitor to the electromagnets. The components may be positioned in a housing configured for attachment to a mPOS mobile device.
A system for identifying handling events of an item is provided. The system includes at least one wireless sensor node, WSN, tag associable with the item. The WSN tag includes a transceiver and at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to generate sensor data based at least in part on motion of the wireless sensor node. The WSN tag includes a memory configured to store at least one event filter and the sensor data. The WSN tag further includes a tag processor that is configured to filter the sensor data based on the at least one event filter. The tag processor is configured to determine whether an event occurred based on the filtering of the sensor data and generate even t data in response to determining an event occurred. The tag processor is configured to cause the transceiver to transmit the event data.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
29.
METHOD TO DRIVE AN ANTENNA COIL MAINTAINING LIMITED POWER SOURCE OUTPUT
Electronic article surveillance system includes an antenna system comprised of two or more of resonant circuits. Each resonant circuit includes an exciter coil having at least one wire turn aligned on a common coil axis. A transmitter is coupled to the antenna system and is arranged to generate an antenna system composite exciter signal. The composite exciter signal is comprised of a plurality of co-exciter signals having the same predetermined frequency. The composite exciter signal is capable of exciting an EAS security tag when applied to the antenna system. The transmitter has two or more transmitter output ports, each independently coupled to one of the plurality of resonant circuits. Each of the plurality of co- exciter signals is respectively provided separately from a transmitter output port to one of the of resonant circuits.
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 3/30 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture varying the phase
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
H01Q 21/29 - Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic
A detacher for unlocking a security tag having a locking mechanism is provided. The detacher includes a detaching element in which the detaching element is configured to unlock the locking mechanism if the detaching element is activated. The detacher includes a reader in which the reader is configured to receive a user identifier associated with at least one user. The detacher includes a memory. The memory is configured to store at least one user rule. The detacher includes a processor in which the processor is configured to determine whether the received user identifier meets the at least one user rule. The processor is further configured activate the detaching element if the received user identifier meets the at least one user rule. The detaching element remains deactivated if the received user identifier does not meet the at least one user rule.
Systems (100) and methods (300) for selective device responsiveness using a plurality of control tags (132) affixed to a plurality of objects (102). The methods involve: receiving, by a plurality of control tags, a reporting command signal sent from an interrogation device via a communications link; and communicating a response to the reporting command signal from only those of the plurality of control tags which are (1) currently being moved, (2) have been moved within a first specified period of time, and/or (3) have a surrounding environment with at least one characteristic that has recently changed.
Method for reducing undesired alarms in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system involves measuring a tag response at a first and second pedestal to obtain contemporaneous first and second tag responses. The tag responses are compared to evaluate relative signal strength and thereby discern a lesser signal strength tag response. A reduced level exciter drive signal is applied to a selected one of the first and second pedestals associated with the lesser signal strength tag response. A. detection zone is then monitored to determine the occurrence of a third tag response resulting from the reduced level exciter signal. The approximate location of the tag in relation to the first and second pedestals is determined based on the first, second, and third tag responses.
A system for detecting the presence of an object may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader configured to transmit a plurality of interrogation signals, a response controller that is configured to receive the plurality of interrogation signals and respond by transmitting a plurality of standard response signals, and a mixing element that is configured to generate a mixed signal when in the presence of the plurality of interrogation signals and the standard response signals. The RFID reader outputs an alert signal upon receipt of the mixed signal.
A method and system are described for providing a wireless sensor network between a main node and a plurality of nodes, the nodes associated with sensors. The method and system define communications channels over which the main node communicates with the nodes based on a channel hopping scheme, and define at least one transfer channel that is dedicated to carrying transfer frames that are broadcast by the main node. The method and system configure non-acquired nodes that are not acquired to the network to enter a connection session by locating the at least one transfer channel to listen for a transfer message. The transfer message indicates a next communications channel that will become active. The method switches the non-acquired nodes to the next communications channel.
A metal detection device, system and method are provided. The device includes a receiver that receives a signal pattern representing electromagnetic field disturbances over time caused by movement of metal doors in a detection region. The device further includes a memory in communication with the receiver. The memory stores a recorded signal pattern of a previously received signal pattern and at least one quality criterion. The device further includes a processor in communication with the memory. The processor determines pattern vitals indicating a quality of the received signal pattern. The processor further determines whether the at least one quality criterion is met based at least in part on the pattern vitals. The processor further updates the recorded signal pattern based at least in part on determining whether the at least one quality criterion is met.
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors
36.
RADIO FREQUENCY ID TAG HAVING STRUCTURE FOR INLAY SPACING
A radio frequency identification (RFID) security system tag is provided. The tag includes an RFID element and a first housing portion. The first housing portion defines an interior and an opening. The interior of the first housing portion includes an inner periphery and a shelf disposed about at least a portion of the inner periphery. The interior of the first housing portion also includes a plurality of protrusions in which the plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the shelf toward the opening. The RFID element is disposed at least in part on the plurality of protrusions.
A security system including a security tag is provided. The security tag includes a housing and a pin in which the pin is removably insertable into the housing. The security tag further includes a latching element disposed within the housing and positionable in a lock position and in an unlock position. The latching element includes a pivot axis. The latching element has a substantially balanced rotational response about the pivot axis when exposed to an external physical mechanical impulse. The security tag further includes a bias element that releasably positions the latching element in the lock position. The latching element releasably engages the inserted pin when in the lock position.
A security tag (100) is provided that includes a housing (102), an electric sensor held within the housing (102), an accessory pin (104) provided within the housing (102) and a lock assembly (231) held within the housing (102). The accessory pin (104) is provided with the tag housing (102). The accessory pin (104) may be moveable with respect to the housing (102). For example, the accessory pin (104) may be moved between a locked and an unlocked positions. The accessory pin (104) may be configured to secure to an accessory (302). When the accessory pin (104) is in the locked position, the tag housing (102) is secured to the accessory (302). When the accessory pin (104) is in the unlocked position, the tag housing (102) is disengaged from the accessory (302). By moving the pin between the locked and unlocked positions, respectively, the tag housing (102) may be engaged and disengaged with the accessory (302). The lock assembly (231) may have a magneticall influenced (MI) member (236). The MI member (236) has a relaxed position and a biased position. The MI member (236) moves from the relaxed position to the biased position when exposed to a select magnetic field to unlock the accessory pin (104). The MI member (236) moves from the biased position to the relaxed position in the absence of the selected magnetic field to lock the accessory pin (104).
A tag having a magnetic clamp for use in securing an item in order to prevent the unauthorized removal of the item from, for example, a retail store. The magnetic tag includes an attachment element that secures the item to the tag. A clamp having a locking region secures the attachment element such that the item cannot be separated from the tag. A keyed magnetic element on the clamp includes one or more hard magnets, where each hard magnet has either an outward-facing north or south polarity. By applying a magnetic force to the magnets, the locking region moves away from the attachment element thus allowing the item to be removed from the tag. The arrangement of magnets operates as a "key" and only a detacher unit with an identical magnetic pattern can apply the requisite magnetic force to the magnets to disengage the clamp from the attachment element to allow removal of the tag from the item.
A security system and method is provided that uses an auxiliary sensor, such as a video camera, to verify the presence of an object within a part of an interrogation zone. The presence of an activated security system tag in an interrogation zone is detected. The system also determines whether an object is in a surveillance detection zone when the activated security system tag is detected. An alarm is initiated if the object is in the surveillance detection zone within a predetermined time after the activated security system tag is detected in the interrogation zone. The alarm may be based on the direction of motion of the object in the surveillance zone.
A method and apparatus for providing a broadband near field of an antenna are disclosed. A small broadband loop antenna may include a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate with multiple layers. Printed on the PCB substrate are dual loops sharing a same driver circuit, an impedance matching network, a primary ground layer and a conductive layer. A shorting via connects the dual loops to a ground plane. The antenna may be tuned to a desired operating frequency by adjusting parameters of the loop, such as the position of the shorting via.
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
H01Q 5/307 - Individual or coupled radiating elements, each element being fed in an unspecified way
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
H01Q 1/38 - Structural form of radiating elements, e.g. cone, spiral, umbrella formed by a conductive layer on an insulating support
H01Q 21/30 - Combinations of separate antenna units operating in different wavebands and connected to a common feeder system
42.
SECURITY TAG WITH INTEGRATED EAS AND ENERGY HARVESTING MAGNETIC ELEMENT
An EAS security tag for providing both EAS and battery recharging features within one tag. The tag includes a rechargeable battery and an antenna having a magnetic core and at least one coil winding disposed around at least a portion of the core. The antenna supplies a voltage corresponding to a first frequency or a second frequency when placed within a magnetic field. The tag also includes an EAS circuit having a resonant frequency corresponding to the first frequency, and an energy harvesting circuit having a resonant frequency corresponding to the second frequency, where the battery recharging circuit recharges the rechargeable battery. Depending upon the magnetic field that the tag is exposed to, either the EAS circuit is enabled thus allowing for EAS detection or the energy harvesting circuit is enabled allowing for the battery to be recharged.
An integrated electronic article surveillance ("EAS")/metal detection system. The system includes a transmitter operable to transmit an EAS interrogation signal, where the EAS interrogation signal establishes an interrogation zone and is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is transmitted at a first frequency during an EAS detection cycle and at a second frequency during a metal detection cycle. The system includes a receiver operable to detect a signal received from an EAS marker, and a metal detector module operable to detect a metal object in proximity to the integrated EAS/metal detection system, where the metal detector module includes a filter tuned to substantially filter out the first transmission frequency.
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
44.
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SLIDING DOOR PATTERN CANCELLATION IN METAL DETECTION
A method and system for reducing the signal interference effects of metal doors (20) in a metal detection system (10). The system includes a transmitter (36) operable to transmit an interrogation signal that is used to detect transitory metal objects within the detection region, a receiver (40) operable to receive instantaneous signals that represent electromagnetic field disturbances during operation of the metal detection system and include electromagnetic field disturbances attributed to the movement of metal doors. The system also includes a metal detection module (18) that determines a resulting waveform representing the difference between the instantaneous signals received during operation of the metal detection system and a recorded pattern of signals representing electromagnetic field disturbances caused by a pattern of movement of the metal doors in the detection region when a transitory metallic object is not present. The record pattern is canceled from the resulting waveform leaving only signals from transitory metal objects.
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
45.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SECURITY TAG DEPLOYMENT USING REVERSIBLE ADHESIVES
A method and system for security tag attachment using a reversible adhesive in which a security tag has an outer surface and an inner volume. The tag includes at least one of an Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) element and a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) element disposed within the inner volume. The system also includes a reversible adhesive disposed on at least a portion of the outer surface.
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
B23K 13/01 - Welding by high-frequency current heating by induction heating
C09J 5/06 - Adhesive processes in general; Adhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers involving heating of the applied adhesive
E05B 47/00 - Operating or controlling locks or other fastening devices by electric or magnetic means
E05B 73/00 - Devices for locking portable objects against unauthorised removal; Locking devices not provided for in other groups of this subclass
46.
SECURITY SYSTEM TAG HAVING COMBINED CLAMP AND ANTENNA
A security tag incorporating a hybrid clamp that combines an attachment clamp with an RFID component. The attachment clamp is used to secure an item, such as an article of clothing, to the tag. The RFID component, e.g., an RFID antenna, transmits data signals to an RFID reader where the data signals are encoded with information stored about the security tag. By combining the attachment features and RFID features of the security tag in one hybrid clamp, more tag space can be freed up for other components and manufacturing cost savings can be realized.
A method and system are provided for canceling interference signals from a received signal. A ratio module receives as input a ratio of a filtered receiver output signal level and a filtered transmitter output signal level. A product module receives as inputs an output of the ratio module and a transmitter output. The product module calculates a product of the output of the ratio module and the transmitter output. An adjusted receiver signal module receives a difference calculated from the received signal level and the output of the product module. The method and system are suitable for use in a metal detection subsystem with a larger security system.
A system for detecting electronic article surveillance ("EAS") marker shielding includes an EAS subsystem, a metal detector, a cart detection subsystem and a processor. The EAS subsystem is operable to detect an EAS marker in an interrogation zone. The metal detector is operable to detect a metal object in the interrogation zone. The cart detection subsystem includes a sensor array. The cart detection subsystem is operable to differentiate between a wheeled device and a human passing through the interrogation zone based on the sensor array. The processor is electrically coupled to the EAS subsystem, the metal detector and the cart detection subsystem. The processor is programmed to receive information outputted from the cart detection system and information outputted from the metal detector to determine whether to generate an alarm signal based on the presence of EAS marker shielding.
An alarming electronic article surveillance ("EAS") tag for securing an item of merchandise includes an EAS sensor, a radio frequency identification ("RFID") logic block, an alarm transducer, and an alarming tag processor. The RFID logic block includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor. The transceiver operates to receive a first interrogation signal. The memory includes a first identifier associated with the alarming EAS tag and a second identifier associated with the item of merchandise. The processor is operable to send a first trigger signal responsive to the transceiver receiving the first interrogation signal. The alarming tag processor is electrically coupled to the RFID logic block and the EAS sensor. The alarm transducer is operable to produce at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator based on the EAS sensor and the alarming tag processor.
A system and method selectively reads radio frequency identification ("RFID") tags within an RFID interrogation zone. A portion of the RFID tags have a first operating range and a portion of the RFID tags have a second operating range that is different from the first operating range. Each RFID tag is programmed with an identifier associated with the operating range of the RFID tag. A first interrogation signal is transmitted which has sufficient power to activate RFID tags that are located within the RFID interrogation zone and have the first operating range. A response signal is received from each RFID tag capable of receiving the first interrogation signal. Each response signal indicates the identifier of the associated RFID tag. Each RFID tag that has an identifier associated with the first operating range is selected.
A method and system are provided for adjusting a threshold value of an alarm for a metal detecting system, based on a detected interference with other systems that operate at adjacent frequencies. The method and system include receiving a plurality of sample values and calculating a discrepancy value based on a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value of the plurality of sample values, wherein the discrepancy value corresponds to detected interference. The discrepancy value is compared to a predefined interference threshold value and an activation signal is generated. A fast threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is greater than or equal to the predefined interference threshold value and a slow threshold adjustor receives the activation signal when the discrepancy value is less than the predefined interference threshold value. The activation signal triggers an output from the fast threshold adjustor or the slow threshold adjustor that is applied to adjust the threshold value.
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
G01V 3/10 - Electric or magnetic prospecting or detecting; Measuring magnetic field characteristics of the earth, e.g. declination or deviation operating with magnetic or electric fields produced or modified by objects or geological structures or by detecting devices using induction coils
G08B 29/26 - Self-calibration, e.g. compensating for environmental drift or ageing of components by updating and storing reference thresholds
G08B 29/18 - Prevention or correction of operating errors
52.
COMBINATION EAS AND RFID SECURITY TAG HAVING STRUCTURE FOR ORIENTING A HYBRID ANTENNA RFID ELEMENT
A security tag (10) including independent EAS (16) and RFID (18) components disposed in a housing (12) configured for geometric placement of the RFID and EAS components for optimum RFID performance. The EAS component (16) is situated in a first compartment (17) and the RFID component (18) is situated in a second compartment (19). The RFID component includes a hybrid antenna RFID inlay (24) and an IC chip (30). The tag housing (12) includes a key structure (38) that minimizes the de-tuning of both the EAS (16) and RFID components (18) by positioning the IC chip (30) such that the IC chip (30) is closer to a first side (25) of the second compartment (19) than the second side (21) of the second compartment (19) when the antenna inlay (24) is inserted within the housing (12). The housing (12) further includes one or more pins that position the RFID inlay (24) closer to the bottom interior surface to further insure optimal RFID read performance.
A combination Electronic Article Surveillance/Radio Frequency Identification ("EAS/RFID") tag and method and system for deactivating said combination EAS/RFID tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS/RFID tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. The introduction of a predetermined voltage across the capacitor results in destruction of the capacitor rendering the EAS/RFID tag undetectable in the interrogation systems.
A method, system and electronic article surveillance tag deactivator detect the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within a deactivation zone. Video of an item within the deactivation zone is captured. The video is evaluated us-ing a pattern recognition technique to determine the presence of an electronic article surveillance tag within the deactivation zone. The electronic article surveillance tag is deactivated.
A method and system for increasing the read range of a security tag by supplying an additional antenna system to the tag in order to provide power to a radio frequency identification ("RPID") chip without the need to rely solely on power from the RFID reader. The security tag includes an RFID chip and a first antenna circuit coupled to the RFID chip where the first an-tenna circuit is adapted to decode interrogation signals from an RFID reader. The security tag also includes a second antenna cir-cuit coupled to the RFID chip. The second antenna circuit is adapted to induce power from signals received from at least an alter-nate power source, such as an EAS transmitter, so that the RFID chip can be powered up and activated during an RFID interroga-tion round.
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
56.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE FIELD PROFILE ON A HIGH FIELD STRENGTH MAGNETIC DETACHER
A magnetic detacher has a core magnet and a ring magnet. The core magnet (52) has a body with a top and bottom surface, and produces a first magnetic field. The ring magnet defines a cavity. The ring magnet (54) has a body with a top and bottom and produces a second magnetic field. The ring magnet is axially aligned with the core magnet such that the first magnetic field opposes the second magnetic field along the bodies and enhances it within the cavity. The top surface of the core magnet is separated from the bottom surface of the ring magnet by a predetermined distance (56) thereby producing a resultant magnetic field having a first resultant field strength at a specific position greater than a second resultant field strength produced at the same position when the top surface of the core magnet abuts the bottom surface of the ring magnet.
An Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") tag and method and system for deactivating EAS tags without the need to physically contact the tag with a deactivation device. The EAS tag replaces the conventional diode with a non-linear device such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor ("MOS") capacitor with a given breakdown voltage threshold. Inducing a predetermined voltage across the MOS capacitor results in destruction of the MOS capacitor rendering the EAS tag undetectable in the EAS interrogation system.
A swing ticket holder for securing a swing ticket to an item using a lock and a pin includes a rigid housing arranged to retain the swing ticket. The pin extends outwardly from the rigid housing. The pin is insertable into the lock to secure the swing ticket holder to the item. The lock can be part of a security system hard tag and include at least one of an electronic article surveillance element and a radio frequency identification element. The rigid housing can also be arranged to retain at least one of an electronic article surveillance element and a radio frequency identification element.
A system and method for managing the power consumption of power-consuming devices. A remote device manager transmits power save schedules to a local device manager over a communication network such as the internet. The local device manager transmits power save commands to one or more devices in a location such as a store, over a dedicated local communication network. The commands instruct one or more devices to activate or de- activate its power save mode according to the power save schedules. The commands could be dependent upon one or more trigger events.
A method, system and mobile sensor node (12) for supply chain monitoring. A communication network is established which includes a plurality of mobile sensor nodes (12). Status information for each mobile sensor node (12) is periodically transmitted. Each mobile sensor node receives status information for at least one other mobile sensor node (12) in the communication network. A log file which includes the received status information is compiled and stored in the mobile sensor node that received the corresponding status information.
H04W 84/18 - Self-organising networks, e.g. ad hoc networks or sensor networks
H04L 67/12 - Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
61.
METAL DETECTION SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED DIRECTIONAL PEOPLE COUNTING SYSTEM
A system for detecting electronic article surveillance ("EAS") marker shielding includes an EAS subsystem (10), a metal detector (18), a people counting system (20) and a processor (16). The EAS subsystem (10) operates to detect an EAS marker in an interrogation zone. The metal detector (18) operates to detect a metal object in the interrogation zone. The people counting system (20) operates to detect one or more people in the interrogation zone. The processor (16) is electrically coupled to the EAS subsystem (10), the metal detector (18) and the people counting system (20). The processor (16) is programmed to receive information outputted from the people counting system (20) and information outputted from the metal detector (18) to determine whether to generate an alarm signal based on the presence of EAS marker shielding.
A method and system for preventing simultaneous deactivation of multiple electronic article surveillance ("EAS") tags. An RF pulse is transmitted within an EAS interrogation zone to induce a response from at least one EAS tag placed within the interrogation zone. The response of the at least one EAS tag is received. A presence of more than one EAS tag is determined by evaluating a frequency response curve corresponding to the response.
A method for detecting metal using an electronic article surveillance ("EAS") system. The EAS system includes a transmitter and a receiver. An EAS interrogation signal is transmitted to establish the interrogation zone. The EAS interrogation signal is used to detect EAS markers and metal objects within the interrogation zone. The EAS signal is received and a metal object present in the interrogation zone is detected during a metal detection cycle. The metal object is detected based upon perturbations in the received EAS interrogation signal. The metal detection cycle is periodically interspersed with at least one EAS detection cycle.
Described herein is an antenna for use with a radio frequency identification system, the antenna including a reference ground; an antenna feed; a primary patch antenna element for mid-field transmission and reception of one of HP and UHF signals, wherein the primary patch antenna element is electrically coupled to the antenna feed; and one or more additional patch antenna elements for mid-field transmission and reception of the one of HF and UHF broadband signals, wherein each of the one or more additional patch antenna elements is electrically connected to an edge of the primary patch antenna element for transmission and reception of the one of HF and UHF signals. The one or more additional patch antenna elements provide for gain enhancement of the one of HF and UHF signals.
A combination EAS/RFID antenna for use in an EAS/RFID surveillance system. The antenna includes an EAS antenna element and an RFID antenna element. The EAS antenna element includes an EAS loop antenna defining an interior portion. The RFID antenna element includes an RFID patch antenna having a hatched conductor pattern. The RFID antenna element is situated proximate the EAS loop antenna in such a fashion that the overall size of the antenna is reduced.
H01Q 7/00 - Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
A detacher unit for disengaging a combination EAS/RFID tag from its article. The detaching unit detaches the spring clamp mechanism of a combination EAS/RFID tag when the tag is placed within a particular region within the detaching unit. A near field magnetic loop antenna is situated within the placement region in a housing. When the combination EAS/RFID tag is placed within the placement region just above the near field magnetic loop antenna, the RFID code of the tag is read and the detachment unit releases the clamp mechanism that attaches the EAS/RFID tag to its article.
A security tag and system for securing objects, the system and security tag includes an acousto magnetic ('AM') electronic article surveillance ('EAS') component (214) that has a housing with a defined surface area. The housing of the EAS component includes a perimeter boundary that defines an EAS component plane. The system and security tag further include a radio frequency identification ('RFID') component (208) that includes an integrated circuit (304) and a dipole antenna (302) defining an RFID component plane that is substantially coplanar with the EAS component plane. The integrated circuit and the dipole antenna are positioned externally along the perimeter boundary of the EAS component.
H01Q 1/22 - Supports; Mounting means by structural association with other equipment or articles
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G08B 13/24 - Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
H01Q 9/28 - Conical, cylindrical, cage, strip, gauze or like elements having an extended radiating surface; Elements comprising two conical surfaces having collinear axes and adjacent apices and fed by two-conductor transmission lines
68.
ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM NEURAL NETWORK MINIMIZING FALSE ALARMS AND FAILURES TO DEACTIVATE
A method, system and computer program product for managing false alarms in a security system. A detection zone is established. An alarm event is triggered based on the detection of a tag in the detection zone using an initial alarm trigger sensitivity. The initial alarm trigger sensitivity is based on an initial set of one or more detection criteria. The set of detection criteria is modified to adjust the alarm trigger sensitivity of the security system.
A security tag includes an EAS component having a defined surface area, and an RFID component having a defined surface area. The EAS component surface area is configured to at least partially overlap the RFID component surface area. The RFID component includes an antenna which at least partially overlaps the first surface. A substantially planar spacer having a thickness is at least partially disposed between the defined surface areas of the EAS and RFID components. The RFID element read range is affected and controlled by the spacing between the RFID element and the EAS element. The RFID reader is capable of activating the RFID component when the RFID component is within the read range. The antenna includes a magnetic loop antenna in electrical contact with a spiral antenna to increase near field read response.
A security tag includes an EAS component having a defined surface area, and an RFID component having a defined surface area. The EAS component surface area is configured to at least partially overlap the RFID component surface area. The RFID component includes an antenna which at least partially overlaps the first surface. A substantially planar spacer having a thickness is at least partially disposed between the defined surface areas of the EAS and RFID components. The RFID element read range is affected and controlled by the spacing between the RFID element and the EAS element. The RFID reader is capable of activating the RFID component when the RFID component is within the read range. The antenna includes a magnetic loop antenna in electrical contact with a spiral antenna to increase near field read response.
The invention describes an antenna in which the main radiating element (110) is placed in a common geometric plane, or substantially the same plane, with the reference ground element (120), or in which the main radiative element and reference ground element are placed in two parallel, closely spaced planes separated by a dialectric laminate (100), with little or no overlap between the main radiative element and the reference ground element. A floating ground plane, or planes (130) may be implemented in addition to the reference ground element.
A method and device for protecting an article, wherein the security device has belt having a latch mating element. A magnetically actuable locking mechanism has a magnetically actuable latch and a flexible element. The magnetically actuable latch includes a lower surface having at least one protrusion extending there from and adapted to engage with the latch mating element of the belt, and a front surface adjacent the lower surface. The front surface has a lateral notch formed therein. The flexible element biases the magnetically actuable latch and the belt into a locked position. A housing has the magnetically actuable latch disposed therein and housing includes a passageway therein defining a belt pathway configured to slidingly receive the belt therein.
A method, system and computer program product for inhibiting detection of deactivated tags. The method, system and computer program product include receiving a signal that includes environment noise from at least one tag, extracting signal detection information that includes a signal detection energy value at a detection frequency from the received signal, extracting signal deactivation information that includes a signal deactivation energy value at a deactivation frequency from the received signal, and determining a failure to deactivate ratio that corresponds to the signal detection energy value divided by the signal deactivation energy value. Generation of an alarm event is inhibited upon the failure to deactivate ratio being less than a selectable threshold. A noise factor is measured to adjust a selectable threshold.
A method and system for determining the absence and presence of items in an RFlD interrogation zone. At least one RFID reader transmits interrogation signals in an interrogation zone. Each RFID reader transmits interrogation signals having a forward amount of RF energy and receives response signals from the items in the interrogation zone having a reflected amount of RF energy. A detection circuit determines the presence and absence of items within the interrogation zone based at least in part on the reflected amount of RF energy.
A system and method for a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader for use in an RFID detection system. The reader has an RF source for generating RF signals. An antenna is coupled to the RF source. The antenna transmits interrogation RF signals to one or more RFID markers within an interrogation zone and receives communication signals from one or more items within the interrogation zone. The communication signals include Doppler signals indicating movement of an item within the interrogation zone. A receiver receives the communication signals and motion detection circuitry detects the Doppler signals.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G01S 7/35 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group - Details of non-pulse systems
G01S 13/56 - Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds for presence detection
G01S 13/82 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted
76.
MAGNETICALLY RELEASABLE ELECTRONIC ARTICLE SURVEILLANCE TAG
An electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and. a magnetic detaching device for use wit the electronic article surveillance tag. The tag comprises a housing (114,116) holding a tack retaining system including a wedge (1202R) and a biasing member (1302).
Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and apparatus for detecting a merchandise marker in which a first antenna has a circuit having a first loop defining a first area and a second loop defining a second area substantially coplanar with the first area. A second antenna is substantially coplanar and orthogonally positioned with respect to the first antenna. The second antenna has a circuit having a third loop defining a third area and a fourth loop defining a fourth area substantially coplanar with the third area.
A resonant circuit tuning system and a method for tuning are provided. The resonant circuit tuning system may include a resonant circuit having a first capacitive element in series between a transmitter and an antenna coil and a second capacitive element in parallel with the transmitter and the antenna coil. At least one of the first capacitive element and second capacitive element may be configured to be varied. The resonant circuit tuning system also may include a controller for controlling a variable value of at least one of the first and second capacitive elements.
An EAS /expulsion detrimental substance tag (1) in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly, a part of which may be releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body may be provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. A spring clamp (S) may provide the releasable preventing function and may include jaws specifically adapted to respond to in-plane torsional and/or other forces provided by the arcuate probe, which may be moved through the arcuate channel by rotation to reach the spring clamp. An abutment may be placed within the arcuate channel to prevent a relatively rigid wire formed into an arcuate shape from being used to release the attaching assembly part. The Benefit Denial (Ink portion) of this tag may feature an ink vial (72B) that may be disposed inside of a rubber bladder, which may then be placed in a completely sealed, ultrasonically welded compartment.
An EAS/expulsion detrimental substance tag (101) in which the tag is held to an article by an attaching assembly, a part of which may be releasably prevented from being withdrawn from the body of the tag. The tag body may be provided with one or more sensors, that are disposed in the body. The sensors are positioned adjacent the detrimental substance. The Benefit Denial (Ink portion) of this tag may feature an ink vial. When the tag and its ink vial are attacked, the tag will expel the detrimental substance out and onto the article being protected.
Various embodiments of a magnetic detacher with open access are described. In one embodiment, the magnetic detacher may include a magnet assembly to provide open access to a hard tag and a magnetic field sufficient to disengage a clamping mechanism of the hard tag.
A system and method for providing synchronized transmission in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is provided. The method includes determining a transmission timing difference between a plurality of units of the EAS system using a communication link of the EAS system and synchronizing transmissions for each of the plurality of units based on the transmission timing difference.
A system, apparatus, and method to combine radio frequency identification and electronic article surveillance receivers into a single device are described. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Disclosed are a system and method to detect RFID tags in electronic article surveillance systems using frequency mixing. The system includes an RFID module that includes an energy coupler to receive transmitted energy that includes a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency, and a mixing element to mix the first and second signals, to generate a third signal at a third frequency, and the energ coupler to transmit the third signal to an EAS detection system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
A portable, cordless hand-held device for locating an active electronic article surveillance (EAS) device, managing the activation/deactivation status of the EAS device and logging information relating to alarm events triggered by the EAS device. The device includes an EAS detector for detecting the presence of an EAS tag or label, a state manipulator for manipulating the activation/deactivation state of the detected active EAS label, at least one data capture device for capturing data related to the alarm event, and a memory for storage of the captured data.
A method according to one embodiment may include detecting an activated electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag in an interrogation zone, and reading at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in response to the detecting of the activated EAS tag in the interrogation zone to investigate a cause of the EAS tag in said interrogation zone. A method according to another embodiment may include detecting a condition representative of an activated RFID tag in a controlled area, and taking corrective action to prevent removal of the activated RFID tag from the controlled area.
A security tag includes an EAS component having a defined surface area, and an RFID component having a defined surface area. The EAS component surface area is configured to at least partially overlap the RFID component surface area. The RFID component includes an antenna which at least partially overlaps the first surface. A substantially planar spacer having a thickness is at least partially disposed between the defined surface areas of the EAS and RFID components. The thickness of the spacer determines a read range between an RFID reader and the RFID component. The RFID reader is capable of activating the RFID component when the RFID component is within the read range. The antenna has a complex impedance, and the EAS component forms a part of an impedance matching network of the antenna.
A system and an analogous method which automatically configures electronic article surveillance (EAS) devices coupled to a network, includes a server coupled to the network. The server may include software or hardware which (1) listens on a specified port for connection requests from at least one coupled EAS network device; (2) accepts the connection request from at least one coupled EAS network device; (3) queries at least one coupled EAS network device for information relating to at least one EAS network device; and (4) configures at least one coupled EAS network device based upon the information received from at least one EAS network device.
A security tag includes an EAS component having a defined surface area, and an RFID component having a defined surface area. The EAS component surface area is configured to at least partially overlap the RFID component surface area. The RFID component includes an antenna which at least partially overlaps the first surface. A substantially planar spacer having a thickness is at least partially disposed between the defined surface areas of the EAS and RFID components. The thickness of the spacer is configured to effect a read range between an RFID reader and the RFID component. The RFID reader is capable of activating the RFID component when the RFID component is within the read range. The antenna has a complex impedance, and the EAS component forms a part of an impedance matching network of the antenna.
A system, apparatus (100) and method are described for an electronic article surveillance security tag (102) having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and a magnetic detaching device for use with the electronic article surveillance tag. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
Systems and methods for a radio frequency identification packaging system are described in which RFID information can be retrieved. A packaging system may include a rotating member to rotate during packaging of a load and a reader to read item information associated with the load during rotation of the rotating member. The rotating member is intended for providing relative rotation between a load and a dispenser of packaging material. The reader is used to read item information associated with the load during rotation of the rotating member.
B65B 11/02 - Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders
B65B 11/04 - Wrapping articles or quantities of material, without changing their position during the wrapping operation, e.g. in moulds with hinged folders the articles being rotated
B65B 65/00 - MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING - Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
92.
ANTENNA FOR A COMBINATION EAS/RFID TAG WITH A DETACHER
A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.
A near field linear element microstrip antenna is disclosed which is configured to read an RFID label such that a localized electric E field emitted by the antenna at an operating wavelength resides substantially within a zone defined by the near field. The localized E field directs a current distribution along an effective length of the antenna corresponding to a half- wave to a full-wave structure.
A security device detaches a combination electronic article surveillance (EAS) and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (EAS/RFID tag), and includes a detacher (magnet) to selectively disengage a clutch release disposed in a first portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag, a near field circular microstrip antenna configured to electronically read information stored in a second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag. The antenna encircles the detacher and reads information from the second portion of the combination EAS/RFID tag at a position relative to the detacher when the second portion of the tag is disposed at any angle relative to the detacher and only when the detacher is positioned to disengage the clutch release. As long as the portion of the EAS/RFID tag containing the clutch end mechanism is located over the detaching magnet, the RFID label is in a valid detection zone regardless of its orientation relative to the antenna.
A method for controlling operation of a transmitter in an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is described that includes coupling each of a plurality of transmit channels to a corresponding antenna, configuring a modulator within each transmit channel to output a modulated signal to the corresponding antenna, providing feedback of each modulated signal, and adjusting operation of each modulator based on the feedback. An EAS transmitter and an EAS system are also described.
A method for controlling signal decay of a transmitted signal within a transmitter is described. The method includes measuring an amount of current induced back into the transmitter by the decaying signal, and using the current measurement to control the decay of the signal after the signal is transmitted from the load. A transmitter for an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is also described which includes a current sensing circuit configured to at least sense an amount of current induced back into the transmitter by the load after transmission of the signal, and a transmitter control circuit configured to utilize the sensed current to determine an amount and a polarity of current to be applied to the load to reduce the induced current to a desired value.
A method and apparatus to deactivate an EAS security tag using an expanded detection zone are described. The method involves generating a detection zone having a first perimeter; generating a deactivation zone having a second perimeter, with the second perimeter being substantially within the first perimeter to form an expanded zone between the first and second perimeters; detecting an electronic article surveillance marker within the expanded zone; determining a state for the electronic article surveillance marker; and generating a notification signal in accordance with the determination.
A security system including a camera configured to generate a video signal, an object recognition system coupled to the camera and configured to receive and monitor the video signal and a portable personal digital assistant (PDA) wirelessly coupled to the object recognition system and the camera. The PDA may display video from the camera and/or data or alarms in response to output from the object recognition system. Methods of providing security information including displaying live video on a PDA and providing a signal on the PDA in response to an output of an object recognition system are also provided.
G08B 13/196 - Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using image scanning and comparing systems using television cameras
G08B 15/00 - Identifying, scaring or incapacitating burglars, thieves or intruders, e.g. by explosives
G08B 25/10 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
H04N 7/18 - Closed-circuit television [CCTV] systems, i.e. systems in which the video signal is not broadcast
patents
