Abstract:
A system and method for automatically deactivating a security tag upon entry into business establishment to prevent tag pollution. The system and method involve positioning a security tag deactivator at an entrance of a business establishment and emitting an EM field sufficient to deactivate any security tag that enters into the business establishment.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/444,429 filed on Feb. 18, 2011, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein as if being set forth in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technology Field 
         [0003]    This disclosure generally relates to the field of security tags, and more particularly, to a system and method for automatically deactivating a security tag upon entry into a business establishment. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    One way of providing security for merchandise in a retail facility is the use of traditional electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems. Such systems include a transponder (also referred to as “EAS security tags”) affixed to each article of merchandise to be protected and an EAS detection gate. The transponder normally takes the form of an electromagnetically responsive element enclosed in a plastic label, paper tag, sleeve of fabric, or hard plastic case. Security tags may comprise hard tags or soft tags wherein hard tags include a security element(s) within an enclosure or housing that can be detached from the article it is protecting and typically re-used. Soft security tags, on the other hand, are in the form of a label (e.g., a sticker, care-label, content label, paper hang-tag, etc.) that are typically planar in form. This disclosure is directed to deactivatable soft tags. The responsive element may be a strip of ferromagnetic material, a section of acoustomagnetostrietive metallic glass, a parallel resonant circuit made with a capacitor and an inductor, a strip antenna connected to a diode, or an antenna coupled with a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit, i.e., an RFID security tag. These technologies, termed EM, AM, RF, RFID and microwave, respectively, normally operate at a characteristic frequency determined by a combination of regulatory and historical reasons. The detection device consists of an antenna connected to both a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is arranged to provide a stimulating signal to the transponder element. The receiver is arranged to determine whether a transponder element of the requisite type is near the detector; for RFID security tag detection, RFID readers are used. Typically, detection devices are used to sound an alarm if a transponder is detected by a device located at a point of egress. When merchandise is purchased, HAS security tags or RFID security tags may either be removed or be deactivated by the application of special electromagnetic fields. Typically, in the U.S., such EAS anti-theft security systems use 8.2 MHz and associated 8.2 MHz security tags whereas RFID anti-theft security systems use 13.56 MHz, 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz+ along with the associated RFID security tags. 
         [0006]    However, security tags that are not deactivated at the point of purchase either by omission or by failed deactivation can cause false alarms at subsequent stores. The frequency of such false alarms has been termed “tag pollution.” To avoid this problem of tag pollution, conventional methods have been to: (a) ask consumers to remove the tag; or (b) permanently deactivate these security tags. But the problem with such conventional methods has been that: (a) the consumers do not comply with removing the tags after purchase; or (b) many conventional tag deactivators cannot guarantee security tag deactivation and security tags designed to guarantee permanent deactivation are currently too expensive. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a system and method to automatically deactivate a security tag upon entry into a business establishment, thus eliminating the false alarms caused by live security tags being reintroduced back into the same establishment or introduced from another store into the establishment. Deactivating security tags at entry into a business establishment, herein known as the point of entry, will eliminate tag pollution. 
         [0008]    The term “security tag” as used in this Specification covers all types of soft deactivatable security tags, including EAS security tags and RFID security tags. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Embodiments of this disclosure are directed a deactivation system including a security tag deactivator positioned at or near an entrance of a business establishment. The security tag deactivator may be oriented to generate an electromagnetic field in the entrance of the business establishment. The electromagnetic field can deactivate a security tag accompanying a person at or near the entrance. The security tag deactivator includes at least one antenna and at least one current generator coupled to the at least one antenna. 
         [0010]    According to one embodiment, the current generator is coupled to the antenna by a pair of generator leads. The current generator drives current to flow from one generator lead through the antenna to the other generator lead to generate the electromagnetic field about the antenna. 
         [0011]    According to one aspect of one embodiment, the at least one antenna includes an antenna perimeter and a middle antenna portion. The middle antenna portion is designed in the shape of the letter S and connects to the antenna perimeter at opposing sides of the antenna perimeter. 
         [0012]    According to another embodiment, the security tag deactivator includes two or more antennas and at least two current generators. The at least two current generators are each coupled to the two or more antennas. The current generator is coupled to the antenna by a pair of generator leads. The current generator drives current to flow from one generator lead through the antenna to the other generator lead to generate the electromagnetic field about the antenna. The at least two antennas are configured as loop antennas, including a first antenna configured as a vertical two-loop antenna and a second antenna configured as a horizontal two-loop antenna. 
         [0013]    According to one aspect of one embodiment, the vertical two-loop antenna includes a vertical antenna perimeter and a vertical antenna middle strip. One end of the vertical antenna middle strip connects to one side of the vertical antenna perimeter. The other end of the vertical antenna middle strip is coupled to a first current generator by a first generator lead of the first current generator. A side of the vertical perimeter, opposite the side of the vertical perimeter connected to the vertical antenna middle strip, is coupled to the first current generator by a second generator lead of the first current generator. The vertical antenna middle strip divides the vertical antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves. One half is vertically aligned in relation to the other half The horizontal two-loop antenna includes a horizontal antenna perimeter and a horizontal antenna middle strip. One end of the horizontal antenna middle strip connects to one side of the horizontal antenna perimeter. The other end of the horizontal antenna middle strip is coupled to a second current generator by a first generator lead of the second current generator. A side of the horizontal perimeter, opposite the side of the horizontal perimeter connected to the horizontal antenna middle strip, is coupled to the second current generator by a second generator lead of the second current generator. The horizontal antenna middle strip divides the horizontal antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves wherein one half is horizontally aligned in relation to the other half. The vertical antenna middle strip and horizontal middle strip are positioned orthogonal to one another so as to form a cross. 
         [0014]    According to another embodiment, a direction sensing device configured to determine whether a tag is entering or leaving the store, wherein the security tag deactivator deactivates tags based on the direction the security tag moves. 
         [0015]    Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a deactivator including an antenna configured to transmit an electromagnetic field sufficient to deactivate a security tag when a current flows through the antenna. The deactivator further includes a current generator coupled to the antenna by one or more generator leads to drive the current to flow through the antenna. The deactivator further includes a housing configured to include at least one of the antenna and current generator. The housing is configured to stand or mount such that the electromagnetic field covers at least a portion of an entrance of a business establishment. 
         [0016]    According to one embodiment, the housing is a pedestal that stands upright on a floor in the entrance of a business establishment and the pedestal encloses the antenna. According to another embodiment, the housing is a pedestal that stands upright on a floor in the entrance of a business establishment and the antenna is located on the surface of the pedestal. 
         [0017]    According to one embodiment, the antenna includes an antenna perimeter and a middle antenna portion. The middle antenna portion is designed in the shape of the letter S and connects to the antenna perimeter at opposing sides of the antenna perimeter. 
         [0018]    According to another embodiment, the deactivator further includes a second antenna and a second current generator coupled to the second antenna. The two antennas are configured as loop antennas, including the first antenna configured as a vertical two-loop antenna and the second antenna configured as a horizontal two-loop antenna. 
         [0019]    According to one aspect of one embodiment, the vertical two-loop antenna includes a vertical antenna perimeter and a vertical antenna middle strip. One end of the vertical antenna middle strip connects to one side of the vertical antenna perimeter. The other end of the vertical antenna middle strip is coupled to a first current generator by a first generator lead of the first current generator. A side of the vertical perimeter, opposite the side of the vertical perimeter connected to the vertical antenna middle strip, is coupled to the first current generator by a second generator lead of the first current generator. The vertical antenna middle strip divides the vertical antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves. One half is vertically aligned in relation to the other half. The horizontal two-loop antenna includes a horizontal antenna perimeter and a horizontal antenna middle strip. One end of the horizontal antenna middle strip connects to one side of the horizontal antenna perimeter. The other end of the horizontal antenna middle strip is coupled to a second current generator by a first generator lead of the second current generator. A side of the horizontal perimeter, opposite the side of the horizontal perimeter connected to the horizontal antenna middle strip, is coupled to the second current generator by a second generator lead of the second current generator. The horizontal antenna middle strip divides the horizontal antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves. One half is horizontally aligned in relation to the other half. The vertical antenna middle strip and horizontal middle strip are positioned orthogonal to one another so as to form a cross. 
         [0020]    Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a method for a business establishment to prevent false security alarms caused by tag pollution. The method includes positioning a security tag deactivator at or near an entrance of the business establishment. The method also includes orienting the security tag deactivator to generate an electromagnetic field at or near the entrance of the business establishment. The method also includes deactivating an unwanted security tag entering into the business establishment. 
         [0021]    According to one embodiment, the step of deactivating the security tag includes first detecting the direction in which the security tag is moving and deactivating based on the direction the security tag is moving. 
         [0022]    According to another embodiment, the step of deactivating the security tag includes driving a flow of current from a current generator to an antenna. The antenna is coupled to the current generator by a pair of generator leads. The antenna and current generator form a portion of the security tag deactivator. 
         [0023]    According to one embodiment, the antenna includes an antenna perimeter and a middle antenna portion. The middle antenna portion is designed in the shape of the letter S and connects to the antenna perimeter at opposing sides of the antenna perimeter. 
         [0024]    According to another embodiment, the deactivator further includes a second antenna and a second current generator coupled to the second antenna. The two antennas are configured as loop antennas including the first antenna configured as a vertical two-loop antenna and the second antenna configured as a horizontal two-loop antenna. 
         [0025]    According to one aspect of one embodiment, the vertical two-loop antenna includes a vertical antenna perimeter and a vertical antenna middle strip. One end of the vertical antenna middle strip connects to one side of the vertical antenna perimeter. The other end of the vertical antenna middle strip is coupled to a first current generator by a first generator lead of the first current generator. A side of the vertical perimeter, opposite the side of the vertical perimeter connected to the vertical antenna middle strip, is coupled to the first current generator by a second generator lead of the first current generator. The vertical antenna middle strip divides the vertical antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves. One half is vertically aligned in relation to the other half. The horizontal two-loop antenna includes a horizontal antenna perimeter and a horizontal antenna middle strip. One end of the horizontal antenna middle strip connects to one side of the horizontal antenna perimeter. The other end of the horizontal antenna middle strip is coupled to a second current generator by a first generator lead of the second current generator. A side of the horizontal perimeter, opposite the side of the horizontal perimeter connected to the horizontal antenna middle strip, is coupled to the second current generator by a second generator lead of the second current generator. The horizontal antenna middle strip divides the horizontal antenna perimeter into two nearly equal halves. One half is horizontally aligned in relation to the other half. The vertical antenna middle strip and horizontal middle strip are positioned orthogonal to one another so as to form a cross. 
         [0026]    According to another embodiment, the step of positioning the security tag deactivator includes enclosing the antenna into a pedestal. According, to another embodiment, the step of positioning the security tag deactivator comprises attaching the antenna onto a pedestal. The pedestal stands upright on a floor in the entrance of the business establishment. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    The disclosure will be described in conjunction with the following drawings in which like reference numerals designate like elements and wherein: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary system/method wherein a retail establishment has a distinct entrance and :Ail: with associated pedestals; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary system/method wherein a retail establishment has a bi-directional doorway with associated pedestals that include a direction detector; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  depicts exemplary deactivating generators, with S-shape antennas, according to one embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  depicts the S-shape antenna of  FIG. 3  according to one embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  depicts a screen shot of a simulated deactivation field pattern for a side carry tag in a front facing view of entrance pedestals according to one embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  depicts a screen shot of a simulated deactivation field pattern for a flat carry tag in a front facing view of entrance pedestals according to one embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7  depicts a screen shot of a simulated deactivation field pattern for a front carry tag in a front facing view of entrance pedestals according to one embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  depicts exemplary deactivating generators utilizing loop antennas according to one embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  depicts the vertical two-loop antenna of  FIG. 8  according to one embodiment; and 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  depicts the horizontal two-loop antenna of  FIG. 8  according to one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The accompanying drawings are intended to provide further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the description of the disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments and together with the description illustrate principles of this disclosure. 
         [0039]    The drawings should not be taken as implying any necessary limitation on the essential scope of this disclosure. The drawings are given by way of non-limitative example to explain the nature of the disclosure. 
         [0040]    For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings. 
         [0041]    The various features of novelty are pointed out specifically in the claims which are a part of this description. For a better understanding, reference should be made to the drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments. 
         [0042]    The disclosure differs from other attempts by not relying on the consumer to remove the tag or another store to properly deactivate the tag. The disclosure also relies only on the standard technology tags (e.g., EAS security tags or RFID security tags). This disclosure deactivates live tags (meaning “non-deactivated security tags”) when a person enters the store, at the point of entry. Deactivation of the tag carried by the person may occur at or near the entrance of the store. The entering customer walks through a portal which deactivates the live tags carried by the person, which may be unwanted by the retailer. When the customer leaves the store, the live tags (now deactivated) that entered the store with the person will not alarm the exit system. 
         [0043]    This has many benefits for the consumer and retailer. The consumer is not stopped for a false reason. The store is not wasting time stopping customers that have not taken items from the store. 
         [0044]    The solution can take the form of two pedestals placed on either side of the entrance where the pedestals have an output similar to standard deactivation pedestals. “Pedestal”, as referred to here and elsewhere in the disclosure, shall mean a housing that freely stands with Which the antenna is located, sometimes referred to as an EAS antenna or gate in the industry. The deactivator, for deactivating security tags, can be located at approximately the midsection of an entering patron. The pedestals may stand upright on the floor of a business establishment and may be located in or near the entrance of the business establishment. The deactivator may also be located higher or lower than the midsection of an entering patron. The deactivator may herein be referenced as a deactivating generator. 
         [0045]    Stores have different formats for their entry/exits. For the “one-way” entry/exit, customers enter through one set of doors and exit through a different set of doors. This “one-way” configuration would only require a deactivation portal at the entrance. In particular,  FIG. 1  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present system/method  20  for a retail establishment having a dedicated entrance (also referred to as a “deactivation portal”) and a dedicated exit with respective entrance pedestals  22  and exit pedestals  24 . The entrance pedestals  22  comprise a deactivating generator  26 , located at the midsection of an entering patron (not shown), which generates the deactivating electromagnetic (EM) field  28  continuously at the entrance. The exit pedestals  24  operate in accordance with conventional EAS or RFID security tag detection operation. The deactivator may he oriented, including positioned or angled, such that the EM field  28  is provided over at least a portion of an entrance. 
         [0046]    For bi-directional doorways, i.e., where customers enter and exit through the same doorway, it is necessary to determine when to deactivate and when not to deactivate depending on the direction of the patron. In this bi-directional doorway instance, a directional device is implemented which triggers deactivation only for inbound patrons. U.S. Pat. No. 5,030,941 (Lizzi., et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,782,207 (Gillard, et al.), both of which are owned by the same Assignee as the present application, namely, Checkpoint Systems, Inc., disclose “direction detectors” associated with or integrated with detection pedestals that can detect the direction of movement of the security tags. Both of these references are incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
         [0047]    In particular,  FIG. 2  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present system/method  120  for a retail establishment having a bi-directional doorway. In this embodiment  120 , the pair of pedestals  122  comprise a direction detector  130 , which may be a sensor that can detect movement including the direction of movement, and a deactivating generator  126 . Although there are a number of ways to detect movement, one exemplary way is to configure the pedestal processor (not shown) to have the direction detector detect movement into the retail establishment, i.e., in the direction of arrow  132 . If the direction detector  130  detects such movement, the processor activates the deactivating generator  126  to emit the deactivating EM field  128 . If, on the other hand, no movement in the direction of the arrow  132  is detected, the pedestals  126  act in the normal course, i.e., monitoring the interrogation zone for security tags as they leave the retail establishment, viz., in the direction of the arrow  134 , 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  depicts exemplary deactivating generators  26  with S-shape antennas  200 . In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 3 , entrance pedestals  22  comprise deactivating generators  26 , to generate the continuous deactivating electromagnetic (EM) field  28 . A deactivating generator  26  may be located in each entrance pedestal  22 . The deactivating generator  26  includes a current generator  27  coupled to an antenna, wherein the antenna shown in  FIG. 3  is an S-shape antenna  200 . Entrance pedestals  22  are shown in  FIG. 3  as transparent so as to view the S-shape antenna  200  in both pedestals. When current flows through the antenna, as driven by the current generator  27 , the resultant deactivating EM field  28  is created about the antenna as transmitted by the antenna. 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  depicts the S-shape antenna  200  of  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , S-shape antenna  200  may be a continuous antenna piece with the only disconnection between one middle antenna connection end  206  and the other middle antenna connection end  206 . Antennas of the deactivating generator  26 , including the S-shape antenna  200 , are preferably made with copper. Alternatively, other conductive materials may be utilized to form the antenna as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the copper material is embedded in a tape so that one side of the tape may adhere to the entrance pedestal  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the copper tape is two inches thick. Thicker or thinner tape or other conductive material may be used. In the preferred embodiment, the two inch thick copper tape is used to simplify both fabrication and performance tuning of the deactivating generator  26 . 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the S-shape antenna  200  is partially formed by an antenna perimeter  202  shaped as an elongated octagon. In the preferred embodiment, the elongated octagon shape of the antenna perimeter  202  approximately matches the height and width of the entrance pedestal  22  in which the S-shape antenna  200  is located (see  FIG. 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 4 , a middle antenna portion  204  is located inside the octagon shaped antenna perimeter  202  and connected to the antenna perimeter  202  at perimeter connections  208 . The middle antenna portion  294  is designed in the shape of the letter “S”. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the middle antenna portion  204  is connected to two opposing walls of the antenna perimeter  202 , at two perimeter connections  208  on each wall. The only disconnect in the S-shape antenna  200 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is between the middle antenna connection ends  206 . In other embodiments, the antenna perimeter  202  may be shaped as a square, rectangle, circle, or any other shape so that the deactivating generator  26  may conduct an EM field  28 , as transmitted by the antenna. In other embodiments, the middle antenna portion  204  may be Shaped differently and/or connect to the antenna perimeter  202  at one or more various locations. In other embodiments, the antenna perimeter  202  may not include a middle antenna portion  204  or the middle antenna portion  204  may not include an antenna perimeter  202 . In other embodiments, the S-shape antenna  200  may be of different shape, size, and/or made of different material so that the deactivating generator  26  may conduct an EM field  28 . 
         [0051]    Referring again to  FIG. 3 , the S-shape antenna  200  is located inside the entrance pedestal  22  as taped on the inside of the pedestal side wall, within the housing of entrance pedestal  22  on the side facing the other entrance pedestal  22 . Typically, walls of the entrance pedestals  22  are opaque, so that one may not see the S-shape antenna  200  housed inside. Other entrance pedestals  22 , and as shown in  FIG. 3 , may be transparent. In other embodiments, antennas, such as the S-shape antenna  200 , may be located internally or externally on any of the sides of the entrance pedestal  22 . Antennas may also be embedded into the wall of the entrance pedestal  22  or located on or in another material located within the walls of the entrance pedestal  22 . As shown in the preferred embodiment, the S-shape antenna  200  is approximately the width and height of entrance pedestal  22 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , each S-shape antenna  200  is coupled to a current generator  27  in each entrance pedestal  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the current generator  27  is a high power generator. A high power generator may be a CPIX generator, known in the art. One of two generator leads  29  connect the current generator  27  to one middle antenna connection end  206  and the other generator lead  29  connects to the other middle connection end  206  in the S-shape antenna  100  so as to drive a current that flows through the S-shape antenna  200  from connection to one generator lead  29  and to the connection with the other generator lead  29  resulting in an EM field  28  about the entrance pedestals  22 . The middle antenna connection ends  206  serve as a feeding point where the generator leads  29  connect with the S-shape antenna  200 . The generator leads  29  may, for example, be twisted pair of cable. The EM field  28  produces flux lines  361  (see  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 ) in a resulting deactivation field pattern (see  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 ), wherein the deactivation field deactivates the security tag  50  about the portal, in proximity to the deactivating generators  26  of entrance pedestals  22 . 
         [0053]    The S-shape antenna  200 , of the preferred embodiment, provides for far-field cancellation, as demonstrated by weakening flux lines  361  shown as darker lines transitioning to lighter lines going away from the entrance pedestals  22  in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 . The far-field cancellation addresses emission requirements, while the S-shape antenna  200  creates strong near-field emissions necessary to deactivate security tags  50  of various orientations in EM field  28 . The S-shape antenna  200  is symmetrically divided into two halves that generate magnetic fields equally and in opposite directions as the current flows through the S-shape antenna  200 . In the far-field region (a distance is much greater than the antenna&#39;s overall dimensions), the magnetic fields generated by the two halves of antenna cancel each other, resulting in nearly zero net field. In the near-field region (a distance less than the overall dimensions of the antenna), as the security tag  50  moves between the entrance pedestals  22 , the security tag  50  will capture more field from on half of the antenna than from the other half of the antenna causing deactivation. The resultant far-field cancellation due to the design of the S-shape antenna  200  allows the system to transmit about 20 dB more power while remaining within regulatory limits (for regulatory compliance, only far-field emissions are measured), which thereby achieves a deactivation distance typically not possible with conventional deactivation antennas. The design of the S-shape antenna  200  creates a deactivation field pattern that confines the energy of the deactivation field within the proximity of the deactivating generator  26  so as not to interfere with other devices at further distance. 
         [0054]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , security tag  50  may pass through entrance pedestals  22  in one of a variety of different orientations, including at various angles. For example, security tag  50  may enter and pass through entrance pedestals  22  in the orientation of a side carry tag  52 . The side carry tag  52  passes through the entrance pedestals  22  at an angle Where the two opposing larger sides of the side carry tag  52  each face the entrance pedestals  22  when the side carry tag  52  moves between the two entrance pedestals  22 . On a person walking through entrance pedestals  22 , security tag  50  may he in the orientation of side carry tag  52  when located in, for example, a purse or within the sleeve of clothing. A security tag  59  may enter and pass through entrance pedestals  22  in the orientation of a flat carry tag  54 . The flat carry tag  54  passes through the entrance pedestals  22  at an angle where the two opposing larger sides of the flat carry tag  54  each face orthogonal to the entrance pedestals  22 , with one side facing the floor on which the entrance pedestals  22  stand and the other side facing the ceiling. On a person walking through the entrance pedestals  22 , security tag  50  may be in the orientation of flat carry tag  54  when located in, for example, a hat or the bottom of a shoe. Security tag  50  may enter and pass through entrance pedestals  22  in the orientation of a front carry tag  56 . The front carry tag  56  passes through the entrance pedestals  22  at an angle where the two opposing larger sides of the front carry tag  54  each face orthogonal to the entrance pedestals  22  when located between the entrance pedestals  22 , with one side facing the entering direction of a person or patron through the entrance pedestals  22  and the other side facing the exiting direction of a patron through the entrance pedestals  22 . On a patron walking through the entrance pedestals  22 , security tag  50  may he in the orientation of front carry tag  56  when located in for example the front pocket or collar of a shirt. 
         [0055]      FIG. 5  depicts a screen shot of a simulated side carry deactivation field pattern  352  for a side carry tag  52  in a front facing view of entrance pedestals  22 . The views in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 , are shown from the perspective of a patron walking towards the entrance pedestals  22 , resting on floor  351 , as the patron moves in direction A towards and through the entrance pedestals  22 . The edges of the entrance pedestals  22  can he viewed in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 , looking in direction A. Direction A is opposite direction X, of plane X-Y being the floor, as denoted by the X-Y-Z orientation vectors in the bottom left corner of  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 . With the deactivating generator  26  producing an EM field  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , a side carry deactivation field pattern  352  results. Fig. S shows the locations around the entrance pedestals  22  most susceptible for deactivating a security tag  50  in the position of side carry tag  52 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the side carry deactivation field pattern  353  weakens in the direction away from the entrance pedestals  22 , as shown by the flux lines  361  going from darker lines near the entrance pedestals  22  to lighter lines further away from the entrance pedestals  22 . The deactivation field pattern  353  is strongest as indicated by the solid white portion of the field located in proximity to the entrance pedestals  22 , referred to as the deactivation zones  360 . In the deactivation zone  360 , a security tag  50  is more likely to deactivate than in any other location about the entrance pedestals  22 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the side carry deactivation field pattern  352  is symmetric above and below the entrance pedestals  22 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 6  depicts a screen shot of a simulated flat Carry deactivation field pattern  354  for a flat carry tag  54  in a front facing view of entrance pedestals  22 . With the deactivating generator  26  producing an EM field  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , a flat carry deactivation field pattern  354  is produced.  FIG. 6  shows the locations around the entrance pedestals  22  most susceptible for deactivating a security tag  50  in the orientation of flat carry tag  54 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 7  depicts a screen shot of a simulated front carry deactivation field pattern  356  for a front carry tag  56  in a front facing view of entrance pedestals  22 . With the deactivating generator  26  producing an EM field  28 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , a front carry deactivation field pattern  356  is produced.  FIG. 7  shows the locations around the entrance pedestals  22  most susceptible for deactivating a security tag  50  in the orientation of front carry tag  56 . 
         [0058]    For a security tag  50  at any orientation at or between the orientation of side carry tag  52 , flat carry tag  54 , and/or front can tag  56 , the deactivating generator  26  may deactivate the security tag  50 . The above identified deactivation field patterns  352 ,  354 ,  356 , as shown in  FIG. 5  through  FIG. 7 , replicate the deactivation fields generated by the S-shape antenna  200  in the deactivating generator  26  of the preferred embodiment. The deactivation fields may differ for side carry tags  52 , flat carry tags  54 , or front carry tags  56  or security tags  50  at any other orientation depending on the size, and/or shape of the antenna of the deactivating generator  26 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 8  depicts exemplary deactivating generators  26  utilizing loop antennas  400 . In an alternative embodiment, and as shown in  FIG. 8 , entrance pedestals  22  may comprise more than one deactivating generator  26 , to generate the continuous deactivating electromagnetic (EM) field  28 . In this alternative embodiment, two deactivating generators  26  are located about each entrance pedestal  22  of the pair of entrance pedestals  22 . Each deactivating generator  26  includes a current generator  27  coupled to each loop antenna  400 . Two loop antennas  400  are shown located on each entrance pedestal  22 , one being a vertical two-loop antenna  410  and the other being a horizontal two-loop antenna  420 , as shown in FIG.  8 . Entrance pedestals  22  are shown in  FIG. 8  as transparent so as to view both the vertical two-loop antenna  410  and a horizontal two-loop antenna  420  on each pedestal  22 . 
         [0060]    The vertical two-loop antenna  410  is divided into two nearly equal halves by the vertical antenna middle strip  414 , wherein one half is vertically aligned above the other half, and the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  is divided into nearly two equal halves by the horizontal antenna middle strip  424 , wherein one half is horizontally aligned to the side of the other half With the loop antennas  400  split symmetrically into two halves, the current flow from the current generator  27  is equally split into opposite directions thus generating a magnetic flux from about each half that cancel each other out in the far-field. The pattern created by the location of the vertical two-loop antenna  410  and the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  on the entrance pedestals  22  is formed such that the halves in the vertical two-loop antenna  410  are orthogonal to the halves in the horizontal two-loop antenna  420 . The orthogonal pattern formed by the vertical two-loop antenna  410  and horizontal two-loop antenna  420  creates a three dimensional deactivating field pattern effect for deactivating security tags  50  of all orientations. Like the S-shape antenna  200 , the magnetic fields generated by the two halves of the antenna cancel each other, resulting in nearly zero net field. In the near-field region, the security tag  50  moves between the entrance pedestals  22  capturing more field from on half of the antennas than from the other half of the antennas causing deactivation. The resultant far-field cancellation due to the design of these loop antennas  400  allows the system to transmit more power while remaining within regulatory limits. The design of the loop antennas  400  create a field pattern that confines the energy of the deactivation field within the proximity of the deactivating generator  26  so as not to interfere with other devices at further distance. 
         [0061]      FIG. 9  depicts the vertical two-loop antenna  410  of  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , vertical two-loop antenna  410  may be a continuous antenna piece, except for the disconnection at the vertical half connection end  416  to the vertical antenna perimeter  412 . 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the vertical two-loop antenna  410  has a vertical antenna perimeter  412  formed in the shape of rectangle, in the alternative embodiment, the rectangle shape of the vertical antenna perimeter  412  approximately matches the height and width of the entrance pedestal  22  on which the vertical two-loop antenna  410  is located. As shown in  FIG. 9 , a vertical antenna middle strip  414  is located inside the rectangular shaped vertical antenna perimeter  412  and connected to the vertical antenna perimeter  412  at vertical perimeter connection  418 . The only disconnect in the vertical two-loop antenna  410 , as shown in  FIG. 9 , is between the vertical antenna middle connection end  416  and one side of the rectangular shaped vertical antenna perimeter  412 , opposite the side of the vertical antenna perimeter  412  having vertical perimeter connection  418  with vertical antenna middle strip  414 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the vertical antenna middle strip  414  approximately splits the loop formed by the vertical antenna perimeter  412  into two rectangular looped antenna portions wherein the vertical antenna middle strip  414  forms the top of one loop and forms the bottom of the other loop. 
         [0063]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the vertical two-loop antenna  410  is located externally, adhered, on the wall of the entrance pedestal  22  facing away from the other entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the vertical two-loop antenna  410  may be located inside the walls of the entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the vertical two-loop antenna  410  may be located externally on the opposing side of the entrance pedestal  22  facing the other entrance pedestal  22 . As shown in this alternative embodiment, the vertical two-loop antenna  410  is approximately the width and height of the entrance pedestal  22  and is positioned centrally on the entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the vertical two-loop antenna  410  may he any size smaller than the height and width of the entranced pedestal  22 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  depicts the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  of  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , horizontal two-loop antenna  420  may be a continuous antenna piece except for the disconnection at the horizontal antenna middle connection end  426  to the horizontal antenna perimeter  422 . 
         [0065]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  has a horizontal antenna perimeter  422  formed in the shape of a rectangle. In the alternative embodiment, the rectangle shape of the horizontal antenna perimeter  422  is shorter in height and wider than the vertical two-loop antenna  410  located about the same entrance pedestal  22 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , horizontal antenna middle strip  424  is located inside the rectangular shaped horizontal antenna perimeter  422  and connected to the horizontal antenna perimeter  422  at horizontal perimeter connections  428 . The only disconnect in the horizontal two-loop antenna  420 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , is between the horizontal antenna middle connection end  426  and one side of the rectangular shaped horizontal antenna perimeter  422 , opposite the side of the horizontal antenna perimeter  422  having connection at the horizontal perimeter connection  428  with horizontal antenna middle strip  424  As shown in  FIG. 10 , the horizontal antenna middle strip  424  approximately splits the loop formed by the horizontal antenna perimeter  422  into two rectangular looped antenna portions wherein the horizontal antenna middle strip  424  forms a side of one loop and forms a side of the other loop. 
         [0066]    Referring again to  FIG. 8 , the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  is located externally, as adhered onto the wall of entrance pedestal  22  on the site facing the other entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  may be located inside the walls of the entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  may he located externally on the wall on the side of the entrance pedestal  22  facing away from the other entrance pedestal  22 . As shown in this alternative embodiment, the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  is located approximately central to the vertical two-loop antenna  410 , such that the horizontal antenna middle strip  424  and vertical antenna middle strip  414  are positioned orthogonal to each other to form a cross approximately in the center of the entrance pedestal  22 , as shown through the transparent entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the horizontal two-loop antenna  420  may be any size smaller or larger than the height and width of the vertical two-loop antenna  410  shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0067]    Far-field cancellation with strong near-field emissions are created due to the relative position of the vertical two-loop antenna  410  with the horizontal two-loop antenna  410 , creating the formed cross design of the horizontal antenna middle strip  424  and vertical antenna middle strip  414 . In combination, the relative position of the vertical two-loop antenna  410  with the horizontal two-loop antenna  410  may deactivate a security tag  50  in any orientation. 
         [0068]    The loop antennas  400  are preferably made of copper tape. Alternatively, like the S-shape antenna  200 , other conductive materials may be utilized to form the antennas, those materials being known by one of ordinary skill in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the copper tape is two inches thick. Thicker or thinner tape or material may be used. 
         [0069]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , both the vertical two-loop antenna  410  and horizontal two-loop antenna  420  are each attached to a current generator  27 . In this alternative embodiment, the current generator  27  is a high power generator. One of two generator leads  29  from one current generator  27  in the entrance pedestal  22  connects to the vertical antenna middle connection end  416  and the other generator lead  29  connects to the vertical antenna perimeter  412  directly across from the disconnection formed between the vertical antenna middle connection end  416  and one side of vertical antenna perimeter  412 , on the opposite side of the perimeter  412  in connection with the vertical antenna middle strip  414  about vertical perimeter connection  418 . One of two generator leads  29  from the other current generator  27 , in the same entrance pedestal  22 , connects to the horizontal antenna middle connection end  426  and the other generator lead  29  connects to the horizontal antenna perimeter  422  directly across from the disconnection formed between the horizontal antenna middle connection end.  426  and one side of horizontal antenna perimeter  422 , on the opposite side of the perimeter  422  in connection with the horizontal antenna middle strip  424  about horizontal perimeter connect on  428 . The current generators  27  supply current through the loop antennas  400  resulting in a transmitted EM field  28  (see  FIG. 1 ) formed about the entrance pedestals  22 , resulting in a deactivation field pattern to deactivate security tags  50  at any orientation, including at orientation of side carry tag  52 , flat carry tag  54 , and/or front carry tag  56  (see  FIG. 3 ), at or near the entrance of a store. 
         [0070]    Antennas, such as the S-shape antennas  200  or loop antennas  400 , may be placed on material housed within the walls of the pedestals. For example, antennas may be attached to or placed within a sheet of material, formed to fit within the pedestal. The sheet of material may be plastic, cardboard, Styrofoam, or any other material of which the antenna may be attached to or placed within. The antennas may be a continuous antenna piece or a combination of segments to form the antenna. 
         [0071]    In both the preferred or alternative embodiments, the deactivating generators  26  may deactivate more than one security tag  50  passing through the entrance pedestals  22 . The deactivating generators  26  may deactivate the one or more security tags  50  regardless of their orientation. One or more deactivating generators  26  may be integrated with an entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, one or more deactivating generators  26  may be located in one entrance pedestal  22  and not the other. One or more current generators  27  may be integrated within an entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, one or more current generators  27  may be located in one entrance pedestal  22  and not the other. In other embodiments, a current generator  27  may be located away from the entrance pedestals  22 , wherein the generator leads  29  may extend from the current generator  27  to the antenna in or on the entrance pedestal  22 . In some embodiments, the current generator  27  may drive current to an antenna in another entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, an antenna may be located in one entrance pedestal  22  and not the other entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, one, two, or more generator leads  29  may be connected between an antenna and current generator  27  in any manner in Which to drive current from the current generator  27  to and/or through the antenna. In other embodiments, the current generator  27  and antenna form the deactivating generator  26  or a portion of the deactivating generator  26 . 
         [0072]    The S-shape, antennas  200 , loop antennas  400 , or any other shaped antennas may also be used in deactivating generators  126  for pedestals  122  of bi-directional doorways, as shown in the system/method  120  of  FIG. 2 , as an alternative or in addition to antennas used in deactivating generators  2 $ for entrance pedestals  22  of “one way” configurations, as shown with system/method  120  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0073]    Entrance pedestals  22  and pedestals  122 , of bi-directional doorways, serve as housings for the deactivating generators to be enclosed within or attached about. For example, in the preferred embodiment, the S-shape antennas  200  are enclosed within the entrance pedestal  22 , and the current generators  27  are adhered to the outside surface of the entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the current generators  27  maybe located within the entrance pedestal  22 . In other embodiments, the housing to include the antenna and/or current generator  27 , may be of various sizes and shapes. The housing, being the entrance pedestal  22  in the preferred embodiment, may be oriented such that the electromagnetic field  28  covers at least a portion of the store, or business establishment entrance. In other embodiments, the housing may be a mount to be located about the entrance. As a mount, the housing may not stand on its own like a pedestal. The mount may be located on a shelf, hang from a ceiling, or affixed to a wall or doorway. 
         [0074]    It is to be understood that the descriptions of this disclosure have been simplified to illustrate characteristics that are relevant for a clear understanding of the disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that other elements or steps are desirable or required in implementing this disclosure. However, because such elements or steps are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the disclosure, a discussion of such elements or steps is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such elements and methods known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0075]    It is to he understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in this specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
         [0076]    Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation Shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be regarded as falling within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims that follow.