Patent Description:
Many of merchandise in a department store have a printed tag attached to them that displays information about the product (such as the item's price and/or description). Furthermore, the same pricing tag may have an EAS component embedded therein or attached thereto for theft prevention. Once a pricing tag is affixed to a product, the information on the pricing tag cannot be easily modified.

In some scenarios, price labels are used to display the price for a group of merchandise. The price labels are often paper-based labels affixed to the shelves on which the merchandise is disposed or on the merchandise themselves. Paper-based labels require the tedious and manually-intensive process of printing and applying new labels every time there is a price or product description update. This is a laborious and time-consuming process for store associates. <CIT>relates to an electronic label tag for storing product-related information which comprises an electronic display, such as an electronic paper display, for presenting said information and an RFID antenna for communicating the information to an RFID antenna, e.g. in context of a point of sale transaction, and updating the information. <CIT> relates to an electronic price label for products wherein product information is stored in specific memory registers inside of an RFID chip of the label and an update of product information is indicated with a specific code to a state memory register in the RFID chip. The label comprises a microcontroller which monitors the values written into the sate memory register and triggers an update of the product information presented on the electronic display of the label. The label further comprises an RFID antenna for receiving update commands and reading stored product information. <CIT> relates to a programmable display tag which comprises an a wireless interface, an integrated RFID communication module, a microprocessor and an LCD display. A message comprising display-specific data, e.g. price and product description data, is received by the wireless interface and forwarded to the microcontroller which stores the obtained data in a memory and transmits the data to a display driver which updates the display. The data presented on the display can be further provided via the RFID communication module to an RFID reader. The display tag can be used for inventory control, e.g. by affixing it to an item. <CIT>relates to retail item display device which uses an RFID antenna to receive update information concerning a retail product from an external RFID activator. The update information is forwarded to a display driving mechanism which changes the information presented on an electronic display accordingly. The RFID activator can be used to download updated pricing concerning a retail tag from the retail store.

The present invention concerns implementing systems and methods for operating a security tag coupled to an item. The method comprises: storing first item related information is a datastore of the security tag that is associated with an output device (e.g., a display and/or a speaker) and second item related information in an integrated Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") element of the security tag; receiving third item related information at a microcontroller of the security tag; performing comparison operations by the microcontroller to compare the third item related information with at least one of the first item related information and the second item related information; using the third item related information to write over at least one of the first item related information and the second item related information based on results of the comparison operations; and synchronizing advertised information and register information for the item by outputting the third item related information from the output device and the integrated RFID element.

In some scenarios, the first, second and/or third item related information comprises at least one of an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and a source of the item. The microcontroller receives the third item related information directly from the integrated RFID element, a communications device of the security tag, or an external device via at least one electrical contact of the security tag.

In those or other scenarios, the method comprises: receiving the third item related information at the integrated RFID element; using the third item related information to write over the second item related information; notifying the microcontroller that the second item related information has been written over; and performing operations by the microcontroller (in response to the notifying) to receive the third item related information from the integrated RFID element and to obtain the first item related information from the datastore, prior to performing the comparison operations.

In those or other scenarios, the method comprises: receiving the third item related information at a communication device of the security tag; using the third item related information to write over the first item related information; notifying the microcontroller that the first item related information has been written over; and performing operations by the microcontroller (in response to the notifying) to receive the third item related information from the communication device and to obtain the second item related information from the integrated RFID element, prior to performing the comparison operations.

In those or other scenarios, the microcontroller: receives the third item related information via a wired connection facilitated by at least one electrical contact of the security tag; and performs operations (in response to the reception of the third item related information) to obtain the first item related information from the output device and the second item related information from the integrated RFID element, prior to performing the comparison operations.

In those or yet other scenarios, the method comprises harvesting energy from an external energy source and using the harvested energy to power electronic components of the security tag at least during a synchronization of the advertised information and register information. The security tag may also comprise an integrated EAS component in addition to the integrated RFID component. The third item related information is communicated to the security tag in response to a trigger event for updating the advertised information or the register information.

Embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

Security Tags are currently sold with integrated Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") elements which store many fields of information. In some cases, the RFID element stores item price information for use at the Point Of Sale ("POS"). If an integrated price display is to be added to such a security tag, it is desired to add a synchronization of the RFID element price and the intended price on the display. Accordingly, the present solution concerns systems and methods for synchronizing register information and display information.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided an illustration of an exemplary inventory system <NUM>. Inventory system <NUM> is entirely or at least partially disposed within a facility <NUM>. The facility <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, a manufacturer's facility, a distribution center facility, a retail store facility or other facility within a supply chain.

As shown in <FIG>, at least one item <NUM> resides within the facility <NUM>. The item <NUM> is disposed on display equipment <NUM>. The display equipment includes, but is not limited to, shelves <NUM><NUM>-<NUM><NUM>, display cabinets, and/or exhibit cases. The item <NUM> has an RFID security tag <NUM> coupled thereto. This coupling is achieved via an adhesive (e.g., glue), a mechanical coupler (e.g., straps, clamps, snaps, etc.), a weld, chemical bond or other means.

The RFID security tag <NUM> is generally configured to provide a visual and/or auditory output of first item level information (referred to herein as "advertised information") to people located in proximity thereto (e.g., customers), as well as a signal output of second item level information (referred to herein as "register information") to a fixed or mobile Point Of Sale ("POS") <NUM>. The first and/or second item level information include(s), but is(are) not limited to, an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. The RFID security tag <NUM> will be described in detail below in relation to <FIG>. The first and second item level information can be output in a format selected from a plurality of formats based on a geographic location of the item, a date, and/or an item pricing status (e.g., whether the item is on sale). In a display context, the format is defined by a font parameter, a color parameter, a brightness parameter, and/or a display blinking parameter. In an auditory context, the format is defined by a volume parameter, a voice tone parameter, and/or a male/female voice selection parameter.

The RFID security tag <NUM> comprise wireless communication components that enable the communication of item level information thereto and/or therefrom. The wireless communication components can implement one or more different types of communication technology. The communication technologies can include, but are not limited to, Radio Frequency ("RF") communication technology, Bluetooth technology, WiFi technology, beacon technology, magnetic induction technology, and/or LiFi technology. Each of the listed types of communication technology are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.

The first and second item level information is provided to the RFID security tag <NUM> from a computing device <NUM> via a network <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> can be local to the facility <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or remote from the facility <NUM>. The computing device <NUM> will be described in detail below in relation to <FIG>. However, at this time, it should be understood that the computing device <NUM> is configured to: write data to and read data from a database <NUM> and/or RFID security tag <NUM>; and/or perform language and currency conversion operations using item level information obtained from the database <NUM> and/or RFID security tag <NUM>. The data can include, but is not limited to, item level information <NUM>.

Accordingly, the computing device <NUM> facilitates updates to the advertised information and register information output from the RFID security tag <NUM>. Such information updating can be performed periodically, in response to instructions received from an associate (e.g., a retail store employee), and/or in response to a detected change in the item level information <NUM>. For example, if a certain product is placed on sale, then the sale price for that product is transmitted to access point <NUM>, which in turn transmits the sale price to each RFID security tag associated with that product. The sale price is then output from the RFID security tag. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

The network <NUM> interconnects the computing device <NUM> with at least one access point <NUM>. Network <NUM> can be a wired or wireless network facilitating communication between computing device <NUM> and the access point <NUM>. The access point <NUM> receives the item level information <NUM> from the computing device <NUM>, optionally translates this information, and sends it to the RFID security tag <NUM> via wireless communication links <NUM>.

Although a single computing device <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, the present solution is not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device can be implemented. Also, the present solution is not limited to the exemplary inventory system architecture described in relation to <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is an illustration of an exemplary RFID security tag <NUM> displaying advertised information (e.g., an item's price). An exemplary architecture for the RFID security tag <NUM> is provided in <FIG>. RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as or substantially similar to RFID security tag <NUM>. As such, the discussion of RFID security tag <NUM> is sufficient for understanding the RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG>.

The RFID security tag <NUM> can include more or less components than that shown in <FIG>. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the RFID security tag <NUM> can be implemented in hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuit(s) may comprise passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and/or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

The hardware architecture of <FIG> represents a representative RFID security tag <NUM> configured to facilitate improved inventory pricing management. In this regard, the RFID security tag <NUM> is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., computing device <NUM> of <FIG>) via wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can include, but is not limited to, a Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") technology, a Near Field Communication ("NFC") technology, and/or a Short Range Communication ("SRC") technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies (is)are employed: Radio Frequency ("RF") communication technology; Bluetooth technology; WiFi technology; beacon technology; magnetic induction; and/or LiFi technology. Each of the listed wireless communication technologies is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology can be used herein without limitation.

The components <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG> may be collectively referred to herein as a communication enabled device <NUM>, and include a memory <NUM> and a clock/timer <NUM>. Memory <NUM> may be a volatile memory and/or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory ("RAM"), Dynamic RAM ("DRAM"), Static RAM ("SRAM"), Read Only Memory ("ROM") and flash memory. The memory <NUM> may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory.

In some scenarios, the communication enabled device <NUM> comprises a Software Defined Radio ("SDR"). SDRs are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. However, it should be noted that the SDR can be programmatically assigned any communication protocol that is chosen by a user (e.g., RFID, WiFi, LiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, Nest, ZWave, Zigbee, etc.). The communication protocols are part of the device's firmware and reside in memory <NUM>. Notably, the communication protocols can be downloaded to the device at any given time. The initial/default role (being an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc. tag) can be assigned at the deployment thereof. If the user desires to use another protocol at a later time, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed RFID security tag <NUM>. The update of the firmware, in case of issues, can also be performed remotely.

As shown in <FIG>, the communication enabled device <NUM> comprises at least one antenna <NUM>, <NUM> for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via a wireless communication technology (e.g., an RFID technology, an NFC technology and/or a SRC technology). The antenna <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to receive signals from the external device and/or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device <NUM>. In some scenarios, the antenna <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas includes, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

The communication enabled device <NUM> also comprises a transceiver <NUM>. Transceivers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the transceiver <NUM> generates and transmits signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) to external devices, as well as receives signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this way, the communication enabled device <NUM> facilitates the registration, identification, location and/or tracking of an item (e.g., item <NUM> of <FIG>) to which the RFID security tag <NUM> is coupled. The communication enabled device <NUM> also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information that is being or is to be output from the RFID security tag <NUM> in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the EST's arrival at a particular facility (e.g., facility <NUM> of <FIG>), the EST's arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence (e.g., black Friday), a time occurrence, a price change, and/or the reception of user instructions.

Item level information <NUM> and/or other information <NUM> associated with the identification and/or location of the RFID security tag <NUM> can be stored in memory <NUM> of the communication enabled device <NUM> and/or communicated to other external devices (e.g., computing device <NUM> of <FIG>) via transceiver <NUM> and/or interface <NUM> (e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled device <NUM> can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier, item description, item price, a currency symbol and/or location information to an external computing device. The external computing device (e.g., server) can then store the information in a database (e.g., database <NUM> of <FIG>) and/or use the information during language and/or currency conversion operations. The item level information <NUM> is stored in memory <NUM> as display information (i.e., information that is or is to be displayed on a display screen of the RFID security tag or output from a speaker of the RFID security tag). Once this information is displayed on the display screen or output from the speaker, it is considered advertised information.

The communication enabled device <NUM> also comprises a controller <NUM>, input/output devices <NUM> (e.g., a speaker and/or display), and/or input/output device driver(s) <NUM>. Although the components <NUM> and <NUM> are shown as separate component blocks in <FIG>, the present solution is not limited in this regard. Alternatively, the components <NUM> and <NUM> can be a single component (e.g., a display driver is built into the display component). The controller <NUM> can also execute instructions <NUM> implementing methods for facilitating the management of item pricing. In this regard, the controller <NUM> includes a processor (or logic circuitry that responds to instructions) and the memory <NUM> includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions <NUM> (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions <NUM> can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the controller <NUM> during execution thereof by the RFID security tag <NUM>. The memory <NUM> and the controller <NUM> also can constitute machine-readable media. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions <NUM>. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions <NUM> for execution by the RFID security tag <NUM> and that cause the RFID security tag <NUM> to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

The input/output devices can include, but are not limited to, a display (e.g., an E Ink display, an LCD display and/or an active matrix display), a speaker, a keypad and/or light emitting diodes. The display is used to present item level information <NUM> in a textual format and/or graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information <NUM> in an auditory format. The speaker and/or light emitting diodes may be used to output alerts for drawing a person's attention to the RFID security tag <NUM> and/or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item to which the RFID security tag is coupled.

The RFID security tag <NUM> also includes an RFID component <NUM> which may be passive, active or semi-passive. Item related information <NUM> is stored in the RFID component <NUM>. The item related information can include item level information. More specifically, the item related information can include, but is not limited to, an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. In some scenarios, the RFID component <NUM> comprises an Integrated Circuit ("IC") chip. IC chips are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known IC chip can be used herein without limitation. During operation, the RFID component <NUM> communicates the item related information <NUM> to an external device via a wireless communication. For example, the item related information <NUM> is communicated from the RFID component <NUM> to a POS (e.g., POS <NUM> of <FIG>) as register information for use during a purchase transaction. The item related information <NUM> can be updated at any point in time. This update is achieved by (a) receiving new item related information at the RFID component <NUM> and (b) writing over previous item related information with the new item related information.

As noted above, it is important to have the advertised information and the register information match each other. In order to achieve this, a micro-controller <NUM> is provided (which is external to the RFID component <NUM> and communication enabled device <NUM>) for ensuring that the item related information <NUM> and <NUM> are synchronized with each other each time one of them is updated. Exemplary methods for such synchronization are described below in relation to <FIG>. The operations of the micro-controller <NUM> will become evident as the discussion progresses.

The clock/timer <NUM> is configured to determine a date, a time, and/or an expiration of a pre-defined period of time. Technique for determining these listed items are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known technique for determining these listed items can be used herein without limitation.

The RFID security tag <NUM> may comprise an optional location module <NUM>. The location module <NUM> is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the RFID security tag at any given time. For example, in some scenarios, the location module <NUM> employs Global Positioning System ("GPS") technology and/or Internet based local time acquisition technology. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example. Any known or to be known technique for determining a geographic location can be used herein without limitation.

The optional coupler <NUM> is provided to securely or removably couple the RFID security tag <NUM> to an item (e.g., item <NUM> of <FIG>). The coupler <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical coupling means (e.g., a strap, clip, clamp, snap) and/or adhesive (e.g., glue or sticker). The coupler <NUM> is optional since the coupling can be achieved via a weld and/or chemical bond.

The RFID security tag <NUM> can also include an optional energy harvesting circuit <NUM>, an optional power management circuit <NUM>, an optional rechargeable battery <NUM>, and/or an optional Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") component <NUM>. Each of the listed optional components <NUM>, <NUM> is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery and/or EAS component can be used herein without limitation.

The energy harvesting circuit <NUM> and power management circuit <NUM> are provided for ensuring continuous operation of the RFID security tag <NUM> without the need to change a battery. In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> is configured to harvest energy from one or more sources (e.g., heat, light, vibration, magnetic field, and/or RF energy) and to generate a relatively low amount of output power from the harvested energy. By employing multiple sources for harvesting, the device can continue to charge despite the depletion of a source of energy.

The energy harvesting circuit <NUM> can operate in two (<NUM>) ways. First, the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> can harvest energy from an available source while online (i.e., when the RFID security tag <NUM> is attached to merchandise). Second, the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> can harvest energy while offline (i.e., when the RFID security tag <NUM> is detached from merchandise) via a charging station/bin. This ensures that the RFID security tag <NUM> is fully charged when the RFID security tag is ready to be deployed or go online.

The energy harvesting circuit <NUM> can also be supplemented with bigger harvesters and/or a mains power source. In this case, the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> can be placed closer to its primary source (e.g., a solar panel on top of a shelf) and power from there can be distributed over two (<NUM>) wires. The design allows multiple labels to be connected to a single harvester circuit. The harvester circuit can be replaces with the mains power source.

The RFID security tag <NUM> may also include optional sensors <NUM> employing proximity sensing technology. The sensors <NUM> can include, but are not limited to, an IR detector, a camera, and/or an RF detection unit. The input/output devices <NUM> (e.g., the display) can be turned off when a person is not located in proximity thereto. This capability is useful when the input/output devices <NUM> (e.g., the display) is not considered low power.

The power management circuit <NUM> is generally configured to control the supply of power to components of the RFID security tag <NUM>. In the event all of the storage and harvesting resources deplete to a point where the RFID security tag <NUM> is about to enter a shutdown/brownout state, the power management circuit <NUM> can cause an alert to be sent from the RFID security tag <NUM> to a remote device (e.g., computing device <NUM> of <FIG>). In response to the alert, the remote device can inform an associate (e.g., a store employee) so that (s)he can investigate why the RFID security tag <NUM> is not recharging and/or holding charge.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a block diagram of an exemplary architecture <NUM> for the power management circuit <NUM> of the RFID security tag <NUM>. The power management circuit <NUM> is not limited to the particular architecture shown in <FIG>. In this regard, it should be understood that that power management circuit <NUM> can include more or less components than that shown in <FIG>.

The power management circuit <NUM> is configured to provide a way in which the RFID security tag <NUM> is: deployable as a plug-n-play energy harvested wireless sensor that is ready to function as soon as it is turned on; and a self-sustaining sensor system wherein its power source would virtually never need to be replaced. In this regard, the power management circuit <NUM> is electrically connected to the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> and the optional rechargeable battery <NUM>. The power management circuit <NUM> comprises switches <NUM>, <NUM>, an Energy Harvester Power Manager ("EHPM") <NUM>, a Super Capacitor ("SC") storage element <NUM>, a smart charger <NUM> for the SC storage element, a microcontroller <NUM>, and a DC-DC voltage converter <NUM> electrically connected to a load(s) <NUM>. The microcontroller <NUM> can be the same as or separate/distinct from the controller <NUM> of <FIG>. The load <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or <NUM> of <FIG>.

In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit <NUM> comprises a solar cell circuit. The present invention is not limited in this regard. Other types of energy harvesting circuits can be used herein that generate a relatively low amount of output power.

At initial power up of the RFID security tag <NUM>, the SC storage element <NUM> is assumed to be in a completely discharged state. Thus, the initial charge of the SC storage element <NUM> is at a level of approximately or substantially equal to zero volts. However, the rechargeable battery <NUM> is in a quasi-discharged state in which its initial charge is at a level greater than zero volts (e.g., <NUM> volts). As such, the rechargeable battery <NUM> has a sufficient amount of initial stored energy to nearly instantaneously enable operations of the control electronics of the RFID security tag <NUM>. In this regard, an output voltage <NUM> is supplied from the rechargeable battery <NUM> to the EHPM <NUM> via switch <NUM>, whereby operations of boost converters <NUM> contained in the EHPM <NUM> are started immediately after turning on the RFID security tag <NUM>. The output voltage <NUM> is also supplied from the rechargeable battery <NUM> to the microcontroller <NUM> via the EHPM <NUM>.

The available power from rechargeable battery is also used at this time to charge the SC storage element <NUM>. In this regard, the output voltage <NUM> of the rechargeable battery <NUM> is supplied to the SC storage element <NUM> via switch <NUM> and smart charger <NUM>, whereby charging of the SC storage element is expedited. An output voltage <NUM> of the SC storage element is supplied to the load(s) <NUM> via the voltage converter <NUM>. The RFID security tag <NUM> is considered fully operational when the output voltage <NUM> reaches a level (e.g., <NUM> V) that is sufficient to cause the load(s) to perform the intended operations thereof.

Throughout operation of the RFID security tag <NUM>, the microcontroller <NUM> monitors the output voltage <NUM> of the solar cell circuit <NUM>, as well as the output voltage <NUM> of the rechargeable battery and the output voltage <NUM> of the SC storage element <NUM>. Once the output voltage <NUM> of the SC storage element <NUM> reaches a desired voltage (e.g., <NUM> V) after system activation (or powering on), the microcontroller <NUM> enables a timer to time the charging of the SC storage element <NUM>. After a pre-determined time period (e.g., <NUM> hours), an assumption is made that the SC storage element <NUM> has reached its leakage current equilibrium, and therefore no longer needs to be charged. In effect, the microcontroller <NUM> may optionally perform operations at this time to terminate the supply of output voltage <NUM> to the SC storage element <NUM> via switch <NUM> and smart charger <NUM>.

When the output voltage <NUM> of the SC storage element <NUM> falls below a threshold value (e.g., <NUM> V), the microcontroller <NUM> communicates a switch control signal <NUM> to switch <NUM> so as cause the output voltage <NUM> of the rechargeable battery <NUM> to once again be supplied to the SC storage element <NUM> via the smart charger <NUM>. Output voltage <NUM> is supplied to the SC storage element <NUM> until the output voltage <NUM> thereof exceeds an upper threshold value. In effect, the SC storage element <NUM> is recharged whereby the energy expended while driving load(s) <NUM> is(are) restored.

When the solar cell circuit <NUM> is active, the output voltage <NUM> of the solar cell circuit <NUM> is supplied to the rechargeable battery <NUM> via EHPM <NUM>. In effect, the rechargeable battery <NUM> is recharged by the solar cell circuit <NUM>, whereby the energy expended in charging and re-charging the SC storage element <NUM> is restored while the RFID security tag <NUM> is maintained in its fully operational state.

The above described process of using the rechargeable battery <NUM> to charge the SC storage element <NUM> is repeated as needed. Thus, the above described RFID security tag <NUM> performs self-monitoring and charges its respective re-chargeable elements throughout its entire operation.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture for a computing device <NUM>. Computing device <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as or substantially similar to computing device <NUM>. As such, the following discussion of computing device <NUM> is sufficient for understanding computing device <NUM>.

Computing device <NUM> may include more or less components than those shown in <FIG>. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment implementing the present solution. The hardware architecture of <FIG> represents one embodiment of a representative computing device configured to facilitate improved inventory pricing management. As such, the computing device <NUM> of <FIG> implements at least a portion of a method for automatically and dynamically modifying item level information output from RFID security tags in accordance with the present solution.

Some or all the components of the computing device <NUM> can be implemented as hardware, software and/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuits can include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and/or active components (e.g., amplifiers and/or microprocessors). The passive and/or active components can be adapted to, arranged to and/or programmed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

As shown in <FIG>, the computing device <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM>, a Central Processing Unit ("CPU") <NUM>, a system bus <NUM>, a memory <NUM> connected to and accessible by other portions of computing device <NUM> through system bus <NUM>, and hardware entities <NUM> connected to system bus <NUM>. The user interface can include input devices (e.g., a keypad <NUM>) and output devices (e.g., speaker <NUM>, a display <NUM>, and/or light emitting diodes <NUM>), which facilitate user-software interactions for controlling operations of the computing device <NUM>.

At least some of the hardware entities <NUM> perform actions involving access to and use of memory <NUM>, which can be a RAM, a disk driver and/or a Compact Disc Read Only Memory ("CD-ROM"). Hardware entities <NUM> can include a disk drive unit <NUM> comprising a computer-readable storage medium <NUM> on which is stored one or more sets of instructions <NUM> (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions <NUM> can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory <NUM> and/or within the CPU <NUM> during execution thereof by the computing device <NUM>. The memory <NUM> and the CPU <NUM> also can constitute machine-readable media. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions <NUM>. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions <NUM> for execution by the computing device <NUM> and that cause the computing device <NUM> to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

In some scenarios, the hardware entities <NUM> include an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) programmed for facilitating the provision of item level information in a language and currency used in a given geographic location whereat or wherein an RFID security tag resides. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuit can access and run an item level information management application <NUM> installed on the computing device <NUM>. The software application <NUM> is generally operative to: obtain item level information and/or other information from the RFID security tag; program item level information onto the RFID security tag for purposes of output as advertised information and/or register information; convert the language, pricing and/or currency symbol of item level information; and/or facilitate registration of RFID security tags with inventory systems. Other functions of the software application <NUM> will become apparent as the discussion progresses.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a flow diagram of an exemplary method <NUM> for operating an RFID security tag (e.g., RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG> and/or RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG>). Method <NUM> begins with <NUM> and continues with <NUM> where the RFID security tag is deployed. In some scenarios, the RFID security tag is deployed by coupling it to an item (e.g., a piece of merchandise), programming it to display certain item related information (e.g., a price and/or product description), and/or placing the item/RFID security tag on display equipment (e.g., display equipment <NUM> of <FIG>).

In next <NUM>, operations are performed by an RFID component (e.g., RFID component <NUM> of <FIG>) to receive first item related information from an external device (e.g., computing device <NUM> of <FIG> and/or a handheld tag scanner). The first item related information can include item level information such as an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. The first item related information can be communicated to the RFID component when it needs to be programed with such information or when previous information needs to be updated. The first item related information is then stored in the RFID component as register information (e.g., stored item related information <NUM> of <FIG>), as shown by <NUM>. Thereafter, the RFID component notifies a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag that its previous register information has been written over.

In response to the notification, the microcontroller performs operations in <NUM> to obtain the register information from the RFID component and second item related information stored in a datastore (e.g., memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag as display information for a display device (e.g., display device <NUM> of <FIG>). The second item related information can include item level information such as an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. The present invention is not limited to the particulars of <NUM>. For example, the second item related information may also be output from a speaker of the RFID security tag, and therefore additionally or alternatively stored in datastore as audio information.

In <NUM>, the microcontroller then compares the register information and the display information to determine if they match each other. If the register and display information are the same [<NUM>:YES], then <NUM> is performed where method <NUM> ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to <NUM>). In contrast, if the register and display information are not the same [<NUM>:YES], then the first item related information is used in <NUM> to write over the second item related information stored in the datastore of the RFID security tag so as to update the display information. Next in <NUM>, the information displayed on the display screen is replaced with the updated display information so that the advertised information is synchronized with the register information. Subsequently, <NUM> is performed where method <NUM> ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to <NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a flow diagram of an exemplary method for operating an RFID security tag (e.g., RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG> and/or RFID security tag <NUM> of <FIG>). Method <NUM> begins with <NUM> and continues with <NUM> where the RFID security tag is deployed. In some scenarios, the RFID security tag is deployed by coupling it to an item (e.g., a piece of merchandise), programming it to display certain item related information (e.g., a price and/or product description), and/or placing the item/RFID security tag on display equipment (e.g., display equipment <NUM> of <FIG>).

In next <NUM>, a communication device (e.g., communication device <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag receives first item related information from an external device (e.g., computing device <NUM> of <FIG> or a handheld tag scanner). The first item related information can include item level information such as an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. The first item related information is then stored in a datastore of the RFID security tag as display information, as shown by <NUM>. Thereafter in <NUM>, the information displayed on a display device of the RFID security tag is replaced with the first item related information.

The communication device then notifies a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller <NUM> of <FIG>) in <NUM> that the previous display information has been written over. In response to the notification, the microcontroller performs operations in <NUM> to obtain the display information (e.g., item related information <NUM> of <FIG>) from the communication device and second item related information (e.g., item related information <NUM> of <FIG>) stored in an RFID component (e.g., RFID component <NUM> of <FIG>) as register information. The second item related information can include item level information such as an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item. If the display and register information are the same [<NUM>:YES], then <NUM> is performed where method <NUM> ends or other processing is performed. In contrast, if the display and register information are not the same [<NUM>:NO], then <NUM> is performed where the first item related information is used to write over the second item related information stored in the datastore of the RFID security tag so as to synchronize the register information and the display information. Subsequently, <NUM> is performed where method <NUM> ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to <NUM>).

In next <NUM>, a microcontroller (e.g., microcontroller <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag receives first item related information via at least one electrical contact (e.g., electrical contact(s) <NUM> of <FIG>). The first item related information can include item level information such as an item description, item nutritional information, a promotional message, an item regular price, an item sale price, a currency symbol, and/or a source of the item.

In response to the microcontroller's reception of the first item related information, <NUM> is performed where the microcontroller performs operations to obtain (a) the display information stored in a memory (e.g., memory <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag and (b) the register information stored in an RFID component (e.g., RFID component <NUM> of <FIG>) of the RFID security tag. The first item related information is then compared to each of the display information and the register information to determine if they match each other, as shown by <NUM>. If the display information is the same as the first item related information (e.g., by a certain degree) [<NUM>:YES], then method <NUM> continues to decision <NUM> which will be described below. In contrast, if the display information is different than the first item related information (e.g., by a certain degree) [<NUM>:NO], <NUM> is performed where the first item related information is used to write over the previous display information. Upon completing <NUM>, <NUM> is performed.

In <NUM>, a decision is made as to whether the register information is the same as the first item related information. If the register information is the same as the first item related information (e.g., by a certain degree) [<NUM>:YES], then method <NUM> continues to <NUM> which will be described below. In contrast, if the register information is different than the first item related information (e.g., by a certain degree) [<NUM>:NO], <NUM> is performed where the first item related information is used to write over the previous register information. Subsequently, <NUM> is performed where method <NUM> ends or other processing is performed (e.g., return to <NUM>).

Claim 1:
A method for operating a security tag, particularly comprising an integrated Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") component in addition to an integrated RFID component; coupled to an item, comprising:
storing first item related information in a first datastore of the security tag that is associated with an output device, particularly comprising at least one of a display and a speaker;
storing second item related information (<NUM>) in a second datastore of an integrated Radio Frequency Identification ("RFID") element of the security tag;
receiving third item related information at a microcontroller (<NUM>) of the security tag;
performing comparison operations by the microcontroller (<NUM>) to compare the third item related information with both the first item related information and the second item related information;
using the third item related information to write over at least one of the first item related information and the second item related information based on results of the comparison operations; and
synchronizing advertised information and register information for the item by outputting the third item related information from the output device and the integrated RFID element.