Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Location Verification Using Short-Range Communication

Abstract

An EAS system first transmits a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system for a period of time. The system then first receives at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the system in response to the interrogation signal. The system second transmits a non-RFID RF signal into a second zone for a second time that at least partially overlaps with the first time. The second zone overlaps with the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest. The system second receives from the first RFID tag an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission. The system determines that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest based on receiving the RFID response signal from the first RFID tag and receiving the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 004,926, filed on August 27, 2020, entitled “Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag Location Verification using Short Range Communication,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 894,682, filed on August 30, 2019, entitled “Positional Validation of RFID Tags Detected in Electronic Article Surveillance Systems using Bluetooth,” which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS). An example relates to EAS using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags where tag location is verified by short range communications, including Personal Area Network (PAN) short range communications. Background Art

[0004] EAS systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent unauthorized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is deployed at the exit of a protected area that includes one or more transmitters and antennas ("pedestals") capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit, referred to as an "interrogation zone." Protected merchandise is marked with an EAS tag that, if activated, generates a response signal when passing through this interrogation zone. An antenna and receiver in the same or another "pedestal" detects this response signal and generates an alarm.

[0005] A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network for interconnecting electronic devices centered around a separate personal workspace. A PAN provides data transmission between devices such as computers, smart phones, tablet computers, and personal digital assistants. A PA can be used for communication between personal devices themselves, or for connecting to higher-level networks and the Internet, where one of the master devices acts as a gateway. A PAN can be wireless or carried via a wired interface (such as USB). A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a PAN carried on a low-power, short-range wireless network technology (such as IrDA, wireless USB, Bluetooth including (Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)) or ZigBee). The reach of a WPAN varies in the range of a few centimeters to a few meters. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or an aspect in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all aspects covered, and is neither intended to identify the key or critical elements of all aspects, nor to delimit the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or an aspect in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0007] Examples of the technology disclosed herein include methods, systems, and tags for electronic article surveillance (EAS). In some methods, the EAS system first transmits a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system within a first time window. The EAS system then first receives at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal. The EAS system secondly transmits a non-RFID RF signal into a second zone within a second time window that at least partially overlaps with the first time window. The second zone overlaps with the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest. The EAS system secondly receives from the first RFID tag an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission. The EAS system determines that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest based on receiving at least one RFID response signal from the first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal and an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

[0008] In some instances, the second transmission is in response to the first reception. In such instances, the first reception further comprises a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone. In those instances, the second transmission occurs only in response to a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone. In some such instances, the EAS system issues an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest.

[0009] In some instances, the non-RFID RF signal is a personal area network (PAN) signal. In some such instances, the PAN is a Bluetooth PAN. In some such instances, the determination is further based on a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first tag.

[0010] In some examples, the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission includes one of: an information element in the RFID response signal and a non-RFID response signal received from the first tag in response to the non-RFID RF signal.

[0011] To accomplish the above and related ends, one or more aspects include features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 is a diagram of an illustrative architecture for a system.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram of an illustrative architecture for tags.

[0014] Figure 3 is a diagram of an illustrative architecture for a tag reader.

[0015] Figure 4 is a diagram of an illustrative architecture for a server.

[0016] Figure 5 Flowchart of a method of electronic article surveillance according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0017] Figure 6 is a diagram of an architecture according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 7 Flowchart of a method of electronic article surveillance according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 8 is an illustration of a computing device including components for performing the functions of examples of the techniques disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] It will be readily appreciated that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of the various embodiments represented in the figures is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but is merely representative of the various embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0021] The present solution may be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present solution. The described embodiments should be considered in all respects as merely illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present solution is indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes that fall within the equivalent meaning and range of the claims should be included within their scope.

[0022] References throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all features and advantages that may be realized with the present solution should be or are in any single embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referring to features and advantages should be understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, discussion of features and advantages and similar language throughout this specification may (but need not) refer to the same embodiment.

[0023] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in view of the description herein, that the present solution may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be identified in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present solution.

[0024] 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.

[0025] As used in this document, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term "including" means "including but not limited to."

[0026] In the retail industry, merchandise is typically "source tagged" with an RFID tag at the time of packaging / manufacturing or at some other point in the supply chain. At the same time, electronic article surveillance (EAS) technology and devices have proven to be critical to reducing theft and so-called "inventory loss." Since many items arrive at retailers with RFID tags, it is expected that RFID tags will be used to provide EAS functionality in addition to their intended functions such as inventory control, shelf reading, non-line-of-sight reading, etc.

[0027] Currently, using RFID as an EAS exit solution is limited by stray or reflected alarms when transmission power is increased. A person walking through an EAS portal may trigger an alarm even if they are not removing merchandise from the premises without permission. A fixed RFID tag at a distance from the exit can cause an alarm. In addition, this approach limits retailers from placing merchandise too close to the exit system due to false alarms. The large read range of RFID technology coupled with RF reflections makes it very difficult to control the detection zone of the RFID system at the exit.

[0028] Bluetooth LE is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) technology with use cases in the healthcare, fitness, beacon, security, and home entertainment industries. Bluetooth LE is independent of Bluetooth BR / EDR, but BR / EDR and LE can coexist. Bluetooth LE is intended to provide reduced power consumption compared to classic Bluetooth. Advantages include low power requirements, operation on button batteries for "months or years", small size and low cost, and compatibility with a large installed base of mobile phones, tablets, and computers. Certain Bluetooth LE capabilities allow the use of the received signal strength indication (RSSI) value of the radio receiver to estimate the physical proximity to a Bluetooth LE transmitter (e.g., a beacon).

[0029] Examples of the technology disclosed herein can utilize short-range radio frequency (RF) signals (e.g., Bluetooth LE beacons) at exit points to verify the location of RFID tags when they cause EAS events at portals. Such solutions can logically AND the RFID signal response with the event data indicator derived from the short-range (or rangeable) signal. This advantageously reduces false alarms and can simultaneously allow for reduced RFID transmission power.

[0030] The following is about Figures 1 to 8 These and other features of the present disclosure are discussed in detail.

[0031] Reference Figure 1, provides a schematic diagram of an illustrative system 100 that can be used to understand the present solution. The present solution is described herein with respect 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. It is worth noting that the present solution can be used in any environment where it is necessary to locate and / or track objects and / or items.

[0032] The system 100 is generally configured to allow for (a) improved inventory counting and monitoring of items and / or articles located within a facility, and (b) improved customer experience. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the system 100 includes display devices 1021, . . . , 102 disposed therein. M A retail store facility ("RSF") 128 is provided for displaying items (or articles) 1101 to 1102 to customers of the retail store. N , 1161 to 116 X The display equipment may include, but is not limited to, shelves, merchandise display cabinets, promotional displays, lighting fixtures, and / or equipment securing areas of the RSF 128. The RSF may also include emergency equipment (not shown), checkout counters, cameras, people counters, and conventional EAS systems are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein.

[0033] At least one tag reader 120 is provided to facilitate the identification of objects 1101 to 110 within the RSF 128. N , 1161 to 116 X Counting is performed and their location is tracked. Tag reader 120 comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags. RFID readers are well known in the art and therefore will be described below in sufficient detail to understand the claimed invention.

[0034] RFID tags 1121 to 112 N , 1181 to 118 X Attached to or coupled to items 1101 to 110 N , 1161 to 116 X This coupling is accomplished via an adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, or sticker), a mechanical coupler (e.g., a strap, clamp, buckle, etc.), welding, chemical bonding, or other means. The RFID tag may alternatively or additionally include a dual technology tag having both EAS and RFID capabilities as described herein.

[0035] It is noteworthy that tag readers 120 are strategically placed at known locations within RSF 128, such as at exits / entrances. By correlating the RFID tag readings of the tag readers with the known locations of the tag readers within RSF 128, it is possible to determine the locations of objects 1101, ..., 110 N , 1161, ..., 116 X The location within the RSF 128. The known coverage area of ​​the tag reader also assists in the object location determination. Therefore, the RFID tag read information and the tag reader location information are stored in the data storage area 126. This information can be stored in the data storage area 126 using the server 124 and the network 144 (e.g., an intranet and / or the Internet).

[0036] System 100 also includes a mobile communication device ("MCD") 130. MCD 130 includes, but is not limited to, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a desktop 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 will therefore not be described herein. According to some examples, MCD 130 has software applications installed thereon that are operable to: facilitate providing various information 134-142 to individual 152; facilitate purchase transactions; and / or facilitate purchases from items 1101, ..., 110 N , 1161, ..., 116 X Detaching RFID tags 1121 to 112 N , 1181 to 118 X ; and / or facilitate the process from objects 1101, ..., 110 N , 1161, ..., 116 X Detach anchor chain or cable.

[0037] The MCD 130 is generally configured to provide visual and / or audible output of item-level information 134, accessory information 136, related product information 138, discount information 140, and / or customer-related information 142. The item-level information includes, but is not limited to, item descriptions, item nutritional information, promotional messages, item regular prices, item selling prices, currency symbols, and / or item sources.

[0038] Accessories include, but are not limited to, useful auxiliary items that can be attached to or removed from an item (e.g., a drill bit or a drill battery). Accessory information includes, but is not limited to, an accessory description, accessory nutritional information, promotional information, accessory regular price, accessory selling price, currency symbol, accessory source, and / or accessory location in the facility.

[0039] Related products include, but are not limited to, products that can be used with or as a substitute for another product (e.g., a diaper rash cream that can be used while changing a diaper, or a first diaper that can be used as a substitute for another diaper). Related product information includes, but is not limited to, a related product description, related product nutritional information, promotional messages, related product regular price, related product selling price, currency symbol, related product source, and / or related product location in the facility.

[0040] Discount information may include, but is not limited to, discounted prices for products based on loyalty levels or other criteria. Customer-related information includes, but is not limited to, customer account numbers, customer identifiers, user names, passwords, payment information, loyalty levels, historical purchase information, and / or activity trends.

[0041] The item level information, accessory information, related product information, and / or discount information may be output in a format selected from a plurality of formats based on the geographic location of the item, the location of the MCD, the date, and / or the item pricing status (i.e., whether the item is on sale). In display content, the format is defined by font parameters, color parameters, brightness parameters, and / or display flash parameters. In auditory content, the format is defined by volume parameters, voice pitch parameters, and / or male / female voice selection parameters.

[0042] The MCD 130 may also be configured to read barcodes and / or RFID tags. Information obtained from reading the barcodes and / or RFID tags may be transmitted from the MCD 130 to the server 124 via the network 144. Similarly, the stored information 134-142 is provided from the server 124 to the MCD 130 via the network 144. The network 144 includes an intranet and / or the Internet.

[0043] The server 124 may Figure 1 128, or remote from the facility 128. Figure 4 The server 124 is described in more detail. In addition, it should be understood that the server 124 is configured to: write data to the data storage 126, the RFID tags 1121 to 112 N , 1181 to 118 X and / or MCD 130 and read data therefrom; use item level information and / or accessory information obtained from data storage, RFID tags and / or MCDs to perform language and currency conversion operations; perform data analysis based on inventory information, tag read information, MCD tracking information and / or information 134 to 142; use images captured by camera 148 to perform image processing; and / or use beacons 146, tag readers 120, or other devices with known locations and / or antenna patterns to determine the locations of RFID tags and / or MCDs in RSF 128.

[0044] In some examples, one or more beacons 146 transmitting an RF signal other than an RFID interrogation signal (as a non-RFID second RF signal) are placed to cover an area of ​​interest that is also covered by a tag reader 120 placed to cover an RFID interrogation zone, such as at a portal of a retail facility 128. The system 100 can detect and derive any number of relevant indicators based on the second RF signal. The tag 112 / 118 response to the second RF signal is analyzed and compared to data collected from the RFID signal response that occurs concurrently with the tag's passage through the portal.

[0045] Examples of the technology disclosed herein include methods, systems, and tags for electronic article surveillance (EAS). In some methods, the EAS system first transmits a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system within a first time window. The EAS system then first receives at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal. The EAS system secondly transmits a non-RFID RF signal into a second zone within a second time window that at least partially overlaps with the first time window. The second zone overlaps with the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest. The EAS system secondly receives from the first RFID tag an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission. The EAS system determines that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest based on receiving at least one RFID response signal from the first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal and an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

[0046] In some instances, the second transmission is in response to the first reception. In such instances, the first reception further comprises a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone. In those instances, the second transmission occurs only in response to a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone. In some such instances, the EAS system issues an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest.

[0047] In some instances, the non-RFID RF signal is a personal area network (PAN) signal. In some such instances, the PAN is a Bluetooth PAN. In some such instances, the determination is further based on a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first tag.

[0048] In some examples, the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission includes one of: an information element in the RFID response signal and a non-RFID response signal received from the first tag in response to the non-RFID RF signal.

[0049] The server 124 facilitates updating of the information 134-142 output from the MCD 130. Such information updates may be performed periodically in response to instructions received from relevant personnel (e.g., retail store employees 132), in response to changes detected in item hierarchies, attachments, and / or related product information, in response to detection of an individual approaching an RFID tag, and / or in response to any motion or movement of the RFID tag. For example, if a product is on sale, the selling price of the product is transmitted to the MCD 130 via the network 144 and / or the RFID tag. The selling price is then output from the MCD 130. The present solution is not limited to the details of this example.

[0050] although Figure 1 A single MCD 130 and / or a single server 124 is shown in the embodiment, but the present solution is not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device may be implemented. In addition, the present solution is not limited to Figure 1 An illustrative system architecture is described.

[0051] During operation of the system 100, the content displayed on the display screen of the MCD 130 is dynamically controlled based on various tag or item-related and / or customer-related information (e.g., a mobile device identifier, a mobile device location in the RSF 128, and / or a customer loyalty level). The tag or item-level information includes, but is not limited to: first information indicating that the RFID tag is in motion or that the item is being handled by the individual 152, second information indicating the current location of the RFID tag and / or the MCD 130, third information indicating an attachment or associated product of the item to which the mobile RFID tag is coupled, and / or fourth information indicating the relative position of the attachment and the mobile RFID tag and / or the relative position of the associated product and the mobile RFID tag. The first, second, and fourth information may be derived based on sensor data generated by sensors local to the RFID tags. Thus, the RFID tags 1121 to 1122 may be provided to the user. N , 1181 to 118 X The RFID tag may include one or more sensors to detect its current location, detect any individuals in its vicinity, 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 may be stored as information 136, 138 in a local or remote data storage 126 of the RFID tag.

[0052] In some scenarios, the MCD 130 facilitates the server 124 to: (a) detect when the individual 152 enters the RSF 128, (b) track the individual's movement through the RSF, (c) detect when the individual is in proximity to an object to which an RFID tag is coupled, (d) determine that the RFID tag is being handled or moved by the individual based on a time-stamped pattern of MCD movement and a time-stamped pattern of RFID tag movement, and / or (e) determine an association of a mobile RFID tag with an individual.

[0053] When the RFID tag is detected to be moving, the server 124 may, in some scenarios, obtain customer-related information (e.g., loyalty level) 142 associated with the individual 152. This information may be obtained from the individual's MCD 130 and / or data storage 126. The customer-related information 142 is then used to retrieve discount information 140 for the item to which the RFID tag is coupled. The retrieved discount information is then transmitted from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The individual's MCD 130 may output the discount information in a visual format and / or an audible format. Other information may also be transmitted from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The other information includes, but is not limited to, item level information, accessory information, and / or related product information.

[0054] In those or other scenarios, a sensor embedded in an RFID tag detects when an individual is handling an object to which the RFID tag is coupled. When this detection is made, the RFID tag retrieves the unique identifier of the object from its local memory and transmits it wirelessly to the tag reader 120. The tag reader 120 then passes the information to the server 124. The server 124 uses the unique identifier of the object and the item / accessory relationship information (e.g., table) 136 to determine whether there are any accessories associated with it. If there are no accessories for the object, the server 124 uses the item level information 134 to determine one or more characteristics of the object. For example, the object includes a product of a specific brand. The server 124 then uses the item / related product information (e.g., table) 138 to identify: other products of the same type with the same characteristics; and / or other products that are commonly used in conjunction with the object. The related product information of the identified related products is then retrieved and provided to the MCD 130. The MCD 130 can output the related product information in a visual format and / or an audible format. Individual 152 may perform user software interactions with MCD 130 to obtain additional information to obtain related products of interest. The present solution is not limited to the details of this scenario.

[0055] Reference Figure 2 , there is a diagram of an illustrative architecture for tag 200. RFID tags 1121, ..., 112 N , 1181, ..., 118 XThe same or similar to the tag 200. Therefore, the discussion of the tag 200 is sufficient to understand Figure 1 RFID tags 1121, ..., 112 N , 1181, ..., 118 X The tag 200 is generally configured to perform operations to: (a) minimize power usage so as to extend the life of the power source (e.g., a battery or capacitor), (b) minimize conflicts with other tags so that the tags of interest are visible at a given time, (c) optimize useful information within the inventory system (e.g., convey useful change information to a tag reader), and / or (d) optimize local feature functionality.

[0056] The label 200 may include Figure 2 200. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment of implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the tag 200 may be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. Hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The one or more electronic circuits may include passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and / or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

[0057] Figure 2 The hardware architecture of FIG. 2 represents a representative tag 200 configured to facilitate improved inventory management / monitoring and customer experience. In this regard, the tag 200 is configured to allow communication with an external device (e.g., Figure 1 The tag reader 120, Figure 1 Beacon 146, Figure 1 A mobile communication device ("MCD") 130 and / or Figure 1 The wireless communication technology may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency identification ("RFID") technology, near field communication ("NFC") technology, and / or short range communication ("SRC") technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies are used: radio frequency ("RF") communication technology; Bluetooth technology (including Bluetooth low energy (LE)); 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 future known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology may be used herein, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] Figure 2Components 206-214 shown in the communication-enabled device 204 may be collectively referred to herein as a communication-enabled device 204, and include a memory 208 and a clock / timer 214. The memory 208 may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 208 may include, but is not limited to, a random access memory ("RAM"), a dynamic RAM ("DRAM"), a static RAM ("SRAM"), a read-only memory ("ROM"), and a flash memory. The memory 208 may also include an unsecure memory and / or a secure memory.

[0059] In some scenarios, the communication-enabled device 204 includes 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 selected by the user (e.g., RFID, WiFi, LiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, Nest, ZWave, Zigbee, etc.). The communication protocol is part of the device's firmware and resides in the memory 208. It is worth noting that the communication protocol can be downloaded to the device at any given time. An initial / default role (being an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc. tag) can be assigned when it is deployed. If the user wishes to use another protocol later, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed tag 200. If there is a problem, an update of the firmware can also be performed remotely.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication-enabled device 204 includes at least one antenna 202, 216 for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device via wireless communication technology (e.g., RFID technology, NFC technology, SRC technology, and / or beacon technology). The antenna 202, 216 is configured to receive signals from the external device and / or transmit signals generated by the communication-enabled device 204. The antenna 202, 216 may include a near-field or far-field antenna. The antenna includes, but is not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

[0061] The communication-enabled device 204 also includes a communication device (e.g., a transceiver or a transmitter) 206. Communication devices (e.g., a transceiver or a transmitter) are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the communication device 206 generates and transmits signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) to external devices, and receives signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this way, the communication-enabled device 204 facilitates the item (e.g., a device) to which the tag 200 is coupled. Figure 1 Registration, identification, positioning and / or tracking of an object 110 or 112).

[0062] The communication-enabled device 204 is configured such that it: transmits (transmits and receives) according to a time slot communication scheme; and selectively enables / disables / bypasses a communication device (e.g., a transceiver) or at least one communication operation based on the output of the motion sensor 250. In some scenarios, the communication-enabled device 204: selects one or more time slots from a plurality of time slots based on the tag's unique identifier 224 (e.g., an electronic product code ("EPC")); and / or determines a window of time ("WOT") during which the communication device (e.g., a transceiver) 206 is to be turned on or enables at least one communication operation after the motion sensor 250 detects motion. The WOT may be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, time of day, distance relative to a location device (e.g., a beacon or location tag), etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., traffic volume, presence of interference, etc.). In this regard, the tag 200 may include Figure 2 Additional sensors not shown.

[0063] The communication-enabled device 204 also facilitates automatic and dynamic modification of the item-level information 226 that is being or will be output from the tag 200 in response to a particular triggering event. A triggering event may include, but is not limited to, a tag arriving at a particular facility (e.g., Figure 1 The RSF 128 of the present invention may be received, the tag may arrive in a specific country or geographic region, a date may occur, a time may occur, a price may change, and / or a user instruction may be received.

[0064] Item level information 226 and unique identifier (“ID”) 224 for tag 200 may be stored in memory 208 of communication-enabled device 204 and / or transmitted to other external devices (e.g., a wireless communication device) via communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 and / or interface 240 (e.g., an Internet protocol or cellular network interface). Figure 1 The tag reader 120, Figure 1 Beacon 146, Figure 1 MCD 130 and / or Figure 1 For example, the communication-enabled device 204 may transmit information specifying a timestamp, a unique identifier of the item, an item description, an item price, a currency symbol, and / or location information to the external device. The external device (e.g., a server or MCD) may then store the information in a database (e.g., Figure 1 database 126) and / or use the information for various purposes.

[0065] The communication-enabled device 204 also includes a controller 210 (e.g., a CPU) and an input / output device 212. The controller 210 can execute instructions 222 that implement the method for facilitating inventory counting and management. In this regard, the controller 210 includes a processor (or a logic circuit system that responds to instructions), and the memory 208 includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 222 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methods, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 222 may also reside completely or at least partially within the controller 210 during execution thereof by the tag 200. The memory 208 and the controller 210 may also constitute a machine-readable medium. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions 222. The term "machine-readable medium" as used herein also refers to any medium capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions 222 for execution by the tag 200 and causing the tag 200 to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0066] The input / output device may include, but is not limited to, a display (e.g., an electronic ink display, an LCD display, and / or an active matrix display), a speaker, a keypad, and / or a light emitting diode. The display is used to present the item level information in a text format and / or a graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output the item level information in an auditory format. The speaker and / or light emitting diode may be used to output an alarm for drawing a person's attention to the tag 200 (e.g., when its motion has been detected) and / or for notifying an individual about a particular pricing status (e.g., a discounted status) of the item to which the tag is coupled.

[0067] The clock / timer 214 is configured to determine the date, time and / or expiration of a predefined time period. Techniques for determining these listed items are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or future known techniques for determining these listed items may be used herein, but are not limited thereto.

[0068] The tag 200 also includes an optional location module 230. The location module 230 is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the tag at any given time. For example, in some scenarios, the location module 230 uses local time acquisition technology based on global positioning system ("GPS") technology and / or the Internet. The present solution is not limited to the details of this example. Any known or future known technology for determining geographic location can be used herein, but is not limited to relative positioning within a facility or structure.

[0069] An optional coupler 242 is provided to securely or removably couple the tag 200 to an article (e.g., Figure 1 The coupler 242 includes, but is not limited to, a mechanical coupling member (e.g., a strap, a clip, a clamp, a buckle) and / or an adhesive (e.g., glue or a sticker). The coupler 242 is optional, as coupling can be achieved via welding and / or chemical bonding.

[0070] The tag 200 may also include a power source 236, an optional electronic article surveillance ("EAS") component 244, and / or a passive / active / semi-passive RFID component 246. Each of the listed components 236, 244, 246 is well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or future known battery, EAS component, and / or RFID component may be used herein, but is not limited thereto. The power source 236 may include, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery and / or a capacitor.

[0071] like Figure 2 , the tag 200 further includes an energy harvesting circuit 232 and a power management circuit 234 for ensuring continued operation of the tag 200 without changing the rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery). In some scenarios, the energy harvesting circuit 232 is configured to harvest energy from one or more sources (e.g., heat, light, vibration, magnetic field, and / or RF energy) and generate a relatively low amount of output power from the harvested energy. By employing multiple sources for harvesting, the device can continue to charge even if the energy source is exhausted. Energy harvesting circuits are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or future known energy harvesting circuit may be used herein, but is not limited thereto.

[0072] As noted above, the tag 200 may also include a motion sensor 250. Motion sensors are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or future known motion sensor may be used herein, but is not limited thereto. For example, the motion sensor 250 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.

[0073] The motion sensor 250 is communicatively coupled to the controller 210 so that it can notify the controller 210 when it detects movement of the tag. The motion sensor 250 also transmits sensor data to the controller 210. The sensor data is processed by the controller 210 to determine whether the motion is of a type for triggering the activation of the communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 or at least one communication operation. For example, the sensor data can be compared with the stored motion / gesture data 228 to determine whether there is a match therebetween. More specifically, the motion / gesture pattern specified by the sensor data can be compared with a plurality of motion / gesture patterns specified by the stored motion / gesture data 228. The plurality of motion / gesture patterns may include, but are not limited to, a motion pattern of walking, a motion pattern of running, a motion pattern of vehicle transportation, a motion pattern for vibration caused by a device or machine (e.g., an air conditioner or a fan) approaching the tag, 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 the stored motion / gesture data matching the sensor data. This feature of the present solution allows the tag 200 to selectively enable a communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communication operation only when the tag's position within the facility is actually changing (e.g., rather than when a fan is simply vibrating the tag).

[0074] In some scenarios, the tag 200 may also be configured to enter a sleep state in which at least the motion sensor triggering of communication operations is disabled. This may be desirable in scenarios where, for example, the tag 200 is being shipped or transported from a distributor to a customer. In those or other scenarios, the tag 200 may be further configured to enter a sleep state in response to it continuing to detect motion for a given period of time. The tag may be transitioned from its sleep state in response to the expiration of a defined period of time, the tag receiving a control signal from an external device, and / or the tag detecting no motion for a certain period of time.

[0075] The power management circuit 234 is generally configured to control the supply of power to the components of the tag 200. In the event that all storage and collection resources are consumed to the point where the tag 200 is about to enter a shutdown / brownout state, the power management circuit 234 may send an alert from the tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., Figure 1 In response to the alarm, the remote device may notify relevant personnel (e.g., Figure 1 store employee 132) so that the relevant personnel can investigate why the tag 200 is not recharging and / or staying charged.

[0076] The power management circuit 234 can also redirect the energy source to the electronics of the tag 200 based on the status of the energy source. For example, if the harvested energy is sufficient to operate the functions of the tag 200, the power management circuit 234 confirms that all of the tag 200's storage sources are fully charged so that the electronic components of the tag 200 can operate directly using the harvested energy. This ensures that the tag 200 always has stored energy in case the harvested source disappears or the harvested energy is low due to reasons such as a drop in RF, light, or vibration power levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit 234 can cause an alarm condition to be sent from the tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., Figure 1 tag reader 120 or server 124). At this point, it may be necessary to investigate the cause of the alarm. Therefore, the remote device may notify relevant personnel (e.g., Figure 1 Store employee 132) so that the relevant personnel can investigate the problem. It is possible that other goods are blocking the collection source or items are stolen.

[0077] This solution is not limited to Figure 2 The tag 200 may have any architecture as long as it can perform the functions and operations described herein. For example, Figure 2 All of the components shown in may include a single device (e.g., an integrated circuit ("IC")). Alternatively, some components may include a first tag element (e.g., a commercial off-the-shelf ("COTS") tag), while the remaining components include a second tag element communicatively coupled to the first tag element. The second tag element may provide auxiliary functions (e.g., motion sensing, etc.) to the first tag element. The second tag element may also control the operating state of the first tag element. For example, the second tag element may selectively (a) enable and disable one or more features / operations of the first tag element (e.g., transceiver operation), (b) couple an antenna to the first tag element and decouple an antenna from the first tag element, (c) bypass at least one communication device or operation, and / or (d) cause the operating state of the first tag element to change (e.g., cause the first tag element to transition between a power saving mode and a non-power saving mode). In some scenarios, the operating state change may be achieved by changing the binary value of at least one state bit used to cause a particular communication control operation to be performed by the tag 200 (e.g., from 0 to 1, or vice versa). Additionally or alternatively, the switch may be actuated for creating a closed circuit or an open circuit.The present solution is not limited in this respect.

[0078] In some instances, the tag 200 includes an RFID subsystem, such as the communication-enabled device 204 described above, which is operable to receive an RFID interrogation signal and respond with an RFID response. Such a tag 200 includes a non-RFID RF subsystem also incorporated into the communication-enabled device 204, which is operable to receive a non-RFID RF signal and respond by wirelessly indicating that the non-RFID subsystem has received the non-RFID RF signal. In some such examples, the non-RFID subsystem responds to the non-RFID RF subsystem receiving the non-RFID RF signal by one of the following: allowing the RFID subsystem to respond to the RFID interrogation signal with an RFID response only when the non-RFID RF subsystem has simultaneously received the non-RFID RF signal; supplementing the RFID response with at least one information element indicating that the non-RFID RF subsystem has received the non-RFID RF signal; and transmitting the non-RFID response separately. In some such instances, the non-RFID RF subsystem is a personal area network (PAN) signal. In some such instances, the PAN is a Bluetooth PAN.

[0079] Reference Figure 3 , provides a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture for tag reader 300. Figure 1 The tag reader 120 of FIG. 1 is the same as or similar to the tag reader 200 . Thus, the discussion of the tag reader 200 is sufficient to understand the tag reader 120 .

[0080] The tag reader 300 may include a Figure 3 . However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment of implementing the present solution. Some or all of the components of the tag reader 300 may be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. Hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuits may include passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and / or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

[0081] Figure 3 The hardware architecture representation is configured to help improve RSF (e.g., Figure 1 128) within the RSF 128). In this regard, the tag reader 300 includes a device for allowing communication with an external device (e.g., Figure 1 RFID tags 1121, ..., 112 N , 1181, ..., 118 X )RF enabled device 350 for exchanging data. Figure 3The components 304-316 shown in may be collectively referred to herein as an RF enabled device 350, and may include a power source 312 (eg, a battery) or be connected to an external power source (eg, AC mains).

[0082] RF enabled device 350 includes an antenna 302 for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device via RF technology (eg, RFID technology or other RF-based technology). The external device may include Figure 1 RFID tags 1121, ..., 112 N , 1181, ..., 118 X In this case, the antenna 302 is configured to transmit an RF carrier signal (e.g., an interrogation signal) to the listed external devices, and / or to transmit a data response signal (e.g., an authentication reply signal or an RFID response signal) generated by the RF enabled device 350. In this regard, the RF enabled device 350 includes an RF transceiver 308. RF transceivers are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the RF transceiver 308 receives the RF signal containing information from the transmitting device and forwards it to the logic controller 310 for extraction of information therefrom.

[0083] The extracted information can be used to determine facilities (e.g. Figure 1 The logic controller 310 may determine the presence, location, and / or type of movement of an RFID tag within the RSF 128 of the RFID tag. Thus, the logic controller 310 may store the extracted information in the memory 304 and use the extracted information to execute the algorithm. For example, the logic controller 310 may correlate the tag reading with the beacon reading to determine the location of the RFID tag within the facility. The logic controller 310 may also use the sensor data received from the RFID tag to perform a pattern recognition operation and a comparison operation between the recognized pattern and the pre-stored pattern. The logic controller 310 may further select a time slot from a plurality of time slots based on a unique identifier of the tag (e.g., EPC) and transmit information specifying the selected time slot to the respective RFID tag. The logic controller 310 may additionally determine and transmit the WOT to a given RFID tag during which the communication device (e.g., transceiver) or operation of the given RFID tag is to be turned on when motion is detected. The WOT may be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day, etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., traffic volume, interference occurrence, etc.). Other operations performed by logic controller 310 will become apparent from the following discussion.

[0084] It is worth noting that the memory 304 can be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 304 can include but is not limited to RAM, DRAM, SRAM, ROM, and flash memory. The memory 304 can also include unsecured memory and / or secure memory. The phrase "unsecured memory" as used herein refers to a memory configured to store data in plain text. The phrase "secured memory" as used herein refers to a memory configured to store data in encrypted form and / or a memory having or being disposed in a secure or tamper-proof housing.

[0085] Instructions 322 are stored in memory for execution by RF enabled device 350 and cause RF enabled device 350 to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. Instructions 322 are generally operable to facilitate determining whether RFID tags are present within a facility, where RFID tags are located within the facility, which RFID tags are in motion at any given time, and which RFID tags are also within the area of ​​a second RF signal (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon or NFC or other SRC system). Other functions of RF enabled device 350 will become apparent as the discussion proceeds.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 , providing a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture for server 400. Figure 1 The server 124 is the same as or substantially similar to the server 400. Thus, the following discussion of the server 400 is sufficient to understand the server 124.

[0087] It is worth noting that the server 400 may include Figure 4 More or fewer components than those shown in the embodiment may be used. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment for implementing the present solution. Figure 4 The hardware architecture of represents one embodiment of a representative server configured to facilitate inventory counting, inventory management, and improving customer experience. Thus, Figure 4 The server 400 implements at least a portion of some methods for EAS, wherein the EAS system 100 determines that the first RFID tag is in an area of ​​interest based on receiving at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to an RFID interrogation signal and an indication that the first RFID tag received a second non-RFID RF transmission.

[0088] Some or all components of the server 400 may be implemented as hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. Hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. Electronic circuits may include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and / or active components (e.g., amplifiers and / or microprocessors). Passive and / or active components may be adapted, arranged, and / or programmed to perform one or more of the methods, procedures, or functions described herein.

[0089] like Figure 4 , the server 400 includes a user interface 402, a CPU 406, a system bus 410, a memory 412 connected to and accessible by other parts of the server 400 via the system bus 410, and a hardware entity 414 connected to the system bus 410. The user interface may include input devices (e.g., a keypad 450) and output devices (e.g., a speaker 452, a display 454, and / or a light emitting diode 456) that facilitate user software interaction for controlling the operation of the server 400.

[0090] At least some of the hardware entities 414 perform actions involving access to and use of the memory 412, which may be a RAM, a disk drive, and / or a compact disk read-only memory ("CD-ROM"). The hardware entities 414 may include a disk drive unit 416, which includes a computer-readable storage medium 418 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 420 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methods, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 420 may also reside completely or at least partially within the memory 412 and / or within the CPU 406 during execution thereof by the server 400. The memory 412 and the CPU 406 may also constitute machine-readable media. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database and / or associated caches and servers) storing one or more sets of instructions 420. The term "machine-readable medium" as used herein also refers to any medium capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions 420 for execution by the server 400 and causing the server 400 to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0091] In some scenarios, the hardware entity 414 includes electronic circuitry (e.g., a processor) that is programmed to facilitate providing a three-dimensional map showing the location of RFID tags within a facility and / or changes in the location in near real time. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuitry can access and run software applications 422 installed on the server 400. The software applications 422 are generally used to facilitate determining the location of RFID tags within a facility; the direction of travel of RFID tags in motion; and mapping of RFID tag locations and movements in virtual three-dimensional space.

[0092] In those or other scenarios, the hardware entity 414 includes electronic circuitry (e.g., a processor) that is programmed to facilitate item inventory counting, merchandising, and / or customer satisfaction with the shopping experience. In this regard, the electronic circuitry can access and run an inventory counting software application 422 and an MCD display software application 422 installed on the server 400. The software applications 422 are generally operable together to: obtain item level information and / or other information from the MCD and RFID tags; program item level information, accessory information, related product information, and / or discount information onto the RFID tags and / or MCDs; convert the language, pricing, and / or currency symbols of the item level information, accessory information, related product information, and / or discount information; facilitate the registration of RFID tags and MCDs in enterprise systems; and / or determine when an MCD display update action needs to be taken based on the RFID tag information. Other functions of the software applications 422 will become apparent as the discussion proceeds. Such other functions may involve tag reader control and / or tag control.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 In operation, the system 100 may perform the method 500 of electronic article surveillance, for example, by executing an application component 815 through a processor 805 and / or a memory 810, wherein the application component 815, the processor 805, and / or the memory 810 are components of a computing device 800. The computing device 800 may be one or more of the tag 200, the tag reader 300, and the server 400.

[0094] The EAS system may first transmit an RFID interrogation signal within a first time window into an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system - block 510. In a continuing example, the EAS system 600 (e.g., system 100) includes an RFID tag reader 300 (e.g., tag reader 120) that transmits an RFID interrogation signal into an interrogation zone 399 in a facility 610 (e.g., retail store facility 128) that generally covers the first third of the facility 610 including an entrance / exit 612. This positions the RFID tag reader 300 so that any operational tags of the system present in the interrogation zone 399 will respond in accordance with the system 600 protocol during the transmission of the interrogation signal.

[0095] In another example, referring to Figure 8 , the computer device 800, the processor 805, the memory 810, the application component 815 and / or the first transmission component 820 may be configured to or may include a component for first transmitting an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system within a first time window.

[0096] The EAS system first receives at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal—block 520. In the continuing example, any tag 200 (e.g., tag 200a) affixed to a retail store product that is leaving the retail facility 610 is detected passing through the RFID interrogation zone, as is tag 200b (which is affixed to a retail store product on display and is not leaving the retail facility 610). The RFID response signal from tag 200a changes in signal strength as it is leaving the store; whereas the strength of the RFID response signal from tag 200b remains fairly constant.

[0097] In some examples, the RFID response itself contains a received signal strength indication (RSSI) information element that describes the strength of the RFID interrogation signal when the signal is received from the RFID tag reader 300. As described below, RSSI information (for both RFID and non-RFID signals) can be used to determine whether the tag 200a is in the area of ​​interest. In some examples, the detection further includes detecting that the tag is not authorized in the RFID interrogation zone. For example, only tags that are not authorized in the RFID interrogation zone are considered. In such examples, response signals from tags that are authorized, such as by completing a purchase transaction for the item to which the tag is attached, will be ignored after being detected.

[0098] exist Figure 8In another example, the computer device 800, the processor 805, the memory 810, the application component 815 and / or the first receiving component 825 may be configured to or may include a component for first receiving at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal.

[0099] The EAS system transmits a non-RFID RF signal into a second zone within a second time window that overlaps at least partially with the first time window, the second zone overlapping with the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest - block 530. In a continuing example, a beacon 146, such as a Bluetooth LE beacon 650 of the EAS system 600, broadcasts (into a second zone 699) its universally unique identifier (and possibly several bytes) to be picked up by an EAS system 600 tag 200 (which includes at least a Bluetooth LE receiver, such as part of the communication-enabled device 204). The RFID interrogation zone 399 and the second zone 699 overlap on the entrance / exit 612 to form a zone of interest 680. In some examples, the capturing is responsive to the detecting.

[0100] exist Figure 8 In another example, the computer device 800, the processor 805, the memory 810, the application component 815 and / or the second transmission component 830 may be configured to or may include a component for transmitting a second non-RFID RF signal to a second zone within a second time window that at least partially overlaps with the first time window, and the second zone overlaps with the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest.

[0101] The EAS system receives from the first RFID tag a second indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission—box 540. In the continued example, the tag 200a in the zone of interest 680 has received both the first transmission and the second transmission. As part of the RFID response from the tag 200a, the tag 200a includes the universal unique identifier of the beacon 650 and the RSSI for the received second transmission. In other examples, the receipt of the second transmission acts as a gating function in the tag 200a to allow the RFID response to be sent, so the tag reader 300 receiving the RFID response knows that the tag 200a is in the zone of interest 680; while the RFID response of the tag 200b outside the zone of interest does not include the identifier of the beacon 650. In other examples, the tag 200 includes a separate non-RFID RF transmitter, but such examples are suboptimal and lose some of the advantages of the other examples.

[0102] exist Figure 8In another example, computer device 800, processor 805, memory 810, application component 815, and / or second receiving component 835 may be configured to or may include means for receiving from a first RFID tag an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

[0103] The EAS system determines that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest based on receiving at least one RFID response signal from the first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal and an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission—block 550. In a continuing example, the server 400 receives an RFID response at the tag 200a that includes the beacon 650 universal unique identifier and the RSSI of the second transmission, and determines that the tag 200a is in the zone of interest 680. In some examples where the RSSI is below a threshold, the server 400 does not consider the tag 200 to be in the zone of interest 680.

[0104] exist Figure 8 In another example, the computer device 800, the processor 805, the memory 810, the application component 815 and / or the determination component 840 may be configured to or may include means for determining that the first RFID tag is in the area of ​​interest based on receiving at least one RFID response signal from the first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal and an indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

[0105] See also Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 , in some examples of the technology disclosed herein, the EAS system issues an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest - box 660. In such examples, blocks 510 to 550 are performed as described above. In the continued example, the RFID tag response including an indication of the beacon 650 universal unique identifier and the RSSI of the second transmission at tag 200a causes the EAS system to issue an alarm. In some embodiments, the EAS system interfaces with a point of sale system (not shown) of facility 610 to determine whether the product to which tag 200a is attached has been purchased or otherwise authorized to leave the facility. If not, then determining that tag 200a is in zone of interest 680 generates an alarm.

[0106] exist Figure 8 In another example, the computer device 800, the processor 805, the memory 810, the application component 815, and / or the alarm component 845 may be configured to or may include means for issuing an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the area of ​​interest.

[0107] Some examples of the technology disclosed herein include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system that uses Bluetooth beacons at exit points to verify the location of RFID tags after the RFID causes an EAS event at a portal. This advantageously reduces false alarms while allowing for reduced transmission power.

[0108] In some examples, the technology includes an EAS tag having a passive RFID element disposed in a tag housing. The passive RFID element responds to an RFID interrogation field applied at an EAS portal and is operable to generate an encoded RF signal that is interpreted as an EAS response in the event of unauthorized passage through the portal.

[0109] In some examples, the technology further includes one or more SRC beacons positioned at an exit point adjacent to an EAS portal. The one or more SRC beacons are installed at fixed known locations. Once activated, the SRC beacon system is configured to continuously generate radio beacon transmissions that comply with a short-range wireless communication standard (e.g., a Bluetooth data communication standard) at predetermined intervals. The continuously generated beacon transmissions are initiated in response to a beacon enable signal. At least one wireless transmission is used to initiate the beacon enable signal. The radio beacon transmissions described herein include a unique identifier assigned to each of the one or more beacons, wherein the identifier can serve to associate the beacon with its fixed known location.

[0110] In some examples, the beacon enable signal may be transmitted by a wireless communication module disposed in the EAS tag. Wireless technology may include, but is not limited to, short-range communication ("SRC") technology and RFID technology. SRC technology includes, but is not limited to, Bluetooth technology, and more specifically, may include Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. Bluetooth is a standard data communication protocol designed for low power consumption with a short range (e.g., less than 100 meters) based on low-cost transceiver microchips. BLE extends the use of Bluetooth wireless technology to consume much less power than radios that conform to the basic Bluetooth standard. BLE actually facilitates the use of Bluetooth wireless technology in devices powered by small, coin-type batteries.

[0111] In some examples, when an RFID portal associated with a retail store detects that an EAS tag has left the retail store without authorization, the system can respond by automatically activating an SRC beacon. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished by setting a session flag in the RFID element. The session flag can then be used as a beacon enable signal sent from the tag to activate SRC beacon transmissions from one or more SRC beacons.

[0112] Alternatively, a beacon activation signal may be transmitted from a component installed within the EAS portal or from one or more transmission nodes in communication with the EAS portal. Once the beacon enable signal is transmitted, one or more SRC beacons begin signal transmission. If there are multiple SRC beacons, each signal may include a unique identifier indicating the location of a particular SRC beacon. The Bluetooth beacon gateway receives the beacon signal and compares the location information with the RFID response.

[0113] By logically ANDing the RFID response with the Bluetooth signal, the location of the sensor can be determined. Beacons will be placed at the exits of the store. The exit alarm will sound only when both the BT and RFID signal thresholds are achieved.

[0114] In some examples, the EAS system includes an EAS portal and an EAS tag at an exit point of a protected area. The EAS tag includes a tag housing, an RFID element disposed in the tag housing, and it responds to an RFID interrogation field applied at the EAS portal to generate a coded RF signal indicating a first EAS event when the movement of the tag through the portal is unauthorized. The system further includes a short-range communication (SRC) beacon system, the short-range communication beacon system including one or more SRC beacons fixedly mounted near the exit point for generating an SRC radio beacon transmission in response to a beacon enable signal, the beacon enable signal being generated in response to a first EAS event associated with the EAS tag. In such examples, the SRC radio beacon transmission is received by a radio receiver in communication with the EAS portal, the reception of the beacon transmission indicates that the tag is near the exit, and the EAS portal interprets the beacon transmission as a second EAS event associated with the EAS tag. In such examples, the EAS portal generates an EAS alarm event only if the first EAS event and the second EAS event are generated within a predetermined time interval. In some such examples, the EAS system is arranged to generate at least one wireless transmission that initiates a beacon activation signal in response to the EAS alert.

[0115] The previous description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applicable to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but will be given a full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein the reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "there is and only one" (unless explicitly stated), but to mean "one or more". The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, example or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" need not be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. For example, the combination of "at least one of A, B or C", "one or more of A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", "one or more of A, B and C" and "A, B, C or any combination thereof" includes any combination of A, B and / or C, and may include multiple A, multiple B or multiple C. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B and C," "one or more of A, B, and C," and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combination can contain one or more members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims.

[0116] Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims. The words "module," "mechanism," "element," "device," and the like are not intended to replace the word "component." Therefore, any claim element should not be interpreted as a component plus function unless the element is explicitly stated using the phrase "component for..."

Claims

1. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) method, the method comprising: transmitting a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of an EAS system within a first time window, first receiving at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal; transmitting a second non-RFID RF signal into a second zone within a second time window at least partially overlapping the first time window, the second zone overlapping the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest; receiving a second transmission from the first RFID tag indicating that the first RFID tag received the second transmission; as well as Determining that the first RFID tag is in the zone of interest is based on receiving the at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system in response to the interrogation signal and receiving the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second transmission is in response to the first reception.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The first receiving further comprises determining that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone; and The second transmission occurs only in response to a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising issuing an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the area of ​​interest.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the non-RFID RF signal is a personal area network (PAN) signal. The method of claim 5 , wherein the personal area network (PAN) is a Bluetooth PAN.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein determining is further based on a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first RFID tag.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission comprises one of: an information element in the RFID response signal and a non-RFID response signal received from the first RFID tag in response to the non-RFID RF signal.

9. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, the electronic article surveillance (EAS) system comprising: An EAS tag reader, the EAS tag reader being operable to: transmitting a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of the electronic article surveillance (EAS) system within a first time window, first receiving at least one RFID response signal from a first RFID tag of the electronic article surveillance (EAS) system in response to the interrogation signal; transmitting a second non-RFID RF signal into a second zone within a second time window at least partially overlapping the first time window, the second zone overlapping the RFID interrogation zone to form a zone of interest; and receiving a second transmission from the first RFID tag indicating that the first RFID tag received the second transmission; and At least one processor: communicating with the EAS tag reader; and Operable to: The first RFID tag is determined to be in the region of interest based on receiving the at least one RFID response signal from the first RFID tag of the electronic article surveillance (EAS) system in response to the interrogation signal and receiving the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the second transmission is responsive to the first reception.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein: The first receiving further comprises determining that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone; and The second transmission occurs only in response to a determination that the first RFID tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising issuing an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is in the area of ​​interest.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the non-RFID RF signal is a personal area network (PAN) signal.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the personal area network (PAN) is a Bluetooth PAN.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein determining is further based on a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of the first RFID tag.

16. The system of claim 9, wherein the indication that the first RFID tag received the second transmission comprises one of: an information element in the RFID response signal and a non-RFID response signal received from the first RFID tag in response to the non-RFID RF signal.

17. An electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag, the electronic article surveillance tag comprising: an RFID subsystem operable to receive an RFID interrogation signal and respond with an RFID response; as well as a non-RFID RF subsystem operable to receive the non-RFID RF signal and to respond by wirelessly indicating receipt of the non-RFID RF signal by the non-RFID RF subsystem, wherein the non-RFID RF subsystem responds to the non-RFID RF subsystem receiving the non-RFID RF signal by one of: allowing the RFID subsystem to respond to the RFID interrogation signal with an RFID response only if the non-RFID RF subsystem has simultaneously received a non-RFID RF signal; supplementing the RFID response with at least one information element indicating that the non-RFID RF subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal; and Non-RFID responses are transmitted separately.

18. The electronic article surveillance tag of claim 17, wherein the non-RFID RF subsystem is a personal area network (PAN) signal.

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