System and method for increased egress interrogation of RFID tags

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a system for interrogating a person leaving a store. The system includes: one or more pedestals arranged to define an exit leading to an exit point; one or more millimeter wave sensors, the one or more millimeter wave sensors are fixedly arranged near the exit point, configured to receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from a person approaching the exit point and trigger an interrogation of a security tag; and one or more security tag readers, the one or more security tag readers are fixedly arranged with the one or more pedestals, configured to read data from the security tag passing through the exit.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 162,724, filed on January 29, 2021, entitled “System and Method for Increased Exit Interrogation of RFID Tags,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 968,956, filed on January 31, 2020, entitled “System and Method for Increased Exit Interrogation of RFID Tags,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and more particularly to increased egress interrogation of RFID tags. Background Art

[0004] RFID systems and / or Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other locations to prevent unauthorized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at the exit from the protected area and includes one or more transmitters and antennas ("pedestals") capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit (called an "interrogation zone"). The items to be protected are affixed with security tags (e.g., EAS tags (or markers) and / or RFID tags) that, when activated, generate a response signal when passing through the interrogation zone. The antenna and receiver in the same or another "pedestal" detect the response signal and, if the security tag is not accounted for, an alarm may be generated.

[0005] Acousto Magnetic (AM) systems are commonly used for EAS tag detection and are well known in the art. The detector in the AM system emits a periodic pulse train at 58kHz, which causes a detectable resonant response in the EAS tag. Similarly, the detector in the RFID system emits a periodic pulse train in the radio frequency range, which causes a detectable resonant response in the RFID tag. There are "dual technology" tags that contain an EAS tag and an RFID tag in an integrated tag, or an integrated tag with EAS tag capabilities and RFID tag capabilities. The detector in the dual technology system emits a periodic pulse train at 58kHz and emits a periodic pulse train in the radio frequency range, which causes a resonant response detectable by the dual technology tag.

[0006] Retailers (e.g., clothing retailers) have deployed security tags in stores to track product movement as it arrives at the store, is placed on display on the sales floor, and is sold. Security tags can be used with security systems to detect inventory changes and / or possible loss events. For example, a security tag can be read by an exit system to determine if a tagged item is leaving a retail location. Security tags can be read from several feet away and do not need to be tracked within the direct line of sight of the reader.

[0007] Security pedestals using security tag technology are placed at store exits. The wider the store exit, the more pedestals are needed. For example, a standalone store may employ multiple pedestals to cover the store exit. In a shopping street or a shopping mall with multiple stores, each store may place its store exit close to the exit of another store. Therefore, the store's security tag system may receive security tag interrogation signals from one or more stores next door. In a shopping mall, a store may have exits on multiple floors, with a security tag system on one floor receiving a security tag interrogation signal from a security tag system on another floor. Due to the use of multiple pedestals at the store exit, it is usually caused that the security tag system (e.g., pedestal) has a limited interrogation time due to synchronization with transmissions from other RFID readers. For example, due to interrogation signals emitted from multiple pedestals, the interrogation signal may cause interference problems with other pedestals.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the art to reduce signals emanating from multiple pedestals that cause interference to other pedestals. Summary of the invention

[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive review of all contemplated aspects, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description that is presented later.

[0010] An exemplary embodiment includes a system for interrogating a person leaving a store. The system includes: one or more pedestals arranged to define an exit leading to an exit point; one or more millimeter wave sensors fixedly arranged near the exit point, configured to receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from a person approaching the exit point and trigger an interrogation of one or more security tags; and one or more security tag readers fixedly arranged with the one or more pedestals, configured to read data from a security tag passing through the exit.

[0011] In another example, a method for questioning a person leaving a store is disclosed. In yet another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing code executable by one or more processors for questioning a person leaving a store is disclosed.

[0012] To accomplish the above and related ends, the one or more aspects include the features fully described below and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the accompanying drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary retail location incorporating a first example of a security system.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computer device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an example of a method for interrogating a security tag according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for increased exit interrogation of security tags. By incorporating millimeter wave technology into a pedestal or overhead detection system, the pedestal or overhead detection system is able to detect an approaching person leaving a store and trigger the security tag system to interrogate the person for the security tag. For example, the pedestal or overhead detection system may emit one or more millimeter wave beams and receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from a person approaching an exit. One or more reflected beams may trigger one or more pedestals to emit one or more interrogation signals. For example, not all pedestals are triggered, for example, one or more selected pedestals are triggered. For example, one or more pedestals may not emit one or more interrogation signals until triggered. By triggering only one or more pedestals, fewer interrogation signals are emitted compared to conventional security tag systems that periodically or continuously emit interrogation signals. In one or more embodiments, one or more selected pedestals may emit an interrogation signal depending on which pedestal or overhead detection system detects an approaching person. One or more selected pedestals may not emit an interrogation signal for a predetermined time or until a person has passed through the pedestal. Although the described embodiments are described using millimeter wave technology, other technologies may also be used. For example, video, laser, infrared, or other technologies may be used to detect approaching people.

[0017] Reference now Figure 1, the exemplary retail location 100 includes multiple areas where tagged products may be located. For example, the retail location 100 may include an open display area 110, a front end 112, an aisle 114, and a guardhouse 118. Customers 130 may be located in different areas or zones within the store and / or just outside the store. Staff 132 may be positioned at locations such as the cash register and the guardhouse 118. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed systems and methods are applicable to a variety of retail locations, and the present disclosure is not limited to the exemplary retail locations or areas.

[0018] As discussed above, retailers (e.g., clothing retailers) have deployed security systems (such as EAS and / or RFID systems) in stores using security tags to track product movement, such as when products arrive at the store, are placed on display on the sales floor and / or are sold. By adopting security tags, retailers may be able to reduce the amount of time spent by store employees counting inventory (e.g., manually counting inventory on the floor and in the warehouse) and improve the visibility of goods in each store, so that shoppers in the store and online shoppers can find what they are looking for. Security systems can use signals of different frequencies to read and capture information stored on tags attached to objects such as goods, products or goods. For example, security tags can be used with security systems to detect inventory changes and / or possible loss events. For example, one or more security tags can be read by an exit system to determine whether the tagged item 122 leaves a retail location. Security tags (e.g., tag 124) can be read from several feet away and do not need to be tracked in the direct line of sight of the reader.

[0019] The security system may include one or more security tags or labels 124 (e.g., EAS tags, RFID tags, or dual technology tags) and readers (e.g., exit system 140). Each security tag is embedded with at least one transmitter and at least one receiver, such as an EAS transmitter and an EAS receiver, an RFID transmitter and an RFID receiver, or both. Each security tag may further include a specific serial number (e.g., an electronic product code (EPC)) for each specific object. For example, in one embodiment, the security tag may include multiple storage bodies, such as a reserved memory, an EPC memory, a tag identification (TID) memory, and a user memory. The reserved storage body may include an access password and a destruction password. The EPC memory may include an EPC, a protocol control, and a cyclic redundancy check value. The TID memory may include a tag identification. The user memory may store custom data.

[0020] To read the information encoded on the security tag 124, a two-way radio transmitter-receiver called an interrogator or reader (e.g., an exit system 140) uses one or more antennas, antenna panels, or antenna arrays (e.g., internal antennas) to send a signal to the security tag. The reader 140 can apply filtering to indicate which memory bank the security tag 124 should use to respond to the signal sent. The security tag 124 can respond with information written in the memory bank (e.g., an EPC value or a serial number). The security tag data set can contain any information stored on the security tag 124 and information about reading the security tag 124. For example, the security tag data set can contain: a timestamp, a location, a signal transmission power, a received signal strength indication (RSSI), and an identifier of the reader 140. The security tag 124 can be a passive tag or a battery-powered security tag. A passive security tag can use the wave energy of the interrogator or receiver 140 to relay the stored information back to the interrogator. In contrast, a battery-powered security tag 124 can be embedded with a battery that powers the information relay.

[0021] The security system 102 may include an exit system 140, a plurality of cameras 120, and an evaluation computer 126. The exit system 140 may include a plurality of sensors 142 located near an exit 144. The plurality of sensors 142 may define an exit or exit point. For example, the exemplary retail location 100 may include three relatively narrow exits 144. The sensors 142 may be located on each side of the exit 144. For example, in an embodiment, the sensor 142 may include at least one security tag reader, the at least one security tag reader including an antenna that generates a tag detection field 146. Each security tag reader may be fixedly arranged with the sensor 142 or a base. For example, each security tag reader may be arranged or fastened to the sensor 142 or a base. In general, the sensor 142 may be configured (e.g., by setting a power level) so that the tag detection field 146 covers the exit 144 to detect tags moving through the exit. Although the sensor 142 is shown as a base adjacent to the exit 144, the sensor 142 may be located on the floor and / or ceiling. As explained in more detail below, sensor 142 may incorporate millimeter wave technology to detect people.

[0022] The cameras 120 may be located in or near the exit system 140, or may be located in other areas of the retail location 100. Each camera 120 may be a digital video camera, such as a security camera. Multiple cameras 120 may be located throughout the retail location 100. Each of the cameras 120 may provide a continuous video feed of one or more of the areas of the retail location 100. The cameras 120 may generally be oriented in a default direction to capture a specific view of the retail location 100 where activity is expected, but one or more of the cameras 120 may be mounted on a gimbal that allows rotation and panning of the corresponding camera 120. For example, the security system 102 may move the camera 120 to keep the field of view of the camera 120 on the customer 130. In another aspect, the security system 102 may allow manual control of one or more cameras 120. In one aspect, the security system 102 may be integrated with one or more other systems, and the video feeds of the cameras 120 may be used for a variety of purposes.

[0023] Evaluation computer 126 may be a computer device programmed to at least evaluate the outlet system measurements from sensor 142. Evaluation computer 126 may be, for example, any mobile or fixed computer device, including but not limited to a computer server, a desktop or laptop or tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, any other computer device having wired and / or wireless connection capabilities to one or more other devices, or any other type of computerized device capable of processing existing system measurements.

[0024] The exit system 140 may include a millimeter wave sensor 142 or millimeter wave technology. For example, the millimeter wave sensor 142 or millimeter wave technology may include a millimeter wave transmitter, a millimeter wave receiver, and one or more antennas, antenna panels, or antenna arrays. Each millimeter wave sensor 142 may be fixedly arranged with a base. For example, the millimeter wave sensor 142 may be arranged or fastened to a base. The millimeter wave transmitter may transmit one or more millimeter wave beams (e.g., approximately 60 GHz) through one or more antennas, and receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams through one or more antennas. One or more millimeter wave beams may be reflected by a person. One or more reflected millimeter wave beams may be compared with a threshold to determine whether a person is detected. For example, the received signal strength of one or more reflected millimeter wave beams is compared with a threshold to determine whether a person is detected. The comparison may be completed at the base (e.g., by a processor or a combination of hardware and software) and / or may be completed by a processor of the evaluation computer 126. For example, the transceiver of the base may transmit one or more reflected millimeter wave beams to the evaluation computer 126 for processing via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the camera 120 may include a millimeter wave sensor 142 and perform similar functions as described above. In one or more embodiments, a sensor system, an overhead system, or an antenna system may include a millimeter wave sensor 142, such as a millimeter wave transmitter, a millimeter wave receiver, and one or more antennas, and perform similar functions as described above. The sensor system, the overhead system, or the antenna system may be installed in a store in a similar manner as the camera 120.

[0026] Once a person is detected, the security tag system of one or more pedestals or sensors 144 may be triggered. For example, when a person approaches an exit, the millimeter wave sensor 142 detects the person and triggers one of the security tag system sensors 144 to send out an interrogation signal. For example, if a group of pedestals are at a store exit and the millimeter wave sensor 142 detects a person, the security tag system sensor 144 may send out an interrogation signal to detect one or more security tags.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the security tag system sensor 144 may include one or more antennas, antenna panels, or antenna arrays. The security tag system may use beam steering to track the person and interrogate the person more frequently. For example, using a phased array antenna, the security tag system sensor 144 may trigger one or more antennas or phased antennas to steer one or more beams toward a person leaving a store. By steering one or more beams toward a moving person, for example, tracking a person as the person leaves a store, the security tag system sensor 144 increases the number of reads of the person. By using such a system, the security tag system sensor 144 may maximize the number of reads of the person. In one or more embodiments, the security tag system sensor 144 may initially use an increased power of the interrogation signal emitted, and as the person gets closer to the security tag system sensor 144, reduce the power of the interrogation signal emitted. By initially using an increased power of the interrogation signal emitted, the security tag system sensor 144 may increase the number of reads of the person. By using such a system, the security tag system sensor 144 may maximize the number of reads of the person.

[0028] In some embodiments, the security tag system sensor 144 may include more than one transmitter. If the millimeter wave sensor 142 detects that a person is approaching the first exit, the security tag system sensor 144 may direct the transmitter near the first exit (within a threshold distance, such as 1 meter (m), 2m, 5m, etc.) toward the person. The security tag system sensor 144 may disable transmitters that are far from the first exit (beyond the threshold distance) to reduce interference.

[0029] In another embodiment, the millimeter wave sensor 142 can detect a person approaching an exit. When the person is within a threshold distance (e.g., 1m, 2m, 5m, etc.) from the millimeter wave sensor 142 and / or the exit, the security tag system sensor 144 can trigger an inquiry to the security tag 124.

[0030] Likewise, as discussed above, other technologies may be used in place of or in addition to millimeter wave technology. For example, using one or more cameras 120, the security tag system sensor 144 can increase the number of reads of a person. A person tracking application may be used to analyze camera features to help track a person as he or she leaves the store. In one or more embodiments, one or more motion detection sensors, infrared sensors, lasers, or any other sensor capable of detecting and / or tracking a person may be used to track a person leaving the store.

[0031] Reference now Figure 2 , shows an exemplary computer device 240 according to an embodiment, which includes Figure 1 The computer device 240 may be Figure 1 240. In one example, the computer device 240 may include a processor 48 for performing processing functions associated with one or more of the components and functions described herein. The processor 48 may include a single or multiple processors or a multi-core processor. Moreover, the processor 48 may be implemented as an integrated processing system and / or a distributed processing system. For example, in an embodiment, the processor 48 may include a CPU 242.

[0032] In an example, the computer device 240 may include a memory 50 for storing instructions executable by the processor 48 to perform the functions described herein. For example, in an embodiment, the memory 50 may include a memory 244. The memory 50 may include instructions for executing the detection and / or tracking application 260 to perform the method.

[0033] In addition, the computer device 240 may include a communication component 52 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties using hardware, software, and services as described herein. The communication component 52 may carry communications between components on the computer device 240, as well as communications between the computer device 240 and external devices (such as devices located on a communication network and / or devices connected serially or locally to the computer device 240). For example, the communication component 52 may include one or more buses, and may further include a transmit chain component and a receive chain component associated with a transmitter and a receiver, respectively, operable to interface with external devices.

[0034] Additionally, the computer device 240 may include a data storage area 54, which may be any suitable combination of hardware and / or software that provides mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in conjunction with the embodiments described herein. For example, the data storage area 54 may be a data repository for the operating system 252 and / or the detection and / or tracking application 260. The data storage area may include a memory 244 and / or a storage device 246.

[0035] The computer device 240 may also include a user interface component 56 that is operable to receive input from a user of the computer device 240 and further operable to generate output for presentation to the user. The user interface component 56 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a numeric keypad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a digitizer, navigation keys, function keys, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving input from a user, or any combination thereof. In addition, the user interface component 56 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a tactile feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting output to a user, or any combination thereof.

[0036] In an embodiment, the user interface component 56 may transmit and / or receive messages corresponding to the operation of the operating system 252 and / or the metal foil defect application 260. In addition, the processor 48 may execute the operating system 252 and / or the detection and / or tracking application 260, and the memory 50 or data storage area 54 may store the same.

[0037] Reference now Figure 3 In some embodiments, the method 300 of interrogating a security tag may be performed by the exit system 140, the computer device 240, and / or the millimeter wave sensor 142. The exit system 140, the computer device 240, and / or the millimeter wave sensor 142 may be configured and / or defined as a device for performing the following steps.

[0038] At block 305, method 300 may transmit one or more interrogating millimeter wave beams toward a person approaching an exit point. For example, exit system 140, computer device 240, and millimeter wave sensor 142 may transmit one or more interrogating millimeter wave beams toward a person approaching an exit point, as described above.

[0039] At block 310, the method 300 may receive one or more reflected millimeter-wave beams from a person. For example, the millimeter-wave sensor 142 may receive one or more reflected millimeter-wave beams from a person, as described above.

[0040] At block 315, method 300 may trigger interrogation of the security tag in response to receiving one or more reflected millimeter wave beams. For example, exit system 140 and / or computer device 240 may trigger interrogation of the security tag in response to receiving one or more reflected millimeter wave beams, as described above.

[0041] At block 320, method 300 may read data from the security tag. For example, exit system 140 and / or computer device 240 may read data from the security tag, as described above.

[0042] As used in this application, the terms "component", "system" etc. are intended to include computer-related entities, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software or software in execution. For example, a component can be but not limited to a process, a processor, an object, an executable program, an execution thread, a program and / or a computer running on a processor. As an illustration, both the application program and the computer device running on a computer device can be components. One or more components can reside in a process and / or an execution thread, and a component can be located on a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can be executed from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. These components can communicate by local and / or remote processes, such as according to a signal with one or more data packets, such as from data of a component interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and / or interacting with other systems on a network such as the Internet through a signal.

[0043] Moreover, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from the context, the phrase "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase "X employs A or B" is satisfied by any of the following: X employs A, X employs B, or X employs both A and B. Furthermore, the articles "a" and "an" used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to direct to a singular form.

[0044] Various embodiments or features may have been presented in terms of systems that may include multiple devices, components, modules, etc. Those skilled in the art should understand and appreciate that the various systems may include additional devices, components, modules, etc., and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules, etc. discussed in conjunction with the figures. Combinations of these methods may also be used.

[0045] The actions of the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, and methods described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed using a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or a specifically programmed one of any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in an alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may include one or more components operable to perform one or more of the steps and / or actions described above.

[0046] In addition, the steps and / or actions of the methods or programs described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in a RAM memory, a flash memory, a ROM memory, an EPROM memory, an EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to a processor so that the processor can read information from the storage medium and write information to the storage medium. In an alternative, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. In addition, in some embodiments, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In an alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside in a user terminal as discrete components. Additionally, in some embodiments, the steps and / or actions of the method or program may reside on a machine-readable medium and / or a computer-readable medium as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the functions described can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, these functions can be stored on or transmitted on a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or codes. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. As an example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program codes in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed by a computer. Disks and optical disks as used herein include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical disks, digital versatile optical disks (DVDs), floppy disks, and blue-ray disks, wherein disks generally reproduce data magnetically, and optical disks generally reproduce data optically using lasers. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media.

[0048] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the examples of the present disclosure, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification or from the practice of the examples disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A system for questioning a person leaving a store, comprising: one or more bases arranged to define an exit to an exit point; one or more millimeter wave sensors, the one or more millimeter wave sensors being fixedly disposed near the exit point and configured to receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from a person approaching the exit point and trigger an interrogation of a security tag; one or more security tag readers fixedly disposed with the one or more bases and configured to read data from the security tag passing through the exit in response to triggering the interrogation; and An export system, the export system being configured to: directing beams of a first subset of the one or more security tag readers toward the person; as well as A second subset of the one or more security tag readers is disabled, wherein the second subset includes security tag readers that are beyond a threshold distance from the exit point. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more security tag readers are further configured to direct one or more reader beams of the one or more security tag readers toward the person.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more security tag readers is further configured to: transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals; and A plurality of response signals are received in response to the transmitted plurality of interrogation signals.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein: The one or more millimeter wave sensors are further configured to at least determine a distance between the one or more millimeter wave sensors and the person. 5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the one or more security tag readers are further configured to read the data from the security tag when the distance is below a threshold.

6. A method of questioning a person leaving a store, comprising: transmitting one or more interrogating millimeter wave beams toward a person approaching an exit point; receiving one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from the person; triggering an interrogation of a security tag in response to receiving the one or more reflected millimeter wave beams; as well as reading data from the security tag; The triggering of the query of the security tag includes: directing beams of a first subset of one or more security tag readers toward the person; as well as A second subset of the one or more security tag readers is disabled, wherein the second subset includes security tag readers that are beyond a threshold distance from the exit point. 7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein triggering the interrogation of the security tag comprises directing one or more beams of one or more security tag readers toward the person.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein triggering the query of the security tag comprises: transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals; and A plurality of response signals are received in response to the plurality of interrogation signals.

9. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: At least a distance between one or more millimeter wave sensors and the person is determined.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein reading the data comprises reading the data from the security tag in response to the distance being below a threshold. The method of claim 9 , further comprising pausing the interrogation in response to the distance being above a threshold.

12. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: causing one or more millimeter wave transmitters to transmit one or more interrogation millimeter wave beams toward a person approaching the exit point; causing one or more millimeter wave sensors to receive one or more reflected millimeter wave beams from the person; triggering an interrogation of a security tag in response to receiving the one or more reflected millimeter wave beams; reading data from the security tag; directing beams of a first subset of one or more security tag readers toward the person; as well as A second subset of the one or more security tag readers is disabled, wherein the second subset includes security tag readers that are beyond a threshold distance from the exit point.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the instructions for triggering the interrogation include instructions for directing one or more beams of one or more security tag readers toward the person.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the instructions for triggering the query comprise instructions for: transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals; and A plurality of response signals are received in response to the plurality of interrogation signals.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 12, further comprising instructions for: At least a distance between the one or more millimeter wave sensors and the person is determined.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, wherein the instructions to read the data include instructions to read the data from the security tag in response to the distance being below a threshold.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 15, further comprising instructions for pausing the interrogation in response to the distance being above a threshold.

Images