Reducing false alarms in RFID exit portals

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal is transmitted to an RFID interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. At least one response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system that responds to the interrogation signal is detected. Sensor data within a sensor field is captured at one or more times within a time window before and after the detection, the sensor field and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest. Movement of a non-tag object during the time window is characterized based on the captured sensor data. Determining whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal with the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non-Provisional Application No. 17 / 024,411, filed on September 17, 2020, entitled “Decreasing False Alarms In RFID Exit Portals,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 902,252, filed on September 18, 2019, entitled “System and Method for Decreasing False Alarms in RFID Exit Portals,” which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to electronic article surveillance (EAS). Examples relate to EAS using radio frequency identification (RFID) tags with tag location verified by auxiliary sensors to, in part, reduce false alarm rates at portals. Background Art

[0004] EAS systems are commonly used in retail stores and other scenarios to prevent unauthorized removal of merchandise from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at the exit of the protected area, and the detection system includes one or more transmitters and antennas ("pedestals") that can generate an electromagnetic field across the exit (called an "interrogation zone"). The items to be protected are marked with EAS markers (such as RFID tags), which, in the case of active, generate a response signal when passing through this interrogation zone. The antenna and receiver in the same or another "pedestal" detect this response signal and generate an alarm.

[0005] A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used to interconnect electronic devices centered around a personal workspace. PANs provide data transfer between devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and personal digital assistants. PANs can be used for communication between personal devices themselves or for connecting to higher-level networks and the Internet, with one master device acting as a gateway. PANs can be wireless or carried over a wired interface such as USB. A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a PAN carried over low-power, short-range wireless networking technologies such as IrDA, wireless USB, Bluetooth (including Bluetooth Low Energy (LE)), or ZigBee. The coverage range of a WPAN varies from a few centimeters to several meters. Summary of the invention

[0006] A brief summary of one or more aspects is presented below to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is neither intended to identify the key or critical elements of all aspects, nor to define the scope of any or all aspects. The sole purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of one or more aspects 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 devices for electronic article surveillance (EAS). In some examples, an EAS system transmits a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system. The EAS system then detects at least one response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system that responds to the interrogation signal. The system further captures sensor data within a sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after the detection, the sensor field and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest, and then characterizes the movement of a non-tag object during the time window based on the captured sensor data. The EAS system determines whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal with the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

[0008] In some instances, the capturing is performed in response to the detecting. In some such instances, the detecting further comprises detecting that the tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone. In some such instances, the EAS then issues an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the detected plurality of response signals and the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

[0009] In some examples, characterizing includes estimating one or more of a speed of the non-tag object and a direction of travel of the non-tag object. In some examples, determining whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object includes determining that a similarity between the detected plurality of response signals and the characterized movement of the non-tag object is greater than a threshold similarity. In some examples, the area of ​​interest is an RFID portal area of ​​the EAS system.

[0010] In some examples, the interrogation zone is located at the outer boundary of the controlled area. In such examples, capturing sensor data includes capturing first sensor data. In such examples, determining includes determining the direction of travel of the non-tag object based on the captured first sensor data. For the determined direction of travel of the non-tag object toward the interrogation zone, the EAS system estimates the arrival time of the non-tag object to the area of ​​interest. In such examples, capturing sensor data further includes capturing second sensor data in the area of ​​interest during a predetermined threshold time window before and after the estimated arrival time. In such examples, determining includes determining whether the non-tag object arrives at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window. In such examples, for determining that the non-tag object does not arrive at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, the EAS system does not issue an alarm for the first RFID tag; and for determining that the non-tag object arrives at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, the EAS system issues an alarm for the first RFID tag.

[0011] To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects include the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only some 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 of the system.

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

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

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

[0016] Figure 5 is a plan view of an RFID portal system at a choke point.

[0017] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Top view of the RFID portal system in.

[0018] Figure 7 is an example of a portal area surrounding an RFID portal system.

[0019] Figure 8is a flowchart of a method of electronic article surveillance according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0020] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method of electronic article surveillance according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0021] Fig.10 is a flow chart of a method of electronic article surveillance according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0022] Fig.11 is an illustration of a computing device that includes components for performing the functions of an example of the techniques disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be readily understood 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 as represented in the accompanying drawings 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 accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated.

[0024] The present solution may be embodied 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 specific embodiment. All changes that fall within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims will be covered within the scope of the claims.

[0025] References throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all features and advantages that can be achieved using the present solution should be or are in any single embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referencing features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific 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 do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0026] In addition, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the description herein, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present solution may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other examples, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all embodiments of the present solution may be recognized in certain embodiments.

[0027] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language mean 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.

[0028] As used in this document, the singular forms "a / an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise defined, 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".

[0029] In the retail industry, RFID tags are often used to "source tag" merchandise 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 in reducing theft and so-called "shrinkage." Since many items arrive at retailers with RFID tags, it is expected that RFID tags will be used to provide EAS functions in addition to the expected functions such as inventory control, shelf reading, non-line-of-sight reading capabilities, etc.

[0030] Currently, the use of RFID as an EAS exit solution is limited by stray electrical or reflection alarms when the transmission power is increased. A person walking through an EAS portal may trigger an alarm even if they are not taking merchandise out of the business premises without authorization. Fixed RFID tags located at a certain distance from the exit may cause an alarm. Further, this approach prevents 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.

[0031] In a real-world environment, varying RF reflections can be affected by the constant movement of store fixtures, furniture, support columns, doors, customers in motion, shopping carts, etc. These types of systems sometimes have difficulty properly distinguishing between actual tags that were read outside (or detected moving outside) versus tags on items that were actually inside the store but were mistakenly read outside due to RF reflections, multipath / backscatter, or missed inventory attempts due to temporary interference.

[0032] As RFID transmission levels increase in RFID as EAS systems, the number of false alarms caused by stray electricity or reflections may also increase, compromising the accuracy and effectiveness of the system. As transmission power levels increase, a person walking through an EAS portal may trigger an alarm even if they are not attempting to remove merchandise from the business premises without authorization. These false alarms may be triggered by a fixed RFID tag located some distance from the exit rather than by a person leaving the store.

[0033] Examples of the technology disclosed herein can reduce false alarms in RFID exit portal systems by integrating one or more additional sensors to collect environmental data to verify that an alarm event is occurring. The one or more sensors can sense the presence and / or movement of people and other objects. The additional sensor can also be a tag detector / reader to sense the presence / movement of a tag, which is a supplement to the RFID exit reader. The one or more additional sensors can be installed in any suitable location on the exit base, on the top or inside the exit portal or outside the exit portal (usually nearby). Additional sensors installed outside the exit portal can be located inside the protected area (e.g., inside a store) or outside the protected area, including areas outside the exit point (e.g., doorways).

[0034] These and other features of the present disclosure are described below with respect to Figure 1-11 Discuss in detail.

[0035] Reference now 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.

[0036] The system 100 is generally configured to allow for (a) improved inventory counting and monitoring of objects and / or items located within a facility, and (b) improved customer experience. Figure 1 As shown, the system 100 includes a retail store facility ("RSF") 128 in which display devices 1021-102 are located. M Display equipment is provided for displaying objects (or items) 1101-110 to customers in a retail store. N , 1161-116 XThe display equipment may include, but is not limited to, shelves, item display cabinets, promotional displays, fixtures, and / or equipment securing areas of the RSF 128. The RSF may also include emergency equipment (not shown), cash registers. Emergency equipment, cash registers, video cameras, people counters, and conventional EAS systems are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein.

[0037] At least one tag reader 120 is provided to facilitate the identification of objects 1101-110 within the RSF 128. N , 1161-116 X The objects are counted and their locations are tracked. Tag reader 120 comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags. RFID readers are well known in the art and will therefore be described below at a level of detail sufficient to understand the claimed invention.

[0038] RFID tag 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X Attached or coupled to objects 1101-110, respectively N , 1161-116 X Such coupling is accomplished by adhesive (e.g., glue, tape, or sticker), mechanical coupler (e.g., strap, clamp, snap, 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.

[0039] It is worth noting that the tag reader 120 is strategically placed at known locations within the RSF 128, for example, at an exit / entrance. By correlating the RFID tag reads of the tag reader with the known locations of the tag reader within the RSF 128, the objects 1101-110 N , 1161-116 X Approximate location within RSF 128. Known coverage areas of tag readers also facilitate determining object location. Therefore, RFID tag read information and tag reader location information are stored in data storage area 126. Server 124 and network 144 (e.g., an intranet and / or the Internet) may be used to store this information in data storage area 126.

[0040] System 100 also includes a mobile communication device ("MCD") 130. MCD 130 includes, but is not limited to, a cell 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 RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X With subjects 1101-110 N , 1161-116 X and / or facilitate the separation of the anchor chain or anchor cable from the object 1101-110 N , 1161-116 X of separation.

[0041] 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 description, item nutritional information, promotional messages, item regular price, item sale price, currency symbol, and / or item source.

[0042] Accessories include, but are not limited to, useful auxiliary items that can be attached to or removed from an item (e.g., a drill or a battery for a drill). Accessory information includes, but is not limited to, a description of the accessory, nutritional information for the accessory, promotional messages, regular price of the accessory, sale price of the accessory, currency symbol, source of the accessory, and / or location of the accessory in the facility.

[0043] Related products include, but are not limited to, products that can be used in conjunction with another product or as a substitute for another product (e.g., a diaper rash cream that can be used when 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 prices, related product sale prices, currency symbols, related product sources, and / or related product locations in the facility.

[0044] Discount information may include, but is not limited to, discounted prices for products based on loyalty levels or other criteria. Customer-related information may include, but is not limited to, customer account numbers, customer identifiers, user names, passwords, payment information, loyalty levels, historical purchase information, and / or activity trends.

[0045] 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 a display environment, the format is defined by font parameters, color parameters, brightness parameters, and / or display flash parameters. In an auditory environment, the format is defined by volume parameters, tone parameters, and / or male / female voice selection parameters.

[0046] The MCD 130 may also be configured to read barcodes and / or RFID tags. Information obtained from the barcode and / or RFID tag reading results may be transmitted from the MCD 130 to the server 124 via the network 144. Similarly, the stored information 134-142 is provided to the MCD 130 from the server 124 via the network 144. The network 144 includes an intranet and / or the Internet.

[0047] Server 124 may be located locally relative to facility 128 (eg, Figure 1 ) or is located remotely from facility 128. Server 124 will be combined with Figure 4 It will also be appreciated that the server 124 is configured to: write data to the data storage area 126, the RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X and / or MCD 130 and read data therefrom; perform language and currency conversion operations using item-level information and / or accessory information obtained from the data store, RFID tags and / or MCD; perform data analysis based on inventory information, tag read information, MCD tracking information and / or information 134-142; perform image processing using images captured by camera 148; and / or determine the location of the RFID tag and / or MCD in the RSF 128 using a beacon 146, tag reader 120, or other device with a known location and / or antenna pattern.

[0048] In some examples, one or more beacons 146 that transmit RF signals other than RFID interrogation signals (non-RFID second RF signals) are placed to cover an area of ​​interest that is also covered by a tag reader 120 that is placed to cover an RFID interrogation zone, for example, at a portal of a retail facility 128. The system 100 can detect and derive any number of relevant metrics based on the second RF signals. The responses of the tags 112 / 118 to the second RF signals are analyzed and compared to data collected through RFID signal responses that occur while the tags pass through the portal.

[0049] The server 124 facilitates updates to the information 134-142 output from the MCD 130. Such updates to the information may be performed periodically in response to instructions received from an associated person (e.g., a retail store employee 132), in response to detecting changes in item levels, accessories, and / or associated product information, in response to detecting an individual in proximity to an RFID tag, and / or in response to any motion or movement of the RFID tag. For example, if a product is put on sale, the sale price of the product is transmitted to the MCD 130 via the network 144 and / or the RFID tag. The sale price is then output from the MCD 130. The present solution is not limited to the details of this example.

[0050] Despite Figure 1 A single MCD 130 and / or a single server 124 is shown in FIG, but the present solution is not limited in this respect. It is contemplated that more than one computing device may be implemented. Additionally, 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 information 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 object is being picked up by the individual 152, second information indicating the current location of the RFID tag and / or the MCD 130, third information indicating an accessory or associated product of the object coupled to the mobile RFID tag, and / or fourth information indicating the relative location of the accessory and the mobile RFID tag and / or the relative location of the associated product and the mobile RFID tag. The first, second, and fourth information may be derived based on sensor data generated by a sensor local to the RFID tag. Thus, the RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X One or more sensors are included to detect their current location, detect any individuals in their vicinity, and / or detect any motion or movement. Sensors include, but are not limited to, inertial measurement units ("IMUs"), vibration sensors, light sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, proximity sensors, microphones, and / or beacon communication devices. The third information can be stored locally on the RFID tag or stored as information 136, 138 in the remote data storage area 126.

[0052] In some cases, 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 picked up or moved by the individual based on a timestamp pattern of MCD movement and a timestamp pattern of RFID tag movement, and / or (e) determine an association between a mobile RFID tag and an individual.

[0053] When the RFID tag is detected being moved, the server 124 may, in some cases, 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 area 126. The customer-related information 142 is then used to retrieve discount information 140 for the object 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 situations, a sensor embedded in an RFID tag detects when an individual picks up an object coupled to the RFID tag. Upon such detection, the RFID tag retrieves the unique identifier of the object from its local memory and wirelessly transmits the unique identifier 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 the item. If no accessories exist 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 contains a particular brand of products. 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. The individual 152 can perform a user-software interaction with the MCD 130 to obtain additional information and obtain the related products of interest. The solution is not limited to the details of this scenario.

[0055] Reference now Figure 2 , which is a diagram of an illustrative architecture of tag 200. RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 XThe same or similar to tag 200. Thus, the discussion of tag 200 is sufficient for understanding Figure 1 RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X The tag 200 is generally configured to perform operations to (a) minimize power usage 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 can be seen at a given time, (c) optimize useful information within the inventory system (e.g., communicate useful change information to a tag reader), and / or (d) optimize local feature functionality.

[0056] Tag 200 may contain Figure 2 The components shown may be more or less than the components shown. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment of implementing the present solution. Some or all 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 electronic circuits may include passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) that are 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 will therefore not be described in detail herein. Any known or to-be-known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology may be used herein without limitation.

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

[0059] In some cases, the communication enabling 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 (as an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc. tag) can be assigned when the tag is deployed. If the user desires to use another protocol later, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed tag 200. In the event of a problem, firmware updates can also be performed remotely.

[0060] like Figure 2 As shown, the communication enabling device 204 includes at least one antenna 202, 216, and the at least one antenna is used to allow data to be exchanged with an external device through 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 enabling 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 enabling device 204 also includes a communication device (e.g., a transceiver or transmitter) 206. Communication devices (e.g., a transceiver or 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 signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) and transmits the signals to external devices, as well as receives signals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this manner, the communication enabling device 204 facilitates the item (e.g., Figure 1 Registration, identification, positioning and / or tracking of an object 110 or 112).

[0062] The communication enabling device 204 is configured such that the communication enabling device: communicates (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 cases, the communication enabling 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 will be turned on or at least one communication operation will be enabled after the motion sensor 250 detects motion. The WOT may be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, time of day, relative distance to a positioning device (e.g., a beacon or positioning tag), etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., traffic, interference occurrence, etc.). In this regard, the tag 200 may include Figure 2 Additional sensors not shown.

[0063] The communication-enabling device 204 also facilitates automatic and dynamic modification of the item-level information 226 being or to be output from the tag 200 in response to certain triggering events. Triggering events may include, but are not limited to, the tag arriving at a particular facility (e.g., Figure 1 RSF 128), arrival of the tag in a specific country or geographic region, date of occurrence, time of occurrence, price change and / or receipt of user instructions.

[0064] The item-level information 226 and the unique identifier (“ID”) 224 of the tag 200 may be stored in the memory 208 of the communication-enabled device 204 and / or transmitted to other external devices (e.g., a wireless communication device) via the communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 and / or the 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-enabling 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 responsive to instructions), and the memory 208 includes a computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon one or more instruction sets 222 (e.g., software code), the one or more instruction sets being configured to implement one or more of the methods, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 222 may also reside in the controller 210, in whole or in part, during execution by the tag 200. The memory 208 and the controller 210 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 instruction sets 222. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" also refers to any medium capable of storing, encoding or carrying the instruction set 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 keyboard, 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 audible format. The speaker and / or light emitting diode may be used to output an alert to draw a person's attention to the tag 200 (e.g., when its motion is detected) and / or to inform a person of a particular pricing status of the item to which the tag is coupled (e.g., a sale status).

[0067] The clock / timer 214 is configured to determine the date, time and / or expiration of a predefined time period. The techniques for determining these listed items are well known in the art and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to-be-known techniques for determining these listed items may be used herein without limitation.

[0068] The tag 200 also includes an optional positioning module 230. The positioning module 230 is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the tag at any given time. For example, in some cases, the positioning module 230 uses global positioning system ("GPS") technology and / or Internet-based local time acquisition technology. The present solution is not limited to the details of this example. Any known or to-be-known technology for determining geographic location can be used herein without limitation, including 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 snap) and / or an adhesive (e.g., glue or a sticker). The coupler 242 is optional, as coupling may be achieved by 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 to-be-known battery, EAS component, and / or RFID component may be used herein without limitation. The power source 236 may include, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery and / or a capacitor.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the tag 200 further includes an energy harvesting circuit 232 and a power management circuit 234 for ensuring continuous operation of the tag 200 without replacing a rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery). In some cases, 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 small amount of output power from the harvested energy. By employing multiple harvesting sources, the device can continue to charge even if a certain energy source is exhausted. 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 may be used herein without limitation.

[0072] As described 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 to-be-known motion sensor may be used herein without limitation. 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 when the tag motion is detected, the motion sensor can notify the controller 210. 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 communication device (e.g., transceiver) 206 or the activation of 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 between them. 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 can include, but are not limited to, a motion pattern of walking, a motion pattern of running, a motion pattern of vehicle transport, a motion pattern of vibration caused by a device or machinery (e.g., air conditioner or fan) close to the tag, a gesture of requesting help, a gesture of obtaining additional product information, and / or a gesture of purchasing a product. 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 200 to selectively enable a communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communication operation only when the tag 200's positioning within the facility actually changes (e.g., not enabling the communication device or at least one communication operation when a fan causes the tag to simply vibrate).

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

[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 acquisition resources are exhausted to the point where the tag 200 is about to enter a shutdown / power saving state, the power management circuit 234 may cause a warning to be sent from the tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., Figure 1 In response to the alert, 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 is also capable of redirecting 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 storage sources of the tag 200 are fully charged so that the electronic components of the tag 200 can be operated directly from the harvested energy. This ensures that the tag 200 always has stored energy in the event that the harvested source disappears or the harvested energy is reduced due to reasons such as a drop in RF, light, or vibration energy levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit 234 can cause a warning 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 employees 132) are contacted so that the relevant personnel can investigate the problem. It may be that other merchandise obscured the source of collection or the item was 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 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.) for 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 or decouple an antenna from the first tag element, (c) bypass at least one communication device or operation, and / or (d) change the operating state of the first tag element (e.g., cause the first tag element to transition between a power saving mode and a non-power saving mode). In some cases, the operating state change may be achieved by changing the binary value of at least one state bit (e.g., from 0 to 1, or vice versa) so that the tag 200 performs certain communication control operations. Additionally or alternatively, a switch may be actuated to create a closed circuit or an open circuit. The present solution is not limited in this respect.

[0078] Reference now Figure 3 , provides a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture of tag reader 300. Figure 1The tag reader 120 of FIG. 1 is the same as or similar to the tag reader 300 . As such, a discussion of the tag reader 300 is sufficient for an understanding of the tag reader 120 .

[0079] The tag reader 300 may include a Figure 3 The components shown in the embodiment of the present invention may be more or less than those shown in the embodiment of the present invention. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative embodiment of implementing the present solution. Some or all 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.

[0080] Figure 3 The hardware architecture of FIG. 3 is a diagram of a representative tag reader 300 configured to facilitate improved RSF (e.g., Figure 1 In this regard, the tag reader 300 includes an RF enabling device 350 for allowing communication with an external device (e.g., Figure 1 RFID tags 1121-112 N , 1181-118 X ) to exchange data. Figure 3 The 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, an AC mains).

[0081] RF enabled device 350 includes one or more antennas 302 that are used to allow data to be exchanged with external devices via RF technology (e.g., RFID technology or other RF-based technology). External devices 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 device, and / or 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 an RF signal containing information from a transmitting device and forwards the RF signal to the logic controller 310 to extract information therefrom.

[0082] The extracted information can be used to determine the facility (e.g. Figure 1 The logic controller 310 may further 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 execute an algorithm using the extracted information. For example, the logic controller 310 may associate the tag read results with the beacon read results to determine the location of the RFID tag within the facility. The logic controller 310 may also perform a pattern recognition operation using the sensor data received from the RFID tag and perform 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 corresponding RFID tag. The logic controller 310 may additionally: determine a WOT during which a communication device (e.g., transceiver) of a given RFID tag will be turned on or an operation will be performed when the RFID tag detects motion; and transmit the WOT to the given RFID tag. The WOT may be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day, etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., traffic, interference incidence, etc.). Other operations performed by logic controller 310 will become apparent from the following discussion.

[0083] 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 unencrypted memory and / or encrypted memory. As used herein, the phrase "unencrypted memory" refers to a memory configured to store data in plain text form. As used herein, the phrase "encrypted memory" refers to a memory configured to store data in encrypted form and / or a memory having a secure or tamper-proof housing or placed in the housing.

[0084] The instructions 322 are stored in the memory for execution by the RF enabled device 350 and cause the RF enabled device 350 to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. The instructions 322 are generally operable to facilitate determinations regarding: whether an RFID tag is present within a facility; where the RFID tag is located within the facility; and which RFID tags are in motion at any given time. Other functions of the RF enabled device 350 will become apparent as the discussion proceeds.

[0085] Reference now Figure 4 , provides a detailed block diagram of an exemplary architecture of server 400. Figure 1 The server 124 is the same as or substantially similar to the server 400. As such, the following discussion of the server 400 is sufficient for understanding the server 124.

[0086] It is worth noting that the server 400 may include Figure 4 There may be more or fewer components than those shown. 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 improve customer experience.

[0087] 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.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, 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 through 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.

[0089] At least some of the hardware entities 414 perform actions involving access to and use of memory 412, which may be 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 storing one or more instruction sets 420 (e.g., software code), which are 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 of the instructions 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 instruction sets 420. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" also refers to any medium that can store, encode, or carry the set of instructions 420 for execution by 400 and cause the server 400 to perform any one or more of the methods of the present disclosure.

[0090] In some cases, 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 a near real-time manner. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuitry can access and run a software application 422 installed on the server 400. The software application 422 is generally operable to facilitate: determining the location of RFID tags within a facility; the direction of travel of RFID tags in motion; and mapping of the location and movement of RFID tags in a virtual three-dimensional space.

[0091] In those or other cases, the hardware entity 414 includes electronic circuitry (e.g., a processor) that is programmed to facilitate item inventory, merchandising, and / or customer satisfaction with the shopping experience. In this regard, the electronic circuitry can access and run an inventory software application 422 and an MCD display software application 422 installed on the server 400. The software applications 422 can generally operate 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 symbol of the item level information, accessory information, related product information, and / or discount information; facilitate registration of the RFID tags and MCDs with the enterprise system; and / or determine when an MCD display update action needs to be taken based on the RFID tag information. Other functions of the software application 422 will become apparent as the discussion proceeds. Such other functions may involve tag reader control and / or tag control.

[0092] exist Figure 5-7 , an RFID portal 500 is shown ( Figure 5 The floor plan in Figure 6) which is helpful in understanding certain aspects of the technology disclosed herein. The RFID portal 500 includes two RFID readers 506a, 506b (such as tag reader 300); each of the two RFID readers is attached to an antenna 502a, 502b (such as antenna 302) mounted on the side of the portal 500. The RFID reader 506 as mentioned herein is capable of generating an RFID tag exciter signal to control and induce a response from one or more RFID tags in a plurality of RFID tags 510 (such as tag 200) in the RFID portal area. The RFID exciter signal can also be used as a power source to power the RFID tag 510. The exciter signal generated by the RFID reader 506a, 506b and the response received by each reader 506a, 506b will comply with RFID system standards known now or in the future. The RFID reader 506a, 506b can also detect, identify and / or process one or more responses from a plurality of RFID tags 510 in the portal area. RFID readers 506a, 506b include appropriate interface circuitry to facilitate communication with system controller 508 as described below. For example, the interface circuitry may facilitate communication of information regarding detected responses received from RFID tags 510. This interface circuitry may also facilitate receiving interrogation commands and / or antenna beam steering commands from system controller 508.

[0093] In the illustrated portal 500, antennas 502a, 502b are mounted on bases 503a, 503b, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited in this respect. Antennas 502 can be mounted in the ceiling or in the ground, and the methods described herein will still apply. There is no limitation on the type of antenna 502 used to produce the desired field pattern. However, in this example portal 500, antennas 502a, 502b are understood to be beam-steerable so that multiple different antenna beam directions can be obtained from a single antenna 502a, 502b. As described above, RFID readers 506a, 506b can facilitate control of the desired antenna field pattern. In addition, Figure 5 Two antennas 502a and 502b are shown in FIG. 1 , but it should be understood that the technology disclosed herein is not limited in this respect. The arrangements of the present invention described herein may be implemented using a single beam steerable antenna.

[0094] RFID portal 500 may be placed near exit points in a facility through which merchandise and items must pass in order to move from one space within the facility to a second space outside the facility. Figure 5 and Figure 6In the example shown, the exit point is a doorway 504, but the technology disclosed herein is not limited in this respect. The exit / choke point may also be a wide exit, such as an exit seen in a shopping mall, which leads to another interior space that is not part of the facility. The RFID readers 506a, 506 may operate under the command of a system controller 508, such as the server 124, which facilitates detection of one or more RFID tags 510 within the field of view of each antenna, as described below.

[0095] like Figure 7 As shown, the RFID portal 500 will define a boundary 704 (similar to the exit point 504) that divides the portal area 700 into a first interior space 701, which may be located inside a facility such as a retail store, and a second exterior space 702, which is considered to be located outside the retail store. The portal area 700 generally defines an area where the RFID portal 500 can detect and read the RFID tag 510. For ease of illustration, the portal area 700 is Figure 7 700 as a regular rectangular shape, it should be understood that the actual shape of the portal zone 700 may be somewhat irregular as it will depend on the portal readers 506a, 506b, antenna systems 502a, 502b and environmental factors that define the field of view of the system. As shown, the first space 701 and the second space 702 are physical spaces or areas of the portal zone 700 defined on opposite sides of the boundary 704, respectively. The RFID portal 500 will (1) inventory all tags 510 that cross the portal boundary 704 between the first space and the second space, (2) provide sufficient reads for each crossing tag 510 to determine the directionality of such movement, and (3) inventory all static tags 510 in the portal zone 700 surrounding the portal 500.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, examples of the technology disclosed herein include one or more additional sensors 40 installed in and near the portal 500. Data collected by the one or more additional sensors 40 is transmitted to the RFID portal 500 or other central enterprise system. As described herein, the one or more additional sensors 40 can include various types of sensors. Figure 7 The number of sensors 40 shown and their Figure 7 The positions indicated in are for illustration purposes only. In practice, the sensors 40 may be installed in any desired positions and in any desired arrangements and combinations to produce the desired results. The number of sensors 40 may be as few as one sensor or as many as required for efficient operation.

[0097] In one aspect of the technology disclosed herein, one or more types of motion sensors 40 will detect the flow of people moving through the portal area 700 toward the boundary 704. According to such aspects, if the RFID reader 502a, 502b senses a potential alarm event based on the data read from the RFID tag 510, an alarm event flag is raised. If, within a predetermined time interval after the alarm event flag is set, the motion sensor indicates that there is no motion, the potential alarm event can be completely suppressed by removing the alarm event flag. This is used to suppress false alarms that may be generated due to reflections when a person is not immediately present near the boundary 704. Therefore, motion detection that can indicate that a person leaving the store is carrying a detected unauthorized tag is used to verify the alarm event flag.

[0098] In some instances, after the initial tag read causes the alarm event flag to appear, the technology disclosed herein can further adjust the alarm event flag according to additional or alternative requirements. The additional or alternative requirements can be based on environmental data or supplemental tag sensing / reading data. If all requirements for the alarm event flag state are met, a human-perceivable alarm can be triggered. According to the technical principles disclosed herein, any suitable type of motion sensor can be used in the system of the present invention, and multiple types of motion sensors can be used in combination.

[0099] In some examples, an array of passive infrared (PIR) sensors 40 that detect human traffic, direction of travel, and speed of travel (e.g., walking speed) may be used. The PIR sensors 40 may be mounted at various locations to sense traffic through and near the boundary 704. The IR sensors 40 may be mounted to the exit base 503 and other structures near the boundary 704. In some examples, two or more active IR sensors 40 may be used to detect objects (human and inanimate) moving through the portal area 700 and detect the speed and direction of travel based on the beam interruption pattern. In some examples, one or more ultrasonic motion sensors 40a may be used to detect the motion, direction, and speed of objects moving through the portal area 700. Other suitable sensors 40 for detecting the motion, direction, and speed of objects within or near the boundary 704 may include, but are not limited to, microwave sensors, tomographic motion detectors, and software-implemented video detection. Combinations of the above sensors 40 may also be deployed as part of the technology disclosed herein.

[0100] In some instances, the techniques disclosed herein detect animate objects (people, and possibly animals) and inanimate objects moving through portal area 700, and can also distinguish between animate and inanimate objects. This enables such instances to detect motion caused by merchandise thrown or otherwise pushed through boundary 704. In some instances, if the system detects merchandise moving through portal 500, even if no person is detected walking by, the techniques will trigger an alarm. For example, a thief may attempt to confuse the detection system by forcing an unguided shopping cart across boundary 704 to a waiting accomplice.

[0101] The additional sensor 40 may include one or more additional, supplementary RFID tag readers 300, which are positioned to detect the tag 200 again at a location near the exit point. One or more additional RFID readers 300 may be fixedly mounted to read the tag 200 at the exit point, and may be mounted, for example, on a ceiling. In this way, the alarm event flag caused by the initial tag reading can be verified by the second tag reading downstream of the first main tag reading. If the main reader 300 / 506 detects an unauthorized (not associated with unpurchased items, or not associated with purchased items) tag 200, but does not detect the tag moving toward the boundary 704, the alarm event flag is removed. If the alarm event flag is verified by the second tag reading at the boundary 704, an actual alarm can be triggered. The alarm can be an audible alarm, or the alarm can be generated in some other form, such as an alarm transmitted to various monitoring systems. In some embodiments, the alarm may include an alarm transmitted to a communication device monitored by store personnel (such as a text message sent to a mobile phone).

[0102] In some instances, the additional sensor 40 for detecting the tag may include other short-range communication ("SRC") technologies, such as Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy (BLE) technologies. In some instances, the additional sensor 40 may include one or more Bluetooth beacons, which may be fixedly mounted at the border 704. In such instances, the tag 200 may include a Bluetooth chip, an energy harvesting circuit, and an internal power storage element. After the alarm event flag is triggered by the initial tag reading, the alarm event flag may be verified by receiving a Bluetooth beacon of a response from a Bluetooth-enabled tag. The location of the tag 200 may be estimated by its proximity to a known fixed position of the Bluetooth beacon. If the alarm event flag of the tag 200 is not verified as valid by the second detection of the Bluetooth beacon, the alarm event flag may be removed. Since the Bluetooth chip is actively powered in the tag 200 of the embodiment, the Bluetooth beacon may be transmitted at a much lower power level, thereby reducing the possibility of a reflected signal that may cause a false alarm.

[0103] In an example where a motion sensor is employed as the sensor 40, the sensor 40 may determine the approximate speed at which the unauthorized tag 200 is moving through the portal area 700. Such an example may also determine the tag speed by detecting a person who may be transporting the unauthorized tag 200 through the portal area 700 and estimating the walking speed of the person. The derived speed data is used to estimate the time when the detected unauthorized tag 200 should arrive at a predetermined location monitored by at least one sensor 40. The example of the technology then verifies the validity / invalidation of the alarm event flag based on whether the tag 200, person, or object arrives at the predetermined location to be read by the sensor 40 within an expected time interval based on the travel rate.

[0104] In some instances, the technology disclosed herein includes a machine learning / adaptive algorithm that processes inputs from RFID tag reads and sensor 40 data for training / adaptation. In this way, when an RFID tag read causes an alarm event flag that is not verified as valid by another sensor 40, and is thus determined to be a false alarm, the technology can automatically detect and store real-time signal data related to the tag read that caused the potential false alarm. Therefore, over time, the adaptive algorithm can learn which reflection patterns will cause false alarms in different store environments and automatically ignore them. It is further envisioned that one or more additional sensors 40 can be installed as temporary "training" sensors. The "training" sensors are only used temporarily to allow the technology to collect data to understand the specific store environment, and will then be removed. (This will make sense if a semi-standardized machine learning system is trained for a specific store environment).

[0105] refer to Figure 8 , and continuing to refer to the previous figures for context, a method 800 for electronic article surveillance (EAS) is shown. In such a method 800, the EAS system transmits a radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogation signal to the RFID interrogation zone of the EAS system - block 810. In the continued example, the readers 502a, 502b transmit interrogation signals during a time period T to cover the first space 701, that is, the interior space of the facility 128.

[0106] refer to Fig.11In operation, the RFID system 500 may perform the method 800 of electronic article surveillance as executed by the processor 1105 and / or the memory 1110, where the application component 1115, the processor 1105, and / or the memory 1110 are components of the computing device 1100. The computing device 1100 may be one or more of the tag 510 or the tag 200, the tag reader 506 or the tag reader 300, and the system controller 508 or the server 400 as explained elsewhere herein. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes a transmitting component 1120 that is configured to transmit an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of an EAS system or may include components for transmitting an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of an EAS system.

[0107] The EAS system detects at least one response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system that responds to the interrogation signal - block 820. In the continued example, one or both of the readers 506a, 506b detects a tag 510 located in the first space 701 but away from the boundary 704 by multiple reads within the time period T1-T2. Each read is characterized by a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) from the tag 510 and implies the tag location. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes a detection component 1125, which includes components for detecting at least one response signal from a first RFID tag of the EAS system that responds to the interrogation signal.

[0108] The system captures sensor data within the sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after detection, the sensor field and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest - block 830. In a continued example, the ultrasonic motion sensor 40a in communication with the controller 508 captures sensor data about non-tag objects in its sensor field located in the first space 701. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes a capture component 1130, which includes components for capturing sensor data within the sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after detection, the sensor field and the RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest.

[0109] The system characterizes the movement of the non-tag object during the time window based on the captured sensor data - block 840. In the continued example, the system uses the captured sensor data to characterize the non-tag object as moving at a location X with a velocity S in the direction of the boundary 704. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes a characterization component 1135, which includes components for characterizing the movement of the non-tag object during the time window based on the captured sensor data.

[0110] The system then determines whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal with the characterized movement of the non-tag object—block 850. In the continued example, the system controller 508 determines that starting from position X and moving in the direction of the boundary 704 at a speed S, the non-tag object should be within a time T 2est The system controller compares the RFID read location estimate implied by the RSSI detected during block 810 with the location at time T 2est The ultrasonic motion sensor data of the detected non-tag object is correlated with the ultrasonic motion sensor data of the detected non-tag object, and it is concluded that both the tag 510 and the detected non-tag object are located in the area of ​​interest. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes a determination component 1140, which includes components for determining whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal with the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

[0111] refer to Fig. 9 , and continuing to refer to the previous figures for context, a method 900 for electronic article surveillance (EAS) is shown. In such method 900, blocks 810, 840, and 850 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8 In such method 900, detection includes detecting that a tag is not authorized to be in an RFID interrogation zone (block 920), and capturing in response to the detection (block 930). In the continued example, readers 502a, 502b transmit interrogation signals during a time period T to cover the first space 701, i.e., the interior space of facility 128.

[0112] refer to Fig.10 , and continuing to refer to the previous figures for context, a method 1000 for electronic article surveillance (EAS) is shown. In such method 1000, blocks 810, 920, 930, 840, and 850 are as described above in conjunction with Figure 8In such method 1000, after determining that the first RFID tag is unauthorized (block 920) and determining that the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the detected plurality of response signals with the characterized movement of the non-tag object (block 850), the EAS system issues an alarm—block 1060. In a continued example, the EAS system 500 alerts a security officer stationed at the perimeter 704 through the MCD 130 of the security officer. In a separate example, the application component 1115 includes an alarm component 1145, which includes components for issuing an alarm in response to determining that the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the detected plurality of response signals with the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

[0113] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be 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 to conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein the reference element in the singular form is not intended to mean "there is and only one", but to mean "one or more", unless specifically stated. The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "used as an example, example or illustration". Any aspect described herein as "exemplary" need not be interpreted as being superior to or superior to other aspects. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. 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" include 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.

[0114] Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Words such as "module," "mechanism," "element," "device," etc. may not replace the word "component." Thus, no element of a claim should be interpreted as a component that adds a function unless the phrase "component for..." is used to explicitly state the element.

Claims

1. A method for electronic article surveillance, the method comprising: transmitting an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance system; detecting at least one response signal from a first radio frequency identification tag of the electronic article surveillance system responsive to the interrogation signal; capturing sensor data within a sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after said detecting, said sensor field and said RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest; characterizing movement of the non-tagged object during the time window based on the captured sensor data; as well as A determination is made as to whether the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object. The method of claim 1 , wherein said capturing is performed in response to said detecting. 3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the detecting further comprises detecting that the 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 associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the detected at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object. The method of claim 1 , wherein characterizing comprises estimating one or more of a velocity of the non-tag object and a direction of travel of the non-tag object.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object comprises determining that a similarity between the detected at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object is greater than a threshold similarity.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the area of ​​interest is a radio frequency identification portal area of ​​the electronic article surveillance system.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The interrogation zone is located at the outer boundary of the controlled area; Capturing sensor data includes capturing first sensor data; Make sure to include: determining a direction of travel of the non-tag object based on the captured first sensor data; and for the determined direction of travel of the non-tag object toward the interrogation zone, estimating an arrival time of the non-tag object to the zone of interest; Capturing sensor data further comprises capturing second sensor data in the area of ​​interest during a predetermined threshold time window around the estimated arrival time; and Determination further includes: determining whether a non-tagged object arrives at the region of interest during the predetermined threshold time window; Upon determining that a non-tag object has not arrived at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, not issuing an alarm for the first radio frequency identification tag; and Upon determining that a non-tag object arrives at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, an alarm is issued for the first radio frequency identification tag.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensor data is captured by an array of passive infrared sensors, or two or more active IR sensors, or a microwave sensor, or a tomographic motion detector, or one or more ultrasonic motion sensors.

10. An electronic article surveillance system, comprising: A radio frequency identification tag reader operable to: transmitting an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of the electronic article surveillance system; detecting at least one response signal from a first radio frequency identification tag of the electronic article surveillance system responsive to the radio frequency identification interrogation signal; at least one sensor operable to capture sensor data within a sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after said detecting, said sensor field and said RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest; and At least one processor: The at least one processor is in communication with the tag reader and the at least one sensor; and The at least one processor is operable to: characterizing movement of the non-tagged object during the time window based on the captured sensor data; and A determination is made as to whether the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object. The system of claim 10 , wherein said capturing is performed in response to said detecting.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the detecting further comprises detecting that the tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further operable to: An alarm is issued in response to determining that the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the detected at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein characterizing comprises estimating one or more of a speed of the non-tag object and a direction of travel of the non-tag object.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein determining whether the first RFID tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object comprises determining that a similarity between the detected at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object is greater than a threshold similarity.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein the area of ​​interest is a radio frequency identification portal area of ​​the electronic article surveillance system.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein: The interrogation zone is located at the outer boundary of the controlled area; Capturing sensor data includes capturing first sensor data; Make sure to include: determining a direction of travel of the non-tag object based on the captured first sensor data; and for the determined direction of travel of the non-tag object toward the interrogation zone, estimating an arrival time of the non-tag object to the zone of interest; Capturing sensor data further comprises capturing second sensor data in the area of ​​interest during a predetermined threshold time window around the estimated arrival time; and Determination further includes: determining whether a non-tagged object arrives at the region of interest during the predetermined threshold time window; Upon determining that a non-tag object has not arrived at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, not issuing an alarm for the first radio frequency identification tag; and Upon determining that a non-tagged object arrives at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window, an alarm is issued for the first radio frequency identification tag.

18. An apparatus for electronic article surveillance, the apparatus comprising: A component for transmitting an RFID interrogation signal to an RFID interrogation zone of an electronic article surveillance system; means for detecting at least one response signal from a first radio frequency identification tag of the electronic article surveillance system responsive to the interrogation signal; means for capturing sensor data within a sensor field at one or more times within a time window before and after said detection, said sensor field and said RFID interrogation zone overlapping to form a region of interest; means for characterizing movement of the non-tagged object during the time window based on the captured sensor data; as well as Means for determining whether the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said capturing is performed in response to said detecting.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the means for detecting further comprises means for detecting that the tag is not authorized to be in the RFID interrogation zone.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: The interrogation zone is located at the outer boundary of the controlled area; The means for capturing sensor data comprises means for capturing first sensor data; The components used to determine this are: means for determining a direction of travel of the non-tag object based on the captured first sensor data; and means for estimating an arrival time of the non-tag object to the region of interest for the determined direction of travel of the non-tag object toward the interrogation region; The means for capturing sensor data further comprises means for capturing second sensor data in the area of ​​interest during a predetermined threshold time window around the estimated arrival time; and The means for determining further comprises: means for determining whether a non-tagged object has arrived at the region of interest during the predetermined threshold time window; means for not issuing an alarm for the first radio frequency identification tag upon determining that a non-tag object has not arrived at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window; and Means for issuing an alarm for the first radio frequency identification tag upon determining that a non-tag object arrives at the area of ​​interest during the predetermined threshold time window.

22. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the means for capturing sensor data comprises an array of passive infrared sensors, or two or more active IR sensors, or a microwave sensor, or a tomographic motion detector, or one or more ultrasonic motion sensors.

23. An electronic article surveillance system, the electronic article surveillance system comprising: The device according to any one of claims 18 to 22, Wherein, the means for transmitting the RFID interrogation signal and the means for detecting the at least one response signal are implemented as a RFID tag reader, the RFID tag reader being operable to: transmitting the RFID interrogation signal to the RFID interrogation zone of the electronic article surveillance system; detecting the at least one response signal from the first RFID tag of the electronic article surveillance system in response to the RFID interrogation signal; and Wherein, the means for characterizing movement and the means for determining whether the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object are implemented as at least one processor, the at least one processor is in communication with the tag reader and the array of passive infrared sensors or one or more ultrasonic motion sensors, and is operable to: characterizing the movement of the non-tag object during the time window based on the captured sensor data; and A determination is made as to whether the first radio frequency identification tag is associated with the characterized non-tag object based on a comparison of the at least one response signal and the characterized movement of the non-tag object.

Images