Patent Description:
EAS systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent the unauthorized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at an exit from the protected area, which comprises one or more transmitters and antennas ("pedestals") capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit, known as the "interrogation zone. " Articles to be protected are tagged with an EAS marker that, when active, generates a response signal when passed through this interrogation zone. An antenna and receiver in the same or another "pedestal" detects this response signal and generates an alarm.

AM systems are a commonly used for EAS tag detection and are well known in the art. The detectors in an AM system emit periodic bursts at <NUM>, which causes a detectable resonant response in an AM tag. A security tag in a <NUM> system can also be implemented as an electric circuit resonant at <NUM>.

For example, <CIT> relates to conventional EAS systems, apparatus and methods for detecting proximity of an EAS tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a RFID tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.

<CIT> relates to a conventional EAS alarming tag with RFID features, wherein the EAS alarming tag for securing an item of merchandise includes an EAS sensor, a RFID logic block, an alarm transducer and an alarming tag processor. The RFID logic block includes a transceiver, a memory and a processor, wherein the transceiver operates to receive a first interrogation signal, wherein the memory includes a first identifier associated with the alarming EAS tag and a second identifier associated with the item of merchandise, and wherein the processor is operable to send a first trigger signal responsive to the transceiver receiving the first interrogation signal. The alarming tag processor is electrically coupled to the RFID logic block and the EAS sensor and the alarm transducer is operable to produce at least one of a visual indicator and an audible indicator based on the EAS sensor and the alarming tag processor.

<CIT> relates to a conventional alarm investigation method using RFID, wherein the method includes detecting an activated EAS tag in an interrogation zone and reading at least one RFID tag in response to the detecting of the activated EAS tag in the interrogation zone to investigate a cause of the EAS tag in the interrogation zone. Another method includes detecting a condition representative of an activated RFID tag in a controlled area, and taking corrective action to prevent removal of the activated RFID tag from the controlled area.

A further conventional EAS system is known from <CIT>, wherein the system is configured to detect passive RFID tags. The system can be configured to read the passive RFID tags and produce a corresponding emulated EAS signal to initiate an alarm on a detected tag. The system can transmit the emulated EAS signal to a legacy EAS system thereby utilizing an existing EAS infrastructure. A composite EAS system is configured to detect RFID tags and other EAS tags, wherein the composite EAS system comprises a legacy EAS system and an RFID-based EAS system configured to produce an emulated EAS signal.

The invention is solely defined by the appended claims.

The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present solution is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the present solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the present solution can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present solution.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

As used in this document, the singular form "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this document, the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to.

In the retail industry, it is common to "source tag" merchandise with RFID tags, either at the time of packaging/manufacture, or at some other point in the in the supply chain. At the same time, electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology and devices have proven critical to the reduction of theft and so called "shrinkage. " Since many items arrive at the retailer with RFID tags, it is desirable that RFID tag be used to also provide EAS functionality in addition to their intended function of providing capabilities such as inventory control, shelf reading, non-line of sight reading, etc..

It is known to achieve combined EAS and RFID functions by physically packaging separate RFID and EAS tags together in a single housing. In this arrangement, the RFID and EAS functions are usually implemented as separate, discrete components that are co-located within one enclosure. In this arrangement, there are drawbacks relating to cost, size and performance degradation and interference caused by placing the full EAS and RFID components in close proximity.

In some implementations, an RFID tag can be used to simulate EAS functionality by sending special codes when a reader interrogates the RFID tag. This arrangement advantageously eliminates the need for a separate EAS component within the tag, or a separate EAS tag.

Currently, using RFID as an EAS exit solution limits the ability for the retailer to place merchandise too close to the exit system due to false alarms. The large read ranges of the RFID technology coupled with RF reflections makes it very difficult to control the RFID system's detection area at the exit. AM technology is immune to RF reflections and allows for a much more predictable and reduced detection area. Once the RFID read is ANDED with the AM signal detection an alarm should only be triggered when the tag/label is within very close proximity of the exit system.

These and other features of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below with regard to <FIG>.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a schematic illustration of an illustrative system <NUM> that is useful for understanding the present solution. The present solution is described herein in relation to a retail store environment. The present solution is not limited in this regard, and can be used in other environments. For example, the present solution can be used in distribution centers, factories and other commercial environments. Notably, the present solution can be employed in any environment in which objects and/or items need to be located and/or tracked.

The system <NUM> is generally configured to allow (a) improved inventory counts and surveillance of objects and/or items located within a facility, and (b) improved customer experiences. As shown in <FIG>, system <NUM> comprises a Retail Store Facility ("RSF") <NUM> in which display equipment <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>M is disposed. The display equipment is provided for displaying objects (or items) <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X to customers of the retail store. The display equipment can include, but is not limited to, shelves, article display cabinets, promotional displays, fixtures and/or equipment se-curing areas of the RSF <NUM>. The RSF can also include emergency equipment (not shown), checkout counters, and an EAS system (not shown). Emergency equipment, checkout counters, video cameras, people counters, and EAS systems are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.

At least one tag reader <NUM> is provided to assist in counting and tracking locations the objects <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X within the RSF <NUM>. The tag reader <NUM> comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags. RFID readers are well known in the art, and therefore will be described at a sufficient level of detail below for understanding of the claimed invention. Any known or to be known RFID reader can be used herein without limitation as a basis for the technology disclosed herein.

RFID tags <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X are respectively attached or coupled to the objects <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X. This coupling is achieved via an adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, or sticker), a mechanical coupler (e.g., straps, clamps, snaps, etc.), a weld, chemical bond, or other means. The RFID tags can alternatively or additionally comprise dual-technology tags that have both EAS and RFID capabilities.

Notably, the tag reader <NUM> is strategically placed at a known location within the RSF <NUM>, for example, at an exit/entrance. By correlating the tag reader's RFID tag reads and the tag reader's known location within the RSF <NUM>, it is possible to determine the location of objects <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X within the RSF <NUM>. The tag reader's known coverage area also facilitates object location determinations. Accordingly, RFID tag read information and tag reader location information is stored in a datastore <NUM>. This information can be stored in the datastore <NUM> using a server <NUM> and network <NUM> (e.g., an Intranet and/or Internet).

System <NUM> also comprises a Mobile Communication Device ("MCD") <NUM>. MCD <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a smart phone, a table computer, a personal digital assistant, and/or a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). Each of the listed devices is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. In accordance with some examples, the MCD <NUM> has a software application installed thereon that is operative to: facilitate the provision of various information <NUM>-<NUM> to the individual <NUM>; facilitate a purchase transaction; and/or facilitate the detachment of the RFID tags <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X from the objects <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X; and/or facilitate the detachment of an anchored chain or cable from the objects <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,.

The MCD <NUM> is generally configured to provide a visual and/or auditory output of item level information <NUM>, accessory information <NUM>, related product information <NUM>, discount information <NUM> and/or customer related information <NUM>. The item level information includes, 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.

An accessory includes, but is not limited to, a useful auxiliary item that can be attached to or removed from an item (e.g., a drill bit or battery of a drill). The accessory information includes, but is not limited to, an accessory description, accessory nutritional information, a promotional message, an accessory regular price, an accessory sale price, a currency symbol, a source of the accessory, and/or an accessory location in the facility.

A related product includes, but is not limited to, a product that can be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to another product (e.g., diaper rash cream which can be used when changing a diaper, or a first diaper can be used as an alternative to another diaper). The related product information includes, but is not limited to, a related product description, related product nutritional information, a promotional message, a related product regular price, a related product sale price, a currency symbol, a source of the related product, and/or a related product location in the facility.

The discount information can include, but is not limited to, a discount price for a product based on a loyalty level or other criteria. The customer related information includes, but is not limited to, customer account numbers, customer identifiers, usernames, passwords, payment information, loyalty levels, historical purchase information, and/or activity trends.

The item level information, accessory information, related product information and/or discount in-formation can be output in a format selected from a plurality of formats based on a geographic location of the item, a location of the MCD, a date, and/or an item pricing status (i.e., 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 selected parameter.

The MCD <NUM> can also be configured to read barcodes and/or RFID tags. Information obtained from the barcode and/or RFID tag reads may be communicated from the MCD <NUM> to the server <NUM> via network <NUM>. Similarly, the stored information <NUM>-<NUM> is provided from the server <NUM> to the MCD <NUM> via network <NUM>. The network <NUM> includes an Intranet and/or the Internet.

Server <NUM> can be local to the facility <NUM> as shown in <FIG> or remote from the facility <NUM>. Server <NUM> will be described in more detail below in relation to <FIG>. Still, it should be understood that server <NUM> is configured to: write data to and read data from datastore <NUM>, RFID tags <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X, and/or MCD <NUM>; perform language and currency conversion operations using item level information and/or accessory information obtained from the datastore, RFID tags, and/or MCD; perform data analytics based on inventory information, tag read information, MCD tacking information, and/or information <NUM>-<NUM>; perform image processing using images captured by camera(s) <NUM>; and/or determine locations of RFID tags and/or MCDs in the RSF <NUM> using beacon(s) <NUM>, tag reader <NUM> or other devices having known locations and/or antenna patterns.

The server <NUM> facilitates updates to the information <NUM>-<NUM> output from the MCD <NUM>. Such information updating can be performed periodically, in response to instructions received from an associate (e.g., a retail store employee <NUM>), in response to a detected change in the item level, accessory and/or related product information, in response to a detection that an individual is in proximity to an RFID tag, and/or in response to any motion or movement of the RFID tag. For example, if a certain product is placed on sale, then the sale price for that product is transmitted to MCD <NUM> via network <NUM> and/or RFID tag. The sale price is then output from the MCD <NUM>. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

Although a single MCD <NUM> and/or a single server <NUM> is(are) shown in <FIG>, the present solution is not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device can be implemented. In addition, the present solution is not limited to the illustrative system architecture de-scribed in relation to <FIG>.

During operation of system <NUM>, the content displayed on the display screen of the MCD <NUM> is dynamically controlled based upon various tag or item related information and/or customer related information (e.g., mobile device identifier, mobile device location in RSF <NUM>, and/or customer loyalty level). Tag or item level information includes, but is not limited to, first information indicating that an RFID tag is in motion or that an object is being handled by an individual <NUM>, second information indicating a current location of the RFID tag and/or the MCD <NUM>, third information indicating an accessory or related product of the object to which the moving RFID tag is coupled, and/or fourth information indicating the relative locations of the accessory and the moving RFID tag and/or the relative locations of the related product and the moving RFID tag. The first, second and fourth information can be derived based on sensor data generated by sensors local to the RFID tag. Accordingly, the RFID tags <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>-<NUM>X include one or more sensors to detect their current locations, detect any individual in proximity thereto, and/or detect any motion or movement thereof. The sensors include, but are not limited to, an Inertial Measurement Unit ("IMU"), a vibration sensor, a light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a microphone, and/or a beacon communication device. The third information can be stored local to the RFID tag(s) or in a remote datastore <NUM> as information <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some scenarios, the MCD <NUM> facilitates the server's <NUM> (a) detection of when the individual <NUM> enters the RSF <NUM>, (b) tracking of the individual's movement through the RSF, (c) detection of when the individual is in proximity to an object to which an RFID tag is coupled, (d) determination that an RFID tag is being handled or moved by the individual based on a time stamped pattern of MCD movement and a timestamped pattern of RFID tag movement, and/or (e) determination of an association of moving RFID tags and the individual.

When a detection is made that an RFID tag is being moved, the server <NUM> can, in some scenarios, obtain customer related information (such as a loyalty level) <NUM> associated with the individual <NUM>. This information can be obtained from the individual's MCD <NUM> and/or the datastore <NUM>. The customer related information <NUM> is then used to retrieve discount information <NUM> for the object to which the RFID tag is coupled. The retrieved discount information is then communicated from the server <NUM> to the individual's MCD <NUM>. The individual's MCD <NUM> can output the dis-count information in a visual format and/or an auditory format. Other information may also be communicated from the server <NUM> to the individual's MCD <NUM>. The other information includes, but is not limited to, item level information, accessory information, and/or related product information.

In those or other scenarios, a sensor embedded in the RFID tag detects when an individual is handling the object to which the RFID tag is coupled. When such a detection is made, the RFID tag retrieves the object's unique identifier from its local memory, and wirelessly communicates the same to the tag reader <NUM>. The tag reader <NUM> then passes the information to the server <NUM>. The server <NUM> uses the object's unique identifier and the item/accessory relationship in-formation (e.g., table) <NUM> to determine if there are any accessories associated therewith. If no accessories exist for the object, the server <NUM> uses the item level information <NUM> to determine one or more characteristics of the object. For example, the object includes a product of a specific brand. The server <NUM> then uses the item/related product information (e.g., table) <NUM> to identify: other products of the same type with the same characteristics; and/or other products that are typically used in conjunction with the object. Related product information for the identified related products is then retrieved and provided to the MCD <NUM>. The MCD <NUM> can output the related product information in a visual format and/or an auditory format. The individual <NUM> can perform user-software interactions with the MCD <NUM> to obtain further information obtain the related product of interest. The present solution is not limited to the particulars of this scenario.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a tag <NUM>. RFID tags <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X are the same as or similar to tag <NUM>. As such, the discussion of tag <NUM> is sufficient for understanding the RFID tags <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X of <FIG>. Tag <NUM> is generally configured to perform operations to (a) minimize power usage so as to extend a power source's life (e.g., a battery or a capacitor), (b) minimize collisions with other tags so that the tag of interest can be seen at given times, (c) optimize useful information within an inventory system (e.g., communicate useful change information to a tag reader), and/or (d) optimize local feature functions.

The 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 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 tag <NUM> configured to facilitate improved inventory management/surveillance and customer experience. In this regard, the tag <NUM> is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., tag reader <NUM> of <FIG>, a beacon <NUM> of <FIG>, a Mobile Communication Device ("MCD") <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or server <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; 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> 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 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, a SRC technology, and/or a beacon technology). The antenna <NUM>, <NUM> is configured to receive signals from the external de-vice and/or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device <NUM>. The antenna <NUM>, <NUM> can comprise a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas include, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

The communication enabled device <NUM> also comprises a communication device (e.g., a transceiver or transmitter) <NUM>. Communication devices (e.g., transceivers or transmitters) are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the communication device <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., object <NUM> or <NUM> of <FIG>) to which the tag <NUM> is coupled.

The communication enabled device <NUM> is configured so that it: communicates (transmits and receives) in accordance with a time slot communication scheme; and selectively enables/disables/bypasses the communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation based on output of a motion sensor <NUM>. In some scenarios, the communication enabled device <NUM> selects: one or more time slots from a plurality of time slots based on the tag's unique identifier <NUM> (e.g., an Electronic Product Code ("EPC")); and/or determines a Window Of Time ("WOT") during which the communication device (e.g., transceiver) <NUM> is to be turned on or at least one communications operation is be enabled subsequent to when motion is detected by the motion sensor <NUM>. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, time of day, relative distance to a location device (e.g., beacon or location tag), etc.) and/or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). In this regard, the tag <NUM> can include additional sensors not shown in <FIG>.

The communication enabled device <NUM> also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information <NUM> that is being or is to be output from the tag <NUM> in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the tag's arrival at a particular facility (e.g., RSF <NUM> of <FIG>), the tag's arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence, a time occurrence, a price change, and/or the reception of user instructions.

Item level information <NUM> and a unique identifier ("ID") <NUM> for the tag <NUM> can be stored in memory <NUM> of the communication enabled device <NUM> and/or communicated to other external devices (e.g., tag reader <NUM> of <FIG>, beacon <NUM> of <FIG>, MCD <NUM> of <FIG>, and/or server <NUM> of <FIG>) via communication device (e.g., transceiver) <NUM> and/or interface <NUM> (e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled de-vice <NUM> can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier for an item, item description, item price, a currency symbol and/or location information to an external device. The external device (e.g., server or MCD) can then store the information in a database (e.g., database <NUM> of <FIG>) and/or use the information for various purposes.

The communication enabled device <NUM> also comprises a controller <NUM> (e.g., a CPU) and in-put/output devices <NUM>. The controller <NUM> can execute instructions <NUM> implementing methods for facilitating inventory counts and management. 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, with-in the controller <NUM> during execution thereof by the 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 tag <NUM> and that cause the 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 in a textual format and/or graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information 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 tag <NUM> (e.g., when motion thereof has been detected) and/or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item to which the tag is coupled.

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 tag <NUM> also comprises an optional location module <NUM>. The location module <NUM> is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the 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 lo-cation can be used herein without limitation including relative positioning within a facility or structure.

The optional coupler <NUM> is provided to securely or removably couple the tag <NUM> to an item (e.g., object <NUM> or <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 tag <NUM> can also include a power source <NUM>, an Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") component <NUM>, and/or a passive/active/semi-passive RFID component <NUM>. Each of the listed components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery, EAS component and/or RFID component can be used herein without limitation. The power source <NUM> can include, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery and/or a capacitor.

In some examples, EAS component <NUM> is a circuit tuned to detect the <NUM> EAS interrogation signal used in acousto-magnetic (AM) EAS - rather than a full EAS set of metal strips. In some such embodiments, the EAS component <NUM> acts as a gating function for the tag <NUM> to transmit an RFID response in response to receiving an RFID interrogation signal, e.g., the tag <NUM> transmits an RFID response only upon detecting an AM interrogation signal. The tag <NUM> includes an information element, e.g., a bit flag, in the RFID response that indicates whether the EAS component <NUM> circuit detected an AM interrogation signal. In some such examples, a device on the RFID interrogation signal transmit side, e.g. tag reader <NUM> or server <NUM> (each discussed below), receives an RFID response that indicated that the EAS component <NUM> circuit detected an AM interrogation signal, and indicates the presence of the tag in a zone of interest defined by an overlap of a zone of the RFID interrogation signal and a zone of an AM interrogation signal. Such approaches can be used to employ an RFID tag as an EAS tag even in the presence of RFID response signals from tags outside the AM interrogation signal zone.

As shown in <FIG>, the tag <NUM> further comprises an energy harvesting circuit <NUM> and a power management circuit <NUM> for ensuring continuous operation of the tag <NUM> without the need to change the rechargeable power source (e.g., 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. Energy harvesting circuits are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known energy harvesting circuit can be used herein without limitation.

As noted above, the tag <NUM> may also include a motion sensor <NUM>. Motion sensors are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known motion sensor can be used herein without limitation. For example, the motion sensor <NUM> includes, but is not limited to, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a linear motion sensor, a Passive Infrared ("PIR") sensor, a tilt sensor, and/or a rotation sensor.

The motion sensor <NUM> is communicatively coupled to the controller <NUM> such that it can notify the controller <NUM> when tag motion is detected. The motion sensor <NUM> also communicates sensor data to the controller <NUM>. The sensor data is processed by the controller <NUM> to determine whether or not the motion is of a type for triggering enablement of the communication device (e.g., transceiver) <NUM> or at least one communications operation. For example, the sensor data can be compared to stored motion/gesture data <NUM> to determine if a match exists there-between. More specifically, a motion/gesture pattern specified by the sensor data can be compared to a plurality of motion/gesture patterns specified by the stored motion/gesture data <NUM>. The plurality of motion/gesture patterns can include, but are not limited to, a motion pattern for walking, a motion pattern for running, a motion pattern for vehicle transport, a motion pattern for vibration caused by equipment or machinery in proximity to the tag (e.g., an air conditioner or fan), a gesture for requesting assistance, a gesture for obtaining additional product information, and/or a gesture for product purchase. The type of movement (e.g., vibration or being carried) is then determined based on which stored motion/gesture data matches the sensor data. This feature of the present solution allows the tag <NUM> to selectively enable the communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation only when the tag's location within a facility is actually being changed (e.g., and not when a fan is causing the tag to simply vibrate).

In some scenarios, the tag <NUM> can be also configured to enter a sleep state in which at least the motion sensor triggering of communication operations is disabled. This is desirable, for example, in scenarios when the tag <NUM> is being shipped or transported from a distributor to a customer. In those or other scenarios, the tag <NUM> can be further configured to enter the sleep state in response to its continuous detection of motion for a given period of time. The tag can be transitioned from its sleep state in response to expiration of a defined time period, the tag's reception of a control signal from an external device, and/or the tag's detection of no motion for a period of time.

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

The power management circuit <NUM> is also capable of redirecting an energy source to the tag's <NUM> electronics based on the energy source's status. For example, if harvested energy is sufficient to run the tag's <NUM> function, the power management circuit <NUM> confirms that all of the tag's <NUM> storage sources are fully charged such that the tag's <NUM> electronic components can be run directly from the harvested energy. This ensures that the tag <NUM> always has stored energy in case harvesting source(s) disappear or lesser energy is harvested for reasons such as drop in RF, light or vibration power levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit <NUM> can cause an alert condition to be sent from the tag <NUM> to the remote device (e.g., tag reader <NUM> or server <NUM> of <FIG>). At this point, an investigation may be required as to what caused this alarm. Accordingly, the remote device can inform the associate (e.g., a store employee <NUM> of <FIG>) so that (s)he can investigate the issue. It may be that other merchandise are obscuring the harvesting source or the item is being stolen.

The present solution is not limited to that shown in <FIG>. The tag <NUM> can have any architecture provided that it can perform the functions and operations described herein. For example, all of the components shown in <FIG> can comprise a single device (e.g., an Integrated Circuit ("IC")). Alternatively, some of the components can comprise a first tag element (e.g., a Commercial Off The Shelf ("COTS") tag) while the remaining components comprise a second tag element communicatively coupled to the first tag element. The second tag element can provide auxiliary functions (e.g., motion sensing, etc.) to the first tag element. The second tag element may also control operational states of the first tag element. For example, the second tag element can selectively (a) enable and disable one or more features/operations of the first tag element (e.g., transceiver operations), (b) couple or decouple an antenna to and from the first tag element, (c) by-pass at least one communications device or operation, and/or (d) cause an operational state of the first tag element to be changed (e.g., cause transitioning the first tag element between a power save mode and non-power save mode). In some scenarios, the operational state change can be achieved by changing the binary value of at least one state bit (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>, or vice versa) for causing certain communication control operations to be performed by the tag <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, a switch can be actuated for creating a closed or open circuit. The pre-sent solution is not limited in this regard.

Referring now to <FIG>, there is provided a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture for a tag reader <NUM>. Tag reader <NUM> of <FIG> is the same as or similar to tag reader <NUM>. As such, the discussion of tag reader <NUM> is sufficient for understanding tag reader <NUM>.

Tag reader <NUM> may 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 tag reader <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 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 an illustration of a representative tag reader <NUM> configured to facilitate improved inventory counts and management within an RSF (e.g., RSF <NUM> of <FIG>). In this regard, the tag reader <NUM> comprises an RF enabled device <NUM> for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., RFID tags <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X of <FIG>) via RF technology. The components <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> may be collectively referred to herein as the RF enabled device <NUM>, and may include a power source <NUM> (e.g., a battery) or be connected to an external power source (e.g., an AC mains).

The RF enabled device <NUM> comprises an antenna <NUM> for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via RF technology (e.g., RFID technology or other RF based technology). The external device may comprise RFID tags <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>N, <NUM><NUM>,. , <NUM>X of <FIG>. In this case, the antenna <NUM> is configured to transmit RF carrier signals (e.g., interrogation signals) to the listed external devices, and/or transmit data response signals (e.g., authentication reply signals or an RFID response signal) generated by the RF enabled device <NUM>. In this regard, the RF enabled device <NUM> comprises an RF transceiver <NUM>. RF transceivers are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the RF transceiver <NUM> receives RF signals including information from the transmitting device, and forwards the same to a logic controller <NUM> for extracting the information therefrom.

The extracted information can be used to determine the presence, location, and/or type of movement of an RFID tag within a facility (e.g., RSF <NUM> of <FIG>). Accordingly, the logic controller <NUM> can store the extracted information in memory <NUM>, and execute algorithms using the extracted information. For example, the logic controller <NUM> can correlate tag reads with beacon reads to determine the location of the RFID tags within the facility. The logic controller <NUM> can also perform pattern recognition operations using sensor data received from RFID tags and comparison operations between recognized patterns and prestored patterns. The logic controller <NUM> can further select a time slot from a plurality of time slots based on a tag's unique identifier (e.g., an EPC), and communicate information specifying the selected time slot to the respective RFID tag. The logic controller <NUM> may additionally determine a WOT during which a given RFID tag's communication device (e.g., transceiver) or operation(s) is(are) to be turned on when motion is detected thereby, and communicate the same to the given RFID tag. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day, etc.) and/or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). Other operations performed by the logic controller <NUM> will be apparent from the following discussion.

Notably, 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, a RAM, a DRAM, an SRAM, a ROM, and a flash memory. The memory <NUM> may also comprise unsecure memory and/or secure memory. The phrase "unsecure memory," as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in a plain text form. The phrase "secure memory," as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in an encrypted form and/or memory having or being disposed in a secure or tamper-proof enclosure.

Instructions <NUM> are stored in memory for execution by the RF enabled device <NUM> and that cause the RF enabled device <NUM> to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The instructions <NUM> are generally operative to facilitate determinations as to whether or not RFID tags are present within a facility, where the RFID tags are located within a facility, which RFID tags are in motion at any given time, and which RFID tags are also in an interrogation zone of an AM interrogation signal or zone of another sensor (e.g., a camera, a Bluetooth beacon or similar near field communication system). Other functions of the RF enabled device <NUM> will become apparent as the discussion progresses.

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

Notably, the server <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 server configured to facilitate inventory counts, inventory management, and improved customer experiences. As such, the server <NUM> of <FIG> implements at least a portion of some methods for EAS, in which an EAS system <NUM> concurrently transmits an AM interrogation signal into an AM interrogation zone of the EAS system <NUM>, and a RFID interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system <NUM>. The AM interrogation zone and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a zone of interest. The EAS system <NUM> indicates a presence of a first tag <NUM> of the EAS system <NUM> in the zone of interest upon a concurrent detection of both an RFID response signal of the first tag in response to the RFID interrogation signal and an AM response signal of the first tag <NUM> in response to the AM interrogation signal. In particular, in some examples, the server <NUM> receives an RFID response from a tag <NUM> of the system wherein the RFID response indicates, e.g., through a bit flag of the response, that the tag was present in an AM interrogation zone concurrently with being in the RFID interrogation zone.

Some or all the components of the server <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 server <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM>, a CPU <NUM>, a system bus <NUM>, a memory <NUM> connected to and accessible by other portions of server <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 server <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, with-in the memory <NUM> and/or within the CPU <NUM> during execution thereof by the server <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 server <NUM> and that cause the server <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 a three-dimensional map showing locations of RFID tags within a facility and/or changes to said locations in near real-time. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuit can access and run a software application <NUM> installed on the server <NUM>. The software application <NUM> is generally operative to facilitate: the determination of RFID tag locations within a facility; the direction of travel of RFID tags in motion; and the mapping of the RFID tag locations and movements in a virtual three-dimensional space.

In those or other scenarios, the hardware entities <NUM> include an electronic circuit (e.g., a processor) programmed for facilitating item inventorying, merchandise sale, and/or customer satisfaction with a shopping experience. In this regard, the electronic circuit can access and run an inventorying software application <NUM> and an MCD display software application <NUM> installed on the server <NUM>. The software applications <NUM> are collectively generally operative to: obtain item level information and/or other information from MCDs and RFID tags; program item level information, accessory information, related product information and/or discount information onto RFID tags and/or MCDs; convert the language, pricing and/or currency symbol of item level information, accessory information, related product information and/or discount information; facilitate registration of RFID tags and MCDs with an enterprise system; and/or determine when MCD display update actions need to be taken based on RFID tag information. Other functions of the software applications <NUM> will become apparent as the discussion progresses. Such other functions can relate to tag reader control and/or tag control.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, in operation, system <NUM> may perform a method <NUM> of electronic article surveillance, by such as via execution of application component <NUM> by processor <NUM> and/or memory <NUM> - wherein application component <NUM>, processor <NUM>, and/or memory <NUM> are components of computing device <NUM>. Computing device <NUM> can be one or more of tag <NUM>, tag reader <NUM>, and server <NUM>.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes transmitting concurrently, an acousto-magnetic (AM) interrogation signal into an AM interrogation zone of an EAS system, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system, the AM interrogation zone and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a zone of interest.

Referring to <FIG>, in an aspect, computer device <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, application component <NUM>, and/or transmitting component <NUM> are configured to or comprise means for transmitting concurrently, an acousto-magnetic (AM) interrogation signal into an AM interrogation zone of an EAS system, and a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system, the AM interrogation zone and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a zone of interest.

For example, referring to <FIG>, the transmitting at block <NUM> can include i) RFID tag reader <NUM> transmitting an RFID interrogation signal into RFID interrogation zone <NUM> in retail facility <NUM> covering, among other portions of retail facility <NUM>, entry/exit <NUM>, and ii) AM transmitter <NUM> transmitting a <NUM> signal into AM interrogation zone <NUM> in the retail facility <NUM> covering, among other portions of the retail facility <NUM>, entry exit/<NUM>. Note that the overlap between RFID interrogation zone <NUM> and AM interrogation zone <NUM> forms a zone of interest (crosshatched <NUM>).

Further, for example, the transmitting at block <NUM> may be performed to create such a zone of interest <NUM> from any two of an RFID reader <NUM> and an AM transmitter <NUM>. The AM transmitter <NUM> may be integrated into the RFID reader <NUM>, or the AM transmitter <NUM> can be a separate subsystem of system <NUM>. Note that while tag 200b, in zone <NUM>, will receive the RFID interrogation signal, tag 200b will not receive the AM interrogation signal since tag 200b is outside AM interrogation zone <NUM>/ Further, while tag 200c, in AM interrogation zone <NUM>, will receive the AM interrogation signal, tag 200c will not receive the RFID interrogation signal.

At block <NUM>, the method <NUM> includes indicating, by the EAS system, a presence of a first tag 200a of the EAS system <NUM> in the zone of interest <NUM> upon a concurrent detection of both an RFID response signal of the first tag 200a in response to the RFID interrogation signal and an AM response signal of the first tag 200a in response to the AM interrogation signal.

For example, referring again to <FIG>, computer device <NUM>, processor <NUM>, memory <NUM>, application component <NUM>, and/or indicating component <NUM> are configured to or comprise means for indicating, by the EAS system, a presence of a first tag of the EAS system in the zone of interest upon a concurrent detection of both an RFID response signal of the first tag in response to the RFID interrogation signal and an AM response signal of the first tag in response to the AM interrogation signal.

Referring to <FIG>, the indicating block <NUM> can include the RFID tag reader <NUM> receiving an RFID response signal from tag_a 200a that also includes a bit set to indicate that tag 200a concurrently received both the AM interrogation signal from AM transmitter <NUM> and the RFID interrogation signal from RFID tag reader <NUM>. Note that tag_b 200b, being outside the zone of interest <NUM>, and receiving only the RFID interrogation signal from RFID tag reader <NUM>, will not respond with a bit set to indicate that tag_b 200b received the AM interrogation signal from AM transmitter <NUM>. Also note that only an AM transmitter <NUM> is needed, and not an AM receiver. Similarly, in tag <NUM>, only a circuit, or other means, to detect the AM interrogation signal is needed - no response mechanism other than setting a bit in the RFID response is needed.

Claim 1:
A method of electronic article surveillance, EAS, comprising:
- transmitting concurrently, an acousto-magnetic, AM, interrogation signal into an AM interrogation zone (<NUM>) of an EAS system (<NUM>), and a radio frequency identification, RFID, interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone (<NUM>) of the EAS system (<NUM>), the AM interrogation zone (<NUM>) and the RFID interrogation zone (<NUM>) overlapping to form a zone of interest (<NUM>); and
- indicating, by the EAS system (<NUM>), a presence of a first tag (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the EAS system (<NUM>) in the zone of interest (<NUM>) upon a concurrent detection of both an RFID response signal transmitted from the first tag (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in response to the RFID interrogation signal and an AM response signal transmitted from the first tag (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) in response to the AM interrogation signal,
wherein:
- the AM response signal comprises an information element in the RFID response signal, and
- indicating is performed upon receipt of the RFID response signal based on the information element in the RFID response signal indicative of the first tag (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having received the RFID interrogation signal and the AM interrogation signal.