System for simultaneous tag triggering and sequential tag reading

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless identification tags and systems for enabling product self-identification and methods of using the same. In one implementation, the tag can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at one or more frequencies within a particular frequency band. The tag can also include at least one transmitter that can be configured to transmit at least one identification signal. The tag can also include at least one circuit. The at least one circuit can be configured to detect whether energy is received in the particular frequency band and cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a mode corresponding to the particular frequency band.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 202080042138.1 (Application Date: April 10, 2020, Inventive Name: Wireless Dual-Mode Identification Tag) with priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 832,397, filed April 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 832,397, filed April 11, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to systems and methods for wireless identification tags associated with products. BACKGROUND

[0005] The ability to transmit data over networks provides many opportunities for various electronic devices to connect with other devices and networks, perform increasingly autonomous operations, and provide interactive experiences for users. However, conventional systems and methods for providing digital communications can use certain amounts of hardware, energy consumption, cost, and other technical limitations that can prevent implementation of these conventional systems and methods in certain products, systems, and industries. Additionally, there are a number of security and privacy concerns related to data transmission that can make implementation of such technology impractical in certain areas.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for cost-efficient and unconventional methods that efficiently, effectively, and securely enable digital self-representation of various products and / or management of these products. SUMMARY

[0007] Embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure provide systems and methods generally related to wireless identification tags associated with products. The disclosed systems and methods can be implemented using a combination of conventional hardware and software and specialized hardware and software, such as machines specifically constructed and / or programmed to perform functions associated with the disclosed method steps. In accordance with other disclosed embodiments, non-transitory computer-readable storage media can store program instructions executable by at least one processing device and perform any of the steps and / or methods described herein.

[0008] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed that relate to wireless identification tags for use in association with products to enable product self-identification. The embodiments can include a tag that includes at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency within a frequency band around 900 MHz and a second frequency within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. Some embodiments can further include at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one identification signal, and at least one circuit configured to detect whether energy is received at the first frequency or the second frequency, and cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode to transmit an identification signal in a first form when the first frequency is detected, and operate in a second mode to transmit an identification signal in a second form when the second frequency is detected.

[0009] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media are disclosed for wireless identification tags that have a response time that varies as a function of the frequency of an input signal. Some embodiments can include a wireless identification tag that includes at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency within a frequency band around 900 MHz and a second frequency within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz; at least one transmitter; and at least one circuit. The at least one circuit can be configured to detect whether energy is received at the first frequency or the second frequency, and cause the at least one transmitter to transmit an immediate response when the second frequency is detected, and a delayed response when the first frequency is detected, the delayed response having a longer delay than the immediate response.

[0010] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to wireless identification tags that can be triggered by an EAS gate while remaining invisible to the EAS gate are disclosed. Embodiments can include a tag having at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in at least one of a first EAS gate frequency range of approximately 7-13 MHz or a second EAS gate frequency range of approximately 58-60 kHz, and configured to be undetectable by the EAS gate. Some embodiments can further include at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one identification signal, and at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one transmitter for energizing the at least one transmitter. Embodiments can further include at least one circuit connected to the at least one antenna and configured to detect energy transmitted from the EAS gate in at least one of the first EAS gate frequency range or the second EAS gate frequency range, and in response to detecting the energy transmitted from the EAS gate, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the at least one identification signal to a receiver other than the EAS gate, the at least one identification signal being transmitted at a frequency outside of the first EAS gate frequency range and the second EAS gate frequency range.

[0011] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media for wireless identification tags configured to harvest ambient energy and intermittently transmit an identification signal are disclosed. Embodiments can include at least one antenna configured to receive ambient energy, at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one antenna and configured to gather and store the received ambient energy, at least one transmitter electrically connected to the at least one energy storage component and configured to transmit the identification signal, and at least one circuit connected to the at least one transmitter and configured to implement an identification transmission rule such that the transmitter delays transmitting the identification signal even when sufficient energy for transmitting the identification signal is gathered and stored in the energy storage component.

[0012] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media for wireless identification tags configured to harvest environmental energy and intermittently transmit identification signals are disclosed. Embodiments can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit a first signal at a first frequency to a first receiver and a second signal at the first frequency to a second receiver. Embodiments can further include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one transmitter for collecting and storing environmental energy and powering transmissions of the at least one transmitter. At least one circuit can be connected to the at least one transmitter and the at least one energy storage component for monitoring energy stored in the energy storage component and preventing the at least one transmitter from transmitting the first signal at the first frequency to the first receiver when the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient to transmit the second signal at the first frequency to the second receiver.

[0013] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to wireless identification fraud avoidance systems are disclosed. Embodiments can include a system having at least one transmitter configured to transmit a first signal in a first frequency band to a plurality of identification tags, causing the plurality of identification tags to transmit a second signal in a second frequency band indicating whether the first signal was received in the first frequency band. Some embodiments can further include a first receiver configured to be positioned proximate to the at least one transmitter to receive transmissions of the second signal from the plurality of identification tags, a second receiver configured to receive a third signal from tags outside a transmission range of the at least one transmitter, where the second receiver is further from the at least one transmitter than the first receiver, and at least one processor configured to generate a potential fraud alert when the second receiver receives the third signal.

[0014] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to fraud avoidance systems for wireless tag inventory are disclosed. Embodiments can include a system having at least one processor configured to: detect a signal associated with a transmission in an EAS gate frequency; identify the signal as emanating from a location that does not correspond to an EAS gate location; determine, based on the identified emanation location of the signal, that a suspicious fraud event is in progress; and generate an alert of the suspicious fraud event.

[0015] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media for wireless identification tags with varying ID transmission timing are disclosed. The tags can include at least one transmitter; at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one transmitter and configured to collect and store ambient energy to power transmissions. The tag can further include at least one circuit configured to cause the transmitter to transmit a sequence of identification signals at uneven intervals such that the time between three consecutive transmissions of identification signals varies.

[0016] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media involving wireless identification tags with varying identities are disclosed. A wireless tag ID with a different identity can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit a tag ID. The tag can further include at least one circuit configured to receive a first trigger at a first time and, in response to the first trigger, generate a first decipherable ID uniquely identifying the tag in a quasi-random manner and cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the first decipherable ID. In addition, the circuit can be configured to receive a second trigger at a second time after the first time and, in response to the second trigger, generate a second decipherable ID different from the first decipherable ID and uniquely identifying the tag in a quasi-random manner and cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the second decipherable ID.

[0017] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media involving providing privacy to downstream owners of electronic tagged goods are disclosed. Embodiments can include at least one processor configured to store IDs for a plurality of tags, including at least a first owner ID and a second owner ID for a particular tag. Embodiments can associate first information for the particular tag with the first owner ID when the first owner of the particular tag is recorded as owning the tag. A transaction can then be recorded transferring ownership of the particular tag from the first owner to a second owner. After the transfer of ownership, second information for the particular tag can be associated with the second owner ID, and the first owner can be prevented from accessing the second information.

[0018] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media related to simultaneously triggering and sequentially reading multiple tags are disclosed. Embodiments can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing instructions for causing a 2.4 GHz device to simultaneously trigger and sequentially read multiple tags. The instructions can include displaying an activatable element on a graphical user interface, the element configured to activate a 2.4 GHz transmitter. Upon activation of the element, the 2.4 GHz transmitter can be caused to emit one or more signals for causing each of a plurality of tags in proximity to the transmitter to transmit a unique tag ID to a receiver associated with the transmitter. The instructions can further include reading a first set of the plurality of unique tag IDs during a first time interval, wherein the first set excludes a second set of the plurality of unique tag IDs. First information associated with the first set can be read, after which activation of the 2.4 GHz transmitter can be maintained or can continue for a second time interval to cause at least some unique tag IDs of the first set to be transmitted with unique tag IDs of the second set. After the receiver reads at least some unique tag IDs of the first set and unique tag IDs of the second set, information associated with the second set can be recorded.

[0019] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media related to a device for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices are disclosed. The device can include a housing defining a cavity for holding electronic tag products and an exciter integrated with the housing, the exciter configured to trigger a tag of the electronic tag products to transmit a unique tag ID. The device can also include a receiver for receiving transmission of each unique tag ID and a communicator for outputting an indication of an identity of the electronic tag products held in the cavity.

[0020] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for a wireless identification tag configured to collect and store ambient energy for delayed transmission are disclosed. The tag can include a receiver for receiving ambient energy, a first capacitor for storing the ambient energy, a second capacitor for collecting and storing the ambient energy, the second capacitor having a lower capacitance than the first capacitor, and an inductor interconnecting the first capacitor and the second capacitor. The tag can also include circuitry interconnecting the receiver, the first capacitor, and the second capacitor such that ambient energy received by the receiver is initially stored in the second capacitor and subsequently transferred and stored in the first capacitor. The tag can additionally include at least one transmitter electrically connected to the first capacitor to enable the energy stored in the first capacitor to power the at least one transmitter.

[0021] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media for providing access to information associated with an electronic tagged item are disclosed. Embodiments can include at least one processor configured to store tag IDs for a plurality of tags and receive a pairing between at least one particular tag ID and a product ID. Embodiments can further receive a pairing between the at least one particular tag ID and at least one authorized entity associated with the at least one particular tag ID. The authorized entity can be associated with at least one of a current owner of the product, a manufacturer of the product, or a user of the product. The at least one processor can be further configured to receive a query from a requester identifying at least one of the product ID, the information associated with the at least one particular tag ID, the information associated with the product ID, or the at least one authorized entity, the query including an encrypted tag ID of the particular tag; and decrypt the encrypted tag ID to find the decrypted tag ID of the particular tag. If the requester is the at least one authorized entity associated with the decrypted tag ID, the embodiment can complete the query. Otherwise, the query can be denied.

[0022] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to preventing distribution of counterfeit products are disclosed. Embodiments can include a system having at least one processor configured to: store tag IDs for a plurality of electronic tags, wherein at least one particular electronic tag is associated with a particular product. The system can store at least one identity of a first entity associated with at least one of a seller of the particular product, a manufacturer of the particular product, a current owner of the particular product, or a previous owner of the particular product. On behalf of an intended subsequent custodian of the particular product, the processor can receive an encrypted tag ID associated with the particular product and a query associated with the at least one identity. The processor can then decrypt the encrypted tag ID to identify the particular product associated with the particular electronic tag and use information associated with the particular electronic tag to access an ownership history of the particular product. The processor can further check whether the at least one identity identified in the query corresponds to an entity in the ownership history and cause one of: sending a genuineness indication to the intended subsequent custodian if the at least one identity identified in the query corresponds to an entity in the ownership history, or sending a non-genuineness indication to the intended subsequent custodian if the at least one identity identified in the query does not correspond to an entity in the ownership history.

[0023] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to detecting misplaced items in a venue are disclosed. Embodiments can include at least one processor configured to receive, from at least one reader in the venue, identification signals of identification tags read by the at least one reader; determine, based on the received identification signals, current locations of the identification tags; record, in at least one data structure, the current locations of the identification tags; access, in the at least one data structure, assigned locations of each of the identification tags in the venue; determine, by comparing the current location of a particular identification tag to the assigned location of the particular identification tag, that the current location of the particular identification tag is different from the assigned location of the particular identification tag; and generate a notification signal when the current location of the particular identification tag does not match the assigned location of the particular identification tag.

[0024] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer readable media related to reporting locations of items in a venue are disclosed. Disclosed embodiments include at least one processor configured to receive, from at least one reader in the venue, identification signals of identification tags read by the at least one reader; determine, based on the received identification signals, current locations of the identification tags; record, in at least one data structure, the current locations of the identification tags; receive a query for a location of a particular item in the venue; identify the location of the particular item based on an association between the particular item and a particular identification tag and the current location of the particular identification tag; and display, on a graphical user interface, the location of the particular item to a user.

[0025] The foregoing summary is provided to present certain examples of the disclosed embodiments in order to provide a summary of the disclosure and not to limit the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Further features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0026] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments as claimed.

[0027] The accompanying drawings form a part of the specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments as set forth in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wireless identification system according to disclosed embodiments, including a door, a wireless identification tag incorporated into an article worn by a user, and a wireless identification tag incorporated into an article carried by the user.

[0030] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary wireless identification system according to disclosed embodiments, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless identification tag of the system of

[0031] Figure 3 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, packaged within a pocket of fabric.

[0032] Figure 4 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, attached to a clothing tag.

[0033] Figure 5 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, stitched into an article.

[0034] Figure 6 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, mounted on a hanging tag.

[0035] Figure 7 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, embedded into an article of clothing.

[0036] Figure 8 depicts an exemplary wireless identification tag of Figure 2 according to disclosed embodiments, adhered to a container.

[0037] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture of wireless identification tags according to disclosed embodiments.

[0038] Figure 10 is another block diagram of an exemplary system architecture of Figure 9 according to disclosed embodiments, showing details of an exemplary controller architecture.

[0039] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a retail establishment incorporating an exemplary wireless identification system according to disclosed embodiments.

[0040] Figure 12 An example of a wireless identification tag operating in an exemplary infrastructure energizable mode according to the disclosed embodiments is depicted.

[0041] Figure 13 An example of a wireless identification tag operating in an exemplary user energizable mode according to the disclosed embodiments is depicted.

[0042] Figure 14 An example of a wireless identification tag operating in an exemplary gate mode according to the disclosed embodiments is depicted.

[0043] Figure 15 is a block diagram of a wireless identification tag including an antenna, a transmitter, a circuit, and an energy storage component according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0044] Figure 16 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment illustrating one aspect of the operation of a wireless identification tag according to some disclosed embodiments.

[0045] Figure 17 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit of a wireless identification tag according to some disclosed embodiments.

[0046] Figure 18 is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture of a wireless identification tag according to some disclosed embodiments.

[0047] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of operation according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0048] Figure 20 is a network diagram of an exemplary system for monitoring the location of items within a premises according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0049] Figure 21 is a flowchart of an exemplary computerized process for reporting the location of items in a premises according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0050] Figure 22 is an illustration of an identification tag in an infrastructure environment for identifying the particular location of the identification tag according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0051] Figure 23 A system for providing privacy for downstream owners of electronically tagged merchandise according to the disclosed embodiments is shown.

[0052] Figure 24 is a block diagram of an exemplary device for housing an electronically tagged product and for recording an association between the tagged product and a device according to the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 25AAn exemplary refrigerator for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Figure 25B An exemplary washing machine or dryer for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 25C An exemplary food pantry for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 25D An exemplary closet for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 25E An exemplary cart for housing electronic tag products and for recording associations between tag products and devices according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Figure 26 is a schematic diagram depicting one aspect of the operation of a wireless tag according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0059] Figure 27 depicts an exemplary wireless identification system in use according to the disclosed embodiments increasing the risk of signal collisions as a customer leaves a store with a cart full of merchandise.

[0060] Figure 28A and 28B is an example of a signal transmission timeline according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0061] Figure 29 is a block diagram of a tag circuit according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0062] Figure 30 is a transmission channel timeline according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0063] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary arrangement of a transmitter, a first receiver, and a second receiver in an exemplary wireless identification system according to the disclosed embodiments.

[0064] Figure 32 is a block diagram of an exemplary signal flow in a wireless identification system according to some disclosed embodiments.

[0065] Figure 33A A handheld device displaying an inventory search graphical user interface according to the disclosed embodiments is shown.

[0066] Figure 33B A handheld device displaying a product graphical user interface is shown in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0067] Figure 33C A handheld device displaying a product size search graphical user interface is shown in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0068] Figure 34 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for harvesting and storing ambient energy in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0069] Figure 35 is a block diagram of another exemplary system for harvesting and storing ambient energy in accordance with the disclosed embodiments.

[0070] Figure 36 is a block diagram of another exemplary system for harvesting and storing ambient energy in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the most significant digit or digits of like reference characters designate identical or like portions throughout the several views. Wherever convenient, the same reference characters are used throughout the drawings to designate like components. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Also, the words "comprise," "comprises," "comprising," "containing," "contain," "includes," "including," and "include" and other similar forms are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It should also be noted that as used in the present disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0072] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following descriptions, throughout the specification, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "generating," "setting," "configuring," "selecting," "defining," "applying," "obtaining," "monitoring," "providing," "identifying," "segmenting," "classifying," "analyzing," "associating," "extracting," "storing," "receiving," "transmitting," or the like, refer to the action and / or processes of a computer, that manipulate and / or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities within the computer's registers and / or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer's memories, registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices. The terms "computer," "processor," "controller," "processing unit," "computing unit," and "processing module" should be construed broadly to encompass any kind of electronic device, component or unit with data processing capabilities, including, by way of non-limiting examples, a personal computer, a wearable computer, smart glasses, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a server, a computing system, a cloud computing platform, a communication device, a processor (e.g., a digital signal processor (DSP), an image signal processor (ISR), a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a vision processing unit (VPU), etc.), possibly with embedded memory, a single core processor, a multi-core processor, a core within a processor, any other electronic computing device, or any combination of the above.

[0073] The operations in accordance with the teachings herein can be performed by a computer specially constructed for performing the functions described, or by a computer

[0074] As used herein, the phrases "for example," "such as," "e.g.," and variations thereof, describe non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. A recitation of "embodiment," "one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” or variations thereof, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described is included in at least one embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter. Therefore, appearances of these terms in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily intended to refer to the same embodiment or embodiments. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0075] For the sake of brevity, features of the presently disclosed subject matter are described in the context of particular embodiments. It is to be understood that the features of the presently disclosed subject matter described in the context of one embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Likewise, features described in the context of a particular combination of features can be considered as being separate embodiments or in the context of a different combination of features.

[0076] In embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, one or more stages shown in the figures can be performed in different orders, and / or one or more groups of stages can be performed concurrently, or vice versa. The figures show a general schematic of a system architecture in accordance with embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. Each module in the figures can be made up of any combination of software, hardware, and / or firmware, which performs the functions defined and explained herein. Modules in the figures can be centralized in one location or spread over multiple locations.

[0077] Examples of the presently disclosed subject matter are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The subject matter is capable of implementation in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0078] In this document, elements not described in the figures within the scope of the figures and marked with numbers already described in previous figures can have the same use and description as in the previous figures.

[0079] The drawings in this document can not be to scale. Different figures can use different scales, and even within the same figure different scales can be used, for example different views of the same object can use different scales, or two adjacent objects can use different scales.

[0080] According to the disclosed embodiments, the "at least one processor" can constitute any physical device or group of devices having circuitry that performs logical operations on one or more inputs. For example, the at least one processor can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or a portion of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a server, a virtual server, or other circuitry adapted to perform instructions or perform logical operations. The instructions executed by the at least one processor can be, for example, pre-loaded into a memory integrated with or embedded in the controller, or can be stored in a discrete memory. The memory can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), a hard disk, an optical disk, a magnetic medium, a flash memory, other permanent, fixed or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one processor can include more than one processor. Each processor can have a similar structure, or the processors can have different structures that are electrically connected or electrically separated from each other. For example, the processors can be discrete circuits or integrated in a single circuit. When more than one processor is used, the processors can be configured to operate independently or cooperatively. The processors can be electrically coupled, magnetically coupled, optically coupled, acoustically coupled, mechanically coupled, or coupled by other means that allow them to interact with each other.

[0081] The disclosed embodiments can include and / or access data structures. Data structures consistent with the present disclosure can include any collection of data values and the relationships between them. Data can be stored linearly, hierarchically, relationally, non-relationally, one-dimensionally, multi-dimensionally, operatively, in an ordered manner, in an unordered manner, in an object-oriented manner, in a centralized manner, in a decentralized manner, in a distributed manner, in a customized manner, or in any manner that allows data access. By way of non-limiting example, data structures can include arrays, associative arrays, linked lists, binary trees, balanced trees, heaps, stacks, queues, sets, hash tables, records, tag joints, ER models, and graphs. For example, data structures can include XML databases, RDBMS databases, SQL databases, or NoSQL alternative databases for data storage / searching, such as MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk, Solr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, HBase, and Neo4J. Data structures can be components of the disclosed systems or remote computing components (e.g., cloud-based data structures). Data in data structures can be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory. Moreover, data structures used herein do not require information to be in the same location. It can be distributed across multiple servers, for example, which can be owned or operated by the same or different entities. Thus, the singular term “data structure” used herein includes multiple data structures.

[0082] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to wireless communication tags configured to be embedded, attached to, or otherwise associated with physical items in order to digitally represent each item on an exemplary digital platform. In some embodiments, exemplary tags can be configured to harvest environmental energy and use the harvested energy to transmit an identification signal to a receiver. The identification signal can include various types of data, including product, location, history, status, ownership, and / or characteristic data. Depending on the intended use, such data can be communicated to a receiver associated with various types of platforms. The platform can be, for example, a software program running on one or more servers for implementing one or more types of product tracking and / or authentication. Examples of platforms that can employ the disclosed embodiments include, but are not limited to, inventory management systems in commercial settings such as stores and warehouses; kitchen management systems for tracking supplies and / or tools; equipment management systems for tracking tagged materials within or associated with equipment; manufacturing systems for tracking components used in the manufacturing of products; shipping and delivery systems for tracking packages and other deliveries during shipping and delivery; other supply chain management; closet management systems for tracking clothing stored in closets and wardrobes; clothing laundering systems for tracking cleaning of clothing and / or receipt of clothing to be laundered, as well as returning clothing to a customer or designated location such as a closet or wardrobe; food delivery systems; systems for managing ownership of goods transferred to different owners; systems for authenticating goods to prevent counterfeiting; vehicle tracking systems; systems for tracking vehicles and / or materials and / or personnel in the public and private sectors; waste management systems; and / or all other systems where it can be beneficial to verify people, animals, or objects.

[0083] In some embodiments, exemplary tags can be configured to harvest energy without a designated battery and operate in an active transmission state and an idle state while consuming a minimal amount of power. Advantageously, the configuration of exemplary tags can achieve radio performance comparable to commercial battery-powered devices at a power envelope comparable to passive RFID devices.

[0084] Figure 1Non-limiting embodiments of example wireless tags 1100a and 1100b in the context of a security gate, such as an electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate 1110, 1112, are shown. In some embodiments, one or both of the tags 1100a and 1100b can be a wireless identification tag. The tag 1100a can be embedded, sewn, clipped, attached, or otherwise incorporated into an object, such as an article of clothing 1106. The tag 1100b can be attached to or otherwise incorporated onto an article purchased or otherwise obtained by the user 1104 and placed within the bag 1122. The tags 1100a and 1100b can be configured to receive a wireless signal, such as signal 1118. The signal 1118 can be generated by an external system or device, such as an EAS transmitter 1116, which can form a part of the EAS gate 1110, 1112. In some embodiments, one or both of the tags 1100a and 1100b can be configured to receive the gate signal 1118 and, in response, generate and output a signal having a frequency different from the gate signal 1118. For example, the tag 1100a can output a signal 1102a upon receiving the gate signal 1118, and the tag 1100b can output a signal 1102b upon receiving the gate signal 1118. In some embodiments, one or both of the signals 1102a and 1102b can have a frequency within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz, such that the signals 1102a and 1102b are not detected by the EAS sensor 1120 and thus do not trigger the alarm 1114 of the EAS gate 1110, 1112.

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 1 An example system of the present disclosure can include at least one receiver / energizer device 1124 configured to receive the signal broadcasts from the plurality of wireless tags (e.g., signals 1102a and 1102b) and further configured to transmit energy to be collected and stored by the wireless tags in order to power the wireless tags, as discussed in detail below. For example, the device 1124 can include a transceiver, a router, a diplexer, or any other device configured to transmit and receive signals. In some alternative embodiments, for example Figure 11The example apparel retail establishment depicted, the system can include a plurality of receivers 11300a-h configured to receive signal broadcasts from the wireless tags, and an energizer 11400 configured to transmit energy to be collected and stored by the wireless tags. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the example systems described herein can include only receiver / energizer devices (e.g., device 1124), only receiver devices and energizer devices (e.g., receiver 11300 and energizer 11400), or any desired combination thereof. Moreover, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the example energizers and receivers described herein (e.g., receiver 11300 and energizer 11400) can be implemented as discrete devices and / or combined receiver / energizer devices (e.g., receiver / energizer device 1124), and vice versa.

[0086] In some embodiments, the example wireless tags can include at least one antenna, at least one transmitter, and at least one circuit. The at least one antenna, at least one transmitter, and at least one circuit can be disposed on a flexible substrate. The substrate can be a structure on or in which components such as the at least one antenna, at least one transmitter, and at least one circuit can be disposed. The substrate can be flexible such that the substrate can be configured to be deformable in one or more directions when subjected to a force. For example, the flexible substrate can be a substrate that allows components attached thereto to conform to a desired shape or to bend during use thereof. Materials suitable for the flexible substrate can include, but are not limited to, polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), and various fluoropolymers (FEP) and copolymers and / or any other substrate capable of at least partially conforming to a desired shape or flexing during use.

[0087] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication tag 1100, which can include an EAS coil 2110, a 900 MHz antenna 2112, a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114, a multi-source harvester 2102, a transmitter 2104, a door detection circuit 2106, and an energy storage circuit 2108, some or all of which can be formed on a substrate 2120. The substrate 2120 can be flexible such that the tag can function properly without being affected by bending or movement that can occur, for example, when the tag is attached and / or embedded in a piece of apparel (such as a shirt, pants, or jacket) such as the various products shown. Figures 4-8 The various products shown, which will be discussed below.

[0088] Various embodiments of a wireless tag can include an adhesive layer for attachment to a product. In some embodiments, a wireless tag can be attached or otherwise disposed on a product or product packaging. Such attachment can be aided by one or more adhesive layers. Embodiments of adhesive layers can include various types of glue, tape, cement, wax, mucilage, paste, epoxy, sealant, elastomer, and other suitable materials that can facilitate adhesion between surfaces. By way of example, referring to Figure 2 , a tag 1100 can include a substrate 2120 that supports its electronic components, and can also include an adhesive layer 2122 that can be located on the side of the substrate layer opposite the electronic components, or on either side of a multi-layer substrate if the electronic components are encapsulated between two or more layers of substrate. The adhesive layer 2120 can enable the tag to be affixed to certain items, such as Figure 6 , a hanging tag 6100 in Figure 8 , a product 8000.

[0089] Disclosed embodiments can also include at least one layer of material, such as a fabric layer, that at least partially encapsulates the wireless tag, the layer of material configured to be attached by stitching. Alternatively, the tag can be connected to the fabric by being affixed or incorporated into a pocket. The fabric can include any material that can be used for clothing, accessories, or any other object that uses fabric. The fabric can be woven, non-woven, fibrous, or non-fibrous. It can include any suitable material, including but not limited to silk, wool, linen, cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, or inorganic materials, as well as rubber, plastic, man-made or natural materials, spunbond / hydroentangled, airlaid, drylaid, wetlaid, vinyl, sheeting, or any other layer. In some embodiments, the fabric can be flexible or deformable.

[0090] In some embodiments, the wireless tag can be incorporated into the layer of material. The wireless tag can be partially incorporated, where a portion of the wireless tag can be exposed or uncovered. Alternatively, the wireless tag can be fully incorporated, where the wireless tag can be completely surrounded by the fabric. In some embodiments, the wireless tag can be partially or fully incorporated into the fabric by stitching. Figure 3 Non-limiting embodiments of a wireless tag encapsulated in a structure are shown. For example, as shown, a tag 1100 is encapsulated in a fabric pocket 3000. Figure 5 Further shown is the placement of a fabric pocket 3000 containing a tag 1100 on a product 5000, such as clothing.

[0091] As used herein, a partially encapsulated wireless tag can include positioning at least one layer of material around a wireless tag such that the wireless tag is fixed relative to the layer of material at a particular point or area. The layer of material can include fabric, other textiles, or any other material that can be suitably attached to another material through stitching, such as leather, rubber, paper materials, etc. By way of example, Figure 3 A tag 1100 is shown encapsulated within a fabric pocket 3000. The fabric pocket 3000 can then be sewn onto Figure 5 a jacket 5000 as shown, such that the wireless tag is affixed to the jacket 5000.

[0092] Figures 4-8 A non-limiting embodiment of a product containing a tag 1100 is shown. For example, Figure 4 A garment, such as a dress 4000 having a garment tag 4100 is depicted; the garment tag 4100 can be a care tag (e.g., with instructions for washing the dress 4000) and / or a tag that indicates the size and brand of the dress 4000. In Figure 4 the example shown, the tag 1100 can be sewn or otherwise attached to the garment tag 4100. For example, the tag 1100 can be encapsulated within a fabric pocket 3000 that can be sewn to the garment tag 4100.

[0093] Figure 5 An embodiment of an exemplary tag 1100 encapsulated within a fabric pocket 3000 is depicted that is sewn into an article of clothing 5000, such as a jacket. Figure 6 An exemplary tag 1100 on a hang tag 6100 is depicted that can be attached to a product, such as pants 6000. In Figure 7 another non-limiting embodiment, the tag 1100 can be affixed to a product, such as a t-shirt 7000, by being placed between layers of the t-shirt such that the tag 1100 can be hidden from view. As another example, as shown, Figure 8 the tag 1100 can be affixed to a product packaging, such as a container 8000. The garment and container are shown for illustrative purposes only. As previously mentioned, the tag can be associated with virtually any item in virtually any manner.

[0094] In some embodiments, an exemplary tag 1100 can be configured to harvest energy in multiple frequency bands and use the harvested energy to power its operations. For example, a tag 1100 can include one antenna for harvesting energy, two antennas for harvesting energy, three antennas for harvesting energy, or any other number of antennas for harvesting energy in a desired number of frequency bands. In some embodiments, a tag 1100 can be configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz WW ISM (e.g., in the ultra-high frequency RFID frequency band between 860 MHz and 960 MHz). For example, Figure 9 An embodiment of a tag architecture of a tag 1100 is shown in which an antenna 2112 is tuned to receive energy at frequencies below 1 GHz (e.g., energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz) and to transfer the received energy to a 900 MHz harvester 9012. Additionally or alternatively, an exemplary tag can be configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM (e.g., around 2.45 GHz from ambient and intentional energy sources such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). For example, Figure 9 An exemplary tag architecture depicted in FIG. 11 can additionally include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz and to transfer the received energy to a 2.4 GHz harvester 9014. In some embodiments, the harvested energy can be transferred to a power manager 9010, which can store the energy in an energy storage circuit 2108 or provide the harvested energy to power signal transmissions from the tag to one or more receivers.

[0095] In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless communication tag 1100 can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit signals from the tag to one or more receivers. For example, a tag 1100 can transmit a unique ID signal (optionally along with a status indicator and / or other data) in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM. In some embodiments, an antenna configured to harvest energy can additionally be configured to transmit signals of the tag. For example, Figure 9 A transmitter 2104 depicted in FIG. 11 can be configured to transmit signals at frequencies around 2.4 GHz using an antenna 2114; thus, the antenna 2114 can be configured to both harvest energy and transmit signals of the tag. An exemplary tag 1100 can also include a switch 9034 configured to control the behavior of the antenna 2114 and to switch the antenna 2114 between a transmission mode and an energy harvesting mode (e.g., under control of a beacon controller 9030 of the transmitter 2104). In some alternative embodiments, an exemplary tag 1100 can include a signal transmitter connected to an additional antenna separate from the energy harvesting antenna.

[0096] In some embodiments, the exemplary wireless communication tag 1100 may include at least one antenna configured to detect electromagnetic fields, including fields generated by the EAS system. In some embodiments, the antenna for detecting electromagnetic fields may include at least one coil. For example, as... Figure 2 and Figure 9 As shown, tag 1100 may include EAS coil 2110. Additionally or alternatively, other types of antennas for detecting electromagnetic fields may be incorporated into tag 1100. Tag 1100 may include one antenna for detecting electromagnetic fields, two antennas for detecting electromagnetic fields, three antennas for detecting electromagnetic fields, or any other number of antennas for detecting a desired number of electromagnetic fields.

[0097] In some implementations, the EAS coil 2110 can be configured to detect electromagnetic fields operating in one or more predetermined frequency bands. For example, the EAS coil 2110 can be configured to detect fields in the 7-13 MHz band and fields in the 58-60 kHz band. Figure 10 As shown, the EAS coil 2110 may include a tuning capacitor 10200 controlled by a controller 9020 to tune the coil 2110 between a mode for detecting fields in a first frequency band (e.g., 7-13 MHz) and a mode for detecting fields in a second frequency band (e.g., 58-60 kHz). In some embodiments, the EAS coil 2110 may be configured not to activate nearby EAS gates even when the coil 2110 detects an incident EAS field. That is, unlike conventional EAS tags that emit a detectable signal (or generate detectable interference) when an incident EAS field is received, the coil 2110 may be configured to detect an EAS field without emitting a signal that would trigger an EAS gate alarm. In some embodiments, the EAS coil 2110 may detect an incident electromagnetic field, and the gate detection circuit 2106 may determine whether the field is received from an EAS gate (e.g., whether the field is in the frequency band between 7-13 MHz or 58-60 kHz). When an EAS field is detected, circuit 2106 can output an EAS detection signal to controller 9020, which can change one or more signal transmission parameters of transmitter 2104 in response to the detection of an EAS field, as described below.

[0098] As mentioned above, harvesting energy from multiple sources across multiple frequency bands can provide several benefits to the exemplary tag. First, different frequency bands may have different regulatory restrictions in different jurisdictions, allowing the tag to supplement its energy harvesting in a second frequency band if there is insufficient power to harvest in the first band.

[0099] Further, harvesting energy from multiple sources can also enable the example tag to adjust its behavior based on the environment in which the tag is operating, including the ID signals transmitted by the emitter 2104. In some embodiments, the top-level controller 9020 of the tag can be configured to determine the type of energy the tag is receiving, and control the operation of the emitter 2104 based on the type of energy received. For example, the controller 9020 can be configured to determine when the antenna 2112 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in frequencies below 1 GHz or energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz), and based on that determination, control the emitter 2104 to operate in a first transmission mode. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 9020 can be configured to determine when the antenna 2114 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz), and based on that determination, control the emitter 2104 to operate in a second transmission mode. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 9020 can be configured to determine when the EAS coil 2110 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a frequency band between 7-13 MHz and / or energy in a frequency band between 58-60 kHz), and based on that determination, control the emitter 2104 to operate in a third transmission mode. Advantageously, the tag can be configured to identify its environment based on the frequency of the incident energy, and adjust its behavior, including control parameters of the emitter 2104, according to the identified environment.

[0100] In some embodiments, the example tag can be configured to store energy locally (e.g., in the energy storage circuit 2108), and in some embodiments, only transmit its unique ID signal (rather than, for example, a signal with a large amount of data). This can reduce the amount of power required to operate the emitter, as well as the overall digital content of the tag, to a much lower level than existing battery-powered devices. For example, the example tag can consume approximately 500 microamps or less in an active state (e.g., when the emitter 2104 is transmitting one or more signals), and can only require milliwatt-levels of idle current. Additionally or alternatively, the example tag can be configured to power the emitter 2104 to actively transmit an unsynchronized Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal using harvested energy at approximately -10 dBm, without the need for a battery or other power source. The foregoing examples are for non-limiting illustrative purposes only. Devices that use significantly more or less energy are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0101] Advantageously, the low level of required power can enable the tag's transmitter 2104 to achieve a transmission range of 10 meters or more, and in embodiments where the tag transmits non-synchronous BLE signals, the tag's transmitted signals can be more reliably received than signals transmitted by RFID devices. This is primarily because the backscatter reception technique used in RFID protocols is more sensitive to environmental interference, reflections, and blockage than other communication protocols such as BLE. For example, in some embodiments, a reader receiving transmissions from an example wireless communication tag can achieve a receiver sensitivity level of between -93 and -96 dBm, which is about 10 dB better than existing RFID reader chips.

[0102] Figures 12-14 depicts Figure 11 example modes of operation of wireless communication tags within a retail space. It should be understood that the subject matter discussed below is merely exemplary and is not to be construed as limiting. The principles discussed below apply to many of the other platforms listed above. Figure 12 shows the tag 1100 operating in a first mode, referred to herein as the "infrastructure excitable mode" (examples of which can include a store mode). Figure 13 shows the tag 1100 operating in a second mode, referred to herein as the "user excitable mode" (examples of which can include an Internet of Things (IoT) mode). Figure 14 shows the tag 1100 operating in a third mode, referred to herein as the "gate mode".

[0103] The tag 1100 can be configured to operate in the infrastructure excitable mode of Figure 12 the infrastructure excitable mode when the tag is powered by an environmental exciter, such as the exciters 11400 arranged throughout a venue. For example, in this mode, a location where goods for sale are stored or displayed can track its inventory. Each tag on each item can broadcast an ID letting the system know that it still exists in the venue. Location tracking can also enhance such a system so as to track not only the presence of an item, but also its location. For example, the strength of a received ID signal can indicate the approximate location of an item relative to a particular receiver, or multiple receptions can be used to identify a more precise location based on, for example, triangulation. Additional information stored in the system database can provide additional value to a user. For example, the history of movement or ownership of an item can be stored in the database along with the characteristics of the item. Thus, the transmission of a single ID from a tag, when combined with pre-stored data about the item, can provide a user with rich information. In some embodiments, additional feature data can be stored on the tag for transmission.

[0104] While Figure 12Only a single energizer is shown, but the tag 1100 can be powered by multiple energizers simultaneously. The energizers 11400 (including, for example, the energizer 11400d) can be configured to transmit energy 12100 to the tag in the RFID frequency band between 860-960 MHz. Additionally or alternatively, the tag 1100 can receive energy from other sources having a frequency of approximately 900 MHz. The energy 12100 can be received by the antenna 2112 and can be stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 to power the operation of the tag.

[0105] When the infrastructure energizable mode is triggered, the tag 1100 can control the transmitter 2104 to broadcast an ID signal 12200 of the tag in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz at a low repetition period. For example, the tag can transmit the ID signal 12200 at a minimum repetition period of 10 minutes, plus a random period of up to five minutes, resulting in an average of once every 12.5 minutes. Alternatively, the repetition period of the tag can be longer or shorter (e.g., less than five minutes, hours, or days). In some cases, the transmission of the ID signal 12200 can have a duration of approximately 300 μβ; however, in alternative embodiments, the transmission duration can be longer or shorter.

[0106] In Figures 11-14 In the example shown, multiple receivers 11300a-h can be arranged throughout a venue and configured to receive broadcasts of the ID signal 12200 from all wireless communication tags within or near the venue. Because the transmitter 2104 can have a broadcast range of 10 meters or more (e.g., 15 meters or more in some cases), in some cases the transmitted ID signal 12200 can be received by multiple receivers 11300e and 11300f, thereby reducing the probability of signal misdetection. In other cases, one receiver can receive the broadcast of the ID signal 12200. When a receiver receives the ID signal 12200 from a tag, the signal can be relayed to one or more processors (e.g., processors within the venue and / or a remote platform server) for processing, analysis, and / or storage. As described above, the example system can additionally or alternatively include one or more receiver / energizer devices, such as the device 1124, which can be configured to deliver energy 12100 to wireless communication tags (similar to the energizers 11400) and receive broadcasts of the ID signal 12200 from wireless communication tags (similar to the receivers 11300); that is, the device 1124 can function as both an energizer and a receiver. In some alternative embodiments, for example Figure 11 In the embodiment shown, the energizers 11400 and the receivers 11300 can be configured as separate devices.

[0107] In implementations using multiple wireless identification tags in the same location, three or more channels in the BLE standard (between 2.400-2.4835 GHz WWISM) can be used for tags to broadcast their respective identification signals to a receiver. For example, each tag can randomly select one of three advertising channels in each transmission. This use of multiple channels, combined with the short duration and low repetition period of each signal transmission, minimizes the possibility of collisions between different tag transmissions. Furthermore, due to the infrequent signal transmissions and the small power required for each transmission, each tag can conserve the collected energy in an infrastructure-excited mode.

[0108] Tag 1100 can be configured to, when the tag receives energy from the environment and intentional 2.4GHz sources (such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi devices), Figure 13 The tag operates in a user-incentivized mode. In some implementations, a user can trigger the user-incentivized mode in tag 1100 by scanning the tag with a 2.4GHz device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or any other device configured to transmit a 2.4GHz trigger signal 13100 to the tag. This allows the user to receive information about an item based on a scan of the item tag. For example, when a scan occurs, the identifier can be transmitted to a server (e.g., via network infrastructure or via a receiver / transmitter in a user-controlled device). The server can then perform an information lookup and transmit it to the user's device. The user may be able to define the type of information requested to customize the output according to the user's needs. In alternative implementations, the relevant data may already be stored on the user's device, and the lookup may occur on the user's device rather than being sent to a server for analysis.

[0109] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, a user can activate the user-incentivized mode in tag 1100 within a retail location; however, the user-incentivized mode can be triggered in other locations and environments, such as when a user scans items (or shelves in their closet) at home using their smartphone, or during manual inventory scanning (e.g., in a warehouse or other storage facility).

[0110] When the user-activatable mode is triggered, the tag 1100 can harvest incident 2.4 GHz energy to charge the energy storage circuit 2108. In addition, when the tag 1100 determines that the antenna 2114 receives 2.4 GHz energy, the transmitter 2104 can transmit the ID signal 12200 in the 2.4 GHz band. However, the beacon controller 9030 can adjust the repetition period of the ID signal to be much faster than the repetition period of the ID signal in the infrastructure-activatable mode. For example, the transmitter 2104 can broadcast the ID signal 12200 less than 10 seconds after the antenna 2114 receives the 2.4 GHz signal 13100, with a signal duration of about 300 μβ. Alternatively, a longer or shorter repetition period can be implemented in the user-activatable mode. By implementing a shorter response period in the user-activatable mode, the tag can provide a prompt response to the user when the user-activatable mode is triggered; in contrast, in the infrastructure-activatable mode, such a prompt response can not be needed. In some embodiments, the beacon controller 9030 can also reduce the transmission power when the tag enters the user-activatable mode from the infrastructure-activatable mode, in order to minimize the chance of interference with other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz band simultaneously.

[0111] In some embodiments, the tag can broadcast the ID signal 12200 back to the device 11200 in the user-activatable mode. Additionally or alternatively, the tag can broadcast the ID signal 12200 to one or more receivers (e.g., the receiver 11300c) around the venue. In some embodiments, the tag transmission in the user-activatable mode can be broadcast on one of the three or more BLE channels described above, with each tag randomly selecting one of the three channels for each transmission. Figure 13

[0112] The tag 1100 can be configured to transmit the ID signal 12200 in the user-activatable mode when the EAS coil 2110 receives an EAS signal 14100 from the EAS gate 1112, 1114. Figure 14 ​In some embodiments, the EAS signal 14100 can have a frequency within a frequency band between 7-13 MHz or within a frequency band between 58-60 kHz. The EAS gates 1112, 1114 can be installed near the exit of a venue and can emit a more localized signal 14100 than RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other radio frequency transmissions, providing an accurate indication of when a tagged item passes through the gate (rather than merely walking near the gate). For example, a user can be allowed to walk out of a store with a tagged item, rather than requiring the customer to go to a cash register or register. The gate can then read the identity of the tag and the user, e.g., through the user’s mobile device, and send a list of items to purchase to a server that looks up the price of the items and automatically charges the user’s credit or debit account, or automatically transfers funds from the user’s electronic wallet to the seller.

[0113] When the gate mode is triggered, the beacon controller 9030 can control the transmitter 2104 to transmit a short, powerful burst of the ID signal 12200. For example, the transmitter 2104 can transmit the ID signal at its maximum output power for a period of about 200 ms, with a repeat period between 10-80 ms, such that multiple transmissions occur within a very short timeframe. The ID signal 12200 can be received by a dedicated receiver 11300h near the EAS gate; however, due to the configuration of the EAS coil 2110 and its associated circuitry, the EAS gate itself can not be triggered by the tag 1100. In some embodiments, the tag 1100 can be configured to operate in the gate mode for a predetermined length of time or a predetermined number of transmissions of the ID signal 12200, after which it can revert to a previous mode of operation of the tag or a default mode (e.g., can be the infrastructure energizable mode).

[0114] The disclosed embodiments can include a wireless identification tag for association with a product to enable product self-identification. The wireless identification tag can include any wirelessly detectable device, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon device, a device including a microcontroller powered by radio frequency energy, or any other structure configured to transmit a detectable signal. The product can include any article associated with the tag. As non-limiting examples, the product can include a tool, an article of clothing, an electronic product, a consumer product, equipment, a vehicle, a consumable, a package, an accessory, a supply, a material, an artwork, an animal, a person, an instrument, a pallet, a container, a pharmaceutical, a trade good, an item, a device, a machine, an appliance, a mechanism, furniture, or any other object. The wireless identification tag can be associated with the product to enable the product to provide self-identification through the tag. The wireless identification tag can be associated with the product by adhesion, embedding, sewing, mounting, adhering, friction fit, pocketing, cinching, wrapping, fastening, or any other type of physical association. For example, if the product is made of fabric, the tag can be implanted in the fabric, embedded between layers of fabric, adhered to the fabric, attached to the fabric by hanging the tag, or connected to the fabric in any other manner that enables physical association. The self-identification can include, for example, transmitting or communicating data containing identification information, such as identifying an inventory number, a barcode, or any other form of data containing information that can identify the product, identify one or more product characteristics, or be related in some way to the product, its operation, or its use. Embodiments of the wireless identification tag can include any device suitable for attachment to any object to enable visual, tactile, audible, or electronic identification of the object without the use of externally connected cables or wires. Other embodiments can be embedded into the article as part of the manufacturing process or later, such as by a retailer. In some embodiments, the wireless identification tag can not require a battery, but can operate with harvested energy (as disclosed herein). In some embodiments, the wireless identification tag can include a device small enough to be embedded in an article, such as an article of clothing, during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the embedded tag can not be easily detectable by a wearer. Other embodiments can remain embedded or attached to the article for a long period of time, such as many years. Some embodiments of the wireless identification tag can be resistant to dust and water, such as to the IP67 standard. Other embodiments can be resistant to washing, drying, dry cleaning, and ironing.

[0115] In disclosed embodiments, a tag can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy. An antenna can include any structure configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. For example, an antenna can include one or more electrically conductive elements and / or non-conductive dielectric elements arranged in a manner capable of transmitting and / or receiving radio signals, or any other component and / or device configured to receive and / or transmit energy from air or any other medium in which the antenna is placed. An antenna can also be directly or wirelessly electrically coupled to at least one discrete receiver and / or transmitter, and can be configured to transmit and receive energy equally in all directions (omnidirectional antenna) or preferentially in one or more specific directions (directional or "beam" antenna). In some embodiments, an antenna can also be configured to intercept at least a portion of the energy contained in radio waves or other electromagnetic waves to produce an electric current at its one or more terminals.

[0116] In some embodiments, an antenna can also include circuitry for converting a signal from a conducted input into a radiated output (in transmission) and / or from a radiated input into a conducted output (in reception). A radiated signal can be an electromagnetic, electric, or magnetic field, and a conducted signal can be a time-varying voltage or current signal on a physical connection, such as a metal wire or printed circuit (also known as a conductor). In some embodiments, a radiated signal can be acoustic (such as in sonar applications) or optical (such as in laser applications). An antenna can be passive (meaning that no external power source is required other than the signal to be transmitted or received), or active (meaning that an external power source is required to power active circuitry). A passive antenna can be implemented as a series of conductors printed on a printed circuit board (PCB), and can be connected to the rest of the circuitry through direct connections, through electrical or magnetic coupling, or any other suitable form of electronic connection.

[0117] By way of example, Figure 15 The illustrated wireless identification tag 1100 can include antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C. Antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C can be configured to transmit and / or receive different types of electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, any combination of antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C can be integrated within a single antenna unit.

[0118] The disclosed embodiments can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency within a frequency band around 900 MHz and a second frequency within a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. According to the present disclosure, energy can refer to a quantity that measures the ability to do work or to exert power over a length of time (e.g., the product of power and length of time equals energy expended). Energy can be delivered in a variety of forms, such as electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, kinetic, acoustic, thermal, photonic, or other sources. Energy can also be stored in a variety of forms, such as electrostatic, magnetic, chemical, kinetic, thermal, or other forms. In the context of electrical circuits or electronic circuits, electrical energy can include DC (direct current) or AC (alternating current), although other forms of electrical energy can also be used in connection with the disclosed embodiments.

[0119] According to the present disclosure, a frequency band can refer to a portion of the radio spectrum and / or the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, a frequency band can refer to a portion of the spectrum reserved internationally for specific industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes. In this context, the term "reserved" can refer to designating a frequency band or range of frequencies for a single purpose or application. In many jurisdictions, frequency bands can be reserved and / or designated by law, regulation, or any other applicable standard or agreement. Generally, a frequency band can refer to any portion of the spectrum that can be used in such fields as broadcasting, radio communication, wireless telecommunication (e.g., cellular telephones), near-field communication (NFC), wireless computer networks (e.g., Wi-Fi), or any other wireless communication means, among other fields and / or uses, such as radar, scientific measurements, beacons, protected bands between frequency bands dedicated to different uses and kept empty to reduce interference, and other fields and / or uses that require transmission or reception of electromagnetic energy.

[0120] In general, the 900 MHz or so frequency band can refer to any one or more portions of the ultra-high frequency (UHF) frequency band generally reserved for RFID purposes. However, the specific portions of the UHF frequency band reserved for RFID purposes can vary by region and / or jurisdiction. For example, many jurisdictions can reserve one of two standard frequency bands for UHF RFID technology, such as 902-928 MHz (as in the United States) and 865-868 MHz (as in the European Union); however, certain jurisdictions can employ multiple frequency bands outside of this standard and / or other unique frequency bands. One such country (e.g., Japan) previously used two unique frequency bands (952-956.4 MHz and 952-957.6 MHz) for UHF RFID purposes, both of which are outside of the standard range, but for the purposes of the present disclosure, both are within the 900 MHz or so frequency band in this case. Further, the designated frequency bands can change. For example, Japan later changed the designated frequency band for UHF RFID technology to 916.7-920.9 MHz, which is within the 900 MHz or so frequency band for the purposes of the present disclosure and herein. Thus, references to specific frequency bands in the context of the present disclosure are not necessarily fixed, but are subject to changing regulations, standards, protocols, and industry norms. Accordingly, it should be understood that, in accordance with the present disclosure, the “900 MHz or so frequency band” can refer to a wide range of potential frequency bands.

[0121] In accordance with the present disclosure, the approximately 2.4 GHz frequency band can refer to any one or more portions of the UHF frequency band designated for radio frequency energy in various scientific, medical, and industrial applications. Some non-limiting examples of devices that can operate within the approximately 2.4 GHz frequency band can include cell phones, desktop computers, laptops, video game consoles, smartphones, tablets, smart televisions, digital audio players, automobiles, modern printers, and other devices capable of wireless communication. Services and users of the approximately 2.4 GHz frequency band can use certain wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and classic Bluetooth, for wireless local and personal area networks. Many jurisdictions can reserve one or more of the multiple frequency bands within the standard 2.4 GHz range for such technologies; however, certain jurisdictions can employ multiple frequency bands outside of this standard and / or other unique frequency bands.

[0122] As with the frequency bands typically designated for UHF RFID, the frequency bands around 2.4 GHz designated for similar purposes can vary by region and jurisdiction, and can change over time. For example, according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, a set of local area network (LAN) protocols designates a set of media access control (MAC) and physical layer (PHY) protocols for implementing WLAN Wi-Fi communications in frequencies including the 2.4 GHz range, and is the most widely used standard for wireless computer networks in the world. Over time, the IEEE has modified 802.11 to designate frequency bands outside the 2.4 GHz range for similar purposes, such as 5 GHz and even 60 GHz. Thus, it is contemplated that the standard frequency range for wireless computer networks can change in the future. Accordingly, it should be understood that, according to the present disclosure, a “frequency band around 2.4 GHz” can refer to a wide range of potential frequency bands.

[0123] The disclosed embodiments can include at least one antenna including a first antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within a first frequency range of a 900 MHz WW ISM, and a second antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within a second frequency range of a 2.4 GHz WW ISM. In general, as previously mentioned, the frequency range of the 900 MHz WW ISM and the frequency range of the 2.4 GHz WW ISM can refer to frequency ranges around 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz, respectively. The term “WW ISM” can generally refer to frequency ranges designated by international or global (WW) protocols and / or standards (such as IEEE protocols or ITU guidelines) for various industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes. Although international authorities, organizations, and / or regulatory bodies can designate certain frequency bands for particular purposes, the particular frequency bands used for such purposes can vary by region or jurisdiction, such that some regions and jurisdictions can designate frequency bands outside of the frequency ranges designated by international standards and / or protocols but still used for similar purposes. Thus, it should be understood that the WW ISM frequency ranges can refer to a wide range of frequency bands that can or can not belong to international standards and / or protocols.

[0124] In some embodiments, however, at least one antenna can include one or more antennas tuned to receive energy transmitted in one or more frequency bands or frequency ranges. For example, a single antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in multiple frequency bands at about 900 MHz, multiple frequency bands at about 2.4 GHz, or both. Thus, an antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within the frequency range of about 900 MHz WW ISM can also be tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within another frequency range, and an antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within the frequency range of about 2.4 GHz WW ISM can be tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within another frequency range.

[0125] By way of example, Figure 9 and Figure 10 Exemplary structures of a wireless identification tag are shown. In these figures, antenna 2112 can be tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within the frequency range of about 900 MHz, and antenna 2114 can be tuned to receive energy transmitted within the frequency band of about 2.4 GHz. However, a wireless identification tag can also include any number of these antennas, and each antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in one or more of any frequency bands, and can also be configured to transmit signals itself.

[0126] Disclosed embodiments can include at least one transmitter configured to send at least one identification signal. The transmitter can be configured to send a signal through a communication medium. The signal can carry data (as in the case of a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication, Ethernet communication, or any other communication system based on a standard or proprietary protocol) and / or carry energy (as in the case of certain RFID devices, X-ray imagers, or exciters for radar). In some contexts, the term "transmitter" can refer to wireless communication, such that the signal is an electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic signal, and the medium is over-the-air wireless communication. However, in general, a transmitter can include any component or device capable of sending a signal according to the present disclosure.

[0127] In some embodiments, the identification signal can include a set of data transmitted over an agreed communication medium using an agreed communication protocol, the set of data including a unique identification in the transmitted data. The communication medium can include a sound transmission, a visual transmission, a wired communication, a wireless communication, a fiber optic communication, or any other suitable medium for carrying the transmitted signal. The communication protocol can be a standard-based protocol such as 802.3 Ethernet, ADSL / VDSL / SDSL wired protocol, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, LTE, 5G, ZigBee,..., Z-wave wireless protocol, a proprietary protocol agreed by the transmitter and the receiver, or any other set of rules referring to the communication between various electronic devices. However, regardless of the underlying communication protocol, the data can be encrypted, scrambled, or disguised by the transmitter in a way that is decipherable by the receiver as long as such encryption, scrambling, or disguising is agreed between the transmitter and the receiver as part of the communication protocol at a previous point in time. The data can include only the unique identification, or it can include other fields such as pre-, mid-, and post-synchronization codes, addresses and other identifications, status fields, and / or any other data that can be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. However, in general, the identification signal can be any signal containing information associated with the transmitter and / or the transmitting device. By way of example, Figure 15 The signals 15104A, 15104B, and 15104C depicted in FIG. 15 can include or otherwise constitute identification signals.

[0128] Disclosed embodiments can include at least one circuit. A circuit can include two or more interconnected components. Some non-limiting examples can include combinations of components and / or devices implemented as part of a silicon chip, as part of a printed circuit board, as part of a connectorized system, or combinations of any of the above, connected in a manner that enables a desired function or reaction. The function or reaction can be in response to one or more inputs, stimuli, and / or triggers generated internally or externally to the circuit. The function or reaction can include controlling other circuits, generating visual, audible, or other conveyable alerts or signals, performing a predefined encoding operation, or any other electronic-based function. For example, components and / or devices can include resistors, capacitors, inductors, conductors, transistors, diodes, transmission lines, inverters, buffers, logic gates, latches, flip-flops, amplifiers, comparators, voltage sources, current sources, switches, or any other components and / or devices configured to control electronic devices. Inputs, stimuli, and / or triggers can include voltage level changes, current level changes, frequency, amplitude, or phase changes of received signals, digital inputs, digital pulses, control words, or any other form of input configured to generate a response from a circuit. However, in general, a circuit can include any components, devices, or combinations thereof configured to perform any electronic function or functions according to the present disclosure.

[0129] For example, in Figure 2 , the tag 1100 can include at least one circuit, such as a gate detection circuit 2106 and an energy storage circuit 2108. As shown in Figure 15 , the wireless identification tag 1100 can include a circuit 15006. Further, Figure 9 and Figure 10 An exemplary configuration of a circuit that can be used to perform certain functions in accordance with the present disclosure is shown.

[0130] The disclosed embodiments can also include at least one circuit configured to detect whether energy is received at a first frequency or at a second frequency. Detecting whether energy is received at a first frequency or at a second frequency can include discovering, identifying, or otherwise discerning the presence of signals and / or energy of the first and / or second frequencies in the environment of the wireless identification tag. For example, the circuit can be electrically connected to at least one antenna such that the at least one antenna can cause at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger associated with the received energy in the first and / or second frequencies to be received by the at least one circuit. The circuit can be configured to, upon receiving the at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger, determine whether the input, stimulus, or trigger includes energy of the first and / or second frequencies. As an example with respect to Figure 15 , the antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C can be tuned to different frequencies, and the circuit 15006 can be configured to detect the presence of energy 15102A, energy 15102B, and / or energy 15102C associated with the first, second, and / or third frequencies, respectively, by detecting the antenna that receives the signal. Further, or alternatively, the tag can include circuitry that detects a characteristic (such as a frequency) of an input signal. In this case, a single multi-frequency antenna can be used in place of the multiple antennas shown in Figure 15 .

[0131] The disclosed embodiments can also include at least one circuit configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode to transmit a first form of an identification signal when a first frequency is detected, and to operate in a second mode to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit a second form of the identification signal when a second frequency is detected. For example, the first mode can refer to the step of transmitting a first signal, and the second mode can refer to the step of transmitting a second signal. The first and second modes can also refer to different operational characteristics. These characteristics can include a communication medium, a communication protocol, a frequency, a frequency range, a frequency band, a type of encryption, scrambling and / or disguising, data content, transmission timing, and / or any other distinguishable characteristic that can be associated with an identification signal to be transmitted. For example, the at least one circuit, upon detecting receipt of energy from the at least one antenna at a first frequency, can cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode, where the first mode is associated with an identification signal having any one or more of the characteristics or combinations of characteristics as described above. In some embodiments, however, the first mode can also be associated with no transmission or blocked transmission of an identification signal. Similarly, upon detecting that the at least one antenna has received energy at a second frequency, the at least one circuit can cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a second mode.

[0132] By way of example, Figure 15 The circuit 15006 in the device 15000 can detect energy 15102A received by one or more of the antennas 15002A-C. In response to the detection, the circuit 15006 can cause any one or more of the transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a first mode. For example, operating in the first mode can include transmitting one or more of the signals 15104A-C, where the signals 15104A-C can have different characteristics such that each signal is distinguishable from the others in at least one respect. The circuit 15006 can also detect receipt of energy 15102B by one or more of the antennas 15002A-C. In response to the detection, the circuit 15006 can cause any one or more of the transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a second mode. For example, operating in the second mode can include transmitting one or more of the signals 15104A-C, where one or more of the signals 15104A-C can differ from the signals 15104A-C transmitted in the first mode, either individually or in combination.

[0133] According to some disclosed embodiments, at least one of the first form of identification signal or the second form of identification signal can include a unique identification of the wireless identification tag. The unique identification can include a number, a string of characters, or other form of data that is individually associated with the identified entity such that no single entity is associated with the same unique identification of any other entity, and any single entity can have only a single unique identification associated therewith. The unique identification can include a serial number, a unique EPC code, a database entry (as long as each database entry represents a single entity, and all related entities are represented by exactly one entry in the database), or any other form of data that is individually associated with the identified entity. By way of example, Figure 15 The wireless identification tag 1100 described in FIG. 11 can transmit at least one form of identification signal, e.g., signals 15104A-C, in response to a trigger input signal, e.g., 15102A-C.

[0134] In disclosed embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit the first form of identification signal and the second form of identification signal at the same transmission frequency. In other words, the at least one transmitter can transmit the first form of identification signal when operating in the first mode, the identification signal having the same or substantially similar frequency (e.g., 2.4 GHz) as the second form of identification signal transmitted when the transmitter is operating in the second mode. Thus, the frequency associated with the first form of identification signal and the second form of identification signal need not necessarily be different. However, the first form of identification signal can still be associated with any number of characteristics that can be distinguished from the characteristics of the second form of identification signal (e.g., transmitted information content, communication medium, communication protocol, encryption type, scrambling and / or disguising, data content, transmission timing). By way of example, at least one of the transmitters 15004A-C can transmit the first form of identification signal 15104A when operating in the first mode, and can transmit the second form of identification signal 15104B when operating in the second mode. Although the signal 15104A and the signal 15104B can be associated with distinguishable characteristics, the transmitters can still be configured to transmit them at the same frequency.

[0135] In some embodiments, the transmission frequency of the first and second forms of identification signal is a second frequency. For example, the transmission of the first and second forms of identification signal can occur at a common frequency, e.g., the second frequency, regardless of the information transmitted. Thus, for example, the at least one transmitter can transmit the first form of identification signal when operating in the first mode, the first form of identification signal having the same or substantially similar frequency as the transmission of the second form of identification signal. For example, the common frequency can be within the frequency band of approximately 2.4 GHz. Reference is made to Figure 15As an example, at least one of the transmitters 15004A-C can transmit a first form of the identification signal 15104A when operating in a first mode, and can transmit a second form of the identification signal 15104B when operating in a second mode. Although the signal 15104A and the signal 15104B can be associated with distinguishable characteristics, the transmitters can still be configured to transmit them at the same frequency of the second energy 15102B received by at least one of the antennas 15002A-C.

[0136] The disclosed embodiments can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit the first form of the identification signal and the second form of the identification signal at different power levels. The transmitters can be designed to transmit their signals at a magnitude over the communication medium. This magnitude can be used to calculate certain characteristics of the signal's propagation over the communication medium, establishing parameters such as the range at which the signal can be detected, signal-to-noise ratio, interference characteristics, etc. In the case of wireless communication, this magnitude can be measured in power units, typically Watts or dBW (decibels- Watts or dB-Watts), which is a logarithmic unit related to Watts (or sometimes dBm units, which are related to milliwatts in the same way that dBW is related to Watts). In this sense, "power level" can refer, for example, to the result of a power measurement taken immediately at the output of the transmitter when the transmitter is actively transmitting. The transmitters can be designed to have configurable power levels, such that in response to certain inputs, it can transmit signals at one of two or more different power levels.

[0137] As an example, at least one of the transmitters 15004A-C can transmit a first form of the identification signal 15104A when operating in a first mode, and can transmit a second form of the identification signal 15104B when operating in a second mode. Although the signal 15104A and the signal 15104B can be transmitted at the same frequency, the power level of the signal 15104A can be different from the power level of the signal 15104B.

[0138] In some disclosed embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal less than 10 seconds after detection of the second frequency. For example, the transmitter can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal immediately upon detection of the second frequency. However, in some embodiments, the transmitter can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal after a delay period after detection of the second frequency, which can be under 10 seconds. By way of example, the transmitter 15004B can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal 15104B five seconds (or any other period of time thereafter) after the circuit 15006 detects energy 15102B in the second frequency. This period of time can include inherent delays in the system (e.g., response time of a detector used to detect energy 15102B received by the antenna 15002B, or processing time required by the circuit 15006 to receive an indication from the detector, process the input, arrive at a conclusion that the transmitter 15004B needs to transmit the second form of the identification signal 15104B, and relay such a command, control, or signal to the transmitter 15004B to perform the operation). Additionally or alternatively, this period of time can include an intentional delay, such as a pause, a wait time, an occupied clock cycle, a timer, and a watchdog mechanism, which can be configured to cause an action to occur at a later time rather than immediately.

[0139] In some disclosed embodiments, in the first mode, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit the first form of the identification signal with a first repetition period. The repetition period can refer to the time interval between pulses of the identification signal transmitted by the transmitter. For example, in some embodiments, transmitting the identification signal does not necessarily include transmitting the signal continuously without interruption, but can include transmitting short bursts of the signal with fixed or variable time intervals between the bursts. In this regard, the repetition period can refer to the temporal periodicity of the bursts of the signal. By way of example, the transmitter 15004A can be configured to transmit the first form of the identification signal 15104A with a first repetition period, where the repetition period refers to a fixed amount of time between the start of one burst and the start of the next burst. In some disclosed embodiments, in the second mode, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal with a second repetition period that is shorter than the first repetition period. By way of example, the transmitter 15004B can be configured to transmit the second form of the identification signal 15104B with a second repetition period, where the second repetition period is shorter than the repetition period of the first form of the identification signal 15104A.

[0140] In some embodiments, the first form of the identification signal can differ from the second form of the identification signal in at least one of a repetition period, a frequency channel, a transmission power, or transmission data associated with the transmitted identification signal. As previously mentioned, a repetition period can refer to the periodicity of a burst of a given identification signal. A frequency channel can refer to a single frequency, a range of frequencies, or a band of frequencies that can be used for a particular purpose. The different forms of the identification signal can also differ in their transmission power, which can refer to the power level and / or magnitude of the transmission discussed previously. The transmission data can include a unique identification, but can also contain any other type of information. By way of example, the first form of the identification signal 15104A and the second form of the identification signal 15104B can have any number of different characteristics listed above. For example, they can have different repetition periods, frequency channels, transmission powers, and / or transmission data associated with the transmitted identification signal.

[0141] The disclosed embodiments can also include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one antenna. The energy storage component can include any element or circuit capable of accumulating energy. Non-limiting examples include capacitors, supercapacitors, and batteries. By way of example, the at least one energy storage component can include an electrical element or circuit designed to receive energy from a source in one form (e.g., a waveform), to store it locally in a second form (e.g., a voltage), and to make it available for use by other circuits, components, and / or devices electrically connected to it, either immediately after receiving the energy or at a later time. This can be accomplished by, for example, rectifying circuitry or a rectenna. The antenna portion of the rectenna can be almost any antenna form suitable for the frequency band of interest. Options include monopole, dipole, or microstrip patch fabricated on a printed circuit board (PCB) inverted F structure, arrays of such or other antenna elements, and many other types of antennas, as well as rectifying circuitry based on nonlinear rectifying devices (such as Schottky or IMPATT diodes, or diode-connected transistors). The antenna can be connected to the rectifying circuitry by impedance matching circuitry and a filter (e.g., a low-pass filter) to block any harmonics produced by the diodes. In the context of electronic circuitry, the energy storage component can include a capacitor, a supercapacitor, a battery, or any other circuit, component, or device capable of receiving energy, storing energy, and making energy available. By way of example, the energy storage component can include Figure 2 、 9one or more components shown in FIGS. 10 and 15, such as the energy storage circuit 2108, the storage capacitor 10300, and / or the energy storage component 15008. For example, any one or more components can be configured to receive energy from the antennas 2112, 2114, and / or 15002A-C, store the received energy, and make the energy available to other components in the tag 1100. In one example, energy received in one form can be stored in a second form, and can be provided to components in a third form.

[0142] The disclosed embodiments can further include at least one energy storage component configured to store energy received by the at least one antenna. For example, once any one or more antennas of a wireless identification tag receive energy at any frequency, the wireless identification tag can be configured such that the received energy is transferred to and received by the at least one energy storage component. By way of example, the antenna 15002A can receive energy 15102A. Components of the wireless identification tag can be configured such that this energy is transferred to the energy storage component 15008. The energy storage component may, for example, receive this energy and, in response thereto, store this energy in another form.

[0143] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can be configured to store energy received at a first frequency and a second frequency. For example, regardless of the input frequency of the input signal, the energy storage component, through association with appropriate circuitry or intermediary components, can receive and store the associated energy. By way of example, the antennas 15002A and 15002B can receive energy 15102A and 15102B at a first frequency and a second frequency, respectively. Components of the wireless identification tag can be configured such that both energy 15102A and 15102B can be transferred to the energy storage component 15008. Energy 15102A and 15102B can be received by the antennas in a radio frequency form, and can be stored in the energy storage component 15008 as an electrostatic charge or as chemical bonds residing in a medium between two battery electrodes; both of these mechanisms can result in a voltage output of the energy storage component that can be used by other circuitry and components in the wireless identification tag. Energy 15102A and 15102B can alternatively be stored in the energy storage component 15008 in other forms suitable for later use to power various components of the wireless identification tag using the stored energy.

[0144] According to some disclosed embodiments, the energy storage component can be configured to utilize energy received by the at least one antenna to power the wireless identification tag. For example, the at least one energy storage component can be configured in such a way that any component that requires power to operate can access the stored energy. The at least one energy storage component can be electrically connected to several components of the wireless identification tag, for example, in order to power them by providing stored energy to these components. By way of example, the energy storage component 15008 can be configured to power the wireless identification tag 1100 by providing its stored energy to any one or more components of the wireless identification tag 1100 (e.g., the transmitters 15004A-C, the circuit 15006).

[0145] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can include at least one capacitor. A capacitor can refer to a ceramic capacitor, a film capacitor, a power film capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, a super capacitor, a class X and Y capacitor, other various or variable capacitor, or any other suitable device for storing electrical energy in an electric field using two terminals. By way of example, the energy storage circuit 2108 can include at least one storage capacitor 10300.

[0146] The disclosed embodiments can also include at least one circuit configured to use energy from the at least one capacitor to power at least one transmitter in order to transmit at least one identification signal. In some embodiments, powering the at least one transmitter can include receiving energy stored in the capacitor and forwarding the energy to the transmitter, or any other suitable method for controlling the flow of energy in the wireless identification tag 1100 so that the energy can be provided to at least one of the transmitters 15004A-C. By way of example, a capacitor 15100, which can be part of the energy storage component 15008, can store energy received from any of the antennas 15002A-C. The capacitor 15100 can be used to power the circuit 15006 as well as the transmitters 15004A-C. For example, the circuit 15006 can include logic for determining an appropriate transmission signal. Thus, in one example, the circuit 15006 can be powered by the capacitor 15100 and can regulate the flow of energy from the capacitor to the appropriate transmitter. While the energy storage component 15008 is schematically shown as having a single box representing the capacitor 15100, it should be understood that such representation is intended to represent one or more capacitors. For example, as described elsewhere in this disclosure, multiple capacitors having the same or different capacitances can be employed.

[0147] According to the disclosed embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit in the second mode using energy received in at least one of the first frequency or the second frequency. For example, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit in the second mode using one or both of energy received at the first frequency and energy received at the second frequency. As Figure 15 As shown in the example of FIG. 15, the circuit 15006 can be configured to cause the transmitter 15004B to transmit in a second mode, which can include transmitting the signal 15104B. The circuit 15006 can be configured to use energy stored in the energy storage component 15008, which has accumulated energy 15102A received in the first frequency and / or energy 15102B received in the second frequency, to power the transmission in the second mode. However, the circuit 15006 can also cause the transmitter 15004B to transmit in the second mode using only the energy 15102A received in the first frequency or only the energy 15102B received in the second frequency, using, for example, multiple energy storage components (e.g., the energy storage component 15008).

[0148] According to some disclosed embodiments, at least one antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in a third frequency range. For example, the wireless identification tag 1100 can include at least one antenna (e.g., antenna 15002C) that can be tuned to receive energy (e.g., energy 15102C) from a third energy range. The third frequency range can be lower than the first frequency range and the second frequency range. For example, if energy 15102A is in a first frequency band of about 900 MHz, and if energy 15102B is in a second frequency band of about 2.4 GHz, then energy 15102C can be in a lower frequency band than energy 15102A and 15102B (i.e., energy 15102C will be in a lower frequency band than the frequency band of about 900 MHz of energy 15102A). In cases where a third frequency range is employed, at least one circuit can be configured to detect whether energy is received in the third frequency range. Detecting whether energy is received in the third frequency can include discovering, identifying, or otherwise discerning the presence of a signal and / or energy in the third frequency in the environment of the wireless identification tag. For example, a circuit can be electrically connected to the at least one antenna such that the at least one antenna can cause at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger associated with the received energy in the third frequency to be received by the at least one circuit. The circuit can be configured to determine, upon receipt of the at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger, whether the input, stimulus, or trigger is associated with energy associated with the third frequency. For example, circuit 15006 can be configured to detect the presence of energy 15102C associated with the third frequency, respectively, by detecting whether antenna 15002C has received respective energy associated with respective frequencies based at least on the input, stimulus, or trigger received from the antenna. Although three frequency ranges are shown by way of example, more than three frequency ranges can be used according to the present disclosure.

[0149] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a third mode to transmit a third form of identification signal when the third frequency range is detected. The third mode can refer to the step of transmitting a third signal, or can refer to different operational characteristics. These characteristics can include a communication medium, a communication protocol, a frequency, a frequency range, a frequency band, a type of encryption, scrambling and / or disguising, data content, transmission timing, and / or any other distinguishable characteristic that can be associated with an identification signal to be transmitted. For example, the at least one circuit, upon detecting that energy of the third frequency has been received from the at least one antenna, can cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a third mode, where the third mode is associated with an identification signal having any one or more of the characteristics or combinations of characteristics as described above. However, in some embodiments, the third mode can also be associated with non- transmission or prevention of transmission of an identification signal.

[0150] As an example, the circuit 15006 can detect energy 15102C received by one or more of the antennas 15002A-C. In response to the detection, the circuit 15006 can cause any one or more of the transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a third mode. For example, operating in the third mode can include transmitting one or more signals 15104A-C, where the signals 15104A-C can have different characteristics such that each signal is distinguishable from one another in at least one respect, and where one or more of the signals 15104A-C can be different, alone or in combination, than the signals 15104A-C transmitted in the first and second modes.

[0151] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags whose response times vary as a function of input signal frequency. For ease of discussion, a method is described below, with the understanding that aspects of the method are equally applicable to systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media. For example, some aspects of the method can occur electronically over a wired network, a wireless network, or a network that is a hybrid of the two. Other aspects of the method can be implemented using non-electronic means. In the broadest sense, the method is not limited to a specific physical and / or electronic means for carrying out the method, but can be implemented using a number of different means.

[0152] Disclosed embodiments can include wireless identification tags. Such wireless identification tags can include any device, object, system, component, or circuitry that can wirelessly transmit identification information. As described herein, the identification information can include any form of identification or characteristic information. For example, the tag can have a unique serial number or other transmittable identification code. Such identification information can subsequently be used to look up information about an object associated with the tag. Alternatively or in addition, the identification information can include one or more characteristics of the object, such as the object's location, status, power reserves, history, or any other information unique to the object or tag.

[0153] According to some embodiments, the wireless identification tags can have response times that vary as a function of input signal frequency. As a non-limiting example, the input signal can be propagated through Wi-Fi, cellular, mobile, RF, and other forms of electromagnetic communication platforms, or through other types of signals, such as acoustic, photonic, mechanical, magnetic signals, whether for communication or for other purposes.

[0154] The input signal can be characterized by various parameters, including energy, power, phase, amplitude, modulation, waveform, frequency, and / or other signal characteristics that can be detected or measured. The frequency of the input signal can refer to the carrier frequency, the frequency of one or more signal components, and / or the bit rate of encoded signals contained therein.

[0155] A response time can be a duration of time between events, measured in seconds, milliseconds, microseconds, or other units of time. For example, a response time can be a duration of time (or delay) between event A and event B. In some cases, a response time can be affected by a processing time of a circuit architecture tag, which can introduce a delay and a propagation time. According to some disclosed embodiments, a response time can be a part of a tag design. In such cases, a particular response time between two events can be programmed, configured, or otherwise implemented. For example, event B can be implemented to occur after a predetermined time (or delay) after event A occurs. In various embodiments, a response time can be a function of an input signal frequency, i.e., a response time can be longer or shorter depending on an input signal frequency. For example, different input frequencies can represent different levels of urgency for a response. In some embodiments, if a handheld device (e.g., a tablet or a smartphone) is used to request information related to a wireless identification tag, an immediate response from a wireless communication system can be required. On the other hand, an inventory management system that operates at a different frequency to keep up-to-date inventory can be less urgent (i.e., the system can operate within design parameters if a response to a trigger is received within a few minutes rather than immediately). Thus, a system can be configured to operate such that an EAS gateway frequency (or any other frequency employed at an exit) triggers an immediate response from a tag, while an inventory management signal (e.g., from a 900 MHz transmitter) can trigger a delayed response. This can be a result of software or hardware of a tag that differentiates between input signals and prioritizes responses. For example, a tag can be designed to ignore all but one (or all but a few) incoming inventory management signals within a specified time period to prevent wasting tag energy and to prevent unnecessary return traffic.

[0156] Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of wireless identification tags 1100a and 1100b in the environment of EAS gates 1110, 1112 are shown. One or both of tags 1100a and 1100b can be wireless identification tags. As described above, tags 1100a and 1100b can be configured to receive a wireless signal, such as signal 1118, and in response generate or transmit a signal, such as signals 1102a and 1102b. An external system or device, such as device 1124, can be configured to receive a signal transmitted by a tag.

[0157] In various embodiments, the wireless tag includes at least one antenna. The antenna can include at least one conductor, such as a wire. The antenna can also be a circuit that converts a signal from a conducted input to a radiated output for transmission, and / or from a radiated input to a conducted output for reception. The radiated output or input can take the form of electromagnetic radiation, an electric field, or a magnetic field. The conducted input or output can take the form of a time-varying voltage or current signal on a physical connection, such as a wire, printed circuit, or other conductor. In some embodiments, the radiated form can be acoustic, such as sound energy. In some embodiments, the radiated form can be optical, such as visible light.

[0158] The at least one antenna can be passive, requiring no external energy to operate other than the energy in the signal to be transmitted or received. Alternatively, the at least one antenna can be active, which can require a power source, such as a battery. When operating in a transmission mode, the at least one antenna can be powered by electronics within the tag itself, such as one or more capacitors described herein. In some embodiments, a passive antenna can be implemented as a series of conductors that can be coupled to other parts of a circuit that can be present. The passive antenna can be printed on a PCB (printed circuit board), with printed traces or other conductive paths coupling the antenna to other parts of the circuit. In some embodiments, a passive antenna can be wirelessly coupled to other parts of the circuit, such as through an electrical or magnetic coupling.

[0159] Some embodiments of the at least one antenna can include isotropic antennas, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, antenna arrays, loop antennas, aperture antennas, traveling wave antennas, and other devices capable of receiving or transmitting signals or energy.

[0160] As described above, the at least one antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency in a frequency band around 900 MHz and a second frequency in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. For example, the frequency band around 900 MHz (i.e., the first frequency band) can be 900 MHz WW ISM. Similarly, the frequency around 2.4 GHz (i.e., the second frequency band) can be 2.4 GHz WW ISM. The first antenna and the second antenna can be separate structures, or they can be combined in a single antenna structure. In some embodiments, the first antenna and the second antenna can be combined in a single antenna structure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the non-limiting example shown, the first antenna can be a 900 MHz antenna 2112 and the second antenna can be a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114.

[0161] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include at least one transmitter. A transmitter can be any component, group of components, or circuitry capable of sending a signal over a communication medium. The communication can take the form of, for example, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication, Ethernet communication, or any other standard or proprietary protocol-based communication. In some embodiments, the transmitter can include one or more of an oscillator, a modulator, an amplifier, and / or a frequency tuner.

[0162] A transmitter can be designed to send a signal over a communication medium at a certain magnitude, which can define parameters such as signal range, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), interference characteristics, and / or other signal characteristics. In the case of wireless communication, the magnitude can be measured in power units, such as watts or dBW (decibels relative to one watt or decibels relative to one watt). The power level of a transmitter transmission can be a power measurement at the output of the transmitter during an effective transmission. In some embodiments, a transmitter can be designed to have an adjustable power level, such that in response to certain inputs, the transmitter can transmit a signal at one or more different power levels.

[0163] In Figure 9 In the non-limiting example shown, the transmitter can include a beacon 2104, which can include a beacon controller 9030 and a beacon transmitter 9032. The beacon 2104 can be commanded by the top-level controller 9020, which can output parameters such as power, timing, frequency, and / or transmission data to the transmission control interface, which can be received by the beacon controller 9030. Based on the transmission control parameters, the beacon controller 9030 can instruct the beacon transmitter 9032 to transmit as commanded. In some embodiments, a switch 9034 controlled by the beacon controller 9030 can be further provided. Through switch control generated by the beacon controller 9030, the switch 9034 can alternate between a transmission mode, during which the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114 is coupled to the beacon transmitter 9032, and a reception mode, during which the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114 is coupled to the 2.4 GHz harvester 9014.

[0164] In Figure 10In another non-limiting example shown, the beacon transmitter 9032 may include a PLL 10110 and a beacon controller 9030, the PLL being coupled to a crystal oscillator 10022 having a crystal 10020; a VCO 10112 coupled to the PLL 10110; and a VGA 10114 coupled to receive input from the VCO 10112 and the beacon controller 9030 and to provide output to a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114 via a switch 9034. In some embodiments, the VCO 10112 may provide signal modulation to the variable gain amplifier (VGA) 10114 based on the output of the phase-locked loop (PLL) 10110. In some embodiments, the PLL 10110 may provide phase-locked loop (PLL) 10110 for a reference clock from the oscillator 10022 to the remainder of the beacon transmitter 9032. Figure 9 (As shown). In some embodiments, the beacon controller 9030 receives a reference clock input from the oscillator 10022 and a slow clock from the real-time clock 10022. Furthermore, the beacon controller 9030 can provide reference clock control to the oscillator 10022. In some embodiments, the beacon controller 9030 provides frequency control and data transmission to the PLL 10110 and power control to the VGA 10114.

[0165] Various embodiments of this disclosure may include at least one circuit configured to detect whether energy is received at a first frequency or a second frequency. As used in this disclosure, "circuit" may refer to a component or combination of components, elements, and / or devices that can be electrically coupled via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the circuit may be implemented as part of a silicon chip, a printed circuit board, a connectorized system, or any combination thereof, connected in a manner capable of performing a desired function or response in response to some input, stimulus, and / or trigger generated internally or externally. The desired function or response includes, but is not limited to, controlling other circuitry, generating visual, audible, or other communicable alarms or signals, inducing transmissions, and / or performing any other operations. For example, components, elements, and / or devices may include, but are not limited to, resistors, capacitors, inductors, conductors, transistors, diodes, transmission lines, inverters, buffers, logic gates, latches, flip-flops, amplifiers, comparators, voltage sources, current sources, switches, and / or other electrical devices. Input, stimulation, and / or triggering may include, but are not limited to, voltage levels, voltage level changes, current levels, current level changes, frequency, amplitude, or phase changes of received signals, digital inputs, digital pulses, control words, and / or other signals in various forms of energy.

[0166] exist Figure 9In the illustrated, non-limiting example, the at least one circuit can include the multi-source collector 2102, the door detection circuit 2106, and the memory 9022 (or a portion of the foregoing), which can also be coupled to the top-level controller 9020, which can also constitute the at least one circuit. In some embodiments, the multi-source collector 2102 can include a 2.4 GHz collector 9014, which can be coupled to a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114 via a switch 9034; a 900 MHz collector 9012, which can be coupled to a 900 MHz antenna 2112; and a power manager 9010, which can be coupled to the top-level controller 9020. It should be noted that each of the foregoing components can be comprised of multiple circuits, and thus reference to a circuit can refer to a single component or a portion thereof.

[0167] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can detect whether the energy is received at a first frequency or a second frequency based on whether the energy is received by the first antenna or the second antenna. The first frequency and the second frequency can be spaced apart in the frequency spectrum by a sufficient interval such that an antenna configured to receive energy at the first frequency is unlikely to be excited by energy at the second frequency, and an antenna configured to receive energy at the second frequency is unlikely to be excited by energy at the first frequency. For example, when the first antenna is tuned to receive energy transmitted at a frequency within a first frequency range of the 900 MHz WW ISM and the second antenna is tuned to receive energy transmitted at a frequency within a second frequency range of the 2.4 GHz WW ISM, there is unlikely to be cross interference between the energy at these different frequencies. The at least one circuit can determine that the energy received by the first antenna is within the first frequency range and the energy received by the second antenna is within the second frequency range.

[0168] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can perform signal processing on the received energy. The signal processing can be performed by analog components, such as a combination of amplifiers, filters, and signal detectors. In some other embodiments, variously designed digital signal processors can perform signal processing on the received energy. The received energy can be decomposed into its different frequency components by various signal processing methods, and the at least one circuit can determine whether the received energy is at the first frequency or the second frequency based on analyzing the different frequency components of the received energy. Some embodiments can employ signal processing methods such as Fourier transform and / or fast Fourier transform (FFT) to decompose the received energy into frequency components. Other methods, such as filters, matched filters, and frequency discriminators, can be used individually or in combination. The at least one circuit can determine that the received energy can be at the first frequency when the received energy has a higher intensity of frequency components around the first frequency than around the second frequency. Similarly, the at least one circuit can determine that the received energy can be at the second frequency when the received energy has a higher intensity of frequency components around the second frequency than around the first frequency.

[0169] In some embodiments, the received energy can be modulated to contain information, such as a code, for example, one code indicating that the energy is at the first frequency and a different code indicating that the energy is at the second frequency. The at least one circuit can determine whether the energy is at the first frequency or the second frequency based on the code.

[0170] In Figure 9 In the non-limiting example shown, the power manager 9010 can determine whether the received energy is at 900 MHz or 2.4 GHz. The power manager 9010 can receive input from the 2.4 GHz harvester 9014, the 900 MHz harvester 9012, or both, and provide one of 900 MHz detection and 2.4 GHz detection to the top-level controller 9020.

[0171] According to some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one emitter to transmit an immediate response when the second frequency is detected. An immediate response can be an action performed or directed by the at least one circuit, and can include the generation of an input or trigger. An immediate response can not be instantaneous due to design parameters or inherent delays of the circuitry. There can be a time interval between the detection of the second frequency and the response. A time interval can be a period of time measured between two occurrences of events in a system. The two events can be, for example, an input, stimulus, or trigger to a circuit and an output or action performed by the circuit, or two occurrences of an input, stimulus, or trigger, or two occurrences of an output or action by the same circuit or different circuits. In some embodiments, when measuring the time interval between repeated occurrences of the same event, whether the events are inputs or outputs, the average time interval can be referred to as the periodicity of the events, and a deviation from the average time interval can be referred to as a variation in the periodicity. For example, in the case of periodic occurrences, the frequency of the events can be calculated as the inverse of the average time interval between events, and the duty cycle of the events can be calculated as the ratio between the average length of time of each event and the average time interval between events.

[0172] The time interval between an input or trigger and an action can be a minimum time interval, can be produced by the internal structure and inherent delays of the at least one circuit, and not by added delays, pauses, and / or functional wait periods. Such inherent delays can be the result of limited rise or fall times of internal functions, processing times limited by clock speeds, delays caused by the speed of communication between different parts of the circuit, and other time lags not caused by design. For example, in some embodiments, an immediate response can be the output of an inverter that changes from logic “1” to logic “0” in response to its input changing from logic “0” to logic “1”, or a comparator that changes its output in response to a change in the direction of its input.

[0173] In various embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one emitter to transmit an immediate response when the received energy is determined to have been received in the second frequency. For example, if the second frequency is in the 2.4 GHz range, energy in that range can be received by the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114, which in turn can provide the received energy to the 2.4 GHz harvester 9014. The 2.4 GHz harvester 9014 can then provide an indication of the received energy to the power manager 10112, which can enable the power manager 9010 to determine that a 2.4 GHz frequency signal was received. The top-level controller 9020 can determine that the second frequency was detected when a 2.4 GHz detection signal is received from the power manager 9010. The top-level controller 9020 can then configure the beacon controller 9030 to transmit an immediate response by transmitting a control interface.

[0174] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10 The beacon controller 9030 can provide frequency control and transmission data to the PLL 10110 to cause an immediate response transmission, as shown in

[0175] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, when a first frequency is detected, at least one circuit is configured to transmit a delayed response having a longer delay than the immediate response. A delayed response occurs when a minimum or inherent time interval is introduced between a trigger and a resulting action. As previously mentioned, the minimum time interval can be a function of the internal structure of the circuit and its inherent delays. The delayed time interval between a trigger and an action can be due to delays, pauses, and / or wait times included in the design functionality to achieve a desired purpose. For example, logic built into a tag can recognize that certain frequencies require a faster response than others. For example, when used in a retail environment, a signal frequency from a checkout counter or a customer’s scan can require an immediate response because there is an urgency to complete a financial transaction or respond to a customer’s request. By contrast, when a product is sitting on a shelf and the system is listening for a transmission from a tag for inventory purposes, an immediate response can not be particularly urgent. Because different frequencies are employed in these different scenarios, detection of the input frequency can determine the immediacy of the response requirement, and thus the response time.

[0176] The first frequency used to trigger a delayed response can be, for example, in the 900 MHz range, received by the 900 MHz antenna 2112, which in turn provides the received energy to the 900 MHz harvester 9012. The 900 MHz harvester 9012 can then provide an indication of the received energy to the power manager 10112, thereby enabling the power manager 9010 to determine that a 900 MHz frequency was received. The top-level controller 9020 can determine that the first frequency was detected when a 900 MHz detection signal is received from the power manager 9010. The top-level controller 9020 can then instruct the beacon controller 9030 to transmit a delayed response by transmitting a control interface signal.

[0177] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 10 The beacon controller 9030 can provide frequency control and data transmission to the PLL 10110 to transmit a delayed response, as shown in

[0178] In some embodiments, as previously mentioned, the immediate response and the delayed response can correspond to different modes of operation of the wireless tag. For example, the wireless tag can perform different functions, or the same function with different levels of strength depending on the frequency of the received signal. In some embodiments, the different functions can include, but are not limited to: employing different processing protocols or different algorithms; transmitting different signals; transmitting signals with an introduced delay period; selecting from different types or amounts of transmitted data; selecting between different power strengths or processing speeds; or any other difference depending on the particular implementation.

[0179] In a non-limiting example, the immediate response can correspond to a user- energizable mode (e.g., an IoT mode), and the delayed response can correspond to an infrastructure-energizable mode (e.g., a store mode). The user-energizable mode can include instances in which a tag is intentionally scanned by a user using a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, scanner, or other mobile device, and in which a long response time can not be desirable. In the context of a location that maintains an inventory of goods, such as a warehouse or a retail establishment, in the user-energizable mode, employees of the location can scan tags as they handle items, for example, when the items are received, unpacked, placed on a shelf, rack, or display, or at a payment station or checkout. Alternatively or additionally, the user-energizable mode can also include instances in which a customer scans a tag at a store. For example, a customer (or other individual) using a mobile device can scan a tag in order to access information about the tagged item. By way of non-limiting example, the information can include a link to a website associated with the item (e.g., a website associated with a brand, store, manufacturer, or current owner), information about a particular item (e.g., laundry instructions for a fabric, a manual for an electronic device, usage instructions for a medication, a recommended recipe for a food item, etc.), or an advertisement for a related product or service. The information can also prompt action through the individual's social media account. In some embodiments, the user-energizable mode can be associated with an application that can be installed on the mobile device, such that a scan of a tag results in access to the installed application, which either provides the information directly or by accessing an associated website.

[0180] The infrastructure-energizable mode can include instances in which a tag is scanned by a device that can form part of the infrastructure of a location, such as an RFID, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth energizer located around the location. In the infrastructure-energizable mode, inventory information can be automatically updated based on responses from the tags. Additionally, the location of items within a store can be determined based on responses from the tags. Since there can be no time urgency in receiving these responses, the tags can transmit a delayed response in the infrastructure-energizable mode.

[0181] In exit mode (e.g., door mode), the tag can respond immediately when it is activated by infrastructure near the exit (e.g., store exit), where it may be important to immediately identify objects leaving the premises or other defined spaces.

[0182] While the examples of the three modes described above are provided in environments such as stores and warehouses, different operating modes can be similarly applied to different applications. As other non-limiting examples, in a home or device, the inventory of items such as food, supplies, or clothing can occur in an infrastructure-incentivized mode, user scanning of these items can occur in a user-incentivized mode, and the removal of items from devices, pantry, closets, or other confined spaces can be detected in an out-of-home mode. Furthermore, depending on the implementation, more or fewer modes can be employed.

[0183] like Figure 10 As shown, the top-level controller 9020 may further include one or more modules to perform operations in user-incentivized mode and infrastructure-incentivized mode, respectively. For example, the top-level controller 9020 may include a user-incentivized mode FSM 10004 to command or control immediate response, and an infrastructure-incentivized mode FSM 10002 to command or control delayed response.

[0184] At least one energy storage component may be electrically connected to at least one antenna, the energy storage component being configured to store energy received by the at least one antenna. This connection may be wired or wireless, and may be achieved through electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic coupling. In some embodiments, the energy received by the antenna may be converted into voltage and current, or stored as electrical energy.

[0185] exist Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the energy storage circuit 2108 can be coupled to a power manager 9010, which in turn can be coupled to a 900MHz antenna 2112 and a 2.4GHz antenna 2114. The power manager 9010 can provide energy collected by the multi-source harvester 2102 to the energy storage circuit 2108 for storage in a storage capacitor 9126.

[0186] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage component can be configured to power the wireless identification tag using energy received by at least one antenna. For example, at least one energy storage component can be directly or indirectly connected to different components of at least one circuit. An indirect connection can be a connection between two points, such as a wired connection, with other components positioned between the two points. In some embodiments, in the absence of chemical energy sources such as batteries or fuel cells and without external connections, at least one circuit can be powered by energy stored in at least one energy storage device.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 9, the power manager 9010 can receive energy from the storage capacitor 9126. The power manager 9010, in turn, can be connected to a voltage supply signal (VDD) and can provide energy to the remaining circuit components. Figure 10

[0188] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can include at least one capacitor configured to power the wireless identification tag independent of received power. For example, the at least one capacitor can be directly or indirectly connected to various other circuit components. In some embodiments, the at least one capacitor can store energy that can be provided to the wireless identification tag without receiving power. For example, even when energy received from an antenna is unable to provide the immediate power required for a particular function, on-board energy stored in one or more capacitors can be used to power the tag.

[0189] In some embodiments, the storage capacitor 10300 can provide energy to the power manager 9010, which in turn can be coupled to a VDD supply voltage of the tag 1100. For example, when the storage capacitor 10300 has stored energy, the tag 1100 can be powered by the storage capacitor 10300 even without receiving any energy from the 900 MHz antenna 2112 or the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114.

[0190] As a few non-limiting examples, the immediate response can be set to occur less than 10 seconds after detection of the second frequency, or can be set to occur at a time that is greater than an inherent circuit delay but less than or equal to a predetermined value. The predetermined value can be, for example, 10 seconds. In some embodiments, the delayed response can be set to occur seconds, minutes, hours, or even days after detection of the first frequency.

[0191] ​In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement transmission rules. Transmission rules can be processes implemented as part of the at least one circuit for controlling the transmitter to determine properties of the transmitter’s operation based on triggers, inputs, and / or stimuli received by the at least one circuit. These properties can include data content of a transmission signal, power level for transmission, communication protocol for transmission, frequency band for transmission, timing of transmission, determination of whether to transmit, or any other characteristic or decision regarding transmission. Examples of such processes include deciding to send a data packet over a Wi-Fi protocol if an indication is received that the at least one circuit detected a Wi-Fi communication, and deciding to send the same data packet over a Bluetooth protocol if an indication is received that the at least one circuit detected a Bluetooth communication. In some embodiments, other such processes can dictate a power level used in transmission based on an expected range of the packet, or dictate data content of the packet based on an intended recipient or based on a set of inputs, triggers, or stimuli used as a basis for transmission.

[0192] In some embodiments, transmission rules can be implemented by the beacon controller 9030 and provided to the PLL 10110, as shown in FIG. 10. Figure 10 Alternatively or in addition, transmission rules can be implemented by the top-level controller 9020 and provided to the beacon controller 9030.

[0193] Transmission rules can command the at least one circuit to cause the transmitter to delay at least one of sending an immediate response or delaying a response, even when sufficient energy for transmitting the at least one response is gathered and stored in the energy storage component. For example, this can be a result of a proactive function built into the design to enable the tag to reserve energy for other activities that can occur in the future. For example, to prevent theft or otherwise manage inventory in a retail or other location, it can be beneficial for the tag to retain sufficient energy so that in the future, if an individual leaves the location with an item containing the tag, the tag will retain sufficient energy to transmit its identity to a receiver at the exit of the location. Depending on the particular design parameters, the tag can be configured to retain more energy for additional possibilities. Thus, if the inventory management infrastructure in the location sends a signal to the tag to transmit its identity, and the response would cause the tag to keep energy below a threshold, the tag can be configured to not respond or to wait until after sufficient energy is collected and stored. Of course, this feature can be valuable in many use cases. In systems associated with equipment, storage facilities, or other monitored spaces, tags can be designed to ensure that they have sufficient energy to communicate their identity at any time when they leave the monitored space, area, or region. The predetermined time interval for transmission delay or other energy use can be determined at the time of design, manufacture, installation, initialization, or any time prior to implementing the transmission rules.

[0194] The power consumed by the at least one circuit can be integrated over the duration of performing a certain action, resulting in a total energy measured in Joules. This total energy can be the energy required by the circuit to perform the action. For example, a circuit consuming 10 mW (10 milliwatts) of power for a duration of 1 ms (1 millisecond) can require 10 pJ (10 microjoules) of energy to transmit a data packet. In some cases, the energy sufficient to perform a certain action can depend on the characteristics of the action, which can be controlled by the input, trigger, and / or stimulus received by the at least one circuit. For example, a transmitter transmitting longer or shorter signals at a fixed power consumption can require more or less energy, respectively, due to the multiplication of power and time. In another example, to avoid exceeding a certain power usage limit, the internal logic of a tag can adjust operational parameters, such as transmitter modulation, data content, signal transmission duration, signal strength, or other parameters that affect energy consumption.

[0195] To ensure proper power management, the energy stored in the at least one circuit can be monitored. For example, when energy is stored in the form of electrostatic charge in a capacitor and provided to other components or circuits in the form of a DC voltage (see above), a voltage measurement can provide an accurate estimate of the energy stored in the capacitor. When energy is stored in the form of chemical bonds in a battery, voltage measurements under several load conditions can determine the level of available stored energy.

[0196] In some embodiments, the transmission rules can define a time interval between at least one of two consecutive immediate responses or two consecutive delayed responses. Thus, a delay can be inserted between any two consecutive responses, and the delay can be set based on a particular use case or particular design parameters.

[0197] In some embodiments, the transmission rules can be configured to randomly select a time interval between two consecutive responses. By selecting a random delay, many tags in a region that receive the same trigger signal will transmit a response at different times. This helps ensure that a receiver configured to receive the tags’ transmissions is not overwhelmed by simultaneous responses.

[0198] In some embodiments, the antenna can be tuned to receive energy at a third frequency, which can be different from the first and second frequencies at which the antenna is also tuned to receive. The additional frequency can allow the tag to harvest energy from more sources. And each additional frequency can enable an additional level of logic. For example, the tag can be configured to provide a different response to each different frequency received. Thus, for example, in some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to detect whether energy is received at a third frequency. The method of determining whether energy is received at a third frequency can be similar to the previously described methods for determining whether energy is received at a first or second frequency. Detecting the incoming frequency of energy can allow the tag to provide a response that is unique to the frequency of incoming energy.

[0199] In Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the EAS coil 2110 can be configured to receive energy at a third frequency. The gate detection circuit 2106 can be coupled to the EAS coil 2110 and can determine that the EAS coil 2110 receives energy at the third frequency. The gate detection circuit 2106 can provide an EAS detection to the top-level controller 9020, enabling the beacon controller 9030 to generate a third response (in this case, through the TX Ctrl. I / F), as depicted by the transmission arrow between the top-level controller 9020 and the beacon controller 9030.

[0200] In some embodiments, the third response can correspond to a mode of operation of the wireless tag that is different from the immediate and delayed response modes previously described. In a non-limiting example, the third response can correspond to a gate mode. The gate mode can include instances in which the tag interacts with certain infrastructure of the venue, such as an EAS gate. For example, when the tag detects that it is being removed from a monitored area based on an input signal frequency associated with the gate. Such a signal can trigger the highest priority response of the tag, overriding any other priorities of the tag. This can be implemented, for example, through a structure as Figure 10 shown, in which the top-level controller 9020 can include one or more modules to perform gate mode operations, such as a gate mode FSM 10006 that commands or controls the gate response.

[0201] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit a third response different from the immediate response and the delayed response when the third frequency is detected. In some embodiments, the third response can be delayed by a time interval different from the time interval of the immediate response and the delayed response. Alternatively, or in addition, the third response can have a different transmission power, phase, amplitude, frequency, or can be encoded with a different signal, or can be repeated a different number of times than the first and second responses. As previously mentioned, the ability of the tag to detect additional frequencies, such as the third frequency, can add additional logic to the tag and / or can allow the tag to harvest energy from additional sources. In Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the beacon controller 9030 can provide a frequency control signal and transmission data to the PLL 10110 to transmit the third response.

[0202] In some embodiments, the signal associated with the third response is different from the signals associated with the immediate response and the delayed response. For example, the signal associated with the third response can differ from the other signals in at least one of a repetition period and a time interval between two consecutive responses. In some embodiments, the third frequency can be lower than the first frequency and the second frequency. For example, the third frequency can be part of a frequency band lower than the other frequencies.

[0203] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component. When energy is stored in the energy storage component, it can be desirable to determine the amount of energy stored in the energy storage component.

[0204] Various parameters of the energy storage component can provide an indication of the stored energy. For example, in a capacitive element such as a capacitor, the stored energy is proportional to the amount of stored charge. The voltage level of the capacitive element can provide an indication of the amount of stored charge, and thus an indication of the amount of stored energy. In some embodiments, a voltage detector can be provided to monitor the voltage level of the energy storage device. In some embodiments, when energy is stored in a battery in the form of chemical bonds, voltage measurements under several load conditions can determine the amount of stored energy. In yet other embodiments, when energy can be stored as other forms of energy, the monitoring can include measuring the speed of a flywheel to determine the amount of stored kinetic energy, measuring the temperature of a thermal storage device to determine the amount of stored thermal energy, or measuring the length of a loaded spring to determine the amount of stored potential energy.

[0205] In Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the power manager 9010 can monitor the energy level of the storage capacitor 10300. For example, the power manager 9010 can measure the voltage level of the storage capacitor 10300.

[0206] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit is configured to prevent the at least one transmitter from transmitting a delayed response when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be insufficient to transmit an immediate response upon detection of the second frequency. As previously mentioned, since the signal that triggers an immediate response can take precedence over the signal that triggers a delayed response, the tag can first check if there is sufficient energy stored to complete an immediate response that can subsequently be triggered before a delayed response occurs. If the energy remaining in the storage is insufficient, the delayed response can be prevented despite the request for a delayed response. Whether the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient can be determined by comparing the energy obtained from the monitoring to an indication of the energy stored or calculated that can be required to transmit a future call for an immediate response. In some embodiments, the at least one circuit is configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be insufficient to transmit a normal immediate response, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit a signal that requires less energy than the energy required for an immediate response in response to detection of the second frequency. Figure 10 In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the power manager 9010 can monitor the energy level of the storage capacitor 10300. The results of the monitoring can be provided to the top level controller 9020, where it can be determined whether there is sufficient energy for the beacon controller 9030 to transmit an immediate signal.

[0207] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit is configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be insufficient to transmit a normal immediate response, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit a signal that requires less energy than the energy required for an immediate response in response to detection of the second frequency. For example, if the tag ends up in a state that requires an immediate response, but the power required to send a typical immediate response is insufficient, the tag can send a truncated or alternative version of the typical immediate response to avoid a situation where no response is sent. The truncated version can contain only critical information, or can occur at a lower power level or duration than the typical immediate response. The alternative signal can be a form of distress signal that indicates that the tag is running low on power, requiring, for example, human intervention. In this case, the alternative signal can trigger an alarm to prompt an attendant to perform a manual check. Such a manual check can involve using a hand-held energizer in the vicinity of the suspect package or item to power the tag and obtain a normal tag reading. Thus, the tag can be configured to transmit a normal immediate response when there is sufficient on-board power, and to transmit a low-power immediate response when the power is depleted below a threshold. The low-power immediate response can require less transmission energy than the normal immediate response. For related reasons, the at least one circuit can monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined energy level, prevent the at least one transmitter from transmitting an immediate response.

[0208] In some implementations, the signal associated with a delayed response differs from the signal associated with an immediate response in at least one of the following aspects: repetition period, channel, transmission power, or transmitted data associated with the transmitted response. The repetition period can be the time between two actions or responses. For repeated occurrences of the same event, whether such event is an input or an output, the average time interval or periodicity of the event can be considered the repetition period. The channel can be a carrier frequency or frequency band, and the transmission power can be the power consumed by at least one transmitter or the power contained in the transmission of an immediate response. The power contained in the transmission of an immediate response can be characterized by its energy density, magnitude, or transmission magnitude.

[0209] At least one of delayed or immediate responses may include unique identification data for the RFID tag. Unique identification data can be numbers, strings, codes, or other forms of information capable of uniquely identifying the tag. In some implementations, no single tag can be associated with the same unique identifier as any other tag, such that any single tag has only one unique identifier that is not associated with any other tag. This architecture allows tracking of tagged objects not only through common physical characteristics but also through identification of non-physical characteristics, such as specific manufacturing data, receipt date, manufacturer, carrier, or any other characteristic information that would otherwise be indistinguishable simply by examining the tagged product. The unique identifier may include a serial number, a unique EPC code, and a database entry (where each database entry represents an entity, and all related entities are represented by exactly one entry in the database). In some implementations, a particular RFID tag may have its own unique identification data.

[0210] like Figure 10 As shown, unique identification data can be stored in a tag ID ROM 10010, which can be coupled to and retrieved by the top-level controller 9020. The top-level controller 9020 can provide the unique identification data to the beacon controller 9030 for transmission, either directly or in a modified form.

[0211] Figure 16is a flowchart showing an example of operations that can be performed by at least one circuit, including transmission rules for a wireless identification tag. In step 16002, the wireless tag can receive energy. In some embodiments, the received energy can be wireless energy received by the at least one antenna. In step 16004, the stored energy can be monitored. In some embodiments, the stored energy can be stored in an energy storage component, which can include a capacitor. When energy is received, the stored energy can be recharged. In step 16006, a frequency of the received energy can be determined. In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can determine whether the received energy is at a first frequency, a second frequency, or a third frequency.

[0212] In step 16008, in response to determining in step 16006 that the received energy is at the second frequency, the at least one circuit determines, based on the monitoring of the stored energy, whether there is sufficient energy in the energy storage component. If the determination is no, i.e., the stored energy is below a predetermined energy level, and thus insufficient, no further action is taken. In some embodiments, a delay can result. If the determination is yes, i.e., the stored energy is above a predetermined energy level, and thus sufficient, the process can proceed to step 16010. In some embodiments, the energy can be considered sufficient if there is a sufficient amount to output a low power instant response.

[0213] In step 16008, the at least one circuit can determine whether the energy stored in the energy storage component is sufficient to transmit a normal instant response. If the determination in step 16008 is no, in step 16014, a signal requiring less energy, i.e., a low power instant response, is transmitted by the at least one transmitter. If the determination is yes, in step 16012, a normal instant response is transmitted by the at least one transmitter.

[0214] In some embodiments, in connection with step 16012, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the transmitter to send an instant response within a predetermined time interval. In some embodiments, the predetermined time interval can be less than 10 seconds (as one example) after the second frequency is detected in step 16006.

[0215] In step 16016, responsive to the determination that the energy received in step 16006 is at the first frequency, the at least one circuit can determine whether there is sufficient energy in the energy storage component based on the monitoring of the stored energy. If the determination is no, that the stored energy is below the predetermined energy level and thus insufficient, no further action is taken. In some embodiments, a delay can result. If the determination is yes, that the stored energy is above the predetermined energy level and thus sufficient, the process proceeds to step 16018. In some embodiments, sufficient energy can be the energy required to transmit a normal prompt response.

[0216] In step 16018, if there is sufficient energy available for transmission, the at least one transmitter can transmit a delayed response. In some embodiments, the at least one circuit is configured to cause the transmitter to send the delayed response within a predetermined time interval. Such a predetermined time interval can range from milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, or even days depending on design parameters.

[0217] In step 16020, responsive to the determination in step 16006 that the received energy is at the third frequency, a third response can be transmitted by the at least one transmitter provided there is sufficient energy available for transmission.

[0218] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media associated with a wireless identification tag that can be triggered by an electronic article surveillance (EAS) gate while remaining invisible to the EAS gate. For ease of discussion, in some cases, related embodiments are described below in connection with a system or method, it being understood that the disclosed aspects of the system and method apply equally to one another as well as to an apparatus and computer-readable media. Some aspects of the related methods can occur electronically over a wired network, a wireless network, or a network that is a hybrid of both. Other aspects of the methods can be implemented using non-electronic means. In the broadest sense, the methods and computer-readable media are not limited to a specific physical and / or electronic means for carrying out the methods, but can be implemented using a number of different means.

[0219] The disclosed embodiments can include EAS gates. EAS gates are typically included in a surveillance or theft prevention system for detecting items as they pass through the detection system, for example, a retail store, a library, a museum, a warehouse, an entertainment facility, a confidential and proprietary document storage facility, a sports arena, or any other space where the passage of items needs to be monitored. This detection can be used to alert staff that someone is attempting to remove an item without authorization. In some embodiments, based on factors including but not limited to distance range, space availability, or customer traffic, an EAS gate can include one pedestal, two pedestals, three pedestals, or any number of pedestals. If an EAS gate includes more than one pedestal, the pedestals can be spaced apart by a distance to allow customers to enter and exit the facility with minimal obstruction, while the pedestals are close enough to each other to be triggered by a passing tagged object.

[0220] In some embodiments, an EAS system can include, among other detection components, a concealed EAS gate, an electromagnetic EAS component, an acousto-magnetic (AM) component, a radio frequency (RF) component, or a microwave (MW) component. A concealed EAS gate can include one or more pedestals that are installed such that they are not visible and cause minimal obstruction to customers. For example, the pedestals can be installed below the floor, above the ceiling, or behind a wall. Concealed EAS systems can be used, for example, to enhance the effectiveness of surveillance, to enhance the shopping experience for customers, or to enhance any other facility where the passage of objects needs to be monitored.

[0221] By way of example, Figure 1Exemplary embodiments of a wireless identification tag in the context of an EAS gate 1110, 1112 are shown. In some embodiments, as shown, a tag 1100 can be a wireless identification tag. The tag 1100 can be embedded, sewn, clipped, adhered, attached, or otherwise incorporated into an object such as an article of clothing 1106. In some embodiments, the tag 1100 can be configured to receive a wireless signal, such as signal 1118. The signal 1118 can be generated by an external system or device, such as an EAS transmitter 1116, which can form a part of the EAS gate 1110, 1112. The signal 1118 can include electromagnetic energy, or an electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic field caused by an electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic wave at a frequency, for example, in the range of 58-60 kHz (AM-EAS waves) or 7-13 MHz (RF-EAS waves). For example, the electromagnetic energy of a wireless signal transmitted from an EAS gate can be received by an antenna of a wireless identification tag, thereby activating or triggering the wireless identification tag. Upon activation, in a conventional EAS detection system, a security tag, when triggered by an EAS signal 1118, will transmit an EAS detection signal, which is typically received by an EAS receiver, such as EAS receiver 1120. Upon recognizing the characteristics of the transmitted or reflected signal from a conventional security tag, the EAS receiver will trigger an alarm, indicating the presence of a valid security tag, making the tag "visible" to the EAS gate. In this case, the security tag is triggerable and visible to the EAS gate.

[0222] In contrast to these conventional security tags, in some embodiments, an exemplary wireless identification tag can be triggered by an EAS gate while remaining invisible to the EAS gate. When the identification tag receives a signal from the EAS gate, it can be triggered and take some form of responsive action, such as transmitting an identification signal. The tag can remain invisible to the EAS gate if the signal transmitted by the tag does not trigger a response by the EAS gate. For example, as noted above, in a retail environment, when a product with a conventional EAS security tag passes through an EAS gate, an alarm typically sounds, alerting the store owner to a possible theft. In contrast, with the disclosed embodiments, the tag itself can be triggered by the EAS gate, but the tag's response can not trigger an alarm from the gate. In some disclosed embodiments, if a signal from the tag is received by a receiver in the vicinity of the EAS gate, for example, and the signal is associated with an object that is not authorized for removal from the premises, the tag can trigger an alarm from a component other than the EAS gate.

[0223] However, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the wireless identification tag can be configured to be triggered by the EAS gate signal 1118, but in response, not transmit a signal to the EAS receiver 1120. In this case, the wireless identification tag is triggered by the EAS transmitter of the EAS gate, while remaining invisible to the EAS gate because the tag does not transmit a confirmation signal to the EAS receiver of the EAS gate. Instead, the tag that is invisible to the EAS gate can transmit a signal that is recognized by a receiver other than the EAS receiver. This can occur, for example, when the tag transmits at a frequency outside the range recognized by the EAS receiver.

[0224] In some embodiments, the tag can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy, such as the antennas described above. In some disclosed embodiments, the antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in a desired frequency range. Tuning an antenna can include an antenna where the impedance of the antenna varies over frequency such that it only matches the impedance of the communication medium at its radiating port (e.g., the air between the gate and the tag) at a given frequency band and the receiver or transmitter at its conducting port. In electronic circuits, the impedance of an antenna can vary depending on the inductance, capacitance, or characteristics of the transmission line elements of the antenna. In some embodiments, the transmitter or receiver can include an antenna tuning unit (not shown) or matching network. For example, as shown, the EAS coil 2110 can include a tuning capacitor 10200 controlled by the controller 9020 to tune the coil 2110 between a mode for detecting fields in a first frequency band (e.g., 7-13 MHz) and a mode for detecting fields in a second frequency band (e.g., 58-60 kHz). Figure 10

[0225] Figure 17 A circuit diagram showing an exemplary circuit architecture of a wireless identification tag is shown. As shown, the EAS coil 2110 can include a tuning capacitor 10200 to tune the antenna or EAS coil 2110 to match the impedance to the impedance of the EAS transmitter configured to transmit a signal. Similar to the above, the EAS coil 2110 can include a tuning capacitor 10200 to tune the antenna or EAS coil 2110 to match the impedance to the impedance of the EAS receiver configured to receive a signal. Figure 10 ​The door detection circuit 2106 can be configured to detect the incoming EAS signal from the EAS transmitter and feed it to the controller 9020. In some embodiments, the door detection circuit 2106 can include an operational amplifier 17100 configured to amplify the differential input from the tuned circuit of the EAS coil 2110 and the tuning capacitor 10200. As discussed herein, an operational amplifier includes a circuit with two input terminals and a voltage output terminal that is proportional to the voltage difference between the two input terminals. Because the EAS signal received in the EAS coil 2110 can be of very low magnitude, the operational amplifier 17100 can amplify the received signal so that it can be better detected by the door detection circuit 2106. To further improve the sensitivity of the detection, the door detection circuit 2106 can also include an integrator that can be implemented using a diode and a capacitor in order to convert the amplified signal at the output of the operational amplifier 17100 into a digital signal that can be detected and used by the controller 9020. The controller 9020 can then, for example, change one or more signal transmission parameters of the transmitter 2104 in response to the detection of the EAS field, determine the type of energy received by the tag, and control the operation of the transmitter 2104 based on the type of energy received, among other functions.

[0226] In some embodiments, the at least one antenna includes a first antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in a frequency range of 900 MHz WWISM; a second antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz WWISM. As noted above, the at least one antenna can additionally or alternatively include one or more antennas tuned to receive energy transmitted in one or more frequency bands or ranges. In some embodiments, the tag can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in at least one of a first EAS gate frequency range of approximately 7-13 MHz or a second EAS gate frequency range of approximately 58-60 kHz. One non-limiting example includes the 58 kHz AM-EAS (acousto-magnetic electronic article surveillance) band, ranging from approximately 58 kHz to approximately 60 kHz, which is used by various theft prevention systems around the world.

[0227] In some embodiments, the AM-EAS system can operate in a frequency range of 58-60 kHz. In the AM-EAS system, such as Figure 1The signal transmitter of the EAS transmitter 1116 in the EAS system can be configured to transmit magnetic energy or a time-varying magnetic field with a frequency in the range of 58 kHz to 60 kHz, or a wavelength in the range of about 5000 m to 5168 m. The transmitted energy can, for example, create a magnetic field around an exit area of a store that is configured to trigger a wireless identification tag associated with an item affected by the magnetic field. In some embodiments, the energy emitted from the EAS transmitter of the EAS gate can be pulsed. In the context of the present disclosure, a pulse can refer to a short burst of energy. The pulse can take the form of a rectangular waveform, a bi-exponential waveform, a sinusoidal waveform, other short duration waveform patterns, or any waveform capable of being detected by a wireless identification tag. The wireless identification tag can be configured to receive magnetic energy transmitted by the EAS transmitter of the EAS gate with a frequency in the acoustomagnetic range. In some embodiments, the AM-EAS can operate in a frequency range of 58 kHz to 132 kHz.

[0228] In some embodiments, the RF-EAS system can operate in a frequency range of 7-13 MHz. In the RF-EAS system, the signal transmitter, such as the EAS transmitter 1116, can be configured to transmit electromagnetic energy or electromagnetic waves with a frequency in the range of 7 MHz to 13 MHz, or a wavelength in the range of about 23 m to 43 m. In some embodiments, the operating frequency of the RF-EAS transmitter can be 8.2 MHz.

[0229] When used in the RF-EAS system, some wireless identification tags (e.g., RF tags) can include an electric oscillation circuit with a capacitor and a coil (e.g., an antenna) that can be set to oscillate at a resonant frequency. The electromagnetic field of the EAS gate can resonate around about 10-20% of the resonant frequency of the RF tag, and the oscillation circuit can be powered by the electromagnetic energy of the electromagnetic field. When the identification tag is exposed to the electromagnetic field of the EAS gate, the weakening of the electromagnetic field in the EAS gate detector is measured, and the detection of the RF wireless identification tag can trigger an alarm.

[0230] In some embodiments, the tag can include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in at least one of a first EAS gate frequency range of approximately 7-13 MHz or a second EAS gate frequency range of approximately 58-60 kHz, and configured to be undetectable by the EAS gate. According to the disclosed embodiments, undetectability can refer to a property of an element (e.g., an antenna) that prevents the element from being detected at a predetermined location and / or area at a predetermined time or time interval. An EAS gate includes a receiver coupled to a controller that can trigger an alert if the frequency of an incoming signal is within a predefined EAS gate range. A tag can be invisible to an EAS gate if the tag’s transmission is undetectable by the receiver of the EAS gate, or if it is detected, is not recognized by the associated EAS gate controller as a signal that triggers a response (e.g., an alert or other form of notification). In some embodiments, the undetectability of the at least one antenna enables the tag to avoid triggering the EAS gate, and thus, the wireless identification tag can be undetectable due to the inclusion of the undetectable antenna.

[0231] In some embodiments, the at least one antenna can include at least one EAS antenna configured to receive energy transmitted within at least one EAS gate frequency range. For example, the EAS antenna in the tag can be tuned to the transmission frequency of the EAS gate. In this way, the tag can receive energy from the transmitter of the EAS gate. The EAS antenna can take any suitable form. Referring to Figure 10 , for example, the EAS antenna can be a coil 2110 configured to receive electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy transmitted within one or more predetermined frequency ranges of the EAS gate. For example, the EAS coil 2110 can be configured to receive energy within a 7-13 MHz frequency range and energy within a 58-60 kHz frequency range. In some embodiments, the EAS coil 2110 can detect an incident electric field, magnetic field, or electromagnetic field, and the gate detection circuit 2106 can determine whether energy is received from the EAS gate (e.g., if the energy is in a frequency band between 7-13 MHz or 58-60 kHz).

[0232] In some embodiments, the tag can include at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one identification signal. For example, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit the identification signal via at least one of a Bluetooth protocol, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-wave, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol. As mentioned above, the communication protocol may, for example, be a standard-based protocol such as 802.3 Ethernet, Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Very High Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) wired protocol, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, LTE, 5G, ZigBee or Z-wave wireless protocol, a proprietary protocol agreed upon only by the transmitter and receiver, or any other set of rules that governs communication between various electronic devices.

[0233] In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be further configured to transmit at least one alert signal for causing at least one of an audible alert, a visual alert, or a digital message. An alert signal or notification signal can refer to a signal generated by a component of a system for alerting another component of the system, a different system, a person, or any combination thereof. In addition to other forms of notification, a notification signal can be an audible signal, a visual signal, or another sensory signal such as a tactile signal or a digital signal (e.g., a notification signal to an application on a mobile device, an interrupt signal to a CPU in a circuit board, or an entry in a system alert log).

[0234] In some embodiments, the at least one alert signal can be a component of the at least one identification signal. In this case, the identification signal can include not only identification information associated with the tag, but also an alert component. As mentioned above, an alert signal can be information that, upon receipt, causes an audible alert, a visual alert, an audiovisual alert, a sensory alert such as a tactile alert, or a digital message, among other notification techniques. In some embodiments, the at least one alert signal is separate from the at least one identification signal. Thus, for example, a transmitter of a tag can transmit an identification signal in one transmission and an alert signal in a separate transmission.

[0235] In some embodiments, the tag can include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one transmitter for energizing the at least one transmitter. Such electrical connection can occur when there is a conductive path between the energy storage component and the transmitter. Electronic components can or can not be inserted into the conductive path. Thus, components that are indirectly connected by other components are considered to be electrically connected. For example, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, various components indirectly connect the transducer 9032 with the storage capacitor 10300, however they are considered to be electrically connected to one another. As a result of the electrical connection, energy can be transferred from the energy storage component (e.g., the storage capacitor 10300) to the transmitter (e.g., the transmitter 9032).

[0236] In some embodiments, the energy transferred from the energy storage component to the transmitter can be used to power the transmitter. Powering the transmitter can include, but is not limited to, activating the transmitter, operating the transmitter, charging the transmitter, or providing any form of energy required for the transmitter to perform a related function.

[0237] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can be configured to store energy received by the first antenna and the second antenna, and power the at least one transmitter with the stored energy. In some disclosed embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can include at least one capacitor. A capacitor can refer to a ceramic capacitor, a thin film capacitor, a power thin film capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, a super capacitor, a class X and Y capacitor, a MOM capacitor (metal-oxide-metal capacitor), a M-I-M capacitor (metal-insulator-metal capacitor) implemented inside a semiconductor device, a MOS capacitor (metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor) implemented inside a semiconductor device, other various or variable capacitors, or any other device suitable for storing electrical energy in an electric field using two terminals. For example, Figure 10 The energy storage circuit 2108 in the wireless identification tag 1100 can include at least one storage capacitor 10300. Further, in some embodiments, the energy storage component can be configured to store energy received by the first antenna (e.g., 2112) and the second antenna (e.g., 2114). For example, the energy stored in the capacitor 10300 can be used to power the transmitter 9032 (or Figure 18 the transmitter 2104 in the wireless identification tag 1100).

[0238] As an example, Figure 18 A block diagram of an exemplary wireless identification tag 1100 is shown that includes a first antenna 2112 and a second antenna 2114, at least one of which is configured to receive electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic radio frequency energy transmitted from an EAS gate or other intentional or ambient source in a tag environment. The received energy can be stored in at least one capacitor 10300 of an energy storage circuit 2108. The energy storage circuit can suitably include more than one capacitor. For example, the capacitor can be configured to discharge a portion of the stored energy or substantially all of the stored energy to power the transmitter 2104.

[0239] As noted above, the tag can include at least one circuit connected to at least one antenna. As noted previously, the connection can be direct or indirect. For example, as shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 Exemplary multi-source harvester circuit 2102 can be directly connected to antenna 2112, and exemplary energy storage circuit 2108 can be indirectly connected to antenna 2112 through multi-source harvester circuit 2102, as shown in

[0240] In some embodiments, the tag can be configured to detect energy transmitted from an EAS gate in at least one of a first EAS gate frequency range or a second EAS gate frequency range. Different EAS gates can operate in different frequency ranges. The tag can be configured to detect energy in different ranges by incorporating multiple antennas tuned to different frequency ranges, or by incorporating a single antenna tuned to different frequency ranges. The tag can be configured to detect only one of the two EAS frequencies, or it can be configured to detect both EAS frequencies at any given time but only one of the two frequencies, or both frequencies simultaneously.

[0241] For example, in some embodiments, Figure 1 EAS transmitter 1116 of EAS gate 1110 in Figure 15 may be configured to transmit electromagnetic energy in the form of signal 1118. The frequency range of the transmitted electromagnetic signal 1118 can be in the range of 58-60 kHz (e.g., the AM range) or in the range of 7-13 MHz (e.g., the RF range). In some disclosed embodiments, the circuit can be configured to detect electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy at frequencies in the AM range and the RF range. Detecting the transmitted energy can include receiving the electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy using one or more antennas, and identifying the presence of electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic signals and / or energy in the first EAS gate frequency range or the second EAS gate frequency range. For example, in

[0242] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be connected to the at least one antenna and configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the at least one identification signal to a receiver other than the EAS gate in response to detecting the energy transmitted from the EAS gate, the at least one identification signal being transmitted at a frequency outside of the first EAS gate frequency range and the second EAS gate frequency range.

[0243] While the circuit can receive energy transmitted from an EAS gate, the circuit can respond by transmitting a signal outside of the typical detection range of the EAS gate. For example, Figure 15 Circuit 15006 in FIG. 1 100 can receive an EAS gate signal through antenna 15002 tuned to the EAS gate frequency. In response, circuit 15006 can cause transmitter 15004C to transmit an identification signal at a frequency different from the EAS gate frequency. In this way, the identification signal can be received and interpreted by a wireless receiver other than the EAS gate. In this way, the tag is identified without triggering the EAS gate.

[0244] As another example, a circuit of a wireless identification tag, such as Figure 2 gate detection circuit 2106 in FIG. 2 100 can be configured to cause a transmitter, such as transmitter 2104 of wireless identification tag 1 100, to transmit an identification signal to a receiver other than a receiver (e.g., 1 124) of an EAS gate. In some embodiments, the identification signal frequency range can be outside of the first EAS gate frequency range and the second EAS gate frequency range, such that the wireless identification tag is undetectable and invisible to the EAS gate. In some embodiments, the frequency outside of the first and second EAS gate frequency ranges can be within the frequency range of 2.4 GHz WW ISM.

[0245] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the at least one identification signal less than ten seconds after detecting the energy transmitted from the EAS gate. The circuit can be configured through circuit design to prevent a delay of more than 10 seconds after receiving an EAS signal. A shorter delay can correspond to design specifications, particularly for EAS gates that tend to be located near an exit of a facility to detect tags leaving the facility. Of course, EAS gates can be used to detect entering tagged objects as well, and other purposes within the range of design specifications for a maximum 10 second delay.

[0246] Therefore, the transmitter of the wireless identification tag can be configured to send an identification signal immediately or after a short delay period, which can be less than 10 seconds, after detecting energy transmitted from the EAS gate. In some embodiments, the delay period can be set to a maximum of ten seconds after the energy transmitted from the EAS gate is detected by circuitry such as gate detection circuitry 2106. The delay period can be 9 seconds or less, 8 seconds or less, 7 seconds or less, 6 seconds or less, 5 seconds or less, 4 seconds or less, 3 seconds or less, 2 seconds or less, 1 second or less, less than 500 milliseconds, or any other suitable delay time less than 10 seconds.

[0247] In some implementations, at least one energy storage component can be configured to store radio frequency energy received by at least one antenna. For example, once any one or more antennas of a wireless identification tag receive energy at any frequency, the wireless identification tag can be configured such that the received energy is transferred to and received by at least one energy storage component. The energy storage component can, for example, receive the energy and, in response, store it in another form. For example, regardless of the input frequency of the input radio frequency signal, the energy storage component can receive and store the associated radio frequency energy by association with a suitable circuit system or intermediate component.

[0248] like Figure 15 As illustrated in the example, the energy 15102A-C received by one or more antennas 15002A-C can be stored in capacitor 1500 of energy storage component 15008. In some embodiments, the received radio frequency energy can be characterized by frequencies outside a first EAS gate frequency range and outside a second EAS gate frequency range. As disclosed herein, frequencies outside the first EAS gate frequency range and outside the second EAS gate frequency range can refer to, for example, the frequency range of 900MHz WW ISM or 2.4GHz WWISM. Generally, the frequency range of 900MHz WW ISM and the frequency range of 2.4GHz WWISM can refer to frequency ranges of approximately 900MHz and 2.4GHz, respectively. In some embodiments, a single antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in multiple bands of approximately 900MHz, multiple bands of approximately 2.4GHz, or both. Therefore, an antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within the approximately 900 MHz WW ISM frequency range can also be tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within another frequency range, and an antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within the approximately 2.4 GHz WW ISM frequency range can also be tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within another frequency range.

[0249] In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to sequentially transmit multiple repetitions of the identification signal in response to detecting energy transmitted from the EAS gate. The identification signal can be transmitted multiple times in response to detecting energy transmitted from the EAS gate. For example, the identification signal can not be transmitted as a single continuous signal, or can not be transmitted continuously without interruption, but can instead comprise short bursts or repetitions of the identification signal with fixed or variable time intervals between two consecutive bursts. The short periodic bursts are referred to as pulses, and the transmitted identification signal can be a pulsed identification signal. The transmitters of the wireless identification tags, e.g., the transmitters 15004A in Figure 15 , can be configured to transmit multiple bursts of the identification signal 15104A in a repetitive pattern. In some embodiments, the multiple bursts can not follow a particular pattern. Redundancy can ensure that the wireless receivers do not miss a transmission.

[0250] In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to dynamically delay each of the multiple repetitions of the identification signal, thereby avoiding signal collisions. Dynamic delay can refer to the time interval between consecutive repetitions of the identification signal, which is not necessarily fixed, but can be controlled and varied according to predetermined rules. In this way, the delay between a first and a second identification signal can be different from the delay between a second and a subsequent third identification signal. Signal collisions can refer to the temporal overlap of identification signals, resulting in misreads of tags, or complete misses of tags, among other issues. Using dynamic delay between each of the multiple repetitions of the identification signal can substantially minimize issues related to signal collisions. This can be in line with design parameters in systems where it is desirable to receive many tag readings in a short time. For example, if multiple items for purchase are carried through the EAS gate 11108 in Figure 11 , all tags in one bag 11212 can be triggered at the same time. A short dynamic delay can ensure that the various tags are transmitted at different times, such that each tag is detected by one or more wireless infrastructure receivers 11106.

[0251] In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to randomly delay at least one repetition of the identification signal, thereby avoiding signal collisions. Random delay refers to the time interval between consecutive repetitions of the identification signal, which varies randomly. For example, the time interval between a first and a second identification signal can be different from the delay between a second and a subsequent third identification signal, and can not be based on a predefined rule, relationship, or pattern.

[0252] The wireless identification tag can be configured to be associated with a particular product, to thereby transmit a unique identification signal that is different from the identification signals from tags associated with other instances of the same product. The tag can be configured for such use by including in the tag's memory a unique identification code that is different from other identification codes of other tags. Thus, for example, when a location stocks multiple instances of the same product (e.g., multiple instances of the same food item, clothing item, or any other good or item), each instance will have its own unique code. This can enable precise tracking of the receipt, shelving, purchase, return time of each product instance, the manufacturing location and exact time of each instance, and instances of counterfeiting and fraud.

[0253] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement an identification transmission rule for regulating the at least one circuit in a manner that causes the at least one transmitter to delay transmitting the identification signal. As discussed elsewhere in this application, a transmission rule in the context of the present disclosure can refer to a process implemented as part of the circuitry that controls the transmitter. In some embodiments, the transmission rule can cause the transmitter to delay transmitting the identification signal. The delay in transmitting the identification signal can be random or dynamic.

[0254] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement an identification transmission rule for regulating the at least one circuit in a manner that causes the at least one transmitter to delay transmitting the identification signal, even when sufficient transmission power for transmitting the identification signal is gathered and stored in the energy storage component.

[0255] In some embodiments, a delay in the transmitter of the wireless identification tag transmitting the identification signal can be caused regardless of whether sufficient transmission power is stored in the energy storage component. The delay period in transmitting the identification signal can be fixed or variable. The delay can be introduced to substantially minimize signal collisions.

[0256] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule to cause the transmitter to transmit the identification signal within a predetermined time interval. The time interval can include a period of time between signal transmissions. The time interval can also cut off other system events, such as inputs, stimuli, or triggers in the circuit, outputs or actions performed by the circuit, multiple occurrences of inputs, stimuli, or triggers, or two occurrences of outputs or actions of the same circuit or different circuits. When measuring the time interval between repeated occurrences of the same event, periodicity can be defined as the average time interval between events, and can include a deviation from the average time interval as a variation in periodicity. When the time interval is defined by periodicity, the time interval can include a frequency of events as the inverse of the average time interval between events, a duty cycle of events as the ratio between the average length of time of each event (from the start of the event to its end time) and the average time interval between events (measured from the start of one event to the start of the subsequent event). The time interval can be predetermined according to the identification transmission rule. For example, the circuit can be configured to cause the transmitter to transmit the identification signal at a specific interval of seconds, minutes, or fractions of a minute. The choice of interval can depend on the use requirements.

[0257] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule to define a time interval between transmission of two consecutive identification signals. For example, the circuit can be configured to implement a transmission rule that causes the transmitter to wait a predetermined time interval after transmitting a first identification signal to transmit a second identification signal. As a non-limiting example, the time interval of some embodiments can be at least ten minutes, while in other embodiments, the time interval between transmission of two consecutive identification signals can be several microseconds.

[0258] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule to randomly select a time interval between two consecutive identification signals. In some embodiments, a set of inputs, triggers, or stimuli received by the circuit can randomize the timing of transmission of identification signals such that the time interval between two consecutive identification signals is not predetermined, not predefined, or not predictable. This random selection typically results in different intervals between signal transmissions. In the context of some embodiments, random transmission can include pseudo-random transmission. In some embodiments, the randomly selected time interval can be between ten and fifteen minutes, while in other embodiments, the randomly selected time interval can be several microseconds. In other embodiments, a threshold can be imposed on the random transmission such that two sequential transmissions do not occur before a predetermined time elapses from the first transmission to the second transmission or from a first set of transmissions to a second set of transmissions.

[0259] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to conserve energy by activating for a first predetermined length of time and deactivating for a second predetermined length of time in a repeating manner. For example, the circuit can be designed to ensure that sufficient energy is retained on the board to perform a prioritized function. By way of example, the prioritized function can be transmitting a tag identity in response to an EAS gate trigger. If the tag does not retain sufficient energy to satisfy the prioritized function, the tag's controller can not allow any other transmissions until the reserve energy is sufficiently replenished. As another example, after the tag has transmitted its identity to an inventory management system, the tag can conserve energy by not transmitting its identity again for a predetermined period of time, even if the tag can receive a signal prompting a transmission. Then, after the period of time has elapsed, the tag can be enabled to transmit its identity, after which it can return to a sleep mode in a repeating manner.

[0260] Energy conservation can be implemented through programmed or predetermined rules. For example, the rules can be based on a number of functions performed, a transmission duration of an identification signal, a power level, an amount of data transmitted, and other functions that the circuit is configured to perform. Based on the workload, the circuit can remain active for a predetermined amount of time (e.g., milliseconds). In some embodiments, the circuit can be configured to be deactivated for a second predetermined length of time based on the reserve energy available, the reserve energy required, the number of transmissions remaining, and other related factors. If the stored energy is below a threshold, but a transmission of an identification signal is still required, the circuit can adjust for this situation by transmitting an additional signal using less energy than the original delay signal. A lower use of energy can result due to the circuit limiting the magnitude of power and / or the duration of the transmission of power. Alternatively or in addition, the circuit can also limit the amount of information transmitted to conserve power. The limitation on the amount of information can be based on, for example, the content of previous transmissions. For example, if the characteristics of a product have been previously transmitted and those characteristics have not changed, they can be omitted from additional transmissions. The activation and deactivation of the circuit can be repeated in a pattern to conserve stored energy and maximize energy efficiency. In some embodiments, the first and second predetermined lengths of time can be substantially similar or substantially dissimilar. By way of example, the circuit can be configured to remain active for a few seconds to a few minutes, and the circuit can remain inactive or can be deactivated for a few seconds to a few minutes.

[0261] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags configured to harvest environmental energy and intermittently transmit identification signals. For ease of discussion, an apparatus is described below, with the understanding that aspects of the apparatus are equally applicable to systems, methods, and computer-readable media. For example, some aspects of such an apparatus can include electrical connections over wired networks, wireless networks, or networks that have both. Other aspects of such methods can be implemented using non-electrical means. In the broadest sense, the apparatus is not limited to a specific physical and / or electronic means, but can be implemented using many different means.

[0262] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a wireless identification tag can include any apparatus associated with an item, where the apparatus provides identification information about the item or about the apparatus itself. In one embodiment, a wireless identification tag can provide identification information such as a serial number associated with an item or apparatus. In another embodiment, a wireless identification tag can provide a Bluetooth Low Energy ("BLE") advertising beacon. A wireless identification tag can also be sensitive to Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") magnetic fields and communicate with an EAS gate. Other embodiments can provide location, product information, price, matching products, or other information related to an item. Such information can be stored on the apparatus itself, or can be retrieved from a data structure after the apparatus transmits identification information to a processor that performs a lookup in the data structure.

[0263] In some embodiments, exemplary wireless identification tags can be configured to harvest ambient energy. Ambient energy can be defined as the ability to do work, or the ability to exert energy over a length of time. This energy can be expressed in the product of power and length of time, which is equal to the energy consumed. Ambient energy can be transmitted and harvested in a variety of forms, such as electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, kinetic, acoustic, thermal, photonic, or other types of energy. Energy can also be stored in a variety of forms, such as but not limited to electrostatic, magnetic, chemical, kinetic, electrical, thermal, or other types of energy. In the case of electrical circuits or electronic circuits, energy is most commonly used as electrical energy, either as a direct current ("DC") source, or as an alternating current ("AC") source. However, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that other forms of ambient electrical energy can also be harvested. Ambient energy can include energy from ambient sources, including at least sunlight, wind, vibrations, sound, heat, radio frequencies. Additionally or alternatively, ambient energy can include energy received from one or more energizers, such as an RFID energizer or a dedicated energizer configured to transmit energy at an RFID frequency band, a 2.4 GHz ISM frequency band, or any other licensed or unlicensed frequency band using a proprietary protocol at one or more frequencies at which the tag is discernible. In some embodiments, the energizer can be placed in an environment covering any area, such as a store, a warehouse, a floor, a room, inside a device, an outdoor area, a road, a walkway, a conveyor, a vehicle, a storage facility, or any other location or place where tag identification or tracking can be needed. Additionally or alternatively, ambient energy can include energy transmitted at a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequency band by a cell phone, a Wi-Fi router, a car, a personal computer (such as a laptop or a desktop computer), a smart tablet, a wearable electronic device (such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a television, a speaker and a headset), a home security device or system, a baby monitor, a microwave oven, a garage door opener, or any other device capable of wirelessly transmitting energy (such as a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi frequency band).

[0264] In some embodiments, harvesting environmental energy can include capturing and storing energy from an environmental source, such as from one or more exciters or from one or more alternative energy sources located in the same environment as the tag. The harvesting can be accomplished by one or more antennas, and can include circuitry configured to capture energy, such as radio frequency energy, and store the captured energy. Such circuitry can include a combination of components and devices, and can be implemented as a silicon chip, a printed circuit board, a part of a connected system, or combinations thereof. The components and devices can be connected in a manner that enables them to perform a desired function or reaction, in response to an internally or externally generated input, stimulus, or trigger. The function or reaction of the circuitry can include controlling other circuitry; generating a visual, audible, or other communicable alert or signal; and / or performing a predefined coded operation. For example, the components and devices can include, but are not limited to, resistors, capacitors, inductors, conductors, transistors, diodes, transmission lines, inverters, buffers, logic gates, latches, flip-flops, amplifiers, comparators, voltage sources, current sources, switches, and any other components or devices suitable for use in circuitry to implement the foregoing exemplary functions. The input, stimulus, or trigger can include, but is not limited to, a voltage level change; a current level change; a frequency, amplitude, or phase change of a received signal; a digital input; a digital pulse; a control word; or any other signal that can be received by the circuitry. As used herein, the term "circuitry" can include two or more electrically connected components, which can be considered a single circuit or multiple circuits.

[0265] In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit identification signals intermittently. Intermittent transmission can include any non-continuous transmission timing. For example, intermittent transmission can occur at periodic, random, or regular intervals. Intermittent transmission can reduce the energy consumption of the wireless identification tag by conserving energy in the tag's energy storage components.

[0266] As previously described, exemplary wireless identification tags can be configured to transmit at various intervals or in response to a trigger. In one embodiment, a wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit at certain intervals for energy conservation, even when the tag receives a trigger to transmit outside of the predetermined intervals. For example, a wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit at a minimum repetition period, such as once every ten minutes. The minimum repetition period can require an initial trigger, such that in the absence of a trigger signal within a specified time frame, the tag enters a sleep mode and does not transmit (or transmits much less frequently). Upon receiving a trigger, the tag can then return to its periodic mode of operation according to the transmission rules. After a specified period of time without any triggers, the tag can then return to the sleep mode.

[0267] In another example, a wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit a minimum repeat period (e.g., an identification transmission that is spaced several seconds, minutes, or hours apart) with a random delay between transmissions. As a non-limiting example, the minimum repeat period can be ten minutes, and the random delay beyond the ten minutes can be between ten and fifteen minutes per second. In this way, the interval between transmissions can vary randomly from 10 minutes to 15 minutes. In another embodiment, a wireless identification tag can be configured to make multiple transmissions within a short time interval. For example, a wireless identification tag can be configured to make six transmissions within a 200 ms interval, and then sleep for a period of time. In another embodiment, a wireless identification tag can be configured to make multiple transmissions within a short time interval at a lower power level, as described below.

[0268] The disclosed embodiments can include at least one antenna configured to receive environmental energy. In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless identification tag can include one antenna, two antennas, three antennas, or any number of antennas. An antenna can include a conductor configured to receive transmitted or ambient energy. The conductor can include, for example, a wire or a printed circuit. An antenna can be connected to or can include circuitry configured to convert a signal from a conducted input to a radiated output (in transmission). In another embodiment, the circuitry can be configured to convert a signal from a radiated input to a conducted output (in reception). The radiated form can be electromagnetic radiation, an electric field, or a magnetic field. The conducted form can be a time-varying voltage or current signal on a physical connection. In other cases, the radiated form can be acoustic (as in sonar applications) or optical (as in laser applications). An antenna can be passive or active. A passive antenna can not require an external power source in addition to the signal received by the antenna. An active antenna can rely on an external power source. A passive antenna can be implemented as a series of conductors printed on a printed circuit board ("PCB") and connected to the rest of the circuitry by direct connections, electrical couplings, or magnetic couplings, or other means for connecting circuit components to a circuit. As an example, Figure 9 An exemplary tag 1100 shown in FIG. 11 can include an antenna 2112 tuned to receive energy at frequencies below 1 GHz (e.g., energy in the 900 MHz band) and to transfer the harvested energy to a 900 MHz harvester 9012. In addition or alternatively, an exemplary tag can include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy in the 2.4 GHz band and to transfer the harvested energy to a 2.4 GHz harvester 9014.

[0269] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to at least one antenna, configured to gather and store received ambient energy. In the context of circuitry, the energy storage component may include capacitors, supercapacitors, batteries (disposable and rechargeable), any combination thereof, and any other circuitry component capable of storing energy. In various embodiments, the energy storage component may include components configured to gather collected energy. In some embodiments, the circuitry may facilitate the gathering of ambient energy. Ambient energy may be gathered from a single source or multiple sources. For example, energy from different transmitters operating at different frequencies may be gathered in the energy storage component. Energy from different sources may be received on a common antenna or multiple antennas, and may be received sequentially or simultaneously. The energy storage component may include or be associated with circuitry designed to receive one or more forms of energy or energy from one or more sources, and store the received energy in a common energy storage component or a set of energy storage components. That is, a wireless tag may include one energy storage component, two energy storage components, or any number of energy storage components, and these components may store energy from different sources.

[0270] In various implementations, at least one energy storage component may include circuitry designed to receive energy from a source in one form, store it locally in the circuitry in another form, and make it available for use by other circuitry connected thereto, either immediately, at a later time after the energy is received, or in a third form.

[0271] like Figure 2 As shown, the wireless tag 1100 may include a multi-source collector 2102, an energy storage circuit 2108, a 900MHz antenna 2112, and a 2.4GHz antenna 2114. Antennas 2122 and 2114 can be configured to receive ambient energy. The multi-source collector 2102 can be connected to the energy storage circuit 2108 and is configured to collect ambient energy from its own associated antenna (not shown) or through the 900MHz antenna 2122 and the 2.4GHz antenna 2114. Regardless of the source, the received ambient energy can be stored in the energy storage circuit 2108. Although two antennas and one multi-source collector are shown, depending on the application, all of these components may not be necessary. For example, the tag may be designed to collect energy from only a single source, or from fewer than all sources. Similarly, additional antennas may be used if additional ambient energy sources are expected to be present in the environment of use.

[0272] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can further include at least one transmitter electrically connected to the at least one energy storage component configured to transmit an identification signal. In various embodiments, the transmitter can include a conductor, such as a metal wire or a printed circuit. Such a circuit can be designed to perform the action of sending a signal through a communication medium such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Ethernet, or any other standard or proprietary protocol-based communication medium. Alternatively or in addition, the transmitted signal can carry energy, such as an exciter for RFID, x-ray imaging, or radar. Depending on the use case, the transmitted signal can alternatively or in addition carry data, such as a unique identification, information about the associated item, information about tag operating parameters, or any other type of relevant information. The signal can take the form of an electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic signal, transmitted wirelessly through the air. The transmitter can be configured to send a signal of a certain magnitude. This magnitude can be used to calculate certain properties of the signal propagation to establish parameters such as the detection range of the signal, the signal-to-noise ratio, and interference characteristics. In the case of wireless communication, this magnitude can be measured in power units, typically in Watts or dBW (decibel-Watts or dB-Watts), which is a logarithmic unit related to Watts (or sometimes in dBm units, which are related to milliwatts in the same way that dBW is related to Watts). Thus, the power level at which the transmitter transmits can be a measure of the power at the output of the transmitter when it is actively transmitting. The transmitter can be designed to have a configurable power level, such that in response to certain inputs, it can transmit a signal at one of two or more different power levels. For example, Figure 9 The example tag 1100 shown in FIG. 11 can include a transmitter 2104 configured to transmit a signal at a frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz using an antenna 2114; thus, the antenna 2114 can be configured to both harvest energy and transmit tag signals. The example tag 1100 can also include a switch 9034 configured to control the behavior of the antenna 2114 and to switch the antenna 2114 between transmission and energy harvesting modes (e.g., under the control of a beacon controller 9030 of the transmitter 2104). In some alternative embodiments, the example tag 1100 can include a signal transmitter separate from the energy harvesting antenna. As shown in FIG. 11, the beacon 2104 can be electrically connected to an energy storage circuit 2108 to power the beacon to transmit an identification signal. Figure 2

[0273] ​Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can further include at least one circuit connected to the at least one transmitter and configured to implement an identification transmission rule such that the transmitter delays sending an identification signal even when sufficient energy for transmission of the identification signal is gathered and stored in the energy storage component. The circuit can include any combination of electronic components interconnected to implement the identification transmission rule. In various embodiments, the identification transmission rule can include any process or protocol characterizing the transmission. The rule can be implemented as part of the circuitry used to control the transducer such that the process defines attributes of the transducer operation. The attributes can include data content of the transmitted signal, its power level, a communication protocol used for transmission, a frequency band used for transmission, timing of the transmission, or even whether to transmit. Examples of such processes can include instructions to send a data packet through a Wi-Fi protocol if the receiving circuit detects an indication of a Wi-Fi communication, or to send the same data packet through a Bluetooth protocol if the receiving circuit detects an indication of a Bluetooth communication. Other such example processes can specify a power level used in the transmission based on an expected range of the packet or based on an intended recipient or based on a set of inputs, triggers, and stimuli associated with the transmission. The transmission rule can be implemented automatically or can be implemented based on a received trigger, input, or other stimulus. The implementation of the transmission rule can be hierarchical. For example, a transmission required by a set of inputs can be prevented or prevented by a discrete alternative input with a higher priority.

[0274] According to the disclosed embodiments, the circuit can determine that there is sufficient energy to transmit a given signal when the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or greater than the sum of the energy required to transmit the signal in question and the reserve energy. The amount of reserve energy can be the sum of one or more of the following: the energy required to power the tag (excluding the transmitter) for a predetermined period of time; the energy that needs to be stored in the energy storage component below which the energy storage component cannot power the transmitter; and the energy required to power the transmitter for a predetermined number of transmissions of the identification signal.

[0275] In some implementations, an exemplary RFID tag may be configured to transmit transmission signals at regular intervals in response to the RFID tag receiving ambient energy in a first frequency band. In another implementation, an exemplary RFID tag may be configured to transmit transmission signals after a time delay in response to the RFID receiving ambient energy in a second frequency band. In yet another implementation, an exemplary RFID tag may be configured to transmit multiple transmission signals within short time intervals in response to the RFID receiving ambient energy in a third frequency band. Other implementations may include RFID tags configured to transmit transmission signals at regular time intervals in response to ambient energy received in various frequency bands. However, the tag may be configured to transmit signals only when sufficient energy is stored in its energy storage component, or the tag may be configured to limit transmission power based on the energy stored in the tag. These are just a few examples. The transmission protocol may be based on these factors or a combination of any other factors.

[0276] like Figure 10 As shown, the wireless tag 1100 may include a top-level controller 9020 and a multi-source collector 2102. The multi-source collector 2102 may include a power manager 9010 or other components capable of detecting the frequency or source of received energy. The multi-source collector 2102 may also be configured to send a signal to the top-level controller 9020 indicating the frequency or source of received energy. The top-level controller may include one or more finite state machines (“FSMs”) for implementing various identification transmission rules.

[0277] In some implementations, the at least one circuit is configured to implement the identification transmission rule to cause the transmitter to send the identification signal within a predetermined time interval. The time interval can include a period of time between signal transmissions. This time interval can also interrupt other system events, such as inputs, stimuli, or triggers in the circuit, outputs or actions performed by the circuit, multiple occurrences of inputs, stimuli, or triggers, or two occurrences of outputs or actions from the same or different circuits. When measuring the time interval between repeated occurrences of the same event, periodicity can be defined as the average time interval between events and can include deviations from the average time interval as variations in periodicity. When the time interval is defined by periodicity, the time interval can include the event frequency as the reciprocal of the average time interval between events, and the event duty cycle as the ratio between the average duration of each event (from the start of the event to its end) and the average time interval between events (measured from the start of one event to the start of the subsequent event). This time interval can be predetermined according to the identification transmission rule. For example, the circuit can be configured to cause the transmitter to send identification signals at specific second, minute, or hour intervals. The choice of interval may depend on the usage requirements.

[0278] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule to define a time interval between transmissions of two consecutive identification signals. For example, the circuit can be configured to implement a transmission rule that causes the transmitter to wait a predetermined time interval after sending a first identification signal before sending a second identification signal. As a non-limiting example, the time interval of some embodiments can be at least ten minutes, while in other embodiments, the time interval between transmissions of two consecutive identification signals can be a few milliseconds.

[0279] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule to randomly select a time interval between two consecutive identification signal transmissions. Such random selection generally results in varying intervals between signal transmissions. In the context of some embodiments, random transmission can include pseudo-random transmission. In some embodiments, the randomly selected time interval can be between ten and fifteen minutes, while in other embodiments, the randomly selected time interval can be a few milliseconds. In other embodiments, a threshold can be imposed on the random transmission such that two sequential transmissions do not occur until a predetermined time elapses from a first transmission to a second transmission or from a first group of transmissions to a second group of transmissions.

[0280] In some embodiments, the at least one antenna can be configured to receive energy transmitted within at least one of a first frequency band around 900 MHz or a second frequency band around 2.4 GHz. A frequency band can refer to any portion of the radio frequency or electromagnetic spectrum. For example, a frequency band can refer to a portion of the frequency spectrum internationally reserved for specific industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes. In this document, the term “reserved” can refer to designating a frequency band or frequency range for a single purpose or application. In many jurisdictions, frequency bands can be reserved and / or designated by law, regulation, or any other applicable standard or agreement. Generally, a frequency band can refer to any portion of the frequency spectrum that can be used in fields such as broadcasting, radio communication, wireless telecommunication (e.g., cellular telephones), near-field communication (“NFC”), wireless computer networking (e.g., Wi-Fi), or any other wireless communication means.

[0281] In some embodiments, at least one circuit of an exemplary tag can be configured such that the transmitter uses energy received in at least one of the first frequency band or the second frequency band to transmit an identification signal in the second frequency band. For example, a wireless identification tag can harvest ambient energy using an antenna configured to receive ambient energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz, using an antenna configured to receive ambient energy in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz, or both. The energy collected from either and both antennas can then be stored in at least one energy storage component. The energy stored in the energy storage component can then be used by the transmitter to transmit an identification signal in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz through an associated antenna, regardless of the frequency of the received ambient energy.

[0282] For example, with reference to Figure 2 The multi-source harvester 2102 of the wireless identification tag 1100 can harvest energy received by the 900 MHz antenna 2112, the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114, or both. The harvested energy can be stored in the energy storage circuit 2108. Then, as described above, either of the antennas 2114, 2112 can be used to transmit an identification signal.

[0283] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can be configured to power the wireless identification tag with stored received ambient energy. For example, the harvested energy stored in the energy storage component can be used to power the wireless identification tag to enable the tag to perform harvesting, transmission, and other functions.

[0284] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component includes at least one capacitor configured to power the wireless identification tag without a battery. A capacitor can include any capacitive structure for storing an electric charge by using electrically charged plates separated by an insulator. Examples of capacitors can include ceramic capacitors implemented inside a semiconductor device, thin film capacitors, power thin film capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, super capacitors, class X and Y capacitors, MOM capacitors (metal-oxide-metal capacitors), MIM capacitors (metal-insulator-metal capacitors) implemented inside a semiconductor device, MOS capacitors (metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors) implemented inside a semiconductor device, other miscellaneous or variable capacitors. For example, in Figure 10 In some embodiments, the energy storage circuit 2108 can include at least one storage capacitor 10300. According to the disclosed embodiments, a wireless identification tag can include energy storage that does not include a battery (e.g., a battery can include one or more electrochemical cells that store an electric charge).

[0285] As described above, exemplary tags can be configured to harvest energy without a designated battery and operate in an active transmission state and an idle state while consuming a minimal amount of power. Advantageously, the configuration of exemplary tags can achieve radio performance comparable to commercial battery-powered devices under a power envelope comparable to passive RFID devices.

[0286] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement the identification transmission rule when the at least one antenna receives environmental energy at a first predetermined frequency. For example, when an antenna configured to receive environmental energy at a first predetermined frequency receives environmental energy or receives environmental energy from an energizer that transmits energy at the first predetermined frequency, the circuit can implement the identification transmission rule as described above. In some embodiments, the first predetermined frequency can be a frequency of approximately 900 MHz, as described above.

[0287] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to cause the transmitter to send the identification signal less than 10 seconds after the at least one antenna receives environmental energy at a second predetermined frequency. For example, when an antenna configured to receive environmental energy at a second predetermined frequency receives environmental energy or receives environmental energy from an energizer that transmits energy at the second predetermined frequency, the circuit can cause the transmitter to send the identification immediately. However, in some embodiments, the circuit can cause the transmitter to send the identification after a delay period, which can be, for example, a maximum of ten seconds. Other longer or shorter delay periods can also be used in accordance with the disclosed embodiments. In some embodiments, the second predetermined frequency can be approximately 2.4 GHz, as described above.

[0288] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to determine that sufficient energy is harvested and stored when the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or greater than a sum of a first energy required for an identification signal transmission and a second predetermined reserve energy. For example, prior to transmission, the circuit can check to determine that there is both sufficient energy available to power the transmission while also leaving sufficient reserves for future functionality. Thus, to implement this functionality, it can be desirable for the circuit to have the ability to determine or estimate the current energy in the energy storage component. The stored energy can be determined through measurement or calculation. For example, energy stored in a capacitor in the form of electrostatic charge can need to be converted into a DC voltage to supply to other components or circuits. A voltage measurement on the capacitor can provide an accurate estimate of the energy stored in the capacitor. While some embodiments can avoid the use of a battery, for embodiments that employ a battery, voltage measurements can be taken under several load conditions to determine a more accurate level of available stored energy.

[0289] The required energy can vary depending on the relevant action or set of actions to be completed. Thus, it can be desirable to determine the required actions, calculate the energy required to perform those actions, and then compare the required energy to a calculation or measurement of the actual stored energy (plus any required reserve). In the case of a circuit or electronic circuit, the electrical power can be provided in the form of direct current or alternating current, although other forms are possible. In most cases, the expected power consumed by a circuit can be integrated over the duration of the performed action, resulting in a total energy requirement, which can be calculated in joules. For example, a circuit that consumes 10 mW (10 milliwatts) of power for 1 ms (1 millisecond) to process a single data packet can require 10 pJ (10 microjoules) of energy to process the data packet. In some cases, the energy required to perform a certain action can depend on the characteristics of the action, such as the input received by the circuit, triggers, and stimulus controls. For example, a transmitter that transmits longer or shorter signals at a fixed power consumption can require more or less energy, respectively, due to the multiplication of power and time. Thus, energy can be conserved by adjusting operational parameters (modulation, amount of data transmitted, power level, duration of transmission, etc.) to suit a particular use case.

[0290] For example, the at least one circuit can determine that the energy stored in the energy storage device is at least the sum of the energy required to transmit the identification signal and a predetermined amount of required reserve energy. In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of required reserve energy includes energy for powering at least a portion of the wireless identification tags other than the at least one transmitter for a predetermined period of time. The required reserve energy can also constitute an amount required for future transmission of one or more identification signals. Such a reserve can be required by the system if the energy storage component is not sufficiently replenished before the next transmission is required or needed. Thus, in some embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include a minimum amount of energy for the energy storage component to power the at least one transmitter for a desired period of time after the current transmission. This can include enough energy for a future transmission of a predetermined number of identification signals. In other embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include a minimum amount of energy so that the wireless identification tags function without reducing the stored energy below the required energy level.

[0291] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and cause the at least one emitter to transmit an additional identification signal when the environmental energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined threshold level, the additional identification signal requiring less energy to transmit than the delayed identification signal. For example, when the stored energy is below a threshold and still requires an identification signal to be transmitted, the circuit can accommodate this situation by transmitting an additional signal using less energy than the original delayed signal. A lower use of energy can result due to the circuit limiting the magnitude of power and / or the duration of time that power is transmitted. Alternatively or in addition, the circuit can also limit the amount of information transmitted to conserve power. The limitation on the amount of information can be based on, for example, the content of previous transmissions. For example, if the characteristics of a previously transmitted product and those characteristics have not changed, they can be omitted from the additional transmission.

[0292] In some embodiments, the identification signal includes unique identification data for the wireless identification tag. For example, the identification can include a number, string of characters, or other form of data that is individually associated with the wireless identification tag such that no single wireless identification tag is associated with the same unique identification as any other wireless identification tag, and any single wireless identification tag can only have a single unique identification associated with it. Examples of unique identification can include a serial number, a string of alphanumeric characters, and any other data that can uniquely distinguish one tag from another.

[0293] Embodiments of the present disclosure can relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags configured to harvest environmental energy and intermittently transmit identification signals. Disclosed embodiments can include at least one emitter, for example Figure 2The illustrated transmitter 2104. In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit a first signal to a first receiver at a first frequency and a second signal to a second receiver at the first frequency. Additionally or alternatively, some example transmitters can be configured to transmit one or more signals to one or more receivers at one or more frequencies. As described above, the one or more signals can be triggered by different frequencies of received environmental energy. Different types of received energy can correspond to different tag operating modes. In one mode, a tag can send one signal to one or more designated receivers. In another mode, a tag can send another signal to different designated receivers. The signals can be sent at different frequencies or at the same frequency. For example, a first signal can be a wireless tag identification signal sent to a receiver located within a venue and can be sent in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM. A second frequency can be a wireless tag identification signal sent to a receiver near an EAS gate of a venue. The second signal can also be sent in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM. The receivers can include fixed receivers in the environment, wireless user devices, handheld receivers, or any other circuitry or components that receive signals.

[0294] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300c in response to a 2.4 GHz trigger signal 13100 emitted by a handheld device 11200. In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300h in response to an EAS signal 14100 from an EAS gate 1112, 1114. Figure 13 For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300c in response to a 2.4 GHz trigger signal 13100 emitted by a handheld device 11200. In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300h in response to an EAS signal 14100 from an EAS gate 1112, 1114. Figure 14 For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300c in response to a 2.4 GHz trigger signal 13100 emitted by a handheld device 11200. In another example, as shown in FIG. 11, a tag 1100 can send an ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz to a receiver 11300h in response to an EAS signal 14100 from an EAS gate 1112, 1114.

[0295] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can include at least one energy storage component, as described elsewhere in this application. As described above, various embodiments can also include circuitry designed such that received energy is available to transmitter circuitry for use in transmitting signals over a communication medium. An example tag can include at least one circuit coupled to at least one transmitter and at least one energy storage component, the at least one circuit configured to monitor energy stored in the energy storage component. For example, Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication tag 1100, which can include at least one transmitter 2104 coupled to an energy storage circuit 2108. Figure 9 An embodiment of a tag architecture of a tag 1100 with a power manager 9010 is depicted. An energy storage circuit 2108 and a transmitter 2104 can be coupled to the power manager 9010. The power manager can be configured to monitor energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108.

[0296] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments can further include at least one circuit configured to prevent the at least one transmitter from transmitting the first signal to the first receiver at the first frequency when the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient to transmit the second signal to the second receiver at the first frequency. According to the disclosed embodiments, the circuit can determine that there is insufficient energy for the at least one transmitter to transmit the second signal to the second receiver when the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or less than a sum of the energy required to transmit the first signal to the first receiver and the reserve energy. The amount of reserve energy can be a sum of one or more of: the energy required to transmit the second signal to the second receiver; the energy required to power the tag (excluding the transmitter) for a predetermined period of time; the energy required to be stored in the energy storage component below which the energy storage component cannot power the transmitter; and the energy required to power the transmitter for a predetermined number of transmissions of an identification signal. If the circuit determines that there is insufficient energy to transmit the first signal, the circuit can prevent the at least one transmitter from transmitting the first signal.

[0297] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to determine that the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient when the energy stored in the energy storage component is less than a sum of a first energy required to transmit the first signal to the first receiver and a second energy required to transmit the second signal to the second receiver after transmitting the first signal to the first receiver. For example, a tag can be configured to ensure that if it completes a first task, the tag will have sufficient reserve energy to complete an expected second task. If not, the tag can not continue with the first task. Thus, for example, if the first task includes sending an identification signal to an infrastructure receiver for inventory management purposes and the second task includes sending an identification signal to a receiver at an exit in response to an EAS gate trigger to ensure that the removal of a tagged object from a premises is recorded, the tag can prevent the first task to ensure that sufficient energy is reserved for the second task.

[0298] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to determine that the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient when the energy stored in the energy storage component is less than a sum of a first energy required to transmit the second signal to the second receiver and a second predetermined reserve energy. For example, the circuit can be configured to determine that the energy is insufficient using a measurement component configured to monitor the reserve energy and calculate whether it is sufficient to enable the tag to continue to function. The first energy required for transmission can be determined based on a lookup of one or more predetermined thresholds, or can be calculated based on known characteristics of the transmission and / or known information about how much energy can be required to complete the transmission. The second energy can be predetermined because the tag can always need to maintain a particular reserve of energy. The predetermined amount of energy can correspond to one or more of, for example, the energy required for the tag to perform internal functions for a predetermined period of time or the energy required for a predetermined number of future transmissions by the tag (e.g., door mode transmissions). If calculated, the first energy can be determined based on a variable, such as a distance between one of the tag and the receiver (e.g., the second receiver). Or it can be calculated or determined based on the energy required for past similar transmissions. Or, as previously mentioned, the first energy can also be a predetermined energy for such a transmission. If the sum of the first and second energies exceeds a threshold, the tag can determine that the reserve energy is insufficient.

[0299] Additionally or alternatively, the circuit can be configured to determine whether the stored energy is sufficient based on a single measurement, calculation, or threshold, without evaluating two separate energies. For example, the calculation of the sum of the first and second energies described above can be predetermined by a component of the tag or a processor external to the tag (e.g., by implementing a pre-designed threshold or measurement that incorporates the first and second amounts).

[0300] With reference to Figure 9 For example, such functionality can be implemented with a power manager 9010, which can monitor the status of the energy storage module 2108. Data regarding a threshold amount of energy required (as well as historical data, if relevant) can be saved in the memory 9022, or in an internal memory of the power manager 9010. Alternatively, the determination of insufficient energy can be determined within the energy storage circuit 2108 itself or within or with the aid of the top-level controller 9020.

[0301] In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include a minimum energy required to power at least one component of the wireless identification tag other than the at least one transmitter for a predetermined amount of time. As discussed herein, the tag can have multiple components, and not only the transmission requires reserve energy, other internal functions of the tag require reserve energy as well. Thus, the minimum energy required can take into account any one or more components of the tag. For example, with reference to Figure 9The predetermined amount of reserve energy can include the energy required to power the detection circuit 2106, the top-level controller 9020, the multi-source harvester 2102, or the memory 9022 for a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of energy required to power at least one component of the wireless identification tag can also include the energy required to power any other circuitry or circuit components included in the wireless tag for a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined amount of time can be preprogrammed depending on system design constraints. For example, the predetermined amount of time can include several seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, or years.

[0302] In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include the minimum energy for a predetermined number of transmissions for powering the at least one transmitter to transmit the first signal. For example, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include the energy required for the tag to transmit a predetermined number of transmissions while operating in a door mode, an infrastructure- energizable mode (e.g., a store mode), or a user-energizable mode (e.g., an IoT mode). The predetermined number of transmissions can be based on design parameters of the system. For example, if a system design constraint is that the tag must always have enough energy to be able to transmit six door mode signals, three door mode signals, or any other number of door mode signals, the predetermined amount of energy reserve will include at least the energy required for six door mode transmissions, three door mode transmissions, or any other number of door mode transmissions according to the system design constraint. Design constraints can also require reserving energy for other internal functions, all of which can be part of the minimum energy required.

[0303] In some embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy can include at least the minimum energy for the energy storage component to power the at least one transmitter after a predetermined number of transmissions by the transmitter transmitting the first signal. For example, in addition to the energy required to transmit a predetermined number of first signal transmissions, the tag can be designed to store additional reserve energy to transmit other signals. These additional signals can include, for example, transmissions of second or third signals that are the same or different frequencies as the first signal. The additional signals can include an identification signal or a distress signal that alerts the system that the tag contains insufficient reserve energy. This can prompt the infrastructure to wirelessly transmit energy to replenish the tag’s reserves. Thus, for example, with reference to Figure 9 The predetermined amount of reserve energy can include at least the minimum energy for the energy storage circuit 2108 to power the at least one transmitter 2104 after a predetermined number of transmissions by the transmitter 2104 transmitting the first signal.

[0304] As previously referenced with respect to Figure 9As discussed, the power manager 9010 can determine the necessary reserve energy requirements. As another example, the power manager 9010 can transfer energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 to the top-level controller 9020. The top-level controller 9020 can then determine whether there is sufficient energy to power the transmitter 2104 to transmit a signal, and thereafter allow or prevent the transmitter 2104 from transmitting a signal. The top-level controller 9020 can further determine the energy required to send one or more transmissions, and determine whether there is sufficient energy to power the transmitter for one or more transmissions based on the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108.

[0305] As described above, the first frequency band can be within the 2.4 GHz WW ISM frequency band, and the second frequency can be within the 900 MHz WW ISM frequency band. In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can be configured to store energy received at the first frequency and energy received at a second frequency lower than the first frequency, and use the stored energy to power the at least one transmitter. The energy storage component can be configured to receive energy obtained from higher and lower frequencies, regardless of the frequency of the received energy, through an interconnection with different frequency receivers, through an interconnection with different antennas, or through an interconnection with one or more circuits. For example, the first higher frequency can be within the 2.4 GHz range, and the second lower frequency can be within the 900 MHz range.

[0306] In various embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can include a circuit designed to receive energy from a source in one form, store it locally in the circuit in a second form, and make it available for use by other circuits connected to it, either immediately, or at a later time after the energy is received, or in a third form. For example, the at least one energy storage component can make the stored energy available for use to power the at least one transmitter.

[0307] As Figure 9 As shown, the wireless tag 1100 can include a transmitter 2104. The transmitter 2104 can be connected to the energy storage circuit 2108, and can be configured to use energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 to power the transmitter 2104.

[0308] In some embodiments, the at least one energy storage component can include at least one capacitor configured to power the wireless identification tag without a battery. This can include, for example, a storage capacitor 10300 of the energy storage circuit 2108.

[0309] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be configured to determine whether to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode for transmitting a first signal to a first receiver or a second mode for transmitting a second signal to a second receiver based on a frequency of a signal received by the wireless identification tag. Based on any number of factors in the system design parameters, the circuitry in the tag can cause the tag to operate in alternating modes of operation. One factor that can influence the mode of operation is the frequency of the signal received by the tag. One frequency signal can cause the tag to operate in a first mode, while a second frequency signal can cause the tag to operate in a second mode. Thus, as described above, the wireless tag can include circuitry capable of determining the frequency of a received signal and changing the mode of operation of the tag in accordance therewith.

[0310] Figure 19 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of operation of a wireless tag. As shown in block 19102, the tag can receive ambient energy, and as shown in block 191104, determine the frequency of the received ambient energy. If the tag determines that energy is received in the 7-13 MHz band or the 58-60 kHz band, as shown in block 19106, one or more circuits in the tag can cause the tag to operate in a gated mode, as shown in block 19112. This can result in transmission of bursts of identification signals at full output power, as shown in block 19118. Alternatively, the tag can determine that energy is received in the 900 MHz WW ISM band, as shown in block 19108, and cause the tag to operate in an infrastructure- energizable mode, which in the case of a retail establishment can be referred to as a store mode, as shown in block 19114. As a result, transmission of identification signals can be delayed, as shown in block 19120. As a further alternative, the tag can determine that energy is received in the 2.4 GHz WW ISM band, as reflected in block 19110, and cause the tag to operate in a mode referred to as a user-energizable mode, an IoT mode, or a home mode, as reflected in block 19116. This in turn results in transmission of immediate response identification signals, as shown in block 19122.

[0311] In some embodiments, the circuitry can be further configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in the first mode when the wireless identification tag receives a signal in at least one of a first frequency band of 900 MHz WW ISM or a second frequency band of 2.4 GHz WW ISM. For example, the first mode can be triggered by one of a 900 MHz WW ISM signal or a 2.4 GHz WW ISM signal. Alternatively, both a 900 MHz WW ISM signal or a 2.4 GHz WW ISM signal can trigger the first mode of operation. Similarly, the circuitry can also be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a second mode when the wireless identification tag receives a signal in at least one of a first frequency band of about 7-13 MHz or a second frequency band of about 58-60 kHz. One of a 7-13 MHz signal or a 58-60 kHz signal can trigger the second mode. Alternatively, the second mode can be triggered regardless of which of the two signal ranges is received. In these examples, the first mode can be an infrastructure energizable mode and the second mode can be a gated mode. The frequency band of about 7-13 MHz can include any frequency compatible with a radio frequency ("RF") EAS system. The operating frequency of an RF-EAS system can include any frequency in the range of 1.8 MHz to 13 MHz. The frequency band of about 58-60 kHz can include any frequency compatible with an acousto-magnetic ("AM") EAS system. The operating frequency of an AM-EAS system can include any frequency in the range of 58-60 kHz.

[0312] In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit to the first receiver at a first location that is different from a location of the second receiver, and the at least one transmitter can be further configured to transmit the second signal after a delay that is shorter than a delay before transmitting the first signal. Depending on design parameters, certain signals can be transmitted faster than others. For example, the first receiver can be located inside a venue or at any location that is not associated with an EAS gate, while the second receiver can be located near or proximate to an EAS gate. In this example scenario, since receiving an identification signal can be of greater importance than receiving a repeat signal from an inventory management system, the tag can be designed to transmit the identification signal to a receiver near an EAS gate with less delay than to a receiver not near an EAS gate.

[0313] In Figure 12 In the illustrated example, the tag 1100 can be configured to transmit to a receiver 11300e or a receiver 11300f located inside a retail store after a delay (ranging from fractions of a second to minutes or even hours depending on design parameters). In the illustrated example, the tag 1100 can be configured to transmit to a receiver 11300g or a receiver 11300h located near an EAS gate after a delay that is shorter than the delay to the receiver 11300e or the receiver 11300f. In the illustrated example, the tag 1100 can be configured to transmit to a receiver 11300i or a receiver 11300j located near an EAS gate after a delay that is shorter than the delay to the receiver 11300g or the receiver 11300h. Figure 13In the example shown, the tag 1100 can be configured to transmit to the receiver 11300c or a receiver located in the device 11200 after a short delay, for example less than 10 seconds. In Figure 14 In the example shown, the tag 1100 can be configured to transmit to the receiver 11300h or a receiver located near the door with a minimum delay, for example less than 200 ms.

[0314] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to detect whether energy is received at a frequency other than the first frequency, and cause the at least one transmitter to send the second signal to the second receiver less than 10 seconds after detecting that the energy is received at the other frequency. For example, a wireless tag can include a circuit that is able to determine the frequency of received energy. When the circuit determines that the received energy is in a frequency band other than the frequency band associated with an infrastructure-activatable mode (e.g., a store mode), the circuit will cause the transmitter in the wireless tag to send a signal to the receiver without delay or with a delay on the order of fractions of a second. In one example, the circuit will cause the transmitter in the wireless tag to send a signal to the receiver no more than 10 seconds after the circuit detects that the received energy is at a frequency other than the frequency band associated with the store mode.

[0315] Referring to Figure 10 , the power manager 9010 can detect the frequency of received energy and send a signal to the top-level controller 9020 indicating the frequency of received energy. The top-level controller 9020 can then implement a transmission according to a user-activatable mode, such as the IoT mode FSM 10004 or the door mode FSM 10006.

[0316] In some embodiments, the first signal and the second signal differ in at least one aspect of a repetition period, a time interval between two consecutive responses, a data encryption mechanism, a transmission power, or a data content of the transmission. As previously mentioned, the frequencies of the first and second signals can be different, but alternatively or in addition, they can differ in other aspects. For example, the signals can be repeated periodically to ensure reception by the receiver. The first or second signal can have a different repetition period from each other. Similarly, the tag can not be allowed to send a signal until a predetermined period of time has elapsed from a previous transmission. The first and second signals can differ in these time intervals. Likewise, the different signals can be encrypted differently, can differ in their power, or can contain different information. These are just a few examples. The identification signal can vary in any other signal parameter.

[0317] In some embodiments, the transmissions sent when the wireless tag is operating in an infrastructure energizable mode (e.g., store mode) can have a repetition period of ten minutes. In other examples, the transmissions sent when the wireless tag is operating in an infrastructure energizable mode (e.g., store mode) can have a repetition period of 10 minutes, with an additional random delay period of between 0 and 5 minutes.

[0318] A data encryption mechanism can include a process of encoding a message or information such that only authorized entities can access it, and unauthorized entities cannot access it. Encryption itself can not prevent interference with the transmission of data, but it can prevent those who do not know the decryption process from interpreting the message or information. The encryption process can include the use of an encryption key, which can be a piece of data shared between the message transmitter and the intended recipient at some point in time prior to the transmission of the encrypted message. The use of an encryption key enables multiple parties to use a common encryption process while still maintaining the secrecy of the message as long as the key is unique and kept secret. A message will be considered decryptable or readable if it is transmitted according to an agreement that both the sender and the recipient agree to. In the case of an encrypted message, the message can be decryptable or readable if the recipient also has all the details of the type of encryption used, including the encryption key.

[0319] The data content can include a unique identification associated with the wireless tag, a status of the wireless tag, a location of the wireless tag, a power level of the wireless tag, pricing information, ownership information, style information, data related to the trigger that initiated the transmission, or any information conveyed by the signal.

[0320] In some embodiments, the first signal can include first identification data, the second signal includes second identification data, and at least one of the first identification data or the second identification data can include a unique identification of the wireless identification tag. For example, a tag operating in an infrastructure energizable mode (e.g., store mode) can send a signal. The data content of the signal can include identification data. The identification data can include a unique identification associated with the wireless tag. Additionally or alternatively, a tag operating in a user energizable mode (e.g., IoT mode) or a gate mode can send a signal. The data content of this signal can also contain identification data, which can also include a unique identification associated with the wireless tag.

[0321] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit an alternative signal to the first receiver with less energy than would be required to transmit the first signal to the first receiver when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined threshold level. For example, the wireless tag can include a circuit configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component. As described above, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is less than a predetermined threshold level, such as a reserve energy, the wireless tag can cause the transmitter to transmit an alternative signal to the receiver using less energy than the transmitter would use if the energy stored in the energy storage component were above the predetermined threshold level. The alternative signal can be a form of the first signal, containing less information, it can be a distress signal, or it can simply be identical to the first signal in all but the power level.

[0322] Referring to Figure 10 The wireless tag 1100 can include a power manager 9010 that monitors the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108. The power manager 9010 can communicate the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 to the top level controller 9020. The top level controller 9020 can determine whether the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 is below a predetermined threshold level. If the top level controller determines that the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 is below a predetermined threshold level, the top level controller 9020 can cause the transmitter 2104 to transmit a signal with less energy than would normally be required. As described above, this can be accomplished by changing any number of characteristics of the signal.

[0323] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to implement an identified transmission rule for adjusting the at least one circuit in a manner that causes the at least one transmitter to delay sending the first signal to the first receiver even when sufficient energy is stored in the energy storage component for sending the second signal to the second receiver. For example, another transmission rule can prevent a transmission from occurring even though there is sufficient reserve energy to allow for a subsequent transmission. These rules can vary depending on the design parameters of a particular system.

[0324] Referring to Figure 10 The power manager 9010 or the top level controller 9020 can implement a rule governing signal transmission. If that rule is violated, a transmission can not be sent, or can be delayed. In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to implement the identified transmission rule to cause the transmitter to send the first signal to the first receiver within a predetermined time interval. For example, as described above, the wireless tag can include circuitry designed to implement a store mode. As described above, when operating in store mode, the tag can send a signal to a receiver within a predetermined time interval.

[0325] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to implement the identified transmission rule to randomly select a time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first signal to the first receiver. Randomness can prevent signal overlap, create collisions, and overwhelm receivers. For example, in an infrastructure energizable mode (e.g., a store mode), when the infrastructure can energize many tags at the same time, random responses from each tag can space transmissions to prevent receivers from being overwhelmed.

[0326] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be configured to conserve energy by activating for a first predetermined length of time and deactivating for a second predetermined length of time in a repeating manner. For example, after sending a signal, a tag can deactivate for a period of time so as not to continue to repeatedly send the same signal. This, in turn, conserves energy. For example, in a place where the infrastructure repeatedly energizes many tags, a tag that has responded can be configured to not respond to the same signal until a predetermined period of time has passed. For example, when operating in an infrastructure energizable mode (e.g., a store mode), a tag can conserve energy by activating for a first predetermined amount of time and then deactivating for a second predetermined amount of time. As described above, the first and second predetermined amounts of time can be the same amount of time, different amounts of time, or randomized amounts of time.

[0327] Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a system for detecting misplaced items in a venue. A venue can include any area, building, or structure that can store or maintain an inventory of items, such as a retail venue, a store, a warehouse, a distribution center, a logistics center, a fulfillment center, a manufacturing area, a transportation area, a storage area, a home, a medical facility, a dining venue, a kitchen, or any other area that facilitates tracking of items. An item can include any object that can be stored within a venue. As non-limiting examples, an item can include food, clothing, electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles, consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, artwork, animals, personnel, instruments, pallets, containers, pharmaceuticals, trade goods, objects, devices, machines, appliances, mechanisms, tools, furniture, or any other object that can exist in a venue.

[0328] According to the disclosed embodiments, the term "misplaced item" can refer to one or more items that are not located within a designated location associated with the one or more items within a venue. For example, a venue can be organized in such a way that certain locations within the venue can be associated with one or more items, or one or more items are associated with one or more particular locations. Locations within a venue can include one or more storage areas, such as storage units, shelves, cabinets, racks, rooms, or any other storage structure or area that can be associated with one or more items. Locations can also not be associated with any items. For example, according to the disclosed embodiments, a fitting room, a checkout lane, a restroom, an empty floor space, or any other area location that is not related to item storage can also be a location in a venue. In this case, for example, a misplaced item can be an item that is located on the wrong shelf or rack, in the wrong department, or in any location that is not designated for the item (e.g., a garment in a fitting room).

[0329] By way of example, Figure 11 is a perspective view of a retail venue, which can include a plurality of apparel. In this example venue, there can be one or more locations designated for a particular purpose, such as storage and / or display of particular items or convenience for other activities related to the operation of the venue. For example, the venue can include shelves 11250 and shelves 11240, which are designated for storage and / or display of particular items, such as particular apparel. The venue can also include other locations, such as fitting room 11230, which are not associated with storage and / or display of items, but enable customers to perform certain activities within the venue, such as trying on different apparel. The disclosed embodiments can provide systems, such as item location monitoring system 20000 in Figure 20 , and methods that are capable of detecting, for example, misplaced items, such as an item located in fitting room 11230 instead of its designated location on shelf 11250.

[0330] The disclosed embodiments can also include systems for reporting item locations in a venue. For example, a system according to the disclosed embodiments can monitor the location of items in a venue and report the location to a device, a person, or any other entity. Reporting can include generating a signal indicating the location of an item to be transmitted over a suitable medium, displaying the location of an item to a user on a graphical user interface, or any other suitable communication indicating the location of an item. By way of example, in Figure 20 , system 20000 can monitor the location of location tag 1110 and can be configured to report the location, for example, by generating signal 20204, which causes graphical user interface 20100 on device 20008 to display information indicating the location of the item.

[0331] The disclosed embodiments can include at least one processor. A processor can be any physical apparatus or group of apparatuses with circuitry that performs logical operations on one or more inputs. For example, the at least one processor can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including application-specific ICs (ASICs), microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), servers, virtual servers, or other circuitry suitable for executing instructions or performing logical operations. Instructions executed by the at least one processor can be pre-loaded into a memory integrated with or embedded in the controller, for example, or can be stored in a discrete memory. The memory can include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disks, optical disks, magnetic media, flash memory, other permanent, fixed or volatile memory, or any other mechanism capable of storing instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one processor can include more than one processor. Each processor can have a similar structure, or the processors can have different structures that are electrically connected or electrically separated from each other. For example, the processors can be discrete circuits or integrated in a single circuit. When more than one processor is used, the processors can be configured to operate independently or cooperatively. The processors can be electrically coupled, magnetically coupled, optically coupled, acoustically coupled, mechanically coupled, or coupled by other means that allow them to interact with each other. For example, as shown in Figure 20 The system 20000 for monitoring locations of items in a venue can include a processor 20004 that can be configured to implement and / or execute instructions for one or more processes and methods in accordance with the present disclosure, as shown in

[0332] In accordance with the present disclosure, the disclosed embodiments can also relate to a network. A "network" can constitute any type of physical or wireless computer network arrangement for exchanging data. For example, the network can be the Internet, a private data network, a virtual private network using a public network, a Wi-Fi network, a LAN or WAN network, and / or other suitable connections capable of exchanging information between various components of the system. In some embodiments, the network can include one or more physical links for exchanging data, such as Ethernet, coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable, optical fiber, or any other suitable physical medium for exchanging data. The network can also include the public switched telephone network ("PSTN") and / or a wireless cellular network. The network can be a secure network or an unsecure network. In other embodiments, one or more components of the system can communicate directly through a dedicated communication network. Direct communication can use any suitable technology, including, for example, Bluetooth TM , Bluetooth Low Energy TM(BLE), Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), or other suitable communication methods that provide a medium for exchanging data and / or information between independent entities. For example, as Figure 20 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system.

[0333] Disclosed embodiments can include receiving, from at least one reader in a venue, an identification signal of an identification tag read by the at least one reader. A reader can include one or more devices, circuits, components, or combinations thereof capable of receiving and processing electromagnetic signals. For example, a reader and / or circuit can include two or more interconnected components. As described above, non-limiting examples can include combinations of components and / or devices implemented as part of a silicon chip, part of a printed circuit board, part of a connectorized system, or combinations of any of the above, connected in a manner that enables the desired functionality or reaction.

[0334] As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system. Figures 11-13 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system. Figures 3-8 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system. Figures 12-13 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system. Figure 15 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system. Figure 21 As shown in FIG. 27, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a venue can include a network 20002 that can enable the exchange of data and / or information of devices (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, readers 11300a-g, etc.) in the system.

[0335] According to some disclosed embodiments, the at least one reader can include at least one of a handheld scanner or a fixed scanner configured to automatically read signals transmitted by an identification tag. According to disclosed embodiments, a handheld scanner can be a device provided by a venue to an employee or a customer for use during work or during a shopping session, can be a mobile communication device of such a person, or any other handheld device capable of performing a reader function. A fixed scanner can be a device fixed to any wall, ceiling, or any other attachable structure capable of performing a reader function. For example, in Figure 11In some implementations, the readers 11300a-h can be fixed scanners attached to some structure in the venue (e.g., a wall, a ceiling, a fixture). According to the present disclosure, a customer or employee can use the handheld device 11200 as a handheld scanner, for example, which can be a device dedicated to scanning or any other mobile device capable of performing reader functions.

[0336] In some disclosed implementations, the identification tag can be configured to receive and store ambient energy, and use the stored ambient energy to power the transmission of the identification signal. Ambient energy can refer to energy that is present in the environment of the identification tag. As described above, the energy can be generated by environmental factors, electromagnetic signals transmitted in the environment, or any other energy source. For example, the fixed scanners 11300a-h can serve as a source of ambient energy, as can Wi-Fi or other electromagnetic infrastructure. The example tag 1100 can include components such as the energy storage circuit 2108, the storage capacitor 10300, and / or the energy storage component 15008. For example, any one or more of the components can be configured to receive energy from the antennas 2112, 2114, and / or 15002A-C, store the received energy, and make the energy available to other components within the tag. In one example, energy received in one form can be stored in a second form, and can be provided to a component in a third form. According to some disclosed implementations, the ambient energy can be used to power the transmission of the identification signal.

[0337] In some disclosed implementations, the identification tag can be configured to transmit the identification signal according to a predetermined timing. For example, the predetermined timing can include a timing pattern that controls when the identification signal can be transmitted from the identification tag. The timing can include a constant, random, or variable period at which the identification signal is sent (e.g., twice an hour, at 1:20 PM and 1:45 PM, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the timing can follow an input trigger signal (e.g., upon receipt of a trigger signal, the tag transmits a response according to a rule one or more times; and / or when a threshold level of stored energy is reached, the reaching of the threshold can trigger a transmission). In practice, any programmed condition or rule can drive the transmission of the identification signal. By way of example, in Figure 20 In some implementations, the identification tag 1110 can transmit the identification signal 12200 multiple times a day, regardless of any input from components of the system 20000. Alternatively, the transmission can occur as a result of a signal sent to the tag 1110 from an energizer. Depending on the implementation, the signal can be emitted from one or more readers 11300a-g or any other source.

[0338] According to the present disclosure, the at least one identification tag can be configured to operate in a first transmission mode when the at least one identification tag receives energy of a first frequency, and to operate in a second transmission mode when the at least one identification tag receives energy of a second frequency higher than the first frequency, wherein the first transmission mode differs from the second transmission mode in at least one of a repetition period of the transmitted signal, a transmission power level, or a data content of the transmission. For example, the first mode can refer to the step of transmitting a first signal, and the second mode can refer to the step of transmitting a second signal. The first and second modes can also refer to different operational characteristics. These characteristics can include a communication medium, a communication protocol, a frequency, a frequency range, a frequency band, a type of encryption, scrambling and / or disguising, a data content, a transmission timing, and / or any other distinguishable characteristic that can be associated with an identification signal to be transmitted.

[0339] By way of example, Figure 15 Circuitry 15006 in device 15006 can detect energy 15102A received by one or more of antennas 15002A-C. In response to the detection, circuitry 15006 can cause any one or more of transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a first mode. For example, operating in the first mode can include transmitting one or more of signals 15104A-C, where signals 15104A-C can have different characteristics such that each signal is distinguishable from one another in at least one respect. Circuitry 15006 can also detect reception of energy 15102B by one or more of antennas 15002A-C, where energy 15102B is of a higher frequency than energy 15102A. In response to the detection, circuitry 15006 can cause any one or more of transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a second mode. For example, operating in the second mode can include transmitting one or more of signals 15104A-C, where one or more of signals 15104A-C can differ from signals 15104A-C transmitted in the first mode, either individually or in combination.

[0340] The disclosed embodiments can include determining a current location of the identification tag based on the received identification signal. For example, an identification tag within a venue can transmit a signal that can be received by one or more readers in the venue. However, depending on the proximity to the one or more readers, the power level of the signal received by each of the one or more readers can differ in magnitude. This magnitude can be used to calculate certain characteristics of the signal's propagation on the communication medium, establishing parameters such as the range at which the signal can be detected, a value representing the relative or actual distance at which the signal has been transmitted, signal-to-noise ratio, interference characteristics, and the like. In the case of wireless communication, this magnitude can be measured in power units, typically in Watts or dBW (decibel-Watts or dB-Watts), which is a logarithmic unit related to Watts (or sometimes in dBm units, which is related to milliwatts in the same way that dBW is related to Watts). In this sense, "power level" can refer to, for example, the result of a power measurement taken immediately at the signal input at the reader when the reader is actively receiving one or more signals.

[0341] In some embodiments, determining the current location of the identification tag can be performed by comparing the power level of the received signal at each reader and determining the current location of the identification tag based on the comparison. For example, the power level of the identification signal received from the identification tag and a reader can be higher than the power level of the identification signal received by other readers in the venue due to the identification tag being closer to the reader than the other readers. The reader can be associated with a given location, and therefore, based on the reader receiving the strongest signal and its association with the given location, it can be determined that the identification tag is located at that location. Similarly, multiple signal strengths detected by different readers can be used to estimate the location of the tag. For example, using three signal strengths detected by three readers, the system can triangulate to estimate or determine the location of the tag.

[0342] For example, an item located in fitting room 11230 can include an identification tag 1100 that transmits an identification signal 12200. Due to the tag 1100 being in close proximity to reader 11300f, which can be associated with fitting room 11230, the power level of the signal 12200 received by reader 11300f can be higher than the power level of the signal 12200 received by readers located further away from the tag 1100 (e.g., readers 11210a-e and g-h). Therefore, due to the association of reader 11300f with fitting room 11230, it can be determined that the item is located in fitting room 11230. For example, in Figure 21 embodiments, step 21004 of process 21000 can include determining a current location of the identification tag based on the received identification signal.

[0343] For localization purposes, signal strength patterns can be predetermined. For example, measurements from tags in fitting room 11230 by different readers can produce a recognizable pattern that can be matched to determine the future location of the tags. When installing the system, tag readings can be collected from around the building to correlate signal strength with actual location. The correlations can be stored in a data structure. Then, in the future, a lookup can be performed on actual readings to identify the location of a tag based on the stored data. Again, the system can learn over time with artificial intelligence.

[0344] In some disclosed embodiments, the at least one reader can include a plurality of readers configured to receive the identification signal, and the at least one processor can be configured to access location data for the plurality of readers. For example, as described above, the processor can access common input data signals received at the plurality of readers for identifying the location of a tag that emitted the common signal. The identified location can be a precise, measurable location within the venue, or can be a generalized location such as a room, device, department, section, area, shelf, rack, or any other location, depending on the system design and granularity provided by the particular system.

[0345] Alternatively, particular readers can be associated with particular locations. For example, a single reader can be associated with a single room, such that a signal from that reader indicates that a tag is within the associated room. Or a single reader (or group of readers) can be associated with an area or region, such that a corresponding read indicates that a tag is located in that area or region. For example, in Figure 11 In this example, readers 11300c and 11300d can be associated with shelf 11250, reader 11300e can be associated with shelf 11240, and reader 11300f can be associated with fitting room 11230. For example, in Figure 20 In this example, this localization data can be stored in data structure 20006 and can be accessed by processor 20004 over network 20002.

[0346] According to some disclosed embodiments, the at least one processor can be further configured to identify the location of the identification tag based on the location data of the plurality of readers and the power level of the identification signal received by the plurality of readers. Determining the location of a point in space (e.g., the location of an identification tag) can be achieved by using distance measurements from that point to at least three other points (e.g., readers) whose locations are known beforehand (i.e., reference points). The method can include determining for each reference point an equation or formula describing a sphere whose center is at the reference point and whose radius is equal to the distance measured from the reference point to the measured point. Assuming that the distance measurements are accurate, for each of the spheres, the measured point will be found at some point on the surface of the sphere. Given at least three such spheres (and assuming that the three reference points are spaced appropriately), there will typically be no more than two points in space where all three spheres intersect at a single point. In most real-world systems, determining which of the two solutions is the correct location of the measured point can be done using prior knowledge (e.g., when the three reference points are on the ground, one of the solutions will be underground, which can be easily excluded). In addition, learning data about the premises can be used to exclude unlikely solutions. For example, if one of the multiple solutions places the shoe in the jewelry department, while the other solution places the shoe in the shoe department, the first solution can be discarded by the system as less likely, while the second solution is accepted. This can happen due to stored initialization data that records the expected locations of various items, or through machine learning, by detecting and recording where items are typically located.

[0347] The distance measurements can be performed in a variety of ways, such as direct tape or ruler measurements, measuring the time of flight of a light or radio signal from the reference point to the measured point (or vice versa, based on the fact that the speed of light is constant and finite, independent of the location or movement of the reference or measured points), or by measuring the power level at which the signal is received at the reference point (e.g., reader) when a transmission of a known power level is transmitted from the measured point (based on the fact that radio waves attenuate in free space in proportion to the square of the distance).

[0348] For ease of discussion, Figure 22 A network is shown in which the location of an identification tag can be determined based on the location data of a plurality of readers and the power level of the identification signal received by the plurality of readers. For example, although the identification tag 1110 can transmit an identification signal at a single known power level, the power level of the identification signal received by each of the readers 11300a-c is not the same due to the difference in distance between the identification tag 1110 and each of the readers 11300a-c. Based on the difference between the known transmission power level and the received power level, a processor (e.g., Figure 20The processor 20004) in the system 1100 can determine that the identification tag 1110 is at (1) a distance equal to the radius 220Rafrom the reader 11300a; (2) a distance equal to the radius 220Rbfrom the reader 11300b; and (3) a distance equal to the radius 220Rcfrom the reader 11300. Using the known location data of the multiple readers and the distance from each reader, the processor can triangulate or otherwise determine the precise location of the identification tag 1110 (the arcs 220Aa-c only intersect at one point). Although this illustrates a method on a two-dimensional medium, it should be understood that these methods or similar methods can be used to precisely locate identification tags in a three-dimensional environment in accordance with the present disclosure, as described above.

[0349] The disclosed embodiments can include recording the current location of an identification tag in at least one data structure. A data structure can include any collection of data values and the relationships among them. Data can be stored linearly, hierarchically, relationally, non-relationally, one-dimensionally, multi-dimensionally, operatively, in an ordered fashion, in an unordered fashion, in an object-oriented fashion, in a centralized fashion, in a decentralized fashion, in a distributed fashion, in a custom fashion, or in any fashion that allows data access. By way of non-limiting example, a data structure can include an array, an associative array, a linked list, a binary tree, a balanced tree, a heap, a stack, a queue, a set, a hash table, a record, a tag union, an ER model, and a graph. For example, a data structure can include an XML database, an RDBMS database, a SQL database, or a NoSQL alternative database for data storage / searching, such as MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk, Solr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, HBase, and Neo4J. The data structure can be a component of the disclosed system or a remote computing component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). Data in the data structure can be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory. Moreover, the data structure used herein does not require information to be in the same location. It can be distributed across multiple servers, for example, which can be owned or operated by the same or different entities. Thus, the singular term “data structure” used herein includes multiple data structures.

[0350] According to the disclosed embodiments, recording the current location of an identification tag may include inserting, updating, or otherwise modifying data values ​​contained in a data structure such that at least one or more data values ​​represent the current location and / or ...

Claims

1. A non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions for causing simultaneous activation and sequential reading of a plurality of tags, the instructions comprising: presenting, through a user interface, an activatable element configured to activate a transmitter; upon activation of the element, activating the transmitter to cause each of a plurality of tags in proximity to the transmitter to send a unique tag ID to a receiver associated with the transmitter, wherein each of the plurality of tags is configured to store ambient energy for use in a delayed transmission, and wherein activation of the transmitter is configured to cause a transfer of energy for storage in the plurality of tags in proximity to the transmitter, thereby enabling the plurality of tags in proximity to the transmitter to make a delayed transmission; reading a first set of the plurality of unique tag IDs during a first time interval, wherein the first set excludes a second set of the plurality of unique tag IDs; recording first information associated with the first set; maintaining activation of the transmitter after reading the first set during a second time interval to cause further energy storage in at least some of the plurality of tags of the first set and at least some of the plurality of tags of the second set, and to cause at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set to be transmitted to the receiver along with the unique tag IDs of the second set; and recording second information associated with the second set after reading the at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set and the unique tag IDs of the second set.

2. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise displaying at least one of the first information or the second information on a user interface.

3. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise maintaining activation of the transmitter until the unique tag ID of each of the plurality of tags is read.

4. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tags is associated with a unique tag ID and is configured to encrypt its unique tag ID and send the encrypted tag ID to the receiver.

5. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise: continuously activating the transmitter to cause each of the tags to continuously send the unique tag ID to the transmitter; sequentially reading each unique tag ID; and aggregating data associated with each unique tag ID to construct an inventory of products that were simultaneously activated and sequentially read.

6. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 1, wherein recording the second information comprises: identifying, from the at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set and the unique tag IDs of the second set, unique tag IDs that were read with the first set; and recording the second information while excluding information associated with the identified tag IDs that were read with the first set. ​ ​ 7. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 6, wherein the instructions are further configured to deliver, through the user interface, a list of information associated with the plurality of tags in the vicinity of the transmitter.

8. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 7, wherein the list of information includes at least one of a tag ID, a list of ownership history, an encryption key, a SKU, or a location associated with each of the plurality of tags.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 2, wherein the instructions are further configured to enable a user to identify a missing product and display, on the user interface, an indication of the missing product in the vicinity of the transmitter.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein displaying the indication further comprises displaying a location of the missing product on the user interface.

11. An apparatus for simultaneous triggering and sequential reading of a plurality of tags, the apparatus comprising: a transmitter; a receiver; and at least one processor configured to: periodically activate the transmitter to cause each of a plurality of tags in the vicinity of the transmitter to transmit a unique tag ID to the receiver, wherein each of the plurality of tags is configured to store ambient energy for use in a delayed transmission, and wherein the activation of the transmitter is configured to cause a transfer of energy for storage in the plurality of tags in the vicinity of the transmitter, thereby enabling the plurality of tags in the vicinity of the transmitter to make a delayed transmission; read a first set of the plurality of unique tag IDs during a first time interval, wherein the first set excludes a second set of the plurality of unique tag IDs; record first information associated with the first set; maintain the activation of the transmitter during a second time interval after reading the first set to cause further energy storage in at least some of the plurality of tags of the first set and at least some of the plurality of tags of the second set, and to cause at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set to be transmitted to the receiver along with the unique tag IDs of the second set; and record second information associated with the second set after reading the at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set and the unique tag IDs of the second set in the second time interval.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to activate the transmitter at predetermined time intervals.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to randomly select a time interval between two consecutive activations of the transmitter.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause at least one of the first information or the second information to be displayed on a user interface.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to update a data structure with at least one of the first information or the second information. ​ 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to maintain activation of the transmitter until the unique tag ID of each of the plurality of tags is read.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of tags is associated with a unique tag ID and is configured to encrypt its unique tag ID and send the encrypted tag ID to the receiver.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: continuously activate the transmitter to cause each of the plurality of tags to continuously send the unique tag ID to the transmitter; sequentially read each unique tag ID; and aggregate data associated with each unique tag ID to construct an inventory of products that were simultaneously activated and sequentially read.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to record the second information by: identifying unique tag IDs read with the first set from the at least some of the unique tag IDs of the first set and the unique tag IDs of the second set; and recording the second information while excluding information associated with the identified tag IDs read with the first set.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause a list of information associated with each of the plurality of tags in the vicinity of the transmitter to be displayed on a user interface.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the list of information includes at least one of a tag ID, a list of ownership history, an encryption key, a SKU, or a location associated with each of the plurality of tags.

22. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable a user to input an identification of a missing product and to cause an indication that the missing product is in the vicinity to be displayed on a user interface.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause a location of the missing product to be displayed on the user interface.

Images