Wireless device configured to utilize harvested energy for transmission power

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application No. 202080042138.1 (filed on April 10, 2020, invention title: Wireless Dual-Mode Identification Tag).

[0002] Cross-references 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 implementation schemes generally relate to systems and methods for using wireless identification tags associated with products. Background Technology

[0005] The ability to transmit data over networks offers numerous opportunities, enabling 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 may be subject to certain hardware, energy consumption, cost, and other technical limitations that may prevent their implementation in certain products, systems, and industries. Furthermore, numerous security and privacy concerns associated with data transmission may render the implementation of this technology impractical in certain areas.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for cost-effective and unconventional methods that can efficiently, effectively, and securely enable the digital self-representation of various products and / or the management of these products. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods generally relating to wireless identification tags associated with products. The disclosed systems and methods can be implemented using a combination of conventional hardware and software as well as specialized hardware and software, such as machines specifically constructed and / or programmed to perform functions associated with the steps of the disclosed methods. According to other disclosed embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may store program instructions that can be executed 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 relating to wireless identification tags associated with products for product self-identification are disclosed. The embodiments may include tags comprising at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency in a band of approximately 900 MHz and a second frequency in a band of approximately 2.4 GHz. Some embodiments may 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, when the first frequency is detected, to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode to transmit an identification signal of a first form, and when the second frequency is detected, to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a second mode to transmit an identification signal of a second form.

[0009] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags are disclosed, wherein the response time of the wireless identification tag varies as a function of the frequency of the input signal. Some embodiments may include a wireless identification tag comprising at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency in a band of approximately 900 MHz and a second frequency in a band of approximately 2.4 GHz; at least one transmitter; and at least one circuit. The at least one circuit may be configured to: detect whether energy is received at the first frequency or the second frequency, and to cause the at least one transmitter to transmit an immediate response upon detection of the second frequency, and to transmit a delayed response upon detection of the first frequency, the delayed response having a longer delay compared to 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 may 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 may 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 powering the at least one transmitter. Embodiments may further include at least one circuit connected to the at least one antenna and configured to detect energy transmitted from the EAS gate within at least one of the first or second EAS gate frequency ranges, 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 outside the EAS gate, the at least one identification signal being transmitted at a frequency outside the first and second EAS gate frequency ranges.

[0011] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags configured to collect ambient energy and intermittently transmit identification signals are disclosed. Embodiments may 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 collect 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 identification transmission rules such that the transmitter delays transmitting the identification signal even when sufficient energy for transmitting the identification signal is collected and stored in the energy storage component.

[0012] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags are disclosed, the wireless identification tags being configured to collect ambient energy and intermittently transmit identification signals. Embodiments may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit a first signal to a first receiver at a first frequency and a second signal to a second receiver at the same first frequency. Embodiments may further include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to the at least one transmitter for collecting and storing ambient energy and powering the transmission of the at least one transmitter. At least one circuit may be connected to the at least one transmitter and the at least one energy storage component for monitoring the energy stored in the energy storage component and preventing 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.

[0013] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media relating to wireless identification fraud prevention systems are disclosed. Embodiments may 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, thereby causing the plurality of identification tags to transmit a second signal in a second frequency band, the second signal indicating whether the first signal was received in the first frequency band. Some embodiments may further include: a first receiver configured to be positioned close to the at least one transmitter to receive the transmission of the second signal from the plurality of identification tags; a second receiver configured to receive a third signal from tags outside the transmission range of the at least one transmitter, wherein the second receiver is further away 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 prevention systems for wireless tag inventory are disclosed. Embodiments may 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 originating from a location not corresponding to an EAS gate location; determine, based on the identified originating location of the signal, that a suspicious fraud event is underway; and generate an alert for 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 tag may 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 the transmission. The tag may also include at least one circuit configured to cause the transmitter to transmit a sequence of identification signals at non-uniform intervals, such that the time between three consecutive transmissions of the identification signals varies.

[0016] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media relating to wireless identification tags with changing identities are disclosed. The wireless tag ID with a different identity may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit the tag ID. The tag may 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 decryptable ID that uniquely identifies the tag in a quasi-random manner, and cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the first decryptable ID. Furthermore, the circuit may 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 decryptable ID that is different from the first decryptable ID and uniquely identifies the tag in a quasi-random manner, and cause the at least one transmitter to transmit the second decryptable ID.

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

[0018] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media involving the simultaneous triggering and sequential reading of multiple tags are disclosed. Embodiments may 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 may include displaying an activatable element on a graphical user interface, the element being configured to activate a 2.4 GHz transmitter. Upon activation of this element, the 2.4 GHz transmitter may emit one or more signals to cause each of a plurality of tags near the transmitter to send a unique tag ID to a receiver associated with the transmitter. The instructions may 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 may be read, after which the activation of the 2.4 GHz transmitter may be maintained, or activation may continue during a second time interval, such that at least some unique tag IDs of the first set are transmitted together 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 may be recorded.

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

[0020] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags are disclosed, the wireless identification tags being configured to collect and store ambient energy for delayed transmission. The tag may 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 may also include a circuit system 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 may additionally include at least one transmitter electrically connected to the first capacitor to power the at least one transmitter with the energy stored in the first capacitor.

[0021] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing access to information associated with electronically tagged goods are disclosed. Embodiments may include at least one processor configured to store tag IDs of a plurality of tags and receive pairings between at least one specific tag ID and a product ID. Embodiments may further receive pairings between the at least one specific tag ID and at least one authorized entity associated with the at least one specific tag ID. The authorized entity may be associated with at least one of the product's current owner, the product manufacturer, or the product user. The at least one processor may be further configured to receive from a requester a query identifying at least one of the product IDs, the information associated with the at least one specific 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 specific tag; and decrypt the encrypted tag ID to find the decrypted tag ID of the specific tag. If the requester is at least one authorized entity associated with the decrypted tag ID, the embodiment may complete the query. Otherwise, the query may be rejected.

[0022] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media relating to preventing the distribution of counterfeit products are disclosed. The embodiments may include a system having at least one processor configured to: store tag IDs of a plurality of electronic tags, wherein at least one specific electronic tag is associated with a specific product. The system may store at least one identity of a first entity associated with at least one of a seller of the specific product, a manufacturer of the specific product, a current owner of the specific product, or a previous owner of the specific product. Representing a prospective subsequent custodian of the specific product, the processor may receive an encrypted tag ID associated with the specific product, and a query associated with the at least one identity. The processor may then decrypt the encrypted tag ID to identify the specific product associated with the specific electronic tag and use information associated with the specific electronic tag to access the ownership history of the specific product. The processor may further check whether the at least one identity identified in the query corresponds to an entity in the ownership history, and cause one of the following operations: if the at least one identity identified in the query corresponds to an entity in the ownership history, send an authenticity indication to the expected successor custodian; or if the at least one identity identified in the query does not correspond to an entity in the ownership history, send an inauthenticity indication to the expected successor custodian.

[0023] According to the disclosed embodiments, systems, methods, and computer-readable media relating to detecting misplaced items in a location are disclosed. The embodiments may include at least one processor configured to receive an identification signal of an identification tag read by at least one reader in the location; determine the current position of the identification tag based on the received identification signal; record the current position of the identification tag in at least one data structure; access a designated position of each identification tag in the location in the at least one data structure; determine that the current position of a particular identification tag is different from the designated position of that particular identification tag by comparing the current position of the identification tag with the designated position of the identification tag; and generate a notification signal when the current position of the particular identification tag does not match the designated position of the particular identification tag.

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

[0025] The foregoing overview provides some examples of the disclosed embodiments in order to feature this disclosure and is not intended to summarize all aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Further features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosed embodiments. The features and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0026] It should be understood that the preceding general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and explanatory, and not limitations on the claimed public implementation.

[0027] The accompanying drawings form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate several embodiments of this disclosure and, together with the textual description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0030] Figure 2 It is based on the publicly disclosed implementation plan. Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary wireless identification tag for a system.

[0031] Figure 3 The image depicts a packaged item enclosed in a fabric pocket according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0032] Figure 4 The illustration depicts the attachment of the clothing label according to the disclosed implementation scheme. Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0033] Figure 5 The image depicts the stitching into the article according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0034] Figure 6 The image depicts an installation on a hanging tag according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0035] Figure 7 Depicting embedding into clothing according to the disclosed implementation scheme Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0036] Figure 8 The image depicts adhesion to a container according to the disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 An example wireless identification tag.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture for a wireless identification tag according to the disclosed implementation.

[0038] Figure 10 It is based on the publicly disclosed implementation plan. Figure 9 Another block diagram of the exemplary system architecture shows the details of the exemplary controller architecture.

[0039] Figure 11 It is a perspective view of a retail location incorporating an exemplary wireless identification system according to the disclosed implementation scheme.

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

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

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

[0043] Figure 15 It is a block diagram of a wireless identification tag including an antenna, transmitter, circuitry, and energy storage components according to the disclosed implementation scheme.

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

[0045] Figure 17 This is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit for a wireless identification tag according to some publicly available implementations.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system architecture for wireless identification tags based on some publicly available implementations.

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

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

[0049] Figure 21 This is a flowchart of an exemplary computerized process for reporting the location of items in a location, according to the disclosed implementation scheme.

[0050] Figure 22 It is an illustration of an identification tag in an infrastructure environment for identifying a specific location, according to the disclosed implementation scheme.

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

[0052] Figure 24 This is a block diagram of an exemplary device for accommodating electronic tag products and for recording the association between the tag products and the device, according to the text of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 25A An exemplary refrigerator is shown according to this disclosure, which is used to house electronically tagged products and to record the association between the tagged products and the device.

[0054] Figure 25B An exemplary washing machine or dryer according to this disclosure is shown for accommodating electronically tagged products and for recording the association between the tagged products and the device.

[0055] Figure 25C An exemplary food compartment for accommodating electronically tagged products and for recording the association between the tagged products and the equipment is shown in accordance with this disclosure.

[0056] Figure 25D An exemplary wardrobe for accommodating electronic tag products and for recording the association between the tag products and the device is shown in accordance with this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 25E An exemplary truck is shown, according to this disclosure, for accommodating electronic tag products and for recording the association between the tag products and the device.

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

[0059] Figure 27 The exemplary wireless identification system used, according to the disclosed implementation, increases the risk of signal interference when customers leave the store with shopping carts full of goods.

[0060] Figure 28A and 28B This is an example of a signal transmission timeline based on the disclosed implementation scheme.

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

[0062] Figure 30 It is the transmission channel timeline based on the disclosed implementation scheme.

[0063] Figure 31 This 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 This is a block diagram of an exemplary signal flow in a wireless identification system according to some publicly available implementations.

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

[0066] Figure 33B A handheld device displaying a graphical user interface for a product is shown according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0067] Figure 33C A handheld device with a graphical user interface for searching product size is shown according to the disclosed embodiment.

[0068] Figure 34 This is a block diagram of an exemplary system for harvesting and storing ambient energy according to the disclosed implementation.

[0069] Figure 35 This is a block diagram of another exemplary system for collecting and storing ambient energy according to the disclosed implementation.

[0070] Figure 36This is a block diagram of another exemplary system for collecting and storing ambient energy according to the disclosed implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In drawings that are not necessarily drawn to scale, the leftmost numeral of the reference numeral identifies the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. Where convenient, the same reference numerals are used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. While examples and features of the disclosed principles have been described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other similar forms, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and are open-ended, as one or more items following any of these words do not imply an exhaustive list of those items or items, or that they are limited to only one or more items listed. It should also be noted that, as used in this disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly specifies otherwise.

[0072] Unless otherwise stated, it will be apparent from the following description that throughout this specification, discussions using terms such as “processing,” “calculation,” “operation,” “determine,” “generate,” “set,” “configure,” “select,” “define,” “apply,” “obtain,” “monitor,” “provide,” “identify,” “segment,” “classify,” “analyze,” “associate,” “extract,” “store,” “receive,” and “transmit” encompass computer operations and / or processes that manipulate and / or convert data into other data, which is represented as physical quantities, such as electronic quantities, and / or data representing physical objects. The terms “computer,” “processor,” “controller,” “processing unit,” “computing unit,” and “processing module” should be interpreted broadly to encompass any kind of electronic device, component, or unit with data processing capabilities, including, as a non-limiting example, personal computers, wearable computers, smart glasses, tablet computers, smartphones, servers, computing systems, cloud computing platforms, communication devices, processors (e.g., digital signal processors (DSPs), image signal processors (ISRs), microcontrollers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), central processing units (CPAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), vision processing units (VPUs), etc.), which may have embedded memory, single-core processors, multi-core processors, cores within a processor, any other electronic computing device, or any combination thereof.

[0073] The operations taught in this article can be performed by a computer that is specially constructed or programmed to perform the functions described herein.

[0074] As used herein, the phrases “for example,” “such as,” “example,” and variations thereof describe non-limiting embodiments of the currently disclosed subject matter. References in the specification to “implementation,” “a situation,” “some situations,” “other situations,” or variations thereof mean that the specific feature, structure, or characteristic described may be included in at least one embodiment of the currently disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the appearance of these terms does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related enumerations.

[0075] For the sake of brevity, the features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described in the context of a specific implementation. However, it should be understood that features described in conjunction with one implementation also apply to other implementations. Similarly, features described in the context of a specific combination can be considered as separate implementations, or in a context outside of that specific combination.

[0076] In embodiments of the currently disclosed subject matter, one or more stages shown in the figures may be executed in different orders, and / or groups of one or more stages may be executed simultaneously, or vice versa. The accompanying figures illustrate a general schematic diagram of the system architecture according to embodiments of the currently disclosed subject matter. Each module in the figures may consist of any combination of software, hardware, and / or firmware, performing the functions defined and explained herein. Modules in the figures may be concentrated in one location or distributed across multiple locations.

[0077] Examples of the subject matter disclosed herein are not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This subject matter can be practiced or implemented in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0078] In this document, elements not described within the scope of the drawings but labeled with numbers as described in previous drawings may have the same purpose and description as in the previous drawings.

[0079] The drawings in this document may not be to scale. Different drawings may use different scales, and even different scales may be used in the same drawing. For example, different views of the same object may use different scales, or two adjacent objects may use different scales.

[0080] According to the disclosed embodiments, "at least one processor" can constitute any physical device or group of devices having a circuit system that performs logical operations on one or more inputs. For example, the at least one processor may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part of a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), servers, virtual servers, or other circuitry suitable for executing instructions or performing logical operations. Instructions executed by the at least one processor may, for example, be preloaded into memory integrated with or embedded in the controller, or may be stored in discrete memory. Memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, 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 may include more than one processor. Each processor may have a similar architecture, or processors may have different architectures that are electrically connected or electrically disconnected from each other. For example, processors may be discrete circuits or integrated into a single circuit. When more than one processor is used, the processors may be configured to operate independently or collaboratively. The processor may be electrically coupled, magnetically coupled, optically coupled, acoustically coupled, mechanically coupled, or coupled in other ways that allow them to interact with each other.

[0081] The disclosed implementation may include and / or access data structures. A data structure conforming to this disclosure may include any collection of data values ​​and the relationships between them. Data may be stored linearly, horizontally, hierarchically, relationally, non-relationally, one-dimensionally, multi-dimensionally, operationally, 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 custom manner, or in any manner that allows data access. As a non-limiting example, a data structure may include arrays, associative arrays, linked lists, binary trees, balanced trees, heaps, stacks, queues, sets, hash tables, records, label associations, ER models, and graphs. For example, a data structure may include an XML database, RDBMS database, SQL database, or NoSQL alternative database for data storage / search, such as MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk, Solr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, HBase, and Neo4J. A data structure may be a component of the disclosed system or a remote computing component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). Data in a data structure can be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory. Furthermore, the data structures used in this paper do not require information to be located in a single location. They can be distributed across multiple servers, which may be owned or operated by the same or different entities. Therefore, the singular term "data structure" used in this paper encompasses multiple data structures.

[0082] Exemplary embodiments generally relate to wireless communication tags configured to be embedded, attached, or otherwise associated with physical items to digitally represent each item on an exemplary digital platform. In some embodiments, the exemplary tag may be configured to collect ambient energy and use the collected energy to transmit an identification signal to a receiver. The identification signal may include various types of data, including product, location, history, status, ownership, and / or characteristic data. Depending on the intended use, such data may be transmitted to a receiver associated with various types of platforms. The platform may 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 may employ the disclosed implementation schemes include, but are not limited to, inventory management systems in commercial premises such as stores and warehouses; kitchen management systems for tracking supplies and / or tools; equipment management systems for tracking tagged materials inside or associated with equipment; manufacturing systems for tracking components used in the production of products; transportation and distribution systems for tracking packages and other deliveries during transportation and delivery; other supply chain management; wardrobe management systems for tracking clothing stored in closets and closets; clothing washing and ironing systems for tracking the cleaning and / or receipt of clothing to be washed, and returning clothing to customers or designated locations, such as closets or wardrobes; food delivery systems; systems for managing ownership of goods transferred to different owners; systems for identifying goods to prevent counterfeiting; vehicle tracking systems; systems for tracking vehicles and / or materials and / or people in public and private sectors; waste management systems; and / or all other systems that may be beneficial in verifying people, animals, or objects.

[0083] In some implementations, the exemplary tag can be configured to harvest energy without a specified battery and operate in both active and idle states while consuming minimal power. Advantageously, the exemplary tag can be configured to achieve radio performance comparable to commercially available battery-powered devices within a power envelope comparable to that of passive RFID devices.

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

[0085] In some implementation schemes, Figure 1 An exemplary system may include at least one receiver / exciter device 1124 configured to receive signal broadcasts (e.g., signals 1102a and 1102b) from a plurality of wireless tags, and also configured to transmit energy to be collected and stored by the wireless tags to power the wireless tags, as discussed in detail below. For example, device 1124 may include a transceiver, router, duplexer, or any other device configured to transmit and receive signals. In some alternative embodiments, for example... Figure 11The exemplary apparel retail space depicted herein may include a plurality of receivers 11300a-h configured to receive signal broadcasts from wireless tags, and an exciter 11400 configured to transmit energy to be collected and stored by the wireless tags. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary system described herein may include only receiver / exciter devices (e.g., device 1124), only receiver devices and exciter devices (e.g., receiver 11300 and exciter 11400), or any desired combination thereof. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary exciter and receiver (e.g., receiver 11300 and exciter 11400) described herein may be implemented as discrete devices and / or combined receiver / exciter devices (e.g., receiver / exciter device 1124), and vice versa.

[0086] In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless tag may 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 may be disposed on a flexible substrate. The substrate may be a structure on or within which components such as the at least one antenna, at least one transmitter, and at least one circuit may be disposed. The substrate may be flexible such that it can be configured to deform in one or more directions when subjected to force. For example, a flexible substrate may be a substrate that allows components attached thereto to conform to a desired shape or bend during its use. Materials suitable for flexible substrates may include, but are not limited to, polyester (PET), polyimide (PI), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (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 This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication tag 1100, which may include an EAS coil 2110, a 900 MHz antenna 2112, a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114, a multi-source collector 2102, a transmitter 2104, a gate detection circuit 2106, and an energy storage circuit 2108, some or all of which may be formed on a substrate 2120. The substrate 2120 may be flexible, allowing the tag to function normally without being affected by possible bending or movement, such as when the tag is attached and / or embedded in a garment (such as...). Figure 4-8 When referring to the various products shown, this will be discussed below.

[0088] Various embodiments of wireless tags may include an adhesive layer for attachment to a product. In some embodiments, the wireless tag may be attached to or otherwise set on a product or product packaging. This attachment may be facilitated by one or more adhesive layers. Embodiments of adhesive layers may include various types of glues, tapes, adhesives, waxes, viscous liquids, pastes, epoxy resins, sealants, elastomers, and other suitable materials that can promote adhesion between surfaces. For example, see reference... Figure 2 The label 1100 may include a substrate 2120 supporting its electronic components, and may also include an adhesive layer 2122, which may be located on the side of the substrate layer opposite the electronic components, or, if the electronic components are encapsulated between two or more substrate layers, the adhesive layer may be located on either side of such a multilayer substrate. The adhesive layer 2120 enables the label to be adhered to certain items, such as... Figure 6 The hanging tag 6100 or Figure 8 There are 8,000 products in the market.

[0089] The disclosed embodiments may also include at least one material layer, such as a fabric layer, that at least partially encapsulates the wireless tag, the material layer being configured to attach by stitching. Alternatively, the tag may be attached to the fabric by adhesive or bonding to a pocket. The fabric may include any material suitable for clothing, accessories, or any other object using fabric. The fabric may be woven, nonwoven, fibrous, or non-fibrous. It may include any suitable material, including but not limited to silk, wool, linen, cotton, rayon, nylon, polyester, or inorganic materials, as well as rubber, plastics, synthetic or natural materials, spunbond / hydrospunlace, air-laid, dry-laid, wet-laid, vinyl, sheet, or any other layer. In some embodiments, the fabric may be flexible or deformable.

[0090] In some implementations, the wireless tag can be integrated into a material layer. The wireless tag can be partially integrated, where a portion of the tag may be exposed or uncovered. Alternatively, the wireless tag can be fully integrated, where it can be completely surrounded by fabric. In some implementations, the wireless tag can be sewn into the fabric, either partially or completely. Figure 3 A non-limiting embodiment of a wireless tag encapsulated in a structure is shown. For example, as shown, tag 1100 is encapsulated in fabric pocket 3000. Figure 5 The placement of a fabric pocket 3000 containing a label 1100 on a product 5000 (e.g., clothing) is further illustrated.

[0091] As used herein, a partially encapsulated wireless tag may include positioning at least one material layer around the wireless tag such that the wireless tag is secured relative to the material layer at specific points or areas. The material layer may include fabric, other textiles, or any other material that can be suitably attached to another material by sewing, such as leather, rubber, paper, etc. For example, Figure 3 A label 1100 is shown enclosed within a fabric pocket 3000. The fabric pocket 3000 can then be sewn onto... Figure 5 In the jacket 5000 shown, a wireless tag is attached to the jacket 5000.

[0092] Figure 4-8 A non-limiting embodiment of a product including label 1100 is shown. For example, Figure 4 The garment is described, such as dress 4000 with garment label 4100; garment label 4100 may be a care label (e.g., with instructions on washing dress 4000) and / or a label indicating the size and brand of dress 4000. Figure 4 In this example, label 1100 may be sewn or otherwise attached to clothing label 4100. For example, label 1100 may be enclosed within fabric pocket 3000, which may be sewn onto clothing label 4100.

[0093] Figure 5 An embodiment of an exemplary label 1100 enclosed within a fabric pocket 3000 is depicted, the label being sewn into garment 5000 (e.g., a jacket). Figure 6 An exemplary tag 1100 on a hanging tag 6100 is depicted, which can be attached to a product such as trousers 6000. Figure 7 In another non-limiting embodiment shown, label 1100 can be affixed to a product such as T-shirt 7000 by being placed between layers of the T-shirt, so that label 1100 can be hidden and not seen. As another example, such as Figure 8 As shown, label 1100 can be affixed to product packaging, such as container 8000. Clothing and containers are shown for illustrative purposes only. As previously stated, labels can be associated with virtually any item in virtually any way.

[0094] In some implementations, the exemplary tag 1100 may be configured to harvest energy in multiple frequency bands and use the harvested energy to power its operation. For example, tag 1100 may 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 implementations, tag 1100 may be configured to harvest energy in a frequency band around 900 MHz WW ISM (e.g., the UHF RFID band between 860 MHz and 960 MHz). For example, Figure 9 An implementation of the tag architecture for tag 1100 is shown, wherein antenna 2112 is tuned to receive energy at frequencies below 1 GHz (e.g., energy in a band of approximately 900 MHz) and transmits the received energy to a 900 MHz collector 9012. Alternatively or additionally, the exemplary tag may be configured to collect energy in a band of approximately 2.4 GHz WW ISM (e.g., an environment of approximately 2.45 GHz and a desired energy source, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi). For example, Figure 9 The exemplary tag architecture depicted may additionally include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy in a frequency band of approximately 2.4 GHz and transmit the received energy to a 2.4 GHz collector 9014. In some embodiments, the collected energy may be transmitted to a power manager 9010, which may store the energy in an energy storage circuit 2108 or provide the collected energy to power signal transmission from the tag to one or more receivers.

[0095] In some embodiments, the exemplary wireless communication tag 1100 may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit signals from the tag to one or more receivers. For example, the tag 1100 may transmit a unique ID signal (optionally, along with a status indicator and / or other data) in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz WWISM. In some embodiments, an antenna configured to harvest energy may additionally be configured to transmit the tag's signals. For example, Figure 9 The transmitter 2104 depicted can be configured to transmit signals at frequencies around 2.4 GHz using antenna 2114; therefore, antenna 2114 can be configured to both harvest energy and transmit tag signals. Exemplary tag 1100 may also include a switch 9034 configured to control the behavior of antenna 2114 and switch antenna 2114 between a transmission mode and an energy harvesting mode (e.g., under the control of beacon controller 9030 of transmitter 2104). In some alternative embodiments, exemplary tag 1100 may 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] Furthermore, harvesting energy from multiple sources also enables the exemplary tag to adjust its behavior based on the environment in which the tag is operating, including the ID signal transmitted by transmitter 2104. In some embodiments, the tag's top-level controller 9020 may be configured to determine the type of energy received by the tag and control the operation of transmitter 2104 based on the type of energy received. For example, controller 9020 may be configured to determine when antenna 2112 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a frequency below 1 GHz or in a band around 900 MHz) and control transmitter 2104 to operate in a first transmission mode based on this determination. Alternatively, controller 9020 may be configured to determine when antenna 2114 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a band around 2.4 GHz) and control transmitter 2104 to operate in a second transmission mode based on this determination. Alternatively, the controller 9020 may be configured to determine when the EAS coil 2110 receives energy in at least one predetermined frequency band (e.g., energy in a band between 7-13 MHz and / or energy in a band between 58-60 kHz), and based on this determination, control the transmitter 2104 to operate in a third transmission mode. Advantageously, the tag may be configured to identify its environment based on the frequency of the incident energy and adjust its behavior, including control parameters of the transmitter 2104, according to the identified environment.

[0100] In some implementations, the exemplary tag may be configured to locally store energy (e.g., in energy storage circuitry 2108) and, in some implementations, transmit only 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 transmitter and the overall digital content of the tag to a level much lower than existing battery-powered devices. For example, the exemplary tag may consume approximately 500 amps or less in an active state (e.g., when transmitter 2104 is transmitting one or more signals) and may require only nanoamps of idle current. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary tag may be configured to power transmitter 2104 to actively transmit asynchronous Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals at approximately -10 dBm using only the harvested energy, without requiring a battery or other power source. The foregoing examples are for non-limiting illustrative purposes only. Devices using significantly more or less energy are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0101] Advantageously, the low power requirement allows the tag transmitter 2104 to achieve a transmission range of 10 meters or more, and in embodiments where the tag transmits asynchronous BLE signals, the transmitted tag signal can be received more reliably than signals transmitted by an RFID device. This is primarily because the RFID protocol uses backscatter reception technology, which is more sensitive to environmental interference, reflections, and obstruction compared to other communication protocols such as BLE. For example, in some embodiments, a reader receiving the transmission of an exemplary wireless communication tag can achieve a receiver sensitivity level between -93 and -96 dBm, which is approximately 10 dB better than existing RFID reader chips.

[0102] Figure 12-14 Depicting Figure 11 The illustration shows an exemplary operating mode of wireless communication tags within a retail space. It should be understood that the topics discussed below are merely exemplary and should not be considered restrictive. The principles discussed below apply to many other platforms listed above. Figure 12 The label 1100 is shown operating in a first mode, referred to herein as the “Infrastructure Incentivized Mode” (examples of which may include the store mode). Figure 13 The label 1100 is shown operating in a second mode, referred to herein as the “user-incentivized mode” (examples of which may include Internet of Things (IoT) mode). Figure 14 The operation of label 1100 in the third mode is shown, which is referred to in this paper as "gate mode".

[0103] Tag 1100 can be configured to, when the tag is powered by an environmental exciter, Figure 12 The infrastructure can operate in an incentivized mode, with environmental actuators such as actuators 11400 deployed throughout the site. For example, in this mode, a location storing or displaying goods for sale can track its inventory. Each tag on each item can broadcast an ID, letting the system know it is still present in the site. Location tracking can also enhance such a system to track not only the presence of items but also their location. For example, the strength of the received ID signal can indicate the approximate location of the item relative to a particular receiver, or multiple receivers can be used to identify a more precise location based on, for example, triangulation. Additional information stored in the system's database can provide added value to the user. For example, the history of an item's movement or ownership may be stored in the database along with the item's characteristics. Thus, the transmission of a single ID from a tag, when combined with pre-stored data about the item, can provide the user with rich information. In some implementations, additional characteristic data can be stored on the tag for transmission.

[0104] Although Figure 12Only a single actuator is shown, but tag 1100 can be powered by multiple actuators simultaneously. Actuators 11400 (including, for example, actuator 11400d) can be configured to transmit energy 12100 to the tag in an RFID frequency band between 860-960 MHz. Alternatively, tag 1100 can receive energy from other sources with a frequency of approximately 900 MHz. Energy 12100 can be received by antenna 2112 and can be stored in energy storage circuitry 2108 to power the operation of the tag.

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

[0106] exist Figure 11-14 In the example shown, multiple receivers 11300a-h can be deployed throughout the site and configured to receive broadcasts of ID signal 12200 from all wireless communication tags within or near the site. Because 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 false detection. In other cases, a single receiver can receive the broadcast of ID signal 12200. When a receiver receives ID signal 12200 from a tag, the signal can be relayed to one or more processors (e.g., processors within the site and / or remote platform servers) for processing, analysis, and / or storage. As described above, the exemplary system may additionally or alternatively include one or more receiver / exciter devices, such as device 1124, which may be configured to deliver energy 12100 to a wireless communication tag (similar to exciter 11400) and receive broadcasts of ID signal 12200 from the wireless communication tag (similar to receiver 11300); that is, device 1124 may act as both an exciter and a receiver simultaneously. In some alternative embodiments, for example Figure 11 In the illustrated embodiment, the exciter 11400 and receiver 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 WW ISM) can be used for tags to broadcast their respective identification signals to the 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 2.4 GHz 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 2.4 GHz device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or any other device configured to transmit a 2.4 GHz 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-exciteable mode is triggered, tag 1100 can harvest incident 2.4 GHz energy to charge energy storage circuit 2108. Additionally, when tag 1100 determines that antenna 2114 has received 2.4 GHz energy, transmitter 2104 can transmit ID signal 12200 in a frequency band around 2.4 GHz. However, beacon controller 9030 can adjust the repetition period of the ID signal to be much faster than that in infrastructure-exciteable mode. For example, transmitter 2104 can broadcast ID signal 12200 in less than 10 seconds after antenna 2114 receives 2.4 GHz signal 13100, with a signal duration of approximately 300 μs. Alternatively, a longer or shorter repetition period can be implemented in user-exciteable mode. By implementing a shorter response period in user-exciteable mode, the tag can provide a prompting response to the user when user-exciteable mode is triggered; in contrast, such a rapid response may not be necessary in infrastructure-exciteable mode. In some implementations, when the tag transitions from infrastructure-enabled mode to user-enabled mode, the beacon controller 9030 may also reduce transmission power to minimize the chance of interference with other devices operating simultaneously in the 2.4 GHz band.

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

[0112] Tag 1100 can be configured to, when EAS coil 2110 receives EAS signal 14100 from EAS gates 1112 and 1114, Figure 14The EAS signal 14100 operates in a door mode. In some implementations, the EAS signal 14100 may have a frequency in the 7-13 MHz band or the 58-60 kHz band. EAS doors 1112, 1114 can be installed near the exit of the premises 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 door (not just walking near the door). For example, a user might be allowed to walk out of the store with a tagged item, rather than being asked to go to the cashier or register. The door can then read the tag and the user's identity, for example, through the user's mobile device, and send a list of items to be purchased to a server, which looks up the prices of the items and automatically charges the user's credit or debit account, or automatically transfers funds from the user's e-wallet to the seller.

[0113] When the gate mode is triggered, the beacon controller 9030 can control the transmitter 2104 to transmit short, strong bursts of the ID signal 12200. For example, the transmitter 2104 can transmit the ID signal at its maximum output power for a period of approximately 200 ms, with a repetition period between 10 and 80 ms, resulting in multiple transmissions within a very short time frame. 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 may not be triggered by the tag 1100. In some embodiments, the tag 1100 can be configured to operate in gate mode for a predetermined duration or a predetermined number of transmissions of the ID signal 12200, after which it can revert to the tag's previous operating mode or default mode (e.g., an infrastructure-exciteable mode).

[0114] The disclosed embodiments may include wireless identification tags for association with products to enable product self-identification. Wireless identification tags may 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 detectable signals. Products may include any item associated with the tag. As a non-limiting example, products may include tools, clothing, electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles, consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, works of art, animals, people, instruments, trays, containers, pharmaceuticals, trade goods, objects, devices, machines, appliances, parts, furniture, or any other object. Wireless identification tags may be associated with products to enable the products to provide self-identification via the tag. Wireless identification tags may be associated with products by adhesive, embedding, sewing, mounting, bonding, friction fitting, placing in a pocket, fastening, wrapping, securing, or any other type of physical association. For example, if the product is made of fabric, the tag can be embedded in the fabric, embedded between fabric layers, adhered to the fabric, attached to the fabric by a hanging tag, or attached to the fabric in any other way that enables physical association. For example, self-identification may include transmitting or conveying data containing identification information, such as an identification stock number, barcode, or any other form of data containing information capable of identifying the product, identifying one or more product characteristics, or relating in some way to the product, its operation, or its use. Implementations of wireless identification tags may include any device suitable for attachment to any object to visually, tactilely, auditorily, or electronically identify the object without the use of external cables or wires. Other implementations may be embedded in the article as part of the manufacturing process or later, such as by a retailer. In some implementations, the wireless identification tag may not require a battery but may operate using harvested energy (as disclosed herein). In some implementations, the wireless identification tag may include a device small enough to be embedded in an article (e.g., clothing) during the manufacturing process. In some implementations, the embedded tag may not be easily detected by the wearer. Other implementations may remain embedded or attached to the article for a long time (e.g., many years). Some implementations of wireless identification tags can resist dust and water, for example, meeting the IP67 standard. Other implementations can resist washing, drying, dry cleaning, and ironing.

[0115] In the disclosed embodiments, the tag may include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy. The antenna may include any structure configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. For example, the antenna may include one or more conductive 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. The antenna may also be electrically coupled directly or wirelessly to at least one discrete receiver and / or transmitter, and may be configured to transmit and receive energy equally in all directions (omnidirectional antenna) or preferably in one or more specific directions (directional or “beamed” antenna). In some embodiments, the antenna may also be configured to intercept at least a portion of the energy contained in radio waves or other electromagnetic waves to generate a current at one or more of its terminals.

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

[0117] For example, Figure 15 The wireless identification tag 1100 shown may include antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C. Antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C may be configured to transmit and / or receive different types of electromagnetic signals. In some embodiments, any combination of antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C may be integrated into a single antenna element.

[0118] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at a first frequency in a band of approximately 900 MHz and a second frequency in a band of approximately 2.4 GHz. According to this disclosure, energy can refer to a quantity that measures the ability to do work or apply power over a given time period (e.g., the product of power and time period equals the energy consumed). Energy can be transferred in various forms, such as electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, kinetic, acoustic, thermal, photonic, or other sources. Energy can also be stored in various forms, such as electrostatic, magnetic, chemical, kinetic, thermal, or other forms. In the context of a circuit or electronic circuit, electrical energy can include DC (direct current) or AC (alternating current), although other forms of electrical energy may also be used in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments.

[0119] According to this disclosure, a frequency band can refer to a portion of the radio spectrum and / or 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 document, the term "reserved" can mean a band or range of frequencies designated for a single purpose or application. In many jurisdictions, frequency bands may 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 areas such as broadcasting, radio communications, wireless telecommunications (e.g., cellular phones), near-field communications (NFC), wireless computer networks (e.g., Wi-Fi), or for any other means of wireless communication, as well as other areas and / or uses such as radar, scientific measurements, beacons, guard bands between bands dedicated to different uses and kept empty to reduce interference, and other areas and / or uses requiring the transmission or reception of electromagnetic energy.

[0120] Generally, the frequency band around 900 MHz can refer to any one or more portions of the Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band typically reserved for RFID purposes. However, the specific portions of the UHF band reserved for RFID purposes may vary by region and / or jurisdiction. For example, many jurisdictions may reserve one of two standard frequency bands for UHF RFID technology, such as 902-928 MHz (e.g., the United States) and 865-868 MHz (e.g., the European Union); however, some jurisdictions may use multiple bands outside of this standard and / or other unique 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 the standard range, but for the purposes of this disclosure, in this case, both are within the 900 MHz band. Furthermore, the designated frequency band may change. For example, Japan later changed the designated frequency band for UHF RFID technology to 916.7-920.9 MHz, which, for the purposes of this disclosure and this document, falls within the approximately 900 MHz band. Therefore, references to specific frequency bands in the context of this disclosure are not necessarily fixed but are subject to changing regulations, standards, protocols, and industry norms. Thus, it should be understood that, according to this disclosure, "approximately 900 MHz band" can refer to a wide range of potential frequency bands.

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

[0122] Similar to the frequency bands typically designated for UHF RFID, the frequency bands designated around 2.4 GHz for similar purposes may vary by region and jurisdiction, and are subject to change. For example, according to IEEE 802.11, a set of local area network (LAN) protocols specifies a set of Media Access Control (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) protocols for implementing WLAN Wi-Fi communication in frequencies including the 2.4 GHz band, and is the most widely used wireless computer network standard in the world. Over time, IEEE has revised 802.11 to designate frequency bands outside the 2.4 GHz range for similar purposes, such as 5 GHz and even 60 GHz. Therefore, it is conceivable that the standard frequency range for wireless computer networks may change in the future. Therefore, it should be understood that, according to this disclosure, "frequency bands around 2.4 GHz" can refer to a wide range of potential frequency bands.

[0123] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one antenna comprising: a first antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within a first frequency range of the 900 MHz WW ISM; and a second antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted at frequencies within a second frequency range of the 2.4 GHz WW ISM. Generally, as previously stated, the frequency range of the 900 MHz WW ISM and the frequency range of the 2.4 GHz WW ISM may refer to frequency ranges of approximately 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz, respectively. The term “WW ISM” can generally refer to frequency ranges designated by international or global (WW) agreements and / or standards (such as IEEE protocols or ITU guidelines) for various industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes. While international authorities, organizations, and / or regulatory bodies may designate certain frequency bands for specific purposes, the specific frequency bands used for such purposes may vary by region or jurisdiction, allowing some regions and jurisdictions to designate frequency bands outside the frequency ranges specified by international standards and / or agreements but still used for similar purposes. Therefore, it should be understood that the WW ISM frequency range can refer to a wide range of frequency bands that may or may not be subject to international standards and / or protocols.

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

[0125] For example, Figure 9 and Figure 10 An exemplary structure of a wireless identification tag is shown. In these figures, antenna 2112 can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in a frequency range of approximately 900 MHz, and antenna 2114 can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in a frequency band of approximately 2.4 GHz. However, the wireless identification tag may also include any number of these antennas, and each antenna may be tuned to receive energy transmitted in one or more frequency bands in any frequency band, and may also be configured to transmit signals itself.

[0126] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one identification signal. The transmitter may be configured to transmit the signal via a communication medium. The signal may carry data (as in the case of communication systems such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular communication, Ethernet communication, or any other communication system based on standards or proprietary protocols) and / or carry energy (as in the case of exciters in certain RFID devices, X-ray imaging, or radar). In some contexts, the term "transmitter" may refer to wireless communication, such that the signal is an electrical signal, a magnetic signal, or an electromagnetic signal, and the medium is an airborne wireless communication. However, in general, according to this disclosure, a transmitter may include any component or device capable of transmitting a signal.

[0127] In some implementations, the identification signal may include a set of data transmitted over an agreed communication medium using an agreed communication protocol, the set of data including a unique identifier in the transmitted data. The communication medium may include voice transmission, visual transmission, wired communication, wireless communication, fiber optic communication, or any other suitable medium for carrying the transmitted signal. The communication protocol may be a standards-based protocol, such as 802.3 Ethernet, ADSL / VDSL / SDSL wired protocols, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, 3G, LTE, 5G, ZigBee, ..., Z-wave wireless protocol, a proprietary protocol agreed upon by the transmitter and receiver, or any other set of rules referencing communication between various electronic devices. However, regardless of the underlying communication protocol, as long as such encryption, scrambling, or spoofing is agreed upon as part of the communication protocol between the transmitter and receiver at a prior point in time, the data may be encrypted, scrambled, or spoofed by the transmitter in a manner decryptable by the receiver. The data may include only a unique identifier, or it may include other fields, such as preamble, in-sync, and post-sync codes, addresses and other identifiers, status fields, and / or any other data that may be transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. However, generally speaking, an identification signal can be any signal that contains information associated with the transmitter and / or transmission device. For example, Figure 15 The signals 15104A, 15104B and 15104C depicted may include or otherwise constitute identification signals.

[0128] Disclosed embodiments may include at least one circuit. The circuit may include two or more interconnected components. Some non-limiting examples may include combinations of components and / or devices implemented as part of a silicon chip, a printed circuit board, a connectorized system, or any combination thereof, connected in a manner capable of achieving a desired function or response. This function or response may be a response to one or more inputs, stimuli, and / or triggers generated internally or externally to the circuit. This function or response may include controlling other circuitry, generating visual, auditory, or other communicable alarms or signals, performing predefined coded operations, or any other electronically based function. For example, components and / or devices may 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 may include changes in voltage levels, changes in current levels, changes in the frequency, amplitude, or phase of a received signal, digital inputs, digital pulses, control words, or any other form of input configured to generate a response from the circuit. However, in general, a circuit may include any component, device, or combination thereof configured to perform any one or more electronic functions according to this disclosure.

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

[0130] The disclosed embodiments may further include at least one circuit configured to detect whether energy is received at a first frequency or a second frequency. Detecting whether energy is received at a first frequency or a second frequency may include discovering, identifying, or otherwise determining the presence of signals and / or energy at the first and / or second frequencies in the environment of the wireless identification tag. For example, the circuit may be electrically connected to at least one antenna such that the at least one antenna allows at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger associated with received energy at the first and / or second frequencies to be received by the at least one circuit. The circuit may be configured to determine, upon receiving at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger, whether the input, stimulus, or trigger includes energy at the first and / or second frequencies. As per [the relevant information] Figure 15 For example, antennas 15002A, 15002B, and 15002C can be tuned to different frequencies, and circuitry 15006 can be configured to detect the presence of energies 15102A, 15102B, and / or 15102C, respectively, associated with the first, second, and / or third frequencies, by detecting the antennas receiving the received signal. Furthermore, or alternatively, the tag may include a circuitry system for detecting characteristics (e.g., frequency) of the input signal. In this case, a single multi-frequency antenna can be used instead. Figure 15 The multiple antennas shown.

[0131] The disclosed embodiments may further include at least one circuit configured to, upon detecting a first frequency, cause at least one transmitter to operate in a first mode to transmit a first form of identification signal, and upon detecting a second frequency, operate in a second mode to cause at least one transmitter to transmit a second form of identification signal. For example, the first mode may refer to the step of transmitting a first signal, and the second mode may refer to the step of transmitting a second signal. The first and second modes may also refer to different operating characteristics. These characteristics may include the communication medium, communication protocol, frequency, frequency range, frequency band, encryption type, scrambling and / or spoofing, data content, transmission timing, and / or any other distinguishable characteristics that may be associated with the identification signal to be transmitted. For example, the at least one circuit may cause the at least one transmitter to operate in the first mode upon detecting that energy has been received from the at least one antenna at the first frequency, wherein the first mode is associated with an identification signal having any one or more of the characteristics or combinations of characteristics described above. However, in some embodiments, the first mode may also be associated with the non-transmission or blocking of the identification signal. Similarly, when it is detected that at least one antenna has received energy at the second frequency, the at least one circuit may cause the at least one transmitter to operate in the second mode.

[0132] For example, Figure 15 Circuit 15006 can detect energy 15102A received by one or more of antennas 15002A-C. In response to this detection, circuit 15006 can cause any one or more of transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a first mode. For example, operation in the first mode may include transmitting one or more of signals 15104A-C, wherein signals 15104A-C may have different characteristics such that each signal is distinguishable from one another in at least one respect. Circuit 15006 can also detect the reception of energy 15102B by one or more antennas 15002A-C. In response to this detection, circuit 15006 can cause any one or more of transmitters 15004A-C to operate in a second mode. For example, operation in the second mode may include transmitting one or more of signals 15104A-C, wherein signals 15104A-C may be individually or in combination different from signal 15104A-C transmitted in the first mode.

[0133] According to some publicly available embodiments, at least one of the first or second form of identification signal may include a unique identifier of the wireless identification tag. The unique identifier may include numbers, strings, or other forms of data that are individually associated with the identified entity, such that no single entity is associated with the same unique identifier of any other entity, and any single entity may have only a single unique identifier associated with it. The unique identifier may include a serial number, a unique EPC code, a database entry (provided that 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 individually associated with the identified entity. For example, Figure 15 The wireless identification tag 1100 described herein can transmit at least one form of identification signal, such as signal 15104A-C, based on a trigger input signal, such as 15102A-C.

[0134] In the disclosed embodiments, at least one transmitter can be configured to transmit a first form of identification signal and a second form of identification signal at the same transmission frequency. In other words, when operating in the first mode, at least one transmitter can transmit a first form of 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 operates in the second mode. Therefore, the frequencies associated with the first form of identification signal and the second form of identification signal are not necessarily different. However, the first form of identification signal can still be associated with any number of characteristics that can distinguish it from the characteristics of the second form of identification signal (e.g., transmitted information content, communication medium, communication protocol, encryption type, scrambling and / or spoofing, data content, transmission timing). For example, at least one of transmitters 15004A-C can transmit a first form of identification signal 15104A when operating in the first mode and can transmit a second form of identification signal 15104B when operating in the second mode. Although signals 15104A and 15104B can be associated with distinguishable characteristics, the transmitter can still be configured to transmit them at the same frequency.

[0135] In some implementations, the transmission frequency of the first and second forms of identification signals is a second frequency. For example, regardless of the transmitted information, the transmission of the first and second forms of identification signals can occur on a common frequency, such as the second frequency. Therefore, for example, when operating in the first mode, at least one transmitter can transmit a 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 could be in the approximately 2.4 GHz band. (Reference) Figure 15For example, at least one of the transmitters 15004A-C can transmit a first form of identification signal 15104A when operating in a first mode, and can transmit a second form of identification signal 15104B when operating in a second mode. Although signals 15104A and 15104B can be associated with distinguishable characteristics, the transmitter can still be configured to transmit them at the same frequency as the second energy 15102B received by at least one of the antennas 15002A-C.

[0136] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit the first form of identification signal and the second form of identification signal at different power levels. The transmitter may be designed to transmit its signal over a communication medium at a certain magnitude. This magnitude can be used to calculate certain characteristics of the signal propagation over the communication medium, establishing parameters such as the detectable range of the signal, 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, which is related to milliwatts in the same way as 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 transmitter output when the transmitter is actively transmitting. The transmitter may be designed to have configurable power levels such that, in response to certain inputs, it can transmit a signal at one of two or more different power levels.

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

[0138] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit a second form of identification signal less than 10 seconds after detecting a second frequency. For example, the transmitter may be configured to transmit the second form of identification signal immediately upon detecting the second frequency. However, in some embodiments, the transmitter may be configured to transmit the second form of identification signal after a delay period following the detection of the second frequency, which may be less than 10 seconds. For example, transmitter 15004B may be configured to transmit the second form of identification signal 15104B five seconds (or any other time period thereafter) after circuit 15006 detects energy 15102B in the second frequency. This time period may include inherent delays in the system (e.g., the response time of the detector used to detect the energy 15102B received by antenna 15002B, or the processing time required for circuit 15006 to receive indications from the detector, process the input, conclude that transmitter 15004B needs to transmit the second form of identification signal 15104B, and relay such commands, controls, or signals to transmitter 15004B to perform that operation). Alternatively, the time period may include intentional delays, such as pauses, waiting times, occupied clock cycles, timers, and watchdog mechanisms, which can be configured to cause the action to occur at a later time rather than immediately.

[0139] In some disclosed embodiments, in a first mode, at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit a first form of identification signal with a first repetition period. The repetition period may 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 uninterrupted continuous transmission of the signal, but may include short bursts of transmitted signals with fixed or variable time intervals between the bursts. In this respect, the repetition period may refer to the temporal periodicity of the signal bursts. For example, transmitter 15004A may be configured to transmit the first form of 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 a second mode, at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit a second form of identification signal with a second repetition period shorter than the first repetition period. For example, transmitter 15004B may be configured to transmit a second form of identification signal 15104B with a second repetition period shorter than the repetition period of the first form of identification signal 15104A.

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

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

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

[0143] In some implementations, 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 can receive and store associated energy by association with appropriate circuitry or intermediate components. For instance, antennas 15002A and 15002B can receive energy 15102A and 15102B at the first and second frequencies, respectively. Components of the wireless identification tag can be configured such that both energy 15102A and 15102B can be transmitted to the energy storage component 15008. Energy 15102A and 15102B can be received by the antennas in radio frequency form and can be stored in the energy storage component 15008 as electrostatic charge or as chemical bonds residing in the medium between the two battery electrodes; both mechanisms can result in a voltage output from the energy storage component, which can be used by other circuitry and components in the wireless identification tag. Energy 15102A and 15102B can alternatively be stored in energy storage unit 15008 in other forms of energy suitable for later use to power various components of the wireless identification tag.

[0144] According to some disclosed embodiments, an energy storage component can be configured to power a radio identification tag using energy received by at least one antenna. For example, at least one energy storage component can be configured such that any component requiring electricity to operate can access the stored energy. This at least one energy storage component can, for example, be electrically connected to several components of the radio identification tag to power them by providing the stored energy to these components. For instance, energy storage component 15008 can be configured to power the radio identification tag 1100 by providing its stored energy to any one or more components of the radio identification tag 1100 (e.g., transmitters 15004A-C, circuitry 15006).

[0145] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage component may include at least one capacitor. A capacitor may refer to a ceramic capacitor, a film capacitor, a power film capacitor, an electrolytic capacitor, a supercapacitor, a Class X and Class Y capacitor, a wide variety of other or variable capacitors, or any other device suitable for storing electrical energy in an electric field using two terminals. For example, energy storage circuit 2108 may include at least one storage capacitor 10300.

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

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

[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 radio identification tag 1100 may 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 may be lower than the first and second frequency ranges. For example, if energy 15102A is in a first frequency band of approximately 900 MHz, and if energy 15102B is in a second frequency band of approximately 2.4 GHz, then energy 15102C may be in a frequency band lower than that of 15102A and 15102B (i.e., energy 15102C will be in a frequency band lower than that of energy 15102A, which is approximately 900 MHz). When employing a third frequency range, 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 may include discovering, identifying, or otherwise determining the presence of a signal and / or energy in the third frequency within the radio identification tag's environment. For example, the circuit may be electrically connected to at least one antenna such that the at least one antenna allows at least one form of input, stimulus, or trigger associated with received energy in the third frequency to be received by the at least one circuit. The circuit may be configured to determine, upon receiving 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 may be configured to detect the presence of energy 15102C associated with the third frequency, at least based on the input, stimulus, or trigger received from the antenna, by detecting whether antenna 15002C has received the corresponding energy associated with the corresponding frequency. Although three frequency ranges are shown by way of example, more than three frequency ranges may be used according to this disclosure.

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

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

[0151] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags whose response time varies as a function of the frequency of the input signal. For ease of discussion, a method is described below; it should be understood that aspects of this method are equally applicable to systems, apparatuses, and computer-readable media. For example, some aspects of this method may occur electronically via a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both. Other aspects of this method may be implemented using non-electronic means. In the broadest sense, this method is not limited to specific physical and / or electronic means, but can be implemented using many different means.

[0152] Disclosed implementations may include wireless identification tags. Such wireless identification tags may include any device, object, system, component, or circuitry capable of wirelessly transmitting identification information. As described herein, the identification information may include any form of identification or characteristic information. For example, a tag may have a unique serial number or other transmittable identification code. This identification information can then be used to locate information about objects associated with the tag. Alternatively or additionally, the identification information may include one or more characteristics of the object, such as the object's location, status, power reserves, history, or any other information specific to the object or tag.

[0153] According to some implementation schemes, the wireless identification tag may have a response time that varies as a function of the frequency of the input signal. As a non-limiting example, the input signal may be propagated via Wi-Fi, cellular, mobile, RF, and other forms of electromagnetic communication platforms, or via other types of signals such as acoustic, photonic, mechanical, or magnetic signals, whether for communication or other purposes.

[0154] The input signal can be characterized by various parameters, including energy, power, phase, amplitude, modulation, waveform, frequency, and / or other detectable or measurable signal characteristics. 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 the coded signal contained therein.

[0155] Response time can be the duration elapsed between events, measured in seconds, milliseconds, microseconds, or other units of time. For example, response time can be the duration (or delay) between event A and event b. In some cases, response time may be affected by the processing time of the circuit architecture tag, which can introduce delays and propagation times. According to some disclosed embodiments, response time can be part of the tag design. In this case, a specific response time between two events can be programmed, configured, or otherwise implemented. For example, event B may be implemented to occur after a predetermined time (or delay) following event A. In various embodiments, response time can be a function of the frequency of the input signal, meaning the response time can be longer or shorter depending on the frequency of the input signal. For example, different input frequencies may represent different levels of urgency of response. In some embodiments, if a handheld device (e.g., a tablet or smartphone) is used to request information related to a wireless identification tag, an immediate response from the wireless communication system may be required. On the other hand, an inventory management system operating at a different frequency to keep inventory up-to-date may be less urgent (i.e., the system can operate within design parameters if a response to a trigger is received within minutes rather than immediately). Therefore, the system can be configured to operate such that the EAS gateway frequency (or any other frequency used at the egress) triggers an immediate response from the tag, while inventory management signals (e.g., from a 900 MHz transmitter) may trigger a delayed response. This could be a result of the tag's software or hardware, which differentiates input signals and prioritizes responses accordingly. For example, the tag could be designed to ignore all but one (or all but a few) incoming inventory management signals for 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 and 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 wireless signals, such as signal 1118, and generate or transmit signals, such as signals 1102a and 1102b, in response. An external system or device, such as device 1124, can be configured to receive signals transmitted by the tags.

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

[0158] At least one antenna can be passive, requiring no external power to operate other than the energy in the signal to be transmitted or received. Alternatively, at least one antenna can be active, which may require a power source, such as a battery. When operating in transmission mode, 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 any circuitry that may be present. The passive antenna can be printed on a PCB (printed circuit board), with printed lines or other conductive paths coupling the antenna to other parts of the circuitry. In some embodiments, the passive antenna can be wirelessly coupled to other parts of the circuitry, for example, via electrical or magnetic coupling.

[0159] Some implementations of at least one antenna may include isotropic antennas, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, antenna arrays, loop antennas, aperture antennas, traveling wave antennas, and other means 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 band of approximately 900 MHz and a second frequency in a band of approximately 2.4 GHz. For example, the band of approximately 900 MHz (i.e., the first band) could be 900 MHz WWISM. Similarly, the frequency of approximately 2.4 GHz (i.e., the second band) could be 2.4 GHz WWISM. The first and second antennas can be discrete structures, or they 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 this disclosure may include at least one transmitter. The transmitter may be any component, group of components, or circuit system capable of transmitting signals via a communication medium. Communication may 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 may include one or more of an oscillator, modulator, amplifier, and / or frequency tuner.

[0162] A transmitter can be designed to send signals on a communication medium at a certain order of 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, this order of magnitude can be measured in power units, such as watts or dBW (decibels-watts). The power level transmitted by the transmitter can be a power measurement at the transmitter output during effective transmission. In some implementations, the transmitter can be designed with an adjustable power level, such that, in response to certain inputs, the transmitter can transmit signals at one or more different power levels.

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

[0164] exist 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 rest 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 non-limiting example shown, at least one circuit may include a multi-source acquisition unit 2102, a gate detection circuit 2106, and a memory 9022 (or a portion thereof), which may also be coupled to a top-level controller 9020, which may also constitute at least one circuit. In some embodiments, the multi-source acquisition unit 2102 may include a 2.4 GHz acquisition unit 9014 coupled to a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114 via a switch 9034; a 900 MHz acquisition unit 9012 coupled to a 900 MHz antenna 2112; and a power manager 9010 coupled to the top-level controller 9020. It should be noted that each of the foregoing components may consist of multiple circuits, and therefore references to circuits may refer to a single component or a portion thereof.

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

[0168] In some embodiments, at least one circuit can perform signal processing on the received energy. Signal processing can be performed by analog components, such as a combination of amplifiers, filters, and signal detectors. In some other embodiments, digital signal processors of various designs can perform signal processing on the received energy. The received energy can be decomposed into its different frequency components using various signal processing methods, and at least one circuit can determine whether the received energy is at a first frequency or a second frequency based on analysis of the different frequency components. Some embodiments may 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 alone or in combination. The at least one circuit can determine that when the received energy has frequency components with higher intensity near the first frequency than near the second frequency, the energy is at the first frequency. Similarly, at least one circuit can determine that when the received energy has frequency components with higher intensity near the second frequency than near the first frequency, the energy is at the second frequency.

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

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

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

[0172] The time interval between input or trigger and action can be a minimum time interval, generated by the internal structure and inherent delays of at least one circuit, rather than by added delays, pauses, and / or function wait cycles. This inherent delay may be the result of finite rise or fall times of internal functions, processing time limited by clock speed, delays caused by communication speeds between different parts of the circuit, and other time lags not caused by the design. For example, in some implementations, an immediate response may 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 implementations, at least one circuit can be configured to cause at least one transmitter to transmit an immediate response when the received energy is determined to have been received at a second frequency. For example, if the second frequency is in the 2.4 GHz range, energy in that range can be received by a 2.4 GHz antenna 2114, which in turn can provide received energy to a 2.4 GHz collector 9014. The 2.4 GHz collector 9014 can then provide an indication of received energy to a power manager 10112, which enables the power manager 9010 to determine that a 2.4 GHz frequency signal has been received. A top-level controller 9020 can determine that a second frequency has been detected upon receiving a 2.4 GHz detection signal from the power manager 9010. The top-level controller 9020 can then configure the beacon controller 9030 to transmit an immediate response via a transmission control interface.

[0174] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 10 As shown, the beacon controller 9030 can provide frequency control and transmit data to the PLL 10110 to trigger an immediate response.

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

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

[0177] In some implementation schemes, such as Figure 10 As shown, the beacon controller 9030 can provide frequency control and data transmission to the PLL 10110 to transmit delayed responses.

[0178] In some implementations, as previously described, immediate response and delayed response may correspond to different operating modes of the wireless tag. For example, the wireless tag may perform different functions, or perform the same function with different strength levels depending on the frequency of the received signal. In some implementations, different functions may include, but are not limited to: employing different processing protocols or different algorithms; transmitting different signals; transmitting signals with introduced delay periods; selecting from different types or amounts of transmitted data; selecting between different power intensities or processing speeds; or any other differences depending on the specific implementation.

[0179] In a non-limiting example, an immediate response may correspond to a user-incentivized mode (e.g., an IoT mode), and a delayed response may correspond to an infrastructure-incentivized mode (e.g., a store mode). User-incentivized modes may include situations where an individual intentionally scans a tag using a device such as a mobile phone, tablet, wearable device, scanner, or other mobile device, and situations where long response times may be undesirable. In an environment maintaining merchandise inventory, such as a warehouse or retail location, in a user-incentivized mode, employees of the location may scan tags while handling items, such as when an item is received, unpacked, placed on a shelf, rack, or display, or at a checkout at a payment station or cashier. Alternatively or additionally, user-incentivized modes may also include situations where customers scan tags in a store. For example, a customer (or other individual) using a mobile device may scan a tag to access information about the tagged item. As a non-limiting example, this information may include links to portals associated with the item (e.g., websites associated with a brand, store, manufacturer, or current owner), information about the specific item (e.g., washing instructions for fabrics, manuals for electronic devices, instructions for use for medications, recommended recipes for food, etc.), or advertisements for related products or services. This information can also drive action through an individual's social media accounts. In some implementations, user-incentivized models can be associated with apps that can be installed on mobile devices, such that scanning the tag leads to access to the installed app, which either provides information directly or by accessing an associated website.

[0180] Infrastructure-incentivized modes can include situations where tags are scanned by devices that are part of the venue's infrastructure, such as RFID, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth actuators located around the venue. In infrastructure-incentivized modes, inventory information can be automatically updated based on responses from tags. Furthermore, the location of items within the store can be determined based on responses from tags. Because there may not be a time urgency in receiving these responses, tags can transmit delayed responses in infrastructure-incentivized modes.

[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 900 MHz antenna 2112 and a 2.4 GHz 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] like Figure 10 As shown, the power manager 9010 can receive energy from the storage capacitor 9126. The power manager 9010 can also be connected to a voltage supply signal (VDD) and can supply energy to other circuit components.

[0188] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage component may include at least one capacitor configured to power the radio identification tag independently of received power. For example, at least one capacitor may be directly or indirectly connected to various other circuit components. In some embodiments, at least one capacitor may store energy that can be provided to the radio identification tag even when no power is received. For example, onboard energy stored in one or more capacitors can be used to power the tag even when the energy received from the antenna cannot provide the immediate power required for a particular function.

[0189] In some implementations, the storage capacitor 10300 can supply energy to the power manager 9010, which in turn can be coupled to the 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 if no energy is received from the 900 MHz antenna 2112 or the 2.4 GHz antenna 2114.

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

[0191] In some implementations, at least one circuit may be configured to implement transmission rules. Transmission rules can be a process implemented as part of at least one circuit for controlling a transmitter to determine attributes of transmitter operation based on triggers, inputs, and / or stimuli received by the at least one circuit. These attributes may include the data content of the transmitted signal, power level, communication protocol used for transmission, frequency band used for transmission, timing of transmission, determination of whether to transmit, or any other characteristic or decision regarding transmission. Examples of such a process include deciding to send data packets via the Wi-Fi protocol if an indication is received from at least one circuit that detects Wi-Fi communication, and deciding to send the same data packets via the Bluetooth protocol if an indication is received from at least one circuit that detects Bluetooth communication. In some implementations, other such processes may specify the power level used in transmission based on the desired range of the packet, or specify the data content of the packet based on the intended receiver or a set of inputs, triggers, or stimuli used as the basis for transmission.

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

[0193] Transmission rules can instruct at least one circuit to cause the transmitter to delay sending at least one of an immediate response or a delayed response, even when sufficient energy for transmitting at least one response has been gathered and stored in an energy storage component. For example, this could be a result of an active function built into the design to allow the tag to reserve energy for other activities that may occur in the future. For instance, to prevent theft or otherwise manage inventory in retail or other locations, it may be beneficial for the tag to maintain sufficient energy so that, in the future, if an individual leaves the location with an item containing the tag, the tag will retain enough energy to transmit their identity to a receiver at the location's exit. Depending on specific design parameters, the tag can be configured to retain more energy for additional possibilities. Therefore, if the inventory management infrastructure in the location signals the tag to transmit its identity, and the response causes the tag to retain energy below a threshold, the tag can be configured not to respond or wait for a response until sufficient energy has been collected and stored. This feature is valuable in many use cases. In systems associated with devices, storage facilities, or other monitored spaces, tags can be designed to ensure that they have sufficient energy at any time to transmit their identity when they leave the monitored space, area, or zone. Transmission delays or other predetermined time intervals for energy use can be determined at any time during design, manufacturing, installation, initialization, or before the implementation of transmission rules.

[0194] The power consumed by at least one circuit can be integrated over the duration of performing a specific action, resulting in a total energy measured in joules. This total energy can be the energy required for the circuit to perform the action. For example, a circuit consuming 10 mW (10 milliwatts) of power over a duration of 1 ms (1 millisecond) may require 10 μJ (10 microjoules) of energy to transmit a data packet. In some cases, the energy sufficient to perform an action may depend on the characteristics of the action, which can be controlled by inputs, triggers, and / or stimuli received by at least one circuit. For example, a transmitter transmitting a longer or shorter signal at a fixed power consumption may require more or less energy, respectively, due to power and time multiplication. In another example, to avoid exceeding specific power usage limits, the tag's internal logic can adjust operating parameters such as transmitter modulation, data content, signal transmission duration, signal strength, or other parameters affecting energy consumption.

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

[0196] In some implementations, the transmission rule can define the time interval between at least one of two consecutive instantaneous responses or two consecutive delayed responses. Therefore, a delay can be inserted between any two consecutive responses, and the delay can be set based on a specific use case or specific design parameters.

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

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

[0199] exist Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the EAS coil 2110 can be configured to receive energy at a third frequency. A 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 EAS detection to the top-level controller 9020, thereby enabling the beacon controller 9030 to generate a third response (in this case, via TX Ctrl. I / F), as depicted by the transmission arrow between the top-level controller 9020 and the beacon controller 9030.

[0200] In some implementations, the third response may correspond to an operating mode of the wireless tag that differs from the previously described immediate and delayed response modes. In a non-limiting example, the third response may correspond to a door mode. A door mode may include instances where the tag interacts with certain infrastructure of the site, such as an EAS door. For example, when the tag detects that it is being removed from a monitoring area based on the frequency of an input signal associated with the door. Such a signal can trigger the tag's highest priority response, overriding any other priority of the tag. This can be achieved, for example, through... Figure 10 The structure shown is used to implement this, wherein the top-level controller 9020 may include one or more modules to perform gate-mode operations, such as command or control gate responses of the gate-mode FSM10006.

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

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

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

[0204] Various parameters of energy storage components can provide indications about 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 therefore 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 the form of chemical bonds in a battery, voltage measurements under several load conditions can determine the stored energy. In still other embodiments, when energy can be stored as other forms of energy, 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 loading spring to determine the amount of stored potential energy.

[0205] exist 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 implementations, at least one circuit is configured to prevent 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 a second frequency. As previously mentioned, since the signal triggering an immediate response may take precedence over the signal triggering a delayed response, the tag may first check whether there is sufficient energy stored to complete an immediate response that could subsequently be triggered before a delayed response occurs. If the energy held in storage is insufficient, a delayed response may also be blocked despite being requested. Whether the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient can be determined by comparing an indication of energy obtained from monitoring with an indication of stored or calculated energy that might be needed to transmit future calls for an immediate response. Figure 10 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the power manager 9010 can monitor the energy level of the storage capacitor 10300. The monitoring results 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 instantaneous signals.

[0207] In some implementations, the at least one circuit is configured to monitor the energy stored in an energy storage component, and in response to the detection of a second frequency, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be insufficient to transmit a normal instantaneous response, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit a signal requiring less energy than the energy needed for an instantaneous response. For example, if the tag eventually reaches a state requiring an instantaneous response, but the power required to transmit a typical instantaneous response is insufficient, the tag may transmit a truncated or alternative version of the typical instantaneous response to avoid a situation where no response is transmitted. The truncated version may contain only critical information, or may appear at a lower power level or duration than a typical instantaneous response. The alternative signal may be a form of distress signal indicating that the tag's power is depleted, requiring, for example, human intervention. In this case, the alternative signal may trigger an alarm to prompt a service worker to perform a manual check. This manual check may involve powering the tag with a handheld exciter near the suspicious package or item and obtaining a normal tag reading. Thus, the tag can be configured to transmit a normal instantaneous response when sufficient onboard power is available, and to transmit a low-power instantaneous response when power is depleted below a threshold. A low-power instantaneous response may require less transmission energy than a normal instantaneous response. For related reasons, at least one circuit can monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and prevent at least one transmitter from transmitting an immediate response when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined energy level.

[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 16This is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation that can be performed by at least one circuit, including the transmission rules of a wireless identification tag. In step 16002, the wireless tag can receive energy. In some embodiments, the received energy may be wireless energy received by the at least one antenna. In step 16004, stored energy can be monitored. In some embodiments, the stored energy may be stored in an energy storage component, which may include a capacitor. When energy is received, the stored energy can be recharged. In step 16006, the 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 the determination in step 16006 that the received energy is at the second frequency, the at least one circuit determines whether there is sufficient energy in the energy storage component based on monitoring the stored energy. If the determination is negative, i.e., the stored energy is below a predetermined energy level and therefore insufficient, no further action is taken. In some embodiments, this may result in a delay. If the determination is positive, i.e., the stored energy is above a predetermined energy level and therefore sufficient, the process can proceed to step 16010. In some embodiments, if there is sufficient quantity to output a low-power immediate response, the energy can be considered sufficient.

[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 instantaneous response. If the determination is negative in step 16008, then in step 16014, a signal requiring less energy, i.e., a low-power instantaneous response, is transmitted by at least one transmitter. If the determination is positive, then in step 16012, a normal instantaneous response is transmitted by at least one transmitter.

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

[0215] In step 16016, in response to the determination in step 16006 that the received energy is at a first frequency, at least one circuit may determine whether sufficient energy exists in the energy storage component based on monitoring the stored energy. If the determination is negative, i.e., the stored energy is below a predetermined energy level and therefore insufficient, no further action is taken. In some embodiments, this may result in a delay. If the determination is positive, i.e., the stored energy is above a predetermined energy level and therefore sufficient, the process proceeds to step 16018. In some embodiments, sufficient energy may be the energy required for transmitting a normal, immediate response.

[0216] In step 16018, if sufficient energy is available for transmission, at least one transmitter can transmit the 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. Depending on design parameters, such a predetermined time interval can range from milliseconds, seconds, minutes, hours, or even days.

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

[0218] Embodiments of this disclosure may 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, relevant embodiments are described below in conjunction with systems or methods; it should be understood that the disclosed aspects of systems and methods also apply to each other, as well as apparatuses and computer-readable media. Some aspects of the relevant methods may occur electronically via a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both. Other aspects of the methods may be implemented using non-electronic means. In the broadest sense, the methods and computer-readable media are not limited to specific physical and / or electronic means, but may be implemented using many different means.

[0219] Publicly available implementations may include EAS gates. EAS gates are typically included in surveillance or security systems to detect items as they pass through a detection system, such as in retail stores, libraries, museums, warehouses, entertainment facilities, confidential and proprietary document storage facilities, sports fields, or any other space requiring monitoring of item passage. This detection can be used to alert staff that someone is attempting to remove an item without authorization. In some implementations, based on factors including, but not limited to, distance range, space availability, or customer traffic flow, EAS gates may include one base, two bases, three bases, or any number of bases. If an EAS gate includes more than one base, these bases may be spaced apart to allow customers to enter and exit the facility with minimal obstruction, while being close enough to be triggered by passing tagged objects.

[0220] In some implementations, the EAS system may include concealed EAS doors, electromagnetic EAS components, acousto-magnetic (AM) components, radio frequency (RF) components, or microwave (MW) components, among other detection components. Concealed EAS doors may include one or more bases mounted so that they are invisible and cause minimal obstruction to customers. For example, the bases may be installed under the floor, above the ceiling, or behind a wall. Concealed EAS systems can be used, for example, to enhance the effectiveness of surveillance, improve the customer shopping experience, or enhance any other facility requiring the monitoring of objects.

[0221] For example, Figure 1Exemplary embodiments of wireless identification tags in the environment of EAS gates 1110 and 1112 are illustrated. In some embodiments, as shown, tag 1100 may be a wireless identification tag. Tag 1100 may be embedded, sewn, clipped, glued, attached, or otherwise incorporated into an object such as clothing 1106. In some embodiments, tag 1100 may be configured to receive wireless signals, such as signal 1118. Signal 1118 may be generated by an external system or device, such as EAS transmitter 1116, which may form part of EAS gates 1110 and 1112. Signal 1118 may include electromagnetic energy, or an electric or magnetic field or electromagnetic field induced by electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic waves in the frequency range, for example, in the range of 58-60 kHz (AM-EAS wave) or 7-13 MHz (RF-EAS wave). For example, the electromagnetic energy of a wireless signal transmitted from an EAS gate may be received by the antenna of the wireless identification tag, thereby activating or triggering the wireless identification tag. Upon activation, in a conventional EAS detection system, when triggered by EAS signal 1118, the security tag transmits an EAS detection signal, which is typically received by an EAS receiver such as EAS receiver 1120. Once the characteristics of the transmitted or reflected signal from the conventional security tag are identified, the EAS receiver triggers 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, exemplary wireless identification tags can be triggered by an EAS gate while remaining invisible to it. When the identification tag receives a signal from the EAS gate, it can be triggered and take some form of response action, such as transmitting an identification signal. If the signal transmitted by the tag does not trigger a response from the EAS gate, the tag may remain invisible to the EAS gate. For example, as described above, in a retail environment, an alarm typically sounds when a product with a traditional EAS security tag passes through an EAS gate, warning the store owner of potential theft. In contrast, for the disclosed embodiments, the tag itself can be triggered by the EAS gate, but the tag's response may not trigger a warning from the gate. In some disclosed embodiments, the tag can trigger a warning from a component other than the EAS gate if, for example, a receiver near the EAS gate receives a signal from the tag, and that signal is associated with an object that has not been authorized for removal from the premises.

[0223] However, in some embodiments of this disclosure, the RFID tag can be configured to be triggered by the EAS gate signal 1118, but in response, not to transmit a signal to the EAS receiver 1120. In this case, the RFID tag is triggered by the EAS transmitter of the EAS gate while remaining invisible to the EAS gate because the tag does not transmit an acknowledgment signal to the EAS receiver of the EAS gate. Instead, for tags invisible to the EAS gate, signals that can be identified by a receiver other than the EAS receiver can be transmitted. This occurs, for example, when the tag is transmitting on a frequency outside the range of the EAS receiver.

[0224] In some embodiments, the tag may include at least one antenna tuned to receive energy, such as the antenna described above. In some disclosed embodiments, the antenna may be tuned to receive energy transmitted within a desired frequency range. A tuned antenna may include an antenna whose impedance varies with frequency such that it matches the impedance of the communication medium (e.g., the air between the door and the tag) at its radiating port only at a given frequency band, and matches a receiver or transmitter at its conducting port. In electronic circuitry, the antenna impedance may vary depending on the characteristics of the antenna's inductance, capacitance, or transmission line elements. In some embodiments, the transmitter or receiver may include an antenna tuning unit (not shown) or a matching network. For example, such as... 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).

[0225] Figure 17 A circuit diagram illustrating an exemplary circuit architecture for a wireless identification tag is shown. As shown, the EAS coil 2110 may include a tuning capacitor 10200 to tune the antenna or EAS coil 2110, thereby matching the impedance to the impedance of an EAS transmitter configured to transmit signals. Similar to... Figure 10The gate detection circuit 2106 can be configured to detect the incident EAS signal from the EAS transmitter and feed it to the controller 9020. In some embodiments, the gate detection circuit 2106 may include an operational amplifier 17100 configured to amplify the differential input from the tuning circuitry and tuning capacitor 10200 of the EAS coil 2110. As discussed herein, the operational amplifier includes circuitry having two inputs and a voltage output proportional to the voltage difference between the two inputs. Because the EAS signal received in the EAS coil 2110 may be of a very low magnitude, the operational amplifier 17100 can amplify the received signal so that it can be better detected by the gate detection circuit 2106. To further improve the detection sensitivity, the gate detection circuit 2106 may also include an integrator that can be implemented using diodes and capacitors 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, in response to the detection of the EAS field, change one or more signal transmission parameters of the transmitter 2104, determine the type of energy received by the tag, and control the operation of the transmitter 2104 based on the type of energy received, as well as other functions.

[0226] In some embodiments, at least one antenna includes a first antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in the 900 MHz WWISM frequency range and a second antenna tuned to receive energy transmitted in the 2.4 GHz WW ISM frequency range. As described above, at least one antenna may 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 may 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. A non-limiting example includes the 58 kHz AM-EAS (Acousto-Electronic Article Surveillance) band, ranging from approximately 58 kHz to approximately 60 kHz, which is used by various anti-theft systems worldwide.

[0227] In some implementations, 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 gate can be configured to emit 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 approximately 5000 m to 5168 m. The emitted energy can, for example, generate a magnetic field around the exit area of ​​a store, which 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 this disclosure, a pulse can refer to a short burst of energy. Pulses can take the form of rectangular waveforms, double exponential waveforms, sine waveforms, other short-duration waveform patterns, or any waveform detectable by the wireless identification tag. The wireless identification tag can be configured to receive magnetic energy with frequencies in the acousto-magnetic range transmitted by the EAS transmitter of the EAS gate. In some embodiments, the AM-EAS can operate in a frequency range of 58 kHz to 132 kHz.

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

[0229] When used in an RF-EAS system, some wireless identification tags (e.g., RF tags) may include an electrically oscillating circuit with a capacitor and a coil (e.g., an antenna), which can be configured to oscillate at a resonant frequency. The electromagnetic field of the EAS gate can resonate and vary by approximately 10%-20% near the resonant frequency of the RF tag, and the oscillating 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 attenuation 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 may 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 may 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 a warning if the frequency of an input signal is within a predefined EAS gate range. If the tag's transmission is undetectable by the EAS gate's receiver, or if detected but not recognized as a triggering signal (e.g., a warning or other form of notification) by the associated EAS gate controller, the tag may be invisible to the EAS gate. In some embodiments, the undetectability of at least one antenna enables the tag to avoid triggering the EAS gate; therefore, a wireless identification tag may be undetectable due to the inclusion of an undetectable antenna.

[0231] In some implementations, at least one antenna may 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 may be tuned to the transmission frequency of an 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. (Reference) Figure 10 For example, the EAS antenna can be coil 2110, which is configured to receive electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy transmitted within one or more predetermined frequency ranges of the EAS gate. For instance, EAS coil 2110 can be configured to receive energy in the 7-13 MHz frequency range and energy in the 58-60 kHz frequency range. In some embodiments, EAS coil 2110 can detect incident electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields, and gate detection circuit 2106 can determine whether energy has been received from the EAS gate (e.g., if the energy is in the 7-13 MHz or 58-60 kHz frequency band).

[0232] In some implementations, the tag may include at least one transmitter configured to transmit at least one identification signal. For example, the at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit the identification signal via at least one of the following protocols: Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-wave, or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). As described above, the communication protocol may be, for example, a standards-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, 3F, 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 relating to communication between various electronic devices.

[0233] In some implementations, at least one transmitter may be further configured to transmit at least one alarm signal for triggering at least one of an auditory alarm, a visual alarm, or a digital message. An alarm signal or notification signal may 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, the notification signal may be an auditory 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 on a circuit board, or an entry in a system alarm log).

[0234] In some embodiments, at least one alarm signal may be a component of at least one identification signal. In this case, the identification signal may include not only identification information associated with the tag, but also alarm components. As mentioned above, the alarm signal may be information that, upon receipt, triggers an auditory alarm, visual alarm, audiovisual alarm, sensory alarm such as a tactile alarm, or digital message, as well as other notification technologies. In some embodiments, at least one alarm signal is separate from at least one identification signal. Thus, for example, the tag's transmitter may send the identification signal in a single transmission and the alarm signal in separate transmissions.

[0235] In some implementations, the tag may include at least one energy storage component electrically connected to at least one transmitter for powering at least one transmitter. This electrical connection may occur when a conductive path exists between the energy storage component and the transmitter. Electronic components may or may not be inserted into the conductive path. Therefore, components indirectly connected via other components are considered electrically connected. For example, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, various components indirectly connect transmitter 9032 to storage capacitor 10300; however, they are considered to be electrically connected to each other. As a result of the electrical connection, energy can be transferred from energy storage components (e.g., storage capacitor 10300) to transmitters (e.g., transmitter 9032).

[0236] In some implementations, 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 related functions.

[0237] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage component may be configured to store energy received by a first antenna and a second antenna, and to power at least one transmitter with the stored energy. In some disclosed embodiments, at least one energy storage component may include at least one capacitor. A capacitor may refer to a ceramic capacitor, film capacitor, power film capacitor, electrolytic capacitor, supercapacitor, Class X and Class Y capacitor, MOM capacitor (metal-oxide-metal capacitor), MIM capacitor (metal-insulator-metal capacitor) implemented within a semiconductor device, MOS capacitor (metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor) implemented within a semiconductor device, and various other types of 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 may include at least one storage capacitor 10300. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the energy storage component may be configured to store energy received by a first antenna (e.g., 2112) and a second antenna (e.g., 2114). For example, the energy stored in capacitor 10300 can be used to power transmitter 9032 (or... Figure 18 The transmitter 2104 in the middle is powered.

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

[0239] As described above, the tag may include at least one circuit connected to at least one antenna. As previously mentioned, the connection may be direct or indirect. For example, such as... Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the exemplary multi-source harvester circuit 2102 can be directly connected to the antenna 2112, and the exemplary energy storage circuit 2108 can be indirectly connected to the antenna 2112 through the multi-source harvester circuit 2102. In some embodiments, the circuit can be connected to one or more antennas, or more than one circuit can be connected to one antenna. In the context of this disclosure, the connection between the circuit and the antenna can refer to an electrical connection, such that the circuit and the antenna form components of a circuit.

[0240] In some implementations, the tag can be configured to detect energy transmitted from an EAS gate within at least one of a first EAS gate frequency range or a second EAS gate frequency range. Different EAS gates can operate within different frequency ranges. The tag can be configured to detect energy within different ranges by combining multiple antennas tuned to different frequency ranges, or by combining 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 detect both frequencies simultaneously.

[0241] For example, in some implementation schemes, Figure 1 The EAS transmitter 1116 of the EAS gate 1110 can be configured to transmit electromagnetic energy in the form of a signal 1118. The frequency range of the transmitted electromagnetic signal 1118 can be in the range of 58-60 kHz (e.g., AM range) or in the range of 7-13 MHz (e.g., RF range). In some disclosed embodiments, the circuitry can be configured to detect electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy at frequencies in both the AM and RF ranges. 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 electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic energy within a first or second EAS gate frequency range. For example, in... Figure 15 In this configuration, antenna 15002A can be tuned to a first frequency range, while antenna 15002B can be tuned to a second frequency range. Both antennas can be electrically connected to circuit 15006, which determines which of the first and second frequency ranges the input signal falls into. Alternatively, antenna 15002A can be tuned to both the first and second frequency ranges, and circuit 15006 can be configured to distinguish the signal.

[0242] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit may be connected to the at least one antenna and configured to, 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 that is not in the EAS gate, the at least one identification signal being transmitted at a frequency outside the first EAS gate frequency range and the second EAS gate frequency range.

[0243] Although this circuit can receive energy transmitted from the EAS gate, it can also respond by transmitting signals outside the typical detection range of the EAS gate. For example, Figure 15 Circuit 15006 can receive the EAS gate signal via antenna 15002 tuned to the EAS gate frequency. In response, circuit 15006 can cause transmitter 15004C to transmit the 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 that is different from the EAS gate frequency. Thus, the tag can be identified without triggering the EAS gate.

[0244] As another example, the circuitry of wireless identification tags, for instance... Figure 2 The gate detection circuit 2106 can be configured such that a transmitter, such as transmitter 2104 of the wireless identification tag 1100, transmits an identification signal to a receiver (e.g., 1124) that is different from the EAS gate. In some embodiments, the identification signal frequency range may be outside the first and second EAS gate frequency ranges, making the wireless identification tag undetectable and invisible to the EAS gates. In some embodiments, the frequencies outside the first and second EAS gate frequency ranges may be within the 2.4 GHz WW ISM frequency range.

[0245] In some implementations, the at least one circuit can be configured such that the at least one transmitter transmits the at least one identification signal less than ten seconds after detecting energy transmitted from the EAS gate. This circuit can be configured by circuit design to prevent a delay exceeding 10 seconds after receiving the EAS signal. A shorter delay may correspond to design specifications, particularly for EAS gates that are positioned near site exits to detect tags leaving the site. Of course, the EAS gate can be used to detect entering tagged objects, or for other purposes within the design specification of a maximum delay of 10 seconds.

[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 900 MHz WW ISM or 2.4 GHz WWISM. Generally, the frequency range of 900 MHz WW ISM and the frequency range of 2.4 GHz WW ISM can refer to frequency ranges of approximately 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz, respectively. In some embodiments, a single antenna can be tuned to receive energy transmitted in multiple bands of approximately 900 MHz, multiple bands of approximately 2.4 GHz, 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 implementations, at least one transmitter can be configured to sequentially transmit multiple repetitions of an identification signal in response to the detection of energy transmitted from the EAS gate. The identification signal can be transmitted multiple times in response to the detection of energy transmitted from the EAS gate. For example, the identification signal may not be transmitted as a single continuous signal, or may not be transmitted continuously without interruption, but may include short bursts or repetitions of the identification signal with a fixed or variable time interval between two consecutive bursts. Short periodic bursts are referred to as pulses, and the transmitted identification signal may be a pulse identification signal. Transmitters of wireless identification tags, such as... Figure 15 The transmitter 15004A can be configured to send multiple bursts of the identification signal 15104A in a repeating pattern. In some implementations, the multiple bursts may not follow a specific pattern. Redundancy ensures that the wireless receiver does not miss transmissions.

[0250] In some implementations, the at least one transmitter can be configured to dynamically delay each repetition of the multiple repetitions of the identification signal to avoid 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 changed according to predetermined rules. Thus, the delay between the first and second identification signals can differ from the delay between the second and subsequent third identification signals. Signal collisions can refer to the temporal overlap of identification signals, leading to misreading of tags, complete omission of tags, and other problems. Using dynamic delay between each repetition of the multiple repetitions of the identification signal can substantially minimize problems associated with signal collisions. This may meet the design parameters of systems that expect to receive many tag readings in a short period of time. For example, if multiple items for purchase are carried through... Figure 11 In the EAS gate 11108, all tags in a packet 11212 can be triggered simultaneously. The brief dynamic delay ensures that various tags are transmitted at different times, so that each tag can be detected by one or more wireless infrastructure receivers 11106.

[0251] In some implementations, 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 the first and second identification signals may differ from the delay between the second and subsequent third identification signals, and may not be based on predefined rules, relationships, or patterns.

[0252] Wireless identification tags can be configured to be associated with a specific product, thereby transmitting a unique identification signal that differs from the identification signals from tags associated with other instances of the same product. Tags can be configured for this purpose by including a unique identification code in the tag's memory, distinct from other tags. Thus, for example, when a location stocks multiple instances of the same product (e.g., multiple instances of the same food, clothing, or any other merchandise or item), each instance will have its own unique code. This allows for precise tracking of the receipt, shelving, purchase, and return times of each product instance, the manufacturing location and exact time of each instance, and counterfeiting and fraudulent activities.

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

[0254] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may be configured to implement identification transmission rules to adjust 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 implementations, a delay may occur in the transmission of identification signals by the wireless identification tag's transmitter, regardless of whether the energy storage component stores sufficient transmission power. This delay period can be fixed or variable. Delay can be introduced to substantially minimize signal interference.

[0256] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may be configured to implement the identification transmission rule, causing the transmitter to send the identification signal within a predetermined time interval. The time interval may include a period of time between signal transmissions. This time interval may 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 may be defined as the average time interval between events and may include deviations from the average time interval as variations in periodicity. When the time interval is defined by periodicity, the time interval may 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 may be predetermined according to the identification transmission rule. For example, the circuit may 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.

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

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

[0259] In some implementations, the at least one circuit can be configured to conserve energy by repeatedly activating a first predetermined time length and deactivating a second predetermined time length. For example, the circuit can be designed to ensure sufficient energy is retained on the board to perform priority functions. For instance, the priority function could be a tag identity transfer triggered in response to an EAS gate. If the tag does not maintain sufficient energy to satisfy the priority function, the tag's controller may not allow any further transfers until the reserve energy is adequately replenished. As another example, after a tag has transferred its identity to the inventory management system, the tag can conserve energy by not transferring its identity for a predetermined period, even if the tag may receive a signal prompting it to transfer. Then, after that period has elapsed, the tag can be enabled to transfer its identity, after which it can return to sleep mode in a repetitive manner.

[0260] Energy conservation can be achieved through programming or predetermined rules. For example, rules can be based on multiple functions performed, the duration of identification signal transmission, power levels, the amount of data transmitted, and other functions the circuit is configured to perform. Based on 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 time length based on available reserve energy, required reserve energy, the amount of remaining transmissions, and other relevant factors. If the stored energy is below a threshold but the identification signal still needs to be transmitted, the circuit can adjust this by transmitting an additional signal using less energy than the original delayed signal. Lower energy usage may occur because the circuit limits the amount of power and / or the duration of power transmission. Alternatively or additionally, 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, previously transmitted content. For example, if product characteristics have been previously transmitted and these characteristics have not changed, they can be omitted from the additional transmission. 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 time lengths can be substantially similar or substantially dissimilar. As an example, the circuit can be configured to remain active for several seconds to several minutes, and the circuit can also remain inactive or be deactivated for several seconds to several minutes.

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

[0262] In various embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless identification tag may include any device associated with an article, wherein the device provides identification information about the article or about the device itself. In one embodiment, the wireless identification tag may provide identification information, such as a serial number associated with the article or device. In another embodiment, the wireless identification tag may provide a Bluetooth Low Energy (“BLE”) advertising beacon. The wireless identification tag may also be sensitive to Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) magnetic fields and communicate with EAS gates. Other embodiments may provide location, product information, price, matching products, or other information related to the article. This information may be stored on the device itself or may be retrieved from a data structure after the device transmits the identification information to a processor performing a lookup in the data structure.

[0263] In some implementations, 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 for a given period of time. This energy can be represented as the product of power and duration, where duration equals 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 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, those skilled in the art will understand that other forms of ambient electrical energy can also be harvested. Ambient energy can include energy from environmental sources, including at least sunlight, wind, vibration, sound, heat, and radio frequency. Additionally or alternatively, ambient energy may include energy received from one or more actuators, such as RFID actuators or dedicated actuators configured to use proprietary protocols in RFID bands, 2.4 GHz ISM bands, or any other licensed or unlicensed bands that transmit energy at one or more tag-identifiable frequencies. In some implementations, the actuator may be placed in an environment covering any area, such as a store, warehouse, floor, room, equipment interior, outdoor area, road, walkway, conveyor, vehicle, storage facility, or any other location or place where tag identification or tracking may be required. Additionally or alternatively, ambient energy may include energy transmitted via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi bands by mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, automobiles, personal computers (e.g., laptops or desktops), smart tablets, wearable electronic devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses, televisions, speakers, and headphones), home security devices or systems, baby monitors, microwave ovens, garage door openers, or any other device capable of wirelessly transmitting energy (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi bands).

[0264] In some implementations, harvesting ambient energy may 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. Harvesting may be accomplished via one or more antennas and may include circuitry configured to capture energy, such as radio frequency energy, and store the captured energy. Such circuitry may include a combination of components and devices and may be implemented as part of a silicon chip, a printed circuit board, a connection system, or a combination thereof. Components and devices may be connected in a manner capable of performing a desired function or response in response to inputs, stimuli, or triggers generated internally or externally. The function or response of the circuitry may include controlling other circuitry; generating visual, auditory, or other communicable alarms or signals; and / or performing predefined coded operations. For example, components and 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 any other components or devices suitable for use in a circuit to achieve the aforementioned exemplary functions. Inputs, stimuli, or triggers may include, but are not limited to, changes in voltage levels; changes in current levels; changes in the frequency, amplitude, or phase of a received signal; digital inputs; digital pulses; a control word; or any other signal that can be received by the circuit. As used herein, the term "circuit" can include two or more electrically connected components, which may be considered a single circuit or multiple circuits.

[0265] In some implementations, exemplary wireless identification tags 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, the exemplary wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit at various intervals or in response to triggers. In one embodiment, the wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit at predetermined intervals to conserve energy, even when the tag receives a trigger to transmit outside of a predetermined interval. For example, the wireless identification tag can be configured to transmit within a minimum repetition period, such as once every ten minutes. The minimum repetition period may require an initial trigger such that if no trigger signal is received within a specified time frame, the tag enters a sleep mode and does not transmit (or transmits at a much lower frequency). Then, upon receiving a trigger, the tag can return to its periodic operating mode according to transmission rules. After a specified period of time without any triggers, the tag can then return to sleep mode.

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

[0268] The disclosed embodiments may include at least one antenna configured to receive ambient energy. In some embodiments, an exemplary wireless identification tag may include one antenna, two antennas, three antennas, or any number of antennas. The antenna may include a conductor configured to receive transmitted or ambient energy. The conductor may include, for example, a metal wire or printed circuitry. The antenna may be connected to or may include circuitry configured to convert a signal from a conducted input to a radiated output (in transmission). In another embodiment, the circuitry may be configured to convert a signal from a radiated input to a conducted output (in reception). The form of radiation may be electromagnetic radiation, an electric field, or a magnetic field. The form of conduction may be a time-varying voltage or current signal over a physical connection. In other cases, the form of radiation may be acoustic (e.g., in sonar applications) or optical (e.g., in laser applications). The antenna may be passive or active. A passive antenna may not require an external power source in addition to the signal received by the antenna. An active antenna may rely on an external power source. A passive antenna may be implemented as a series of conductors printed on a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and connected to the rest of the circuitry by direct connection, electrical coupling, magnetic coupling, or other means used to connect circuit components to the circuitry. As an example, Figure 9 The exemplary tag 1100 shown may include an antenna 2112 tuned to receive energy at frequencies below 1 GHz (e.g., energy in a band around 900 MHz) and transmit the collected energy to a 900 MHz collector 9012. Alternatively, the exemplary tag may include an antenna 2114 tuned to receive energy in a band around 2.4 GHz and transmit the collected energy to a 2.4 GHz collector 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 900 MHz antenna 2112, and a 2.4 GHz 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 900 MHz antenna 2122 and the 2.4 GHz 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] The disclosed embodiments may further include at least one transmitter electrically connected to at least one energy storage component, configured to transmit an identification signal. In various embodiments, the transmitter may include a conductor, such as a metal wire or printed circuit. This circuitry may be designed to perform the action of transmitting a signal via a communication medium such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, Ethernet, or any other standard or proprietary protocol-based communication medium. Alternatively or additionally, the transmitted signal may carry energy, such as an exciter used in RFID, X-ray imaging, or radar. Depending on the application, the transmitted signal may alternatively or additionally carry data, such as a unique identifier, information about the associated item, information about tag operating parameters, or any other type of relevant information. The signal may take the form of an electrical, magnetic, or electromagnetic signal and be transmitted wirelessly over the air. The transmitter may be configured to transmit a signal of a certain magnitude. This magnitude can be used to calculate certain characteristics of signal propagation to establish parameters such as the signal's detection range, signal-to-noise ratio, and interference characteristics. In the context of wireless communication, this quantity 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, which is related to milliwatts in the same way as dBW). Therefore, the power level transmitted by the transmitter can be a power measurement at the transmitter output when the transmitter is actively transmitting. A transmitter can be designed with configurable power levels such that, in response to certain inputs, it can transmit signals at one of two or more different power levels. For example, Figure 9 The exemplary tag 1100 shown may include a transmitter 2104 configured to transmit signals 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 exemplary tag 1100 may also include a switch 9034 configured to control the behavior of the antenna 2114 and switch the antenna 2114 between a transmission mode and an energy harvesting mode (e.g., under the control of a beacon controller 9030 of the transmitter 2104). In some alternative embodiments, the exemplary tag 1100 may include a signal transmitter separate from the energy harvesting antenna. Figure 2 As shown, beacon 2104 can be electrically connected to energy storage circuit 2108 to power the beacon transmission identification signal.

[0273] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may further include at least one circuit connected to 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 has been gathered and stored in an energy storage component. This circuit may include any combination of electronic components interconnected to implement the identification transmission rule. In various embodiments, the identification transmission rule may include any process or protocol characterizing the transmission. The rule may be implemented as part of circuitry for controlling a transmitter, such that the process defines attributes of transmitter operation. These attributes may include the data content of the transmitted signal, its power level, the communication protocol used for transmission, the frequency band used for transmission, the timing of transmission, or even whether transmission occurs. Examples of such a process may include instructions to send data packets via the Wi-Fi protocol if the circuitry detects an indication of Wi-Fi communication, and to send the same data packets via the Bluetooth protocol if the circuitry detects an indication of Bluetooth communication. Other such exemplary processes may specify the power level used in the transmission based on the desired range of the packets, the intended recipient, or a set of inputs, triggers, and stimuli associated with the transmission. The transmission rule may be implemented automatically or based on received triggers, inputs, or other stimuli. The implementation of the transmission rule may be hierarchical. For example, the transmission required by a set of inputs may be blocked or prevented by a separate alternative input with higher priority.

[0274] According to the disclosed embodiment, 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 circuit can determine that there is sufficient energy to transmit the given signal. 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) within a predetermined time period; 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 the 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 implementations, at least one circuit may be configured to implement an identification transmission rule to define a time interval between the transmission of two consecutive identification signals. For example, the circuit may be configured to implement a transmission rule that causes the transmitter to wait for a predetermined time interval after transmitting a first identification signal. As a non-limiting example, the time interval in some implementations may be at least ten minutes, while in other implementations, the time interval between the transmission of two consecutive identification signals may be a few milliseconds.

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

[0280] In some embodiments, the at least one antenna may be configured to receive energy transmitted within at least one of a first frequency band of approximately 900 MHz or a second frequency band of approximately 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 spectrum reserved internationally for specific industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) purposes. In this document, the term “reserved” can refer to a frequency band or range designated for a single purpose or application. In many jurisdictions, frequency bands may 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 areas such as broadcasting, radio communications, wireless telecommunications (e.g., cellular phones), near-field communications (“NFC”), wireless computer networks (e.g., Wi-Fi), or any other means of wireless communication.

[0281] In some implementations, at least one circuit of an exemplary tag may be configured to cause a transmitter to transmit an identification signal in a second frequency band using energy received in at least one of a first or second frequency band. For example, a wireless identification tag may use an antenna configured to receive ambient energy in a band around 900 MHz, an antenna configured to receive ambient energy in a band around 2.4 GHz, or both, to collect ambient energy. The energy collected from any and all antennas may then be stored in at least one energy storage component. The energy stored in the energy storage component may then be used by the transmitter to transmit an identification signal in a band around 2.4 GHz via the associated antenna, regardless of the frequency of the received ambient energy.

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

[0283] In some implementations, at least one energy storage component can be configured to power the radio identification tag with stored received ambient energy. For example, the harvested energy stored in the energy storage component can be used to power the radio identification tag, enabling it to perform data acquisition, 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 in the absence of a battery. The capacitor can include any capacitive structure for storing charge using electrically separated, insulated plates. Examples of capacitors include ceramic capacitors, film capacitors, power film capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, supercapacitors, Class X and Class Y capacitors, MOM capacitors (metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors), MIM capacitors (metal-insulator-metal capacitors) implemented within a semiconductor device, MOS capacitors (metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors) implemented within a semiconductor device, and other miscellaneous or variable capacitors. For example, in... Figure 10 In this embodiment, the energy storage circuit 2108 may include at least one storage capacitor 10300. According to the disclosed embodiments, the wireless identification tag may include energy storage excluding a battery (for example, the battery may include one or more electrochemical cells that store charge).

[0285] As described above, the exemplary tag can be configured to harvest energy without a specified battery and operate in both active and idle states while consuming minimal power. Advantageously, the exemplary tag can be configured to achieve radio performance comparable to commercially available battery-powered devices within a power envelope comparable to that of passive RFID devices.

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

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

[0288] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit may be further configured to determine that sufficient energy is gathered and stored when the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or greater than the sum of a first energy required for signal transmission and a second predetermined reserve energy. For example, prior to transmission, the circuit may check to determine that there is both sufficient energy available to power the transmission and sufficient reserves for subsequent functions. Therefore, to achieve this functionality, it may 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 by measurement or calculation. For example, energy stored in a capacitor as static charge may need to be converted into DC voltage to supply other components or circuits. Voltage measurement across the capacitor can provide an accurate estimate of the energy stored in the capacitor. While some embodiments may avoid using batteries, for embodiments employing batteries, voltage measurements can be performed 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 performed. Therefore, it may be desirable to determine the required actions, calculate the energy required to perform those actions, and then compare the required energy with a calculation or measurement of the actual stored energy (plus any required reserves). In the case of circuits or electronic circuits, electricity can be provided in the form of direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC), but other forms are also possible. In most cases, the expected power consumed by the circuit can be integrated over the duration of the action performed to produce the total energy demand, which can be calculated in joules. For example, a circuit consuming 10 mW (10 milliwatts) of power over a duration of 1 ms (milliseconds) to process a single data packet might require 10 μJ (10 microjoules) of energy to process that packet. In some cases, the energy required to perform an action may depend on the characteristics of the action, such as the input received by the circuit, triggering, and stimulus control. For example, a transmitter transmitting a longer or shorter signal at a fixed power consumption may require more or less energy, respectively, due to power and time multiplication. Therefore, energy can be saved by adjusting operating parameters (modulation, amount of data transmitted, power level, transmission duration, etc.) to suit a specific use case.

[0290] For example, 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 identification signals 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 tag, excluding at least one transmitter, over a predetermined period of time. The required reserve energy may also constitute the amount required for future transmissions of one or more identification signals. The system may require such a reserve if the energy storage component is not adequately replenished before a next transmission is requested or needed. Therefore, in some embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy may include the minimum energy required by the energy storage component to power at least one transmitter over a desired period of time following the current transmission. This can include sufficient energy for future transmissions of a predetermined number of identification signals. In other embodiments, the predetermined amount of reserve energy may include a minimum energy so that the wireless identification tag functions without reducing the stored energy below the required energy level.

[0291] In some embodiments, the at least one circuit may be configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component and, when the ambient energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined threshold level, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit an additional identification signal, the energy required to transmit the additional identification signal being less than the energy required to transmit the delayed identification signal. For example, when the stored energy is below the threshold and the identification signal still needs to be transmitted, the circuit can adjust this situation by transmitting the additional signal using less energy than the original delayed signal. Lower energy usage may occur because the circuit limits the amount of power and / or the duration of power transmission. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit may also limit the amount of information transmitted to save power. The limitation on the amount of information may be based on, for example, previously transmitted content. For example, if the characteristics of the previously transmitted product and those characteristics have not changed, they can be omitted from the additional transmission.

[0292] In some implementations, the identification signal includes unique identification data for the wireless identification tag. For example, the identifier may include numbers, strings, or other forms of data individually associated with the wireless identification tag, such that no single wireless identification tag is associated with the same unique identifier of any other wireless identification tag, and any single wireless identification tag can only have a single unique identifier associated with it. Examples of unique identifiers may include serial numbers, alphanumeric strings, and any other data that can uniquely distinguish one tag from another.

[0293] Embodiments of this disclosure may relate to methods, systems, apparatus, and computer-readable media for wireless identification tags configured to harvest ambient energy and intermittently transmit identification signals. Disclosed embodiments may include at least one transmitter, such as... Figure 2Transmitter 2104 is shown. In some embodiments, the at least one transmitter may 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 same first frequency. Alternatively, some exemplary transmitters may be configured to transmit one or more signals to one or more receivers at one or more frequencies. As described above, one or more signals may be triggered by different frequencies of received ambient energy. Different types of received energy may correspond to different tag operating modes. In one mode, the tag may send a signal to one or more designated receivers. In another mode, the tag may send another signal to different designated receivers. Signals may be transmitted at different frequencies or at the same frequency. For example, the first signal may be a wireless tag identification signal sent to a receiver located within the premises and may be transmitted in a band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM. The second frequency may be a wireless tag identification signal sent to a receiver near an EAS gate in the premises. The second signal may also be transmitted in a band around 2.4 GHz WW ISM. Receivers may include fixed receivers in the environment, wireless user equipment, handheld receivers, or any other circuitry or components that receive signals.

[0294] For example, such as Figure 13 As shown, tag 1100 can respond to a 2.4 GHz trigger signal 13100 emitted by handheld device 11200 by sending an ID signal 12200 in the approximately 2.4 GHz frequency band to receiver 11300c. In another example, as... Figure 14 As shown, tag 1100 can respond to EAS signal 14100 from EAS gates 1112 and 1114 and send ID signal 12200 in the approximately 2.4 GHz frequency band to receiver 11300h.

[0295] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may include at least one energy storage component, as described elsewhere in this application. As mentioned above, various embodiments may also include circuitry designed such that received energy can be used by transmitter circuitry to transmit signals over a communication medium. An exemplary tag may include at least one circuit connected to at least one transmitter and at least one energy storage component, the at least one circuit being configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage component. For example, Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless communication tag 1100, which may include at least one transmitter 2104 connected to an energy storage circuit 2108. Figure 9 An implementation scheme for 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 connected to the power manager 9010. The power manager can be configured to monitor the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108.

[0296] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may further include at least one circuit configured to prevent at least one transmitter from transmitting a first signal to a first receiver at a first frequency when the energy stored in the energy storage component is insufficient to transmit the second signal to the second receiver at a first frequency. According to the disclosed embodiments, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or less than the sum of the energy required to transmit the first signal to the first receiver and the reserved energy, the circuit can determine that there is insufficient energy for at least one transmitter to transmit the second signal to the second receiver. The amount of reserved energy can be the sum of one or more of the following: 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 time period; the energy required to power the transmitter if the energy storage component is 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. If the circuit determines that there is insufficient energy to transmit the first signal, the circuit can prevent at least one transmitter from transmitting the first signal.

[0297] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may 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 the 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, the tag may be configured to ensure that if it completes a first task, the tag will maintain sufficient reserve energy to complete the intended second task. If not, the tag may 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 the exit in response to an EAS gate trigger to ensure the removal of the recorded tagged object from the site, the tag may prevent the first task to ensure sufficient energy is reserved for the second task.

[0298] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may 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 the sum of a first energy and a second predetermined reserve energy required to transmit the second signal to the second receiver. For example, the circuit may be configured to use a measuring component to determine the energy insufficiency, the measuring component being configured to monitor the reserve energy and calculate whether it is sufficient for the tag to continue operating. The first energy required for transmission may be determined based on a lookup of one or more predetermined thresholds, or may be calculated based on known characteristics of the transmission and / or known information about how much energy might be needed to complete the transmission. The second energy may be predetermined because the tag may always need to maintain a specific energy reserve. The predetermined amount of energy may correspond to one or more of, for example, the energy required for the tag to perform internal functions within a predetermined time period or the energy required for the tag to make a predetermined number of future transmissions (e.g., gate-mode transmissions). If calculated, the first energy may be determined based on variables, such as the distance between the tag and one of the receivers (e.g., the second receiver). Alternatively, it may be calculated or determined based on the energy required for similar past transmissions. Alternatively, as previously stated, the first energy may also be the energy predetermined for such transmissions. If the sum of the first and second energies exceeds a threshold, the tag may determine that the reserve energy is insufficient.

[0299] 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 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 includes the first and second quantities).

[0300] refer to Figure 9 For example, this functionality can be implemented using a power manager 9010, which monitors the status of the energy storage module 2108. Data regarding the threshold amount of energy required (and historical data, if relevant) can be stored in memory 9022 or in the internal memory of the power manager 9010. Alternatively, determining insufficient energy can be done within the energy storage circuitry 2108 itself, or within or by means of the top-level controller 9020.

[0301] In some implementations, the predetermined amount of reserve energy may include the minimum energy required to power at least one component of a radio identification tag, excluding at least one transmitter, for a predetermined period of time. As discussed herein, a tag may have multiple components, and not only transmission requires reserve energy, but other internal functions of the tag also require it. Therefore, the required minimum energy can take into account any one or more components of the tag. For example, refer to… Figure 9The predetermined amount of reserve energy may include the energy required to power the detection circuit 2106, the top-level controller 9020, the multi-source acquisition unit 2102, or the memory 9022 for a predetermined period of time. The predetermined energy required to power at least one component of the wireless identification tag may also include the energy required to power any other circuitry or circuit components included in the wireless tag for a predetermined period of time. Depending on system design constraints, the predetermined time period may be pre-programmed. For example, the predetermined time period may include several seconds, minutes, hours, days, months, or years.

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

[0303] In some implementations, the predetermined amount of reserve energy may include at least the minimum energy required to power at least one transmitter after a predetermined number of transmissions of the first signal by the energy storage component. For example, in addition to the energy required to transmit the predetermined number of first signal transmissions, the tag may be designed to store additional reserve energy for transmitting other signals. These additional signals may include, for example, the transmission of a second or third signal at the same or a different frequency than the first signal. The additional signals may include identification signals or distress signals that warn the system that the tag's reserve energy is insufficient. This may prompt the infrastructure to wirelessly transmit energy to replenish the tag's reserve. Therefore, for example, refer to... Figure 9 The predetermined amount of stored energy may include at least the minimum energy supplied by the energy storage circuit 2108 to the at least one transmitter 2104 after the transmitter 2104 has sent a predetermined number of transmissions.

[0304] As previously referenced Figure 9As discussed, the power manager 9010 can determine the necessary reserve energy requirements. As another example, the power manager 9010 can transfer the 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 subsequently allow or block the transmitter 2104 from transmitting signals. 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 one or more transmissions of the transmitter 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 band, and the second frequency can be within the 900 MHz WW ISM band. In some embodiments, 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 to use the stored energy to power at least one transmitter. Regardless of the frequency of the received energy, the energy storage component can be configured to receive energy from both the higher and lower frequencies by interconnection with receivers at different frequencies, by interconnection with different antennas, or by interconnection with one or more circuits. For example, the first higher frequency can be in the 2.4 GHz range, while the second lower frequency can be in the 900 MHz range.

[0306] In various embodiments, 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. For example, at least one energy storage component may enable the stored energy to be used to power at least one transmitter.

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

[0308] In some embodiments, at least one energy storage component may include at least one capacitor configured to power the wireless identification tag in the absence of a battery. This may include, for example, a storage capacitor 10300 of energy storage circuitry 2108.

[0309] In some implementations, the circuitry can be configured to determine, based on the frequency of the signal received by the wireless identification tag, whether to operate at least one transmitter in a first mode for transmitting a first signal to a first receiver or in a second mode for transmitting a second signal to a second receiver. The circuitry in the tag can cause the tag to operate in alternating modes of operation based on any number of system design parameters. One factor that may affect the operating mode is the frequency of the signal received by the tag. One frequency signal can cause the tag to operate in the first mode, while a second frequency signal can cause the tag to operate in the second mode. Therefore, as described above, the wireless tag may include circuitry capable of determining the frequency of the received signal and changing the tag's operating mode accordingly.

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

[0311] In some implementations, the circuitry can be further configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in the first mode when the RFID tag receives a signal in at least one of the first band of 900 MHz WW ISM or the second band of 2.4 GHz WW ISM. For example, the first mode can be triggered by either 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 operating mode. Similarly, the circuitry can also be configured to cause the at least one transmitter to operate in a second mode when the RFID tag receives a signal in at least one of the first band of approximately 7-13 MHz or the second band of approximately 58-60 kHz. One of the 7-13 MHz signal or the 58-60 kHz signal may 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-enabled mode, and the second mode can be a gated mode. The approximately 7-13 MHz band can include any frequency compatible with radio frequency (“RF”) EAS systems. The operating frequency of an RF-EAS system can include any frequency in the range of 1.8 MHz to 13 MHz. The approximately 58-60 kHz band can include any frequency compatible with acousto-magnetic (“AM”) EAS systems. The operating frequency of an AM-EAS system can include any frequency in the range of 58-60 kHz.

[0312] In some implementations, at least one transmitter may be configured to transmit to a first receiver at a first location different from the location of the second receiver, and at least one transmitter may be further configured to transmit a second signal after a delay shorter than the delay before transmitting the first signal. Depending on design parameters, some signals may transmit faster than others. For example, the first receiver may be located inside the premises or anywhere unrelated to the EAS door, while the second receiver may be located near or close to the EAS door. In this exemplary scenario, since receiving the identification signal may be more important than receiving a repeating signal from the inventory management system, the tag may be designed to send the identification signal to a receiver near the EAS door with a shorter delay than sending it to a receiver not near the EAS door.

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

[0314] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may be further configured to detect whether energy is received at a frequency other than the first frequency, and, less than 10 seconds after detecting that energy is received at the other frequency, cause the at least one transmitter to send the second signal to the second receiver. For example, the wireless tag may include circuitry capable of determining the frequency at which energy is received. When the circuitry determines that the received energy is in a frequency band other than those associated with infrastructure-energized modes (e.g., store mode), the circuitry will cause the transmitter in the wireless tag to send a signal to the receiver with no delay or a delay on the order of a fraction of a second. In one example, after the circuitry detects that the received energy is at a frequency outside the frequency band associated with store mode, the circuitry will cause the transmitter in the wireless tag to send a signal to the receiver for no more than 10 seconds.

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

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

[0317] In some implementations, transmissions sent when the wireless tag operates in an infrastructure-incentivized mode (e.g., store mode) may have a repetition period of ten minutes. In other examples, transmissions sent when the wireless tag operates in an infrastructure-incentivized mode (e.g., store mode) may have a repetition period of 10 minutes, plus an additional random delay period between 0 and 5 minutes.

[0318] Data encryption mechanisms can include the process of encoding messages or information so that only authorized entities can access them, while unauthorized entities cannot. Encryption itself may not prevent interference with data transmission, but it may prevent those unaware of the decryption process from interpreting the message or information. The encryption process may include the use of an encryption key, which may be a piece of data shared between the message sender and the intended recipient at some point before the encrypted message is transmitted. The use of an encryption key allows multiple parties to use a common encryption process while maintaining message confidentiality as long as the key is unique and kept secret. If a message is transmitted according to a protocol agreed upon by both the sender and receiver, the message will be considered decryptable or readable. In the case of encrypted messages, the message may 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 may include a unique identifier associated with the wireless tag, the status of the wireless tag, the location of the wireless tag, the power level of the wireless tag, pricing information, ownership information, style information, data related to the trigger that initiated the transmission, or any information transmitted by the signal.

[0320] In some implementations, the first signal may include first identification data, the second signal may include second identification data, and at least one of the first or second identification data may include a unique identifier of the wireless identification tag. For example, a tag operating in an infrastructure-incentivized mode (e.g., store mode) may transmit a signal. The data content of the signal may include identification data. The identification data may include a unique identifier associated with the wireless tag. Alternatively or additionally, a tag operating in a user-incentivized mode (e.g., IoT mode) or gate mode may transmit a signal. The data content of this signal may also include identification data, which may also include a unique identifier associated with the wireless tag.

[0321] In some implementations, when the energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined threshold level, at least one circuit can be configured to cause 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. For example, a wireless tag may include circuitry 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 reserve energy, the wireless tag can cause the transmitter to transmit an alternative signal to the receiver using less energy than would be used if the energy stored in the energy storage component were above the predetermined threshold level. The alternative signal may be a form of the first signal containing less information; it may be a distress signal, or it may simply be identical to the first signal in all respects except for the power level.

[0322] refer to Figure 10 The wireless tag 1100 may include a power manager 9010 that monitors the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108. The power manager 9010 may transmit the energy stored in the energy storage circuit 2108 to a top-level controller 9020. The top-level controller 9020 may 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 the predetermined threshold level, the top-level controller 9020 may cause the transmitter 2104 to transmit a signal with less energy than normally required. As described above, this can be achieved by altering any number of characteristics of the signal.

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

[0324] refer to Figure 10 The power manager 9010 or the top-level controller 9020 can implement rules for managing signal transmission. If these rules are violated, transmission may not be sent or may be delayed. In some embodiments, the at least one circuit can be further configured to implement the identification transmission rules 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 may include circuitry designed to implement a store mode. As described above, when operating in store mode, the tag can send signals to the receiver within predetermined time intervals.

[0325] In some implementations, the at least one circuit may be further configured to implement the identification transmission rule to randomly select the time interval between two consecutive transmissions of the first signal to the first receiver. Randomness can prevent signal overlap, collisions, and overwhelm the receiver. For example, in infrastructure-stimulated modes (e.g., store mode), when the infrastructure can stimulate many tags simultaneously, random responses from each tag can separate transmissions to prevent the receiver from being overwhelmed.

[0326] In some implementations, the at least one circuit can be configured to save energy by repeatedly activating a first predetermined time length and deactivating a second predetermined time length. For example, after sending a signal, a tag can be deactivated for a period of time so as not to continue repeatedly sending the same signal. This, in turn, saves energy. For example, in locations where infrastructure repeatedly excites many tags, tags that have already responded can be configured not to respond to the same signal until a predetermined time period has elapsed. For example, when operating in an infrastructure excitation mode (e.g., store mode), a tag can save energy by activating a first predetermined time duration and then deactivating a second predetermined time duration. As mentioned above, the first and second predetermined time durations can be the same time duration, different time durations, or randomized time durations.

[0327] Implementations of this disclosure may include a system for detecting misplaced items in a premises. A premises may include any area, building, or structure where an inventory of items can be stored or maintained, such as a retail location, shop, warehouse, distribution center, logistics center, fulfillment center, manufacturing area, transportation area, storage area, home, medical facility, dining establishment, kitchen, or any other area conducive to tracking items. Items may include any object that can be stored within a premises. As a non-limiting example, items may include food, clothing, electronics, consumer goods, equipment, vehicles, consumables, packaging, accessories, supplies, materials, artwork, animals, people, instruments, pallets, containers, pharmaceuticals, trade goods, objects, devices, machines, appliances, parts, tools, furniture, or any other object that may be present in the premises.

[0328] According to the disclosed embodiments, the term "misplaced item" can refer to one or more items that are not located in a designated location associated with one or more items within the premises. For example, a premises may be organized such that certain locations within the premises can be associated with one or more items, or one or more items can be associated with one or more specific locations. Locations within the premises 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 may also not be associated with any item. For example, according to the disclosed embodiments, fitting rooms, checkout lanes, restrooms, empty floor space, or any other area location unrelated to item storage can also be locations within the premises. In this case, for example, a misplaced item could be an item located on the wrong shelf or rack, in the wrong department, or in any location not designated for that item (e.g., clothing in a fitting room).

[0329] For example, Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a retail premises that may include multiple garments. In this exemplary premises, there may be one or more locations designated for specific purposes, such as storage and / or display of specific items or facilitation of other activities related to the operation of the premises. For example, the premises may include shelves 11250 and 11240, which are designated for storing and / or displaying specific items, such as specific garments. The premises may also include other locations, such as fitting rooms 11230, which are not associated with the storage and / or display of items but allow customers to perform certain activities within the premises, such as trying on different garments. The disclosed embodiments may provide systems, such as... Figure 20 The item location monitoring system 20000, and the method capable of detecting, for example, misplaced items, such as items located in fitting room 11230 instead of their designated location on shelf 11250.

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

[0331] Disclosed embodiments may include at least one processor. A processor can be any physical device or group of devices having a circuitry system that performs logical operations on one or more inputs. For example, the at least one processor may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs), including application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), microchips, microcontrollers, microprocessors, all or part 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 suitable for executing instructions or performing logical operations. Instructions executed by the at least one processor may, for example, be preloaded into memory integrated with or embedded in the controller, or may be stored in discrete memory. Memory may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, 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 may include more than one processor. Each processor may have a similar architecture, or processors may have different architectures that are electrically connected or electrically disconnected from each other. For example, processors may be discrete circuits or integrated into a single circuit. When using more than one processor, the processors may be configured to operate independently or collaboratively. The processor can be electrically coupled, magnetically coupled, optically coupled, acoustically coupled, mechanically coupled, or coupled in other ways that allow them to interact. For example, such as Figure 20 As shown, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of items in a location may include a processor 20004, which may be configured to implement and / or perform one or more processes and methods according to this disclosure.

[0332] According to this disclosure, the disclosed embodiments may also relate to a network. A “network” can constitute any type of physical or wireless computer network arrangement for exchanging data. For example, a 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 a system. In some embodiments, a network may include one or more physical links for exchanging data, such as Ethernet, coaxial cable, twisted-pair cable, fiber optic cable, or any other suitable physical medium for exchanging data. A network may also include the Public Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) and / or a wireless cellular network. A network can be a secure network or an insecure network. In other embodiments, one or more components of the system may communicate directly via a dedicated communications network. Direct communication may use any suitable technology, including, for example, Bluetooth™, Bluetooth Low Energy™ (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, such as… Figure 20 As shown, a system 20000 for monitoring the location of objects in a location may include a network 20002, which enables the exchange of data and / or information between devices in the system (e.g., processor 20004, data structure 20006, device 20008, reader 11300a-g, etc.).

[0333] Disclosed embodiments may include receiving identification signals from at least one reader in a location, representing identification signals read by the identification tag. The reader may include one or more means, circuits, components, or combinations thereof capable of receiving and processing electromagnetic signals. For example, the reader and / or circuitry may include two or more interconnected components. As described above, non-limiting examples may include combinations of components and / or means implemented as part of a silicon chip, a printed circuit board, a connectorized system, or any combination thereof, connected in a manner capable of achieving the desired function or response.

[0334] like Figure 11-13 As shown, a location can be equipped with readers 11300a-g. A retail location can accommodate multiple items containing identification tags, such as products containing identification tag 11210. The identification tag associated with the product can be, for example, tag 1100, such as... Figure 3-8 As shown in Figures 15 and 20, the reader 11300a-g is capable of receiving one or more identification signals from the tag, such as... Figure 12-13 The signal shown is 12200 or Figure 15 The signal shown is 15102a-c. This is an example and as... Figure 21 As shown, according to the disclosed embodiment, receiving an identification signal from an identification tag read by at least one reader in the location can occur at step 21002 of an exemplary computerized process 21000 for reporting the location of items in the location.

[0335] According to some disclosed embodiments, at least one reader may include at least one of a handheld scanner or a fixed scanner configured to automatically read signals transmitted by an identification tag. According to the disclosed embodiments, the handheld scanner may be a device provided by a venue to employees or customers for use during work or shopping sessions, or it may be a personal mobile communication device, or any other handheld device capable of performing reader functions. The fixed scanner may be a device fixed to any wall, ceiling, or any other attachable structure capable of performing reader functions. For example, in Figure 11 In this context, the reader 11300a-h can be a fixed scanner attached to some structure in the premises (e.g., a wall, ceiling, or fixture). According to this disclosure, a customer or employee can use, for example, a handheld device 11200 as a handheld scanner, which can be a device dedicated to scanning or any other mobile device capable of performing reader functions.

[0336] In some disclosed embodiments, the identification tag can be configured to receive and store ambient energy, and use the stored ambient energy to power the transmission of identification signals. Ambient energy can refer to energy present in the environment of the identification tag. As mentioned above, energy can be generated by environmental factors, electromagnetic signals transmitted in the environment, or any other energy source. For example, a fixed scanner 11300a-h can be used as an ambient energy source, as can Wi-Fi or other electromagnetic infrastructure. An exemplary tag 1100 may include components such as energy storage circuitry 2108, storage capacitor 10300, and / or energy storage component 15008. For example, any one or more components can be configured to receive energy from 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 provided to components in a third form. According to some disclosed embodiments, ambient energy can be used to power the transmission of identification signals.

[0337] In some publicly disclosed embodiments, the identification tag can be configured to transmit identification signals according to a predetermined timing sequence. For example, the predetermined timing sequence can include a timing pattern that controls when identification signals can be transmitted from the identification tag. The timing sequence can include a constant, random, or variable period for transmitting identification signals (e.g., twice per hour, at 1:20 PM and 1:45 PM, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, the timing sequence can follow an input trigger signal (e.g., upon receiving a trigger signal, the tag transmits a response one or more times according to rules; and / or when the stored energy reaches a threshold level, reaching that threshold can trigger transmission). In fact, any programmed condition or rule can drive the transmission of identification signals. For example, in Figure 20 In this system, identification tag 1110 can transmit identification signal 12200 multiple times a day, regardless of any input from components of system 20000. Alternatively, transmission can occur as a result of a signal sent from an exciter to tag 1110. Depending on the implementation, this signal may originate from one or more readers 11300a-g or any other source.

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

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

[0340] Disclosed implementations may include determining the current location of an identification tag based on received identification signals. For example, an identification tag within a location may transmit a signal that can be received by one or more readers within the location. However, depending on proximity to the one or more readers, the power level of the signal received by each of the readers may differ by orders of magnitude. This quantity can be used to calculate certain characteristics of signal propagation over a communication medium, establishing parameters such as the range at which the signal can be detected, a value representing the relative or actual distance the signal has been transmitted, signal-to-noise ratio, interference characteristics, etc. In the case of wireless communication, this quantity 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, which is related to milliwatts in the same way as dBW is related to watts). In this sense, "power level" can refer, for example, to the result of an immediate power measurement at the signal input of the reader while the reader is actively receiving one or more signals.

[0341] In some implementations, the current location of an identification tag can be determined by comparing the power levels of the received signals at each reader and determining the tag's current location based on that comparison. For example, because the identification tag is closer to the reader than others, the power level of the identification signal received from the identification tag and the reader may be higher than the power level of the identification signal received by other readers in the location. A reader can be associated with a given location; therefore, based on the strongest signal received by the reader 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 tag's location. For example, using three signal strengths detected by three readers, the system can use triangulation to estimate or determine the tag's location.

[0342] For example, an item located in fitting room 11230 may contain an identification tag 1100 that transmits an identification signal 12200. Because tag 1100 is close to a reader 11300f that may be associated with fitting room 11230, the power level of the signal 12200 received by reader 11300f may be higher than the power level of the signal 12200 received by readers located further away from tag 1100 (e.g., readers 11210a-e and gh). 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 In this process, the determination may occur at step 21004 of process 21000. In some embodiments, step 21004 of process 21000 may include determining the current location of the identification tag based on the received identification signal.

[0343] For positioning purposes, signal strength patterns can be predetermined. For example, measurements taken from tags in fitting room 11230 by different readers may produce recognizable patterns that can be matched to determine the future location of the tags. During system installation, tag readings can be collected from around the building to correlate signal strength with actual location. These correlations can be stored in a data structure. Then, in the future, a lookup can be performed on the actual readings to identify the tag's location based on the stored data. Similarly, the system may learn over time using artificial intelligence.

[0344] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reader may include multiple readers configured to receive identification signals, and at least one processor may be configured to access location data from the multiple readers. For example, as described above, the processor may access a common input data signal received at the multiple readers for identifying the location of the tag emitting the common signal. The identified location may be a precise, measurable location within a site, or it may be a broad location, such as a room, equipment, department, section, area, shelf, rack, or any other location, depending on the system design and the granularity provided by the specific system.

[0345] Alternatively, a specific reader can be associated with a specific location. For example, a single reader can be associated with a single room, such that a signal from that reader indicates a tag is located within the associated room. Or a single reader (or a group of readers) can be associated with an area or zone, such that a corresponding read indication tag is located within that area or zone. For example, in Figure 11 In this context, 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 context, the location data can be stored in data structure 20006 and can be accessed by processor 20004 via network 20002.

[0346] According to some publicly available embodiments, at least one processor can also be configured to identify the location of an identification tag based on location data from multiple readers and the power levels of identification signals received by the multiple readers. Determining the location of a point in space (e.g., the location of an identification tag) can be achieved using distance measurements from that point to at least three other points (e.g., readers), the locations of which are known in advance (i.e., reference points). The method may include determining an equation or formula describing a sphere for each reference point, the sphere having its center at the reference point and its radius equal to the distance measured from the reference point to the measurement point. Assuming the distance measurements are accurate, for each said sphere, the measurement point will be found at some point on the surface of the sphere. Given at least three such spheres (and assuming the three reference points are appropriately spaced), there will typically be no more than two points in space where the three spheres intersect at a single point. In most real-world systems, determining which of the two solutions is the correct location of the measurement point can be done using prior knowledge (e.g., when the three reference points are on the ground, one solution will be underground, which is easily ruled out). Furthermore, learned data about the location may be used to eliminate unlikely solutions. For example, if one solution places shoes in the jewelry department while another places shoes in the shoes department, the first solution might be discarded by the system because it is less likely, while the second solution is accepted. This could happen because the stored initial data records the expected locations of various items, or it could happen through machine learning, by detecting and recording the usual locations of items.

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

[0348] For ease of discussion, Figure 22 A network is illustrated in which the location of an identification tag can be determined based on location data from multiple readers and the power levels of identification signals received by the multiple readers. For example, although identification tag 1110 can transmit an identification signal at a single known power level, the power levels of the identification signals received by each reader 11300a-c are not the same due to the distance differences between identification tag 1110 and each reader 11300a-c. Based on the difference between the known transmitted power level and the received power level, a processor (e.g., Figure 20The processor 20004 can determine that the identification tag 1110 is located at (1) a distance from reader 11300a equal to a radius of 220Ra; (2) a distance from reader 11300b equal to a radius of 220Rb; and (3) a distance from reader 11300 equal to a radius of 220Rc. Using known position data of multiple readers and the distance to each reader, the processor can triangulate or otherwise determine the precise location of the identification tag 1110 (arcs 220Aa-c intersect at only one point). Although this illustrates a method on a two-dimensional medium, it should be understood that, as stated above, according to this disclosure, such methods or similar methods can be used to precisely locate identification tags in a three-dimensional environment.

[0349] Disclosed implementations may include recording the current location of identification tags in at least one data structure. The data structure may include any set of data values ​​and the relationships between them. Data may be stored linearly, horizontally, hierarchically, relationally, non-relationally, one-dimensionally, multi-dimensionally, operationally, 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. As non-limiting examples, the data structure may include arrays, associative arrays, linked lists, binary trees, balanced trees, heaps, stacks, queues, sets, hash tables, records, tag associations, ER models, and graphs. For example, the data structure may include an XML database, RDBMS database, SQL database, or NoSQL alternative database for data storage / search, such as MongoDB, Redis, Couchbase, Datastax Enterprise Graph, Elastic Search, Splunk, Solr, Cassandra, Amazon DynamoDB, Scylla, HBase, and Neo4J. The data structure may be a component of the disclosed system or a remote computing component (e.g., a cloud-based data structure). Data in a data structure can be stored in contiguous or non-contiguous memory. Furthermore, the data structures used in this paper do not require information to be located in a single location. They can be distributed across multiple servers, which may be owned or operated by the same or different entities. Therefore, the singular term "data structure" used in this paper encompasses 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 a specified location of the identification tag. Data values ​​may include and / or represent a timestamp associated with the time of receiving an identification signal or the time of determining and / or recording the location, the name and / or coordinates of the location, the identity of one or more readers receiving the identification signal and the associated power level received, or any other suitable identifier or data value representing the current location of the identification tag. According to the disclosed embodiments, the data contained in the data structure may be updated periodically (e.g., every two hours, every hour, daily, etc.), in real-time (i.e., continuously), or upon any kind of trigger or when data and / or information is input into the system.

[0351] For example, such as Figure 20 As shown, processor 20004 can be configured to record the current position of identification tag 1110 into data structure 20006. According to this disclosure, data structure 20006 can contain records of the current position of the identification tag and can be configured to insert, update, or otherwise modify data into the data structure. For example, in Figure 21 In this process, the action can occur at step 21006 of process 21000. In some embodiments, step 21006 of process 21000 may include recording the current location of the determined identification tag in at least one data structure.

[0352] The disclosed implementation may also include accessing a designated location of each identification tag within a premises in at least one data structure. As previously described, the data structure may maintain records including items in the premises, identification tags associated with the items, the current location of the items and / or identification tags, and designated locations of the items and / or identification tags. A designated location may be a specific location within the premises associated with an identification tag for storing and / or displaying and / or using the associated items within the premises. A designated location within the premises may include one or more such areas, such as storage units, shelves, cabinets, racks, rooms, workbenches, enclosures, or any other storage structure or area that may be associated with one or more items for displaying and / or storing and / or using.

[0353] For example, in Figure 11 In this context, items with identification tags 11210 can be associated with designated locations, such as shelf 11250 or shelf 11240. Figure 20 In this context, the association between tag 11210 and its designated location can be recorded in data structure 20006, allowing other devices in system 20000 to access this information. For example... Figure 21As shown, accessing this information can occur at step 21012 of process 21000. In some embodiments, step 21012 of process 21000 may include accessing the current position of the identification tag in at least one data structure.

[0354] The disclosed implementation may further include identifying a specific identification tag with a current location different from the designated location of a specific identification tag by comparing the current location of the identification tag with the designated location of the identification tag. As previously described, the disclosed system can maintain and monitor records of the designated location and current location of the identification tag. Comparing the current location of the identification tag with the designated location can be performed immediately after the tag identifies itself, or at some later time, in accordance with rules implemented within the system. When the identification tag is located somewhere other than its designated location, the disclosed implementation can determine a mismatch by comparing the current tag location with the designated tag location.

[0355] For example, in Figure 11 In this system, customers can leave products (e.g., items with identification tags 11210) in fitting room 11230. Based on the identification signal picked up by reader 11300f, the system can determine that the current location of the item is fitting room 11230; however, the designated location of the item could be shelf 11250. Figure 20 In this context, the current location (i.e., fitting room 11230) and the specified location (i.e., shelf 11250) can be recorded and accessed in data structure 20006. Processor 20004 can access this information, for example, via network 20002, and determine that the current location differs from the specified location by comparison. For example, in... Figure 21 This can occur at step 21014 of process 21000. In some embodiments, step 21014 of process 21000 may include determining a specific identification tag having a current position different from the specified position of a specific identification tag by comparing the current position of the identification tag with the specified position of the identification tag.

[0356] In some disclosed embodiments, at least one reader may be configured to receive a door signal from an identification tag when the tag is at at least one predetermined location. A door signal may refer to a specific type of signal or transmission during a specific mode n (e.g., door mode) that the identification tag may be configured to transmit when it is at the predetermined location. The predetermined location may be associated with a point of sale, such as a cash register, a security door area, an entrance / exit of a premises, or any other area where the tag may be desired to transmit a door signal. For example, a customer possessing an item containing an identification tag may bring the item into an area where infrastructure transmits a door-triggered signal, causing the tag to respond by transmitting a door signal.

[0357] In some implementations, at least one processor is configured to determine that a particular item is being sold when a designated reader receives a door signal from an identification tag associated with that item. For example, the identification tag may transmit a door signal when a customer brings an item containing the tag to a predetermined location associated with the item's sale. When the reader receives the door signal, at least one processor in the system can be configured to determine that a sale has occurred. For instance, in... Figure 14 In this setting, a customer can bring a product containing an identification tag 1100 into a door area at the exit of the premises, such as between doors 1112 and 1114. A si...

Claims

1. A wireless identification tag configured to collect ambient energy and intermittently transmit identification signals, the tag comprising: At least one antenna is configured to receive ambient energy; At least one energy storage component is electrically connected to the at least one antenna and is configured to collect and store received ambient energy; At least one transmitter is electrically connected to the at least one energy storage component and is configured to transmit the identification signal; as well as At least one circuit, connected to the at least one transmitter, is configured to implement an identification transmission rule such that the transmitter delays transmitting the identification signal until the energy stored in the energy storage component is equal to or greater than the sum of a first energy and a second predetermined reserve energy required for the identification signal transmission, wherein the identification transmission rule is used to adjust the at least one circuit in such a way that the at least one transmitter delays transmitting a first signal to a first receiver, even when sufficient energy is stored in the energy storage component for transmitting a second signal to a second receiver.

2. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to implement the identification transmission rule so that the transmitter transmits the identification signal within a predetermined time interval.

3. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to implement the identification transmission rule to define the time interval between the transmissions of two consecutive identification signals.

4. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to implement the identification transmission rule to randomly select the time interval between two consecutive identification signal transmissions.

5. The wireless identification tag according to claim 1, wherein the at least one antenna is configured to receive energy transmitted at a frequency within at least one of a first frequency band of about 900 MHz or a second frequency band of about 2.4 GHz.

6. The wireless identification tag of claim 5, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to cause the transmitter to transmit the identification signal in the second frequency band using energy received in at least one of the first or second frequency bands.

7. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one energy storage component is configured to power the wireless identification tag with stored received ambient energy.

8. The wireless identification tag of claim 7, wherein the at least one energy storage component comprises at least one capacitor configured to power the wireless identification tag in the absence of a battery.

9. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to implement the identification transmission rule when the at least one antenna receives ambient energy at a first predetermined frequency.

10. The wireless identification tag of claim 9, wherein the first predetermined frequency is a frequency of approximately 900 MHz.

11. The wireless identification tag of claim 9, wherein the at least one circuit is further configured such that the transmitter transmits the identification signal less than 10 seconds after the at least one antenna receives ambient energy at a second predetermined frequency.

12. The wireless identification tag of claim 11, wherein the second predetermined frequency is approximately 2.4 GHz.

13. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the predetermined reserve energy includes energy for powering at least a portion of the wireless identification tags other than the at least one transmitter over a predetermined time period.

14. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the predetermined reserve energy includes the minimum energy that the energy storage component supplies to the at least one transmitter.

15. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the predetermined reserve energy includes energy for powering the at least one transmitter to transmit a predetermined number of the identification signals.

16. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the at least one circuit is configured to monitor energy stored in the energy storage component, and when the ambient energy stored in the energy storage component is determined to be below a predetermined threshold level, cause the at least one transmitter to transmit an additional identification signal, the energy required to transmit the additional identification signal being less than the energy required to transmit the delayed identification signal.

17. The wireless identification tag of claim 1, wherein the delayed identification signal includes the unique identification data of the wireless identification tag.

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