System including multiple read zones and method of using same

Abstract

To provide a system and method for using multiple read area zones to generate one or more accurate item-level data.SOLUTION: A system involving a local area reader in conjunction with a wide area reader, wherein the detection of the removal or return of a product from a point of sale location or area within a retail store is accomplished by using the local area reader alone or in conjunction with the wide area reader to detect / read a digital trigger on the product to detect the removal or return of the product from the point of sale location or area within the retail store.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 104,664, filed October 23, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure is in the field of systems and methods of use that include multiple read zones or areas to generate more accurate data for products labeled with tags or labels that include one or more digital triggers and, optionally, unique digital IDs. [Background technology]

[0003] In retail locations, it is common for products to be ripped from their standard sales configuration / location by customers, employees, and / or other means. In the case of products tagged with digital triggers, such as RFID tags, the result is that the products pile up in a manner that does not meet standard sales and / or storage standards, thereby avoiding detection from reading zones that attempt to detect items in the sales and / or storage area.

[0004] A need exists for a system and method for effectively, consistently, and accurately detecting items in sales and / or storage areas / configurations that differ from the desired configuration and make detection difficult.

[0005] Thus, a system including multiple read area zones and methods of use thereof are described herein to generate more accurate item level data for items in sales and / or storage areas / configurations that make detection more difficult than desired. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Systems and methods for using multiple read zone areas to generate more accurate item-level data are described herein. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein are used to detect items in sales and / or storage areas / configurations that differ from the desired configuration making detection difficult and / or inaccurate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include or involve one or more local area reader devices, as described below. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or involve local read area devices, as described below, in addition to wide area readers. In some embodiments, the local area readers described below are used alone or in conjunction with wide area readers to detect products or the removal or return of products from a sales and / or storage location or area (also referred to as a local area) in an establishment such as a retail store, warehouse, distribution center, grocery store or other food-related establishment, or bar or restaurant.

[0008] In some embodiments, the local area reader is a shelf or other type of structure used to present / organize products. In other embodiments, the local area reader may be a handheld device such as a mobile device (phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.) or a handheld RFID reader. In still other embodiments, the local area reader is a combination of the above.

[0009] In some embodiments, the local reader is an RFID reader and / or a smart shelf with a single or multiple RFID antennas. In some embodiments, the antennas are classified into two groups: a short response group and a long response group. In some embodiments, the short response antennas are placed in proximity to one or more products in a first read area, e.g., read area #1. This read area can be comprised of multiple antennas or read zones. Within read area #1, products tagged with digital triggers are detected to detect removal or insertion events. In some embodiments, read area #1 has a tightly controlled read area to generate a rapid response upon product removal or insertion and ensure that the response is in proximity to the shelf and standard sales / storage product configuration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the long-response antenna monitors a second read area, e.g., a read area that monitors a shelf but uses a higher-power or other type of RF read area, generating a read area #2, which ultimately becomes a stronger and larger read area. Read area #2 detects incoming and outgoing events in a manner similar to area #1, but because read area #2 occupies a larger space, it has a slower recognition response time. Data from read area #2 is used to correct data representing products not presented to or detected by read area #1 based on the location of a product or multiple products blocking the view of read area #1. In some embodiments, the relative sizes of the read areas are reversed. For example, as previously described, read area #1 is larger and read area #2 is smaller.

[0011] In some embodiments, a local area reader, as described below, is used alone or in conjunction with a wide area reader to detect a product or its removal or return from a point of sale and / or storage location or area at a retail point by detecting / reading a digital trigger on the product. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is, or is part of, a tag or label attached or affixed to the product. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is a trigger that can be detected or read by radio frequency, including but not limited to RFID (HF, UHF) and NFC. Other digital triggers include, but are not limited to, QR codes and barcodes. In other embodiments, an inlay tagged to an item to detect activity of the item is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag.

[0012] In some embodiments, a unique digital ID associated with a product is encoded into the digital trigger. Example digital IDs include, but are not limited to, an electronic product code, a serial number, an expiration date, a sell-by date, a package date, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the digital ID encoded in or on the digital trigger may be configured as a machine-readable code and may be associated with metadata. In some embodiments, one or more digital IDs may be associated with an image captured by a visual or camera-based system. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an RFID inlay with the digital ID encoded therein. In other embodiments, the digital trigger is a trigger other than an RFID inlay or a trigger combined with an RFID inlay. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a depiction of multiple smart shelves defining read area #1.

[0014] [Figure 2] This is a depiction of reading area #2.

[0015] [Figure 3] 1 is a depiction showing how RFID tagged products A, B, and C are arranged on a smart shelf defining read area #1.

[0016] [Figure 4] 1 is a depiction showing how RFID tagged products A, B, and C are arranged on a smart shelf and detected by read zone #2.

[0017] [Figure 5] 1 is a depiction of multiple smart shelves defining read area #1.

[0018] [Figure 6] This is a depiction of reading area #2.

[0019] [Figure 7] 1 is a depiction of multiple antennas configuring both sides of a product container / cooler as locations for Read Zone #1 and Read Zone #2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] I. Definition As used herein, a "detector-based inventory control and / or shopping system" refers to a system that includes one or more detectors that can verify the presence of a product in an area, detect the movement of a product within or between areas at a sales and / or storage location, and / or provide a cashier-less or checkout-free shopping experience. Non-limiting examples of detectors include cameras or other vision-based devices, detectors that include radio frequency sources such as RFID readers, and / or detectors that include visual or non-visual light sources.

[0021] As used herein, "item-level sensor" refers to a digital trigger that is typically attached or affixed to a product or product and includes or can include a unique digital ID associated with the product (e.g., an Electronic Product Code (EPC), a serial number, etc.).

[0022] As used herein, "vision or camera-based checkoutless or cashierless shopping system" means a system that does not require a cashier or checkout location for consumers to check out, using vision or camera-based hardware and software that can detect, for example, the removal of an object from a retail shelf and, optionally, the placement of that object in a cart or basket.

[0023] As used herein, "digital trigger" refers to any type of sensor that can be detected / read by a source. The source can use electromagnetic energy, such as radio frequency, infrared frequency, visible and non-visual light frequency, etc., or can use cameras and other vision-based devices that can detect or read the trigger. Examples include, but are not limited to, RFID (e.g., UHF, HF), NFC, QR code, bar code, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0024] As used herein, "sales area" means the area of ​​a retailer location where products are typically located and arranged for sale / purchase.

[0025] As used herein, "storage area" refers to an area at a retail location where products are typically stored, such as a warehouse, stockroom, or the like. II. SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING MULTIPLE READ AREA AREA TO PRODUCE MORE ACCURATE ARTICLE LEVEL DATA

[0026] Described herein are systems and methods that use multiple read area areas to generate more accurate item level data. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or involve a local area reader, as described below. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or involve a local read area device in conjunction with a wide area reader, as described below.

[0027] In some embodiments, the local area readers described below are used alone or in conjunction with wide area readers to detect the removal or return of products from sales and / or storage locations or areas of a retail store and / or their movement between different locations and / or areas.

[0028] In some embodiments, a local area reader, as described below, is used alone or in conjunction with a wide area reader to detect the removal or return of a product from a retail store sales and / or storage location or area by detecting / reading a digital trigger on the product. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is, or is part of, a tag or label attached or affixed to the product. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is a trigger that can be detected or read by radio frequency, including but not limited to RFID (HF, UHF) and NFC. Other digital triggers include, but are not limited to, QR codes and barcodes. In other embodiments, an inlay tagged to an item to detect item activity is a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) tag.

[0029] In some embodiments, a unique digital ID associated with a product is encoded into the digital trigger. Example digital IDs include, but are not limited to, an electronic product code, a serial number, an expiration date, a sell-by date, a package date, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the digital ID encoded in or on the digital trigger may be configured as a machine-readable code and may be associated with metadata. In some embodiments, one or more digital IDs may be associated with an image captured by a visual or camera-based system. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an RFID inlay with the digital ID encoded therein. In other embodiments, the digital trigger is a trigger other than an RFID inlay or a trigger combined with an RFID inlay. A. Local Area Reader

[0030] Different types of local area reader devices can be used in the methods and systems described herein. In some embodiments, the local area reader device is a shelf or other type of structure used to present / organize products. In other embodiments, the local area reader device can be a mobile device (phone, tablet, smartwatch, etc.) or a handheld device such as a handheld RFID reader. In still other embodiments, the local area reader device is a combination of the above.

[0031] In some embodiments, the local reader is an RFID reader and / or a smart shelf equipped with single or multiple RFID antennas (FIGS. 1-7). In some embodiments, the antennas are classified into two groups: a short response group and a long response group. In some embodiments, the short response antennas are placed in proximity to one or more products within Read Zone #1. This read zone can be comprised of multiple antennas or read zones. Within Read Zone #1, products tagged with triggers such as UHF RFID are detected (radio frequency detection, RF detection, etc.) to detect removal or insertion events. In some embodiments, Read Zone #1 has a tightly controlled read zone to generate a rapid response upon removal or insertion of a product, the response being in proximity to the shelf and standard sales / storage product configuration.

[0032] At retail locations, it is common for products to be ripped from their standard sales configuration / location by customers, employees, and / or other means, resulting in UHF RFID tagged products being stacked in a manner that does not meet standard sales standards, thereby avoiding detection from Read Zone #1. Read Zone #1 is the first data transmission zone, and therefore is more specifically a highly controlled zone that operates in close proximity to the products.

[0033] In some embodiments, the long-response antenna generates a read zone #2 that also monitors the shelf but uses a higher-power or different type of RF read field, resulting in a stronger and larger read zone. Read zone #2 detects entry and exit events in a manner similar to read zone #1, but because read zone #2 occupies a larger space, it has a slower perception response time. Data from read zone #2 is used to refine data indicating products not presented to or detected by read zone #1 based on product location or the location of multiple products that block the view of read zone #1. In some embodiments, the relative sizes of the read zones are reversed. For example, as previously described, read zone #1 is larger and read zone #2 is smaller.

[0034] An example of how this method and hardware can be used is as follows: Products A, B, and C are located on a smart shelf. Product (C) is blocked from reading zone #1 based on the positions of product (C) and product (A+B). However, product (C) is detected by reading zone #2, which notifies the system that product (C) is still present on the shelf.

[0035] When product (C) is selected or picked from the shelf, the data generated will include an indication that removal occurred in read zone #2 but not in read zone #1. This information provides data depth to the system, informing it that due to read zone #2 covering a larger area, the shelf pick event is delayed and not consistent with typical response times. Detection by read zone #2 only would indicate a non-standard product sale of the product or products. Detection by read zone #2 but not read zone #1 can inform staff that a product (or products) that should be visible in read zone #1 if properly sold is not visible and must be resold.

[0036] In some embodiments, the number of read areas is greater than or less than two. For example, the number of read areas is 1, 3, 4, 5, or more. In some embodiments, multiple read areas have dual functionality in certain read areas, e.g., short-range and long-range areas. In still other embodiments, a particular read area has functionality within another read area. In still other embodiments, multiple read areas intersect with each other and occur in the same plane.

[0037] In some embodiments, data from separate read areas is combined to provide depth of data, corroborate data, or generate more accurate data.

[0038] In some embodiments, the data string may be represented by: [Tag ID, timestamp, last seen read area #1, last seen read area #2, entry / exit events, RSSI, Doppler, read rate, reader, antenna, antenna area, and other data points]

[0039] The hardware configurations described above can vary depending on the system design, leveraging near-field, mid-field, or far-field antenna designs. In some embodiments, antenna types are combined within the read zones, e.g., having a single type of antenna per read zone, with read zone #1 having a different antenna type than read zone #2, and vice versa.

[0040] Other sensors and data inputs may also be preferred. These sensors may be non-RF based sensors, such as visual, infrared, ultrasonic, or other known devices. In this embodiment, a suitable reader may be used in a single read area or in both (or more) read areas to detect the non-RF based sensors. B. Wide Area Read Devices

[0041] In some embodiments, the wide area refers to or defines a read zone or multiple read zones that cover not only the area of ​​the product but also the surrounding area where the product is sold when stationary. In some embodiments, the wide area coverage includes, but is not limited to, an RFID real-time location system (RTLS) that reports x and y coordinates. RTLS are typically used to pinpoint the exact location of items within a facility. In some embodiments, the RTLS operates through a combination of Bluetooth technology and GPS to monitor and track objects and interactions as these interactions occur. In some embodiments, the RTLS functionality of the RFID reader is used only to supplement the existing sensor suite in use.

[0042] In some embodiments, the wide-area reader is or includes a phased array of overhead readers that operates with multiple read zones in a set or predetermined configuration. Exemplary configurations include, but are not limited to, a north, south, east, and west configuration, or other configurations in which the angle and / or degree of overlap between readers differs from the north, south, east, and west configuration. These multiple zones can be used to generate x and y coordinates. In some embodiments, the RF coordinates are combined with visual coordinates (using a camera or other vision-based device) for the item to aid in post-product selection verification. C. Digital Trigger

[0043] In some embodiments, the detected product has one or more digital triggers. In some embodiments, the digital trigger is an item-level sensor. In some embodiments, the item-level sensor can be any sensor known in the art suitable for the methods and applications described herein. In some embodiments, the sensor is, for example, a radio frequency identification (RFID, such as UHF or HF) sensor, a near field communication (NFC) sensor, a quick response (QR) code, a machine-readable code, a vision system, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon, or other digital identification (ID) system. 1. RFID

[0044] In some implementations, the digital trigger (etc.) is a radio frequency item level sensor, also known as an RFID tag, which is a wireless device with various memory capacities, typically 96-128 bits of EPC memory space, 48-96 bits of TID memory space, and optional features such as user memory as described by GS1. These sensors have a unique ID and respond to RF energy, transmitting the presence of the specific item to which they are attached. Several factors affect the range and readability of RFID item level sensors and antennas (inlays), including size, power, and frequency. Materials with high moisture content and metal packaging can affect power response and detune frequency response. Placement and sensor selection must also consider package size, human-readable data requirements, and distribution / storage.

[0045] A variety of RFID item-level sensor designs and less common materials can be used to optimize performance against the criteria. In some embodiments, a variety of different sensors are used depending on the tagged item and / or packaging used with the item. To evaluate the most effective inlay, RFID item-level sensors can be tested on a single product or multiple products to be tagged to determine the appropriate sensor. For example, the single product or multiple products may be variable weight products, such as food products (cheese, deli meats, proteins, produce, etc.), unique packaging containers, etc., that contain a high percentage of water or other liquids.

[0046] A typical RFID device generally includes an antenna for wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving RF signals and analog and / or digital electronics operably coupled to the antenna, which may include so-called active or semi-passive elements, a battery, or other suitable power source. The electronics are typically implemented as integrated circuits (ICs), microchips, or other suitable electronic circuitry, and may include, for example, communication electronics, data memory, control logic, etc. In operation, the ICs or microchips function to store and / or process information, modulate and / or demodulate RF signals, and optionally perform other specialized functions. Generally, RFID devices are capable of carrying and communicating sufficient information to uniquely identify, for example, an individual, packaging, inventory, and / or other similar object to which the RFID device is attached.

[0047] Typically, an RFID reader or base station is used to wirelessly obtain data or information (e.g., identification codes) transmitted from an RFID device. Typically, RFID devices are configured to store, emit, or otherwise display identification codes or other identifiers. The manner in which an RFID reader interacts and / or communicates with an RFID device generally depends on the type of RFID device. A given RFID device is typically classified as a passive device, an active device, a semi-passive device (also known as a battery-assisted or semi-active device), or a beacon-type RFID device (generally considered a subcategory of active devices). Passive RFID devices generally do not use an internal power source and thus only function when an RFID reader is nearby and provides power to the RFID device, for example, via wireless illumination of the RFID device by RF signals and / or electronic energy from the RFID reader. Conversely, semi-passive and active RFID devices are provided with their own power source (e.g., a small battery). To communicate, traditional RFID devices (other than so-called beacons) respond to queries or interrogations received from an RFID reader. This response is typically achieved by backscattering, load modulation, and / or other similar techniques used to manipulate the RFID reader field. Backscattering is typically used in far-field applications (i.e., when the distance between the RFID device and the reader is greater than about a few wavelengths), and load modulation is used in near-field applications (i.e., when the distance between the RFID device and the reader is within about a few wavelengths).

[0048] Passive RFID devices typically transmit or communicate their data or information by backscattering a carrier wave from an RFID reader. That is, in a conventional passive RFID device, to retrieve information from its element, the RFID reader typically transmits an excitation signal to the RFID device. The excitation signal activates the RFID device, which transmits the information stored therein back to the RFID reader. Ultimately, the RFID reader receives and decodes the information from the RFID device.

[0049] As mentioned above, passive RFID devices typically do not have an internal power supply. Rather, the power required for a passive RFID device's operation is provided by the energy of the inductive RF signal it receives from an RFID reader. Typically, the small current induced in the RFID device's antenna by the inductive RF signal provides enough power to drive the RFID device's IC or microchip to transmit a response. This means that the antenna must be designed to both collect power from the inductive signal and transmit a derived backscattered signal.

[0050] Passive RFID devices have the advantages of simplicity and long life (e.g., no battery to discharge). Nevertheless, their performance can be limited. For example, passive RFID devices generally have a more limited range than active RFID devices.

[0051] Active RFID devices, as opposed to passive devices, typically contain their own receiver and power source (e.g., battery, photovoltaic cell, etc.). Active RFID devices use a self-powered transmitter to send signals that exchange information stored in an IC or RFID device. Active RFID devices will also typically use a power source to power the IC or microchip used within them.

[0052] Generally, there are two types of active RFID devices, one of which can be considered a transponder-type active RFID device and the other of which can be considered a beacon-type active RFID device. The key difference is that a transponder-type RFID device is activated only when it receives a signal from an RFID reader. A transponder-type RFID device transmits its information to the RFID reader in response to an inquiry signal from the reader. As can be appreciated, this type of active RFID device conserves battery life by only transmitting its signal when within range of the reader. Conversely, a beacon-type RFID device transmits identification codes and / or other data or information spontaneously (e.g., at regular intervals, periodically, or otherwise) and does not respond to specific interrogation from a reader.

[0053] Generally, active RFID devices can transmit higher power levels (e.g., compared to passive elements) due to their on-board power supply, making the power levels more robust in a variety of operating environments. However, batteries or other on-board power supplies tend to make active RFID devices relatively large and / or more expensive (e.g., compared to passive elements). Additionally, active RFID devices potentially have a more limited shelf life due to the limited lifespan of their batteries compared to passive RFID devices. Nevertheless, the self-supporting power supply typically allows the active elements to include generally larger memory compared to passive elements, and in some cases, the on-board power source allows the active elements to have additional functionality, such as acquiring and / or storing environmental data from appropriate sensors.

[0054] Semi-passive RFID devices are similar to active devices in that they are typically self-powered, but the battery usually only powers the IC or microchip and does not provide the power necessary for signal transmission. Rather, like passive RFID devices, the response from a semi-passive RFID device is typically powered by backscattering the RF energy received from the RFID reader; that is, the RF energy is reflected back to the reader, just like in passive devices. In semi-passive RFID devices, the battery also typically serves as the power source for data storage.

[0055] Conventional RFID devices often operate within one of a variety of frequency ranges, including the low frequency (LF) range (i.e., about 30 kHz to about 300 kHz), the high frequency (HF) range (i.e., about 3 MHz to about 30 MHz), and the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range (e.g., about 300 MHz to about 3 GHz). Passive devices typically operate within one of these frequency ranges. In particular, for passive devices, low frequency systems typically operate at about 124 kHz, 125 kHz, or 135 kHz, high frequency systems typically operate at about 13.56 MHz, and ultra-high frequency systems typically use any band between 860 MHz and 960 MHz. In turn, some passive device systems also use 2.45 GHz and other regions of the radio spectrum. Active RFID devices typically operate at 455 MHz, 2.45 GHz, or 5.8 GHz. Semi-passive devices often use frequencies around 2.4 GHz.

[0056] The read range of an RFID device (i.e., the range at which an RFID reader can communicate with the RFID device) is generally determined by many factors, including the type of device (i.e., active, passive, etc.). In some embodiments, passive low-frequency RFID devices (also referred to as LFID or LowFID devices) can typically be read within about 12 inches (0.33 meters), passive high-frequency RFID devices (also referred to as HFID or HighFID devices) can typically be read within about 3 feet (1 meter), and passive ultra-high-frequency RFID devices (also referred to as UHFID) can typically be read from about 10 feet (3.05 meters) or more. However, these distances are exemplary, and the distance can vary (e.g., be longer or shorter) depending on the characteristics described above. One important factor affecting the read range of a passive RFID device is the method used to transmit data from the device to the reader, i.e., the coupling mode between the device and the reader, which can be inductive coupling or radiative / radiowave coupling. Passive LFID and passive HFID elements typically use inductive coupling between the element and the reader, while passive UHFID elements typically use radiative or radio wave coupling between the element and the reader.

[0057] In inductive coupling applications (such as those used by passive LFID and HFID elements), the element readers are each typically provided with a coil antenna that together form an electromagnetic field therebetween. In inductive coupling applications, power is drawn from the element electromagnetic field and used to drive an electrical circuit on the element's IC or microchip, which then modifies the electrical load on the device antenna. Conversely, the reader antenna senses the change in the electromagnetic field and converts this change into data that the reader or an auxiliary computer can understand. Because the coil of the element antenna and the coil of the reader antenna must form an electromagnetic field between them to complete the inductive coupling between the element and the reader, the element must often be quite close to the reader antenna, which tends to limit the read range of these systems.

[0058] Second, in radiative or radio wave coupling applications (e.g., as traditionally used with passive UHFID devices), rather than forming an electromagnetic field between the reader and the device's respective antenna, the reader emits electronic energy that illuminates the device. Ultimately, energy is collected from the device reader via its antenna, and the device's IC or microchip uses the collected energy to modify the load on the device antenna, reflecting or backscattering the modified signal. UHFID devices can typically communicate data in a variety of different ways. For example, they can increase the amplitude of the reflected wave transmitted back to the UHFID device reader (i.e., amplitude shift keying), phase-shift the reflected wave from the received wave (i.e., phase shift keying), or change the frequency of the reflected wave (i.e., frequency shift keying). In each case, the reader captures the backscattered signal and converts the modified wave into data that the reader or an auxiliary computer can understand.

[0059] Additionally, the antenna used in an RFID device is typically influenced by many factors, such as the desired application, the element type (i.e., active, passive, semi-active, etc.), the desired read range, the element-to-reader coupling mode, and the element's operating frequency. For example, because passive HFID elements are typically inductively coupled to a reader, and because the voltage induced in the element antenna is proportional to the element's operating frequency, passive HFID elements are typically provided with coil antennas having a large number of turns to generate sufficient voltage to operate the element's IC or microchip. In comparison, conventional HFID passive elements are often provided with planar helical antennas (e.g., 5-7 turns across a credit card-sized form factor), which can typically provide a read range of about tens of centimeters. HFID (e.g., compared to LFID antenna coils) antenna coils are typically less expensive to manufacture because they are manufactured using less expensive techniques than wire winding, e.g., lithography. UHFID passive elements are typically radiatively and / or propagatively coupled to the reader antenna, and as a result, in many cases a conventional dipole type antenna can be used.

[0060] In some embodiments, the digital trigger is a UHF Gen2 RFID or similar standard. Other standards determined by various standards-setting organizations may also be used. The standard may be item / product specific or sector or market specific. a. Plastic packaging sensor

[0061] In some embodiments, one or more sensors are designed for a plastic packaging container. In some embodiments, the plastic packaging container is used to package fresh cut fruits and / or vegetables. A suitable sensor is available from Avery Dennison. In some embodiments, the sensor is the AD324 shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. In some embodiments, the RFID sensor is positioned on the packaging container such that when the product inside the packaging container is resting on a shelf, the product does not overlap the inlay area by more than 20%. In some embodiments, the RFID sensor can be a low-profile inlay to reduce coverage area. b. Low profile sensor

[0062] In some embodiments, the one or more sensors are low-profile item-level sensors that are difficult to read material. In some embodiments, these sensors are used on packaged cheese. In some embodiments, the sensors are AD163 and AD456 available from Avery Dennison (FIGS. 2, 2A, and 3). In some embodiments, the sensors can be mounted flush with or clipped along their entire length of a spacer to form a low-profile flag tag. In some embodiments, the tag includes an interior structure that separates the dielectric qualities of the product and the inlay. In some embodiments, a low-profile inlay size is used to reduce the coverage area. c. Microwave inlay

[0063] In some embodiments, the RFID sensor is a microwave sensor. Microwave sensors / inlays are described in WO2018 / 125977, WO2019 / 204694, WO / 2019 / 204698, WO / 2019 / 204704, WO2020 / 006202, and WO2020 / 006219, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62 / 954,909 and 62 / 954,454, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] In some embodiments, a microwave RFID tag includes an antenna configured to operate at a first frequency while forming a gap. An RFID chip is electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap. A shielding structure is electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap and covers the RFID chip. The shielding structure includes a shielding conductor and a shielding dielectric positioned at least partially between the shielding conductor and the RFID chip. The shielding structure is configured to limit a voltage applied across the gap when the antenna is exposed to a second frequency greater than the first frequency.

[0065] In some embodiments, the antenna is or includes an antenna having a sheet resistance in the range of about 100 ohms to about 230 ohms. In other aspects, the RFID tag includes an RFID chip and an antenna electrically coupled to the RFID chip. The antenna is or includes a conductor formed from a substrate and a second material having different thermal expansion coefficients configured to fracture the antenna into multiple pieces when heated.

[0066] In some embodiments, a microwave RFID tag includes a substrate having opposing first and second surfaces. An antenna is secured to the first surface, defining a gap, and configured to operate at a first frequency. An RFID chip is electrically coupled to the antenna across the gap. A shielding structure is secured to the second surface of the substrate such that at least a portion of the shielding structure is substantially aligned with the gap. The shielding structure is configured to limit a voltage applied across the gap when the antenna is exposed to a second frequency greater than the first frequency.

[0067] In some embodiments, the RFID tag antenna has a maximum dimension of about 40 mm. In some embodiments, the center of the shielding structure is substantially aligned with the RFID chip. In some embodiments, the shielding structure is larger than the gap. In some embodiments, the shielding structure is electrically coupled to the antenna via the substrate. In some embodiments, the shielding structure further includes first and second conductive bridges extending through the substrate between the RFID tag antenna and the shielding structure and associated with the antenna on either side of the gap. In some embodiments, the first and second conductive bridges are substantially identical. In some embodiments, the first and second conductive bridges are spaced substantially equally apart from the gap. In some embodiments, each of the first and second conductive bridges is positioned closer to a corresponding edge of the shielding structure than to the gap. In some embodiments, each of the first and second conductive bridges includes an electrochemically formed via. In some embodiments, each of the first and second conductive bridges includes a corrugation. In some embodiments, each of the first and second conductive bridges includes a conductive ink contained in a respective hole defined in the substrate.

[0068] In some embodiments, a microwave RFID tag element can be affixed to an item exposed to microwave radiation, such as food products to be thawed, heated, reheated, or cooked in a microwave oven. The RFID tag element includes at least one antenna designed to operate at one or more frequencies and an RFID chip that contains data about the product to which it is attached and / or the electromagnetic wave treatment (e.g., cooking) that the microwave oven will perform. In some embodiments, the antenna of the RFID tag element is designed to prevent destructive arcing when exposed to high levels of 2.45 GHz wavelengths, minimizing heating of the RFID tag itself during the electromagnetic treatment.

[0069] In another embodiment, an RFID reader system is coupled within the microwave cavity so that RFID tag data can be read before high-level 2.45 GHz wavelengths are applied, since high-level wavelengths would destroy RFID tag elements. The RFID reader system operates at 2.45 GHz and can share the microwave emitter, be co-located with the microwave emitter, operate at a separate frequency such as UHF in the 900 MHz to 930 MHz range, or operate at both frequencies. The RFID reader system interacts with the microwave controller to apply and / or control the cooking process for tagged food items.

[0070] In some embodiments, a microwave RFID tag preferably includes a split-ring (or shielding) conductor formed on one side of a dielectric, a coil antenna conductor formed on the opposite side of the dielectric, and an RFID chip. The split-ring conductor is separated from the coil antenna conductor by the dielectric. The split-ring conductor also covers most of the coil antenna conductor, so that the split-ring conductor is capacitively coupled to the coil antenna conductor via the dielectric. Additionally, the split-ring conductor includes a gap that allows microwave current to flow through the coil antenna conductor, but any portion of the coil antenna conductor within the gap does not interact with the microwave current, thereby preventing arcing.

[0071] In another embodiment, the microwave oven RFID tag device includes a second split ring conductor that rotates in the opposite direction to the first split ring conductor, so that the gaps in the first split ring conductor are not aligned with each other and current does not flow through the gaps. The coil antenna conductor is positioned between the first and second split ring conductors and is capacitively coupled to the conductors, effectively shorting the coil antenna conductor to the first and second split ring conductors, preventing arcing and excessive current flow along the coil antenna conductor.

[0072] In another embodiment, a microwave RFID inlay includes a pair of dipole arms extending from a tuning loop, each of the dipole arms terminating in a load end. The conductive structure is configured to have a metal mass below the standard detection threshold of a metal detector used to scan food items and their packaging. Additionally, the conductive structure has an area large enough to achieve the required or desired performance, yet still below the typical standard detection threshold associated with scanning food items or packaging metal objects of approximately 1 mm diameter. The conductive structure can be manufactured by printing conductive ink or cutting metal foil. The thickness of the overall conductive structure is then reduced to approximately the skin depth calculated for the material and frequency of each conductive structure. Portions of each load end can be hollowed out to achieve a conductive structure with a mass below the detection threshold of a metal detector, while areas of the conductive structure with lower currents are eliminated with minimal impact on overall RFID performance.

[0073] In another embodiment, a microwaveable food packaging container is provided. The packaging container includes a first packaging member configured to be heated in a microwave oven and a second packaging member associated with the first packaging member and configured to be separated from the first packaging member prior to heating the first packaging member in a microwave oven. The packaging container also includes an RFID tag including a reactive strap and a far-field antenna. The reactive strap is associated with the first packaging member, while the far-field antenna is associated with the second packaging member and separated from the reactive strap. The reactive strap is configured to couple to the far-field antenna when the second packaging member is associated with the first packaging member and to be separated from the far-field antenna when the second packaging member is separated from the first packaging member. The RFID tag is capable of far-field communication when the reactive strap is coupled to the far-field antenna, but is only capable of near-field communication when the reactive strap is separated from the far-field antenna.

[0074] In some embodiments, the microwave RFID sensor is Wavesafe® available from Avery Dennison. Wavesafe is a microwave UHF RFID solution developed by Avery Dennison in 2017 and commercially available in 2019 for item-level tagging of fresh, frozen, and perishable packaged foods to ensure safety compliance. Wavesafe is designed to provide highly accurate read rates for time tracking while preventing arcing or heat buildup during microwave heating.

[0075] Commonly used sensors include AD251 available from Avery Dennison (FIGS. 4 and 4A). In some embodiments, microwave inlays are used for meat and seafood, including those packaged in / with foam trays. In some embodiments, microwave inlays comply with TUV Rheinland® trademark certification standards. In some embodiments, RFID sensors are placed on the exterior surface of the foam tray to ensure separation from the item.

[0076] Also described herein are packaging containers that include one or more of the above-described sensors. In some embodiments, the packaging containers are suitable for packaging a variety of variable weight-price items, such as meats, seafood, fresh cut fruits and vegetables, and cheese. d. Flagtags

[0077] In some embodiments, the sensor is or includes a flag tag. A flag tag is a label or tag that includes a digital trigger, such as RFID, so that a portion of the tag or label can be offset from the rest of the tag or label. This can help reduce or eliminate interference between the item to which the tag or label is attached and the digital trigger (e.g., a metal item or packaging and an RFID metal antenna). Various flag tag configurations are known in the art. In some embodiments, the configuration has a fold to create the offset. One example is the Midas Flagtag® available from Avery Dennison. However, other flag tag configurations can also be used. 2.NFC

[0078] Near-field communication, or NFC for short, is a form of contactless communication between mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets that uses radio electromagnetic fields rather than wireless transmission (e.g., Bluetooth or Wi-Fi). NFC is an offshoot of RFID design for use between devices and objects in close proximity to one another. Three types of NFC technology are currently in use: Type A, Type B, and FeliCa. NFC and later technologies involve a device known as a reader, interrogator, or active element generating a radio-frequency current that communicates with a small NFC tag or other NFC-compatible device containing the desired information. Passive elements, such as NFC tags, store information and communicate with the reader but do not actively read other elements. NFC also enables peer-to-peer communication between two active elements, allowing both elements to send and receive information. 3. QR Code

[0079] A Quick Response (QR) code is a machine-readable matrix barcode (2D barcode). QR codes often contain data for locators, identifiers, or trackers that point to websites or applications. QR codes use four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, and Kanji) to efficiently store data, and extensions are also available. After being detected by a 2D digital image sensor, the QR code is digitally analyzed by a programmed processor. The processor places three unique squares at the corners of the QR code image and uses smaller squares (or multiple squares) near the four corners to standardize the image for size, orientation, and field of view. Tiny dots throughout the QR code are then converted into binary numbers and validated using an error-correction algorithm.

[0080] The amount of data that can be stored in a QR Code symbol depends on the data type (mode or input character set), version (1,...,40, indicating the overall dimensions of the symbol, i.e., 4 x version number + 17 dots on each side), and error correction level. The maximum storage capacity occurs with version 40 and error correction level L (low), denoted by 40-L. 4.Electronic Article Surveillance

[0081] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein include methods, systems, hardware, and sensors for loss prevention electronic article surveillance (EAS). Exemplary methods, systems, hardware, and sensors are described in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 62 / 970,913, 62 / 970,933, and 62 / 981,206, which are incorporated by reference herein. a. Inlays

[0082] In some embodiments, an electronic article surveillance system includes at least one RFID device having an antenna. The system further includes a first read zone and a second read zone with a relatively small transition read zone therebetween. To reduce the maximum sensitivity of the at least one RFID device and increase the bandwidth of the at least one RFID device, the conductivity of the antenna of the at least one RFID device is reduced such that the at least one RFID device is read in the second read zone while not being read in the first read zone, and the at least one RFID device is read in the first read zone while not being read in the second read zone, resulting in a relatively small transition zone.

[0083] In another embodiment, an EAS system includes a first RFID device having a first antenna and associated with a first item, and a second RFID device having a second antenna and associated with a second item. The system also includes a first read zone and a second read zone with a transition zone therebetween configured to prevent the RFID device from being read in the first read zone while being read in the second read zone, and to prevent the RFID device from being read in the second read zone while being read in the first read zone. The first and second items are configured to have different impacts on the performance of the corresponding RFID devices, and the first and second antennas are configured to differ from each other based at least in part on the nature of the corresponding items so as to have similar read ranges at a given frequency.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, an EAS system is provided for determining the location of an RFID device configured to transmit a homing signal when receiving an RF signal. The electronic surveillance system includes first and second read zones, first and second receive antennas, and a controller. The first receive antenna is configured to receive the homing signal at a first intensity, while the second receive antenna is configured to receive the homing signal at a second intensity. The controller is configured to determine whether the RFID device is located in the first read zone based at least in part on a difference between the first and second intensities.

[0085] In some embodiments, an EAS system determines the location of an RFID device configured to transmit a return signal upon receiving an RF signal. The electronic surveillance system includes first and second read zones, first and second receive antennas, and a controller. The first receive antenna is configured to transmit a first RF signal to the RFID device and vary the power of the first RF signal to a first power corresponding to a threshold at which the first receive antenna receives the first return signal from the RFID device. The second receive antenna is configured to transmit a second RF signal to the RFID device and vary the power of the second RF signal to a second power corresponding to a threshold at which the second receive antenna receives the second return signal from the RFID device. The controller is configured to determine whether the RFID device is located in the first read zone based at least in part on a difference between the first and second intensities. b. Leader

[0086] In some embodiments, the EAS system includes a first read zone having an associated RFID reader and a second read zone having an associated RFID reader configured to detect an RFID device at a trigger threshold, and the system further includes a controller configured to set the trigger threshold based at least in part on a factor selected from the group consisting of a value of a sensor of the RFID device, a number of times the RFID device is detected in the first read zone, and whether the RFID device is detected in the first read zone under predetermined conditions.

[0087] In another embodiment, an EAS system includes a first read zone including a corresponding RFID reader, with an infrastructure at least partially located within the first read zone, and an RFID guard device secured to the infrastructure. A second read zone of the system includes a corresponding RFID reader configured to detect an RFID inventory device associated with inventory removably associated with the infrastructure at a trigger threshold. The system also includes a controller configured, when the RFID reader detects the RFID guard device, to initiate a response selected from the group consisting of a trigger modification, a modification of the amount of power transmitted by the RFID reader associated with the second read zone, a modification of the direction in which power is transmitted by the RFID reader associated with the second read zone, and transmission of a signal indicating the need to move the infrastructure from the second read zone. D. Data Path / Software

[0088] In some embodiments, the system receives a variety of data formats from multiple different data sources, repackages the received data for a specific purpose, and transmits the packaged digital ID data safely and securely. Methods and systems for receiving and processing data are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 034,079, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] In some embodiments, the data transmitted by the present invention is a data fragment or series of data from one of multiple data sources. These multiple data sources may be multiple different sensors collecting data based on a specific purpose. The present invention contemplates combining data from single or multiple reading areas, combining multiple data inputs in a repository, and / or transmitting single or multiple data sets to machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence systems.

[0090] In some embodiments, data communicated from the present invention is combined with other data sources to determine system behavior or activity and / or to initiate or disable system internal or external notifications.

[0091] In some embodiments, external sensors collect data that affect the thresholds and events communicated by the present invention.

[0092] In some embodiments, the data and / or event data affect thresholds and events communicated by external and / or other sensors.

[0093] In some embodiments, data sources can communicate with each other to dynamically adjust settings within the source devices, providing dynamic adjustments influenced by the environment as interpreted by other data sources or source devices and sensors.

[0094] In some embodiments, the system includes a repository for receiving serialized items from a source, i.e., items that include unique digital IDs. In some embodiments, the repository can be a cloud application, e.g., a designated application such as intermediary software. In other embodiments, the cloud application can be a platform that assigns and / or manages unique digital IDs for tagged products. The platform can provide supply chain information, authentication, track and trace, trademark protection, and / or a customer engagement experience. In some embodiments, the platform can receive data about serialized items from a source and manage the digital IDs of the products. The repository can also manage a large product inventory based on the information received from the source and can be configured to combine or integrate the received data about the products with other product-specific data, environment-specific data, consumer behavior data, or other variable and / or fixed data feeds.

[0095] In some embodiments, the serialized items may be RFID-tagged, UPC-coded, or ERP-coded products that contain a digital ID for the product that can be read by the source. The digital ID may include a unique product ID, an item expiration date, or other product-related data, and the data source may include an edge device such as a smart shelf, a smart cooler, a smart store, or a smart storage device with an electronic display and an RFID reader / interrogator that monitors nearby products. For example, when a serialized item is removed from, to, or around the source, the source may communicate that information with the storage location. In some embodiments, the source may be a handheld device such as a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch, etc.

[0096] In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more digital destination applications, including but not limited to a cloud application (or the like). The destination application is configured to receive and publish the combined data transmitted from the repository via a connector. The connector may be an active directory gateway, a cloud connector, or the like. The destination application may provide product data, availability, and inventory listings to a searcher in a local area. Additionally, pricing information for products may be manipulated by the destination application based on, for example, product expiration dates, shelf life, or other data that meets user needs and / or preferences.

[0097] The destination application can publish the data in a searchable format. Additionally, the destination application can transmit the data back to the source or other electronic display at the retail location, thereby benefiting from consolidated and / or updated data. For example, a consumer can see the same price for a product online in the destination application that he sees at the retail location.

[0098] In some embodiments, the method and system are as described above, including a destination cloud application for receiving, manipulating, and issuing serialized items from a source. The serialized items can include, without limitation, RFID-tagged products, UPC-coded products, or ERP-coded products that contain a digital ID for the product that can be read by the source. The digital ID can include a unique product ID, an item expiration date, or other useful product data. The source can be an edge device. This edge device can include a fixed or handheld device, such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, smart store, or smart storage, that communicates with a sensor or machine-readable code, has an electronic display, and has an RFID reader / interrogator that monitors products / serialized items located at the source. For example, when serialized items are removed from, added to, or manipulated around the source by a customer or staff member, the source can communicate that information to the destination cloud application.

[0099] Similar to the previous embodiment mentioned above, the destination cloud application receives data about a set of items and manages product digital identities through a connector. The destination cloud application also manages a large product inventory based on information received from sources. The destination cloud application is configured to combine the received data about products with product-specific data. The connector may be an Active Directory gateway, a cloud connector, or similar device. The destination cloud application can provide the combined product data, or any portion thereof, to a searcher in a local area. Additionally, pricing information about products can be manipulated by the destination cloud application based, for example, on product expiration dates, shelf life, or other useful data.

[0100] The destination cloud application can publish the data in a searchable format that can be used by consumers in the local area. Additionally, the destination application or repository can transmit the data back to the source or other electronic display at the retail location, which can also use the combined data. For example, a consumer can see the same price for a product online in the destination cloud application that the consumer sees at the retail location.

[0101] In another embodiment, the methods and systems described herein include steps for increasing the mobility and accessibility of product-related data. The system includes a designated application, such as a cloud application, to receive data about the serialized items from a source, which may be intermediary software. As previously described, the serialized items may be RFID-tagged, UPC-coded, or ERP-coded products that contain a digital ID for the product that can be read by the source. The digital ID may include a unique product ID, an item expiration date, or other useful product data or information. The source may be an edge device, such as a smart shelf, smart cooler, smart store, or smart storage device, that has an electronic display and is equipped with an RFID reader / interrogator that can monitor the serialized items. For example, when a serialized item is removed from the source, the source can communicate that information to a repository, which can eventually update the product data stored therein.

[0102] The designated application is configured to receive data about the series of items from a source and manage the digital identities of the products. The designated application also manages a large product inventory based on information received from the source. The designated application is also configured to integrate the received data about the products with other product-specific data, and can receive data about the series of items from multiple data collection points, which are sources that would otherwise not lend themselves to a data sharing environment, such as inventory scans, points of sale data, distributor data, data center data, etc.

[0103] The system can further include a designated application configured to receive, manipulate, and publish the combined data transmitted from the designated cloud application. The designated application can provide product data, availability, and inventory data to searchers in a local area. Additionally, pricing information for products can be manipulated by the designated application based on product expiration dates, shelf life, or other data about the products.

[0104] The designated application, e.g., a cloud application, then publishes the combined data in a format that can be searched by consumers in the local area. Additionally, the designated application can transmit the data back to a source at a retail location or other electronic display. Here, consumers can see the same price for the product online in the designated application they viewed at the retail location and determine if the product is available locally in inventory for purchase.

[0105] In some embodiments, the methods described herein include or comprise edgeware. Edgeware is embedded software that runs on reader hardware, eliminating the need for on-premise computing equipment and servers. Edgeware simplifies the data path, reducing software development requirements for users. In some embodiments, edgeware, as described above, transmits event-based data directly from the reader to local and / or cloud destinations. Event-based data is reliable, and the software is optimized to reduce stray reads and provide flexibility to adjust the amount of data transmitted from the device to the data destination. E. Identifying Images in Proximity to a Mobile Device and / or Within a Digital Image

[0106] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used in conjunction with methods for identifying items in proximity to a mobile device and / or within a digital image, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 026,392, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0107] Mobile devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and cameras. In some embodiments, the location of the mobile device is determined using one or more methods and techniques known in the art. Suitable methods and techniques include, but are not limited to, outdoor positioning systems (OPS) and indoor positioning systems (IPS). Exemplary OPS include, but are not limited to, the Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0108] Exemplary IPSs include, but are not limited to, non-radio technologies and wireless technologies. Examples of non-radio technologies include, but are not limited to, magnetic positioning, inertial measurements, positioning based on visual markers, and location based on known visual features. Examples of wireless technologies include, but are not limited to, ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi positioning systems (WiPS or WFPS), Bluetooth, Bluetooth 5.1, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), choke point concepts, grid concepts, long range sense concepts, angle of arrival, time of arrival, received signal strength indication, and combinations thereof.

[0109] In some embodiments, the methods and techniques used to determine the location of a mobile device are accurate to within 5 meters, 4 meters, 3 meters, 2 meters, 1 meter, 0.9 meters, 0.8 meters, 0.7 meters, 0.6 meters, 0.5 meters, 0.4 meters, 0.3 meters, 0.2 meters, or 0.1 meters.

[0110] In some embodiments, the location of a mobile device is determined using one or more techniques described herein, and one or more items in proximity to the mobile device are identified. In some embodiments, the term "proximity" means within approximately 10 meters, 9 meters, 8 meters, 7 meters, 6 meters, 5 meters, 4 meters, 3 meters, 2 meters, 1 meter, 0.9 meters, 0.8 meters, 0.7 meters, 0.6 meters, 0.5 meters, 0.4 meters, 0.3 meters, 0.2 meters, or 0.1 meters. However, a single item or multiple items may be farther apart.

[0111] The identity of a single item or multiple items may be determined using one or more techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, planograms, visual inventory, RFID handheld inventory, RFID overhead inventory, vision system inventory, QR, barcode, NFC, or other methods known in the art.

[0112] In some embodiments, one or more items at the location of the mobile device have one or more sensors attached to the items. The sensors can be detected by a local scanner. The items are said to be digitally identified. The sensors can be embedded in a label, such as a pressure adhesive label or other type of label, or in a tag, such as a pendant tag. The sensors can be any sensor known in the art suitable for the methods and applications described herein. In some embodiments, the sensors are, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID, such as UHF or HF) sensors, near field communication (NFC) sensors, quick response (QR) codes, machine-readable codes, vision systems, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons, or other digital identification (ID) systems. In some embodiments, the location of the mobile device is determined by one or more of the techniques described above, and items in proximity to the mobile device are identified using UHF RFID. In some embodiments, the digital ID system is UHF Gen2 RFID or a similar standard.

[0113] In some embodiments, the methods described herein include or involve identifying one or more items in a digital image, such as a photograph or video. The photograph or video can be captured using a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, digital camera, etc. In some embodiments, one or more items in the photograph or video have a digital ID recorded by a reader on the device itself, a smart shelf, a scheduled inventory run, or other digital ID reader. In some embodiments, the image has an identification (ID) / timestamp that is used to highlight or list items in the image by associating them with items in the image that were scanned in the same area as the image, allowing the items to be actively searched for as a digital image. In some embodiments, an identification (ID) stamp indicating the location of the device used to take the photograph or video can be determined or generated using one or more of the techniques described above.

[0114] In some embodiments, the locations of the device and the single item or multiple items in the vicinity of the photograph or video and / or the device and the single item or multiple items located in the photograph or video are stored in a digital repository. In some embodiments, the locations of the single item or multiple items and the device are stored in the same digital repository or in different digital repository locations. The digital repository may be hosted locally (e.g., on a store device such as a laptop, tablet, or mobile device), in a cloud-based application, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the device location and the item or multiple item IDs are stored in the digital repository, and the device location and the item or multiple item IDs are associated with each other to provide the items and their information to a user, e.g., a customer. A user can manually search / navigate through all identified items. Alternatively, a user can manually search with one or more filters to limit or reduce the number of items presented to the user. For example, a user may wish to view only certain types of clothing or apparel, such as shirts, pants, sweaters, jackets, etc., footwear, accessories, such as jewelry, etc. In other embodiments, filters (e.g., filters) can limit the items presented to a user by clothing type as well as color and / or size, availability, etc. When a user views one or more items of interest, the user can select the item to view additional information. Methods described herein can also include search functionality to control the visibility, experience, and / or order in which items are displayed. For example, a user can slide content out or slide content to save. In other embodiments, a user can check a box or indicate interest using other known methods.

[0115] Examples of the type of information provided to the user may include, but are not limited to, location, price, size, availability, coupons and discounts, related or supplemental information about items such as suitable materials and manufacturing, interactive consumer experiences, and combinations thereof.

[0116] The following are appendices to the present disclosure. (Additional note 1) 1. A method of using multiple read areas to generate more accurate item level data, comprising: The method includes detecting one or more items having one or more tags or labels attached thereto, the tags or labels including one or more digital triggers, using a local area reader including a first read area and a second read area. (Additional note 2) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital trigger is selected from the group consisting of RFID, NFC, QR code, and combinations thereof. (Additional note 3) 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple read areas are used to generate X and Y coordinates of the item. (Additional note 4) The method of any one of appendix 1 to 3, wherein the first or second reading area includes one or more short range antennas, and the other reading area includes one or more long range antennas. (Additional note 5) The method described in Appendix 4, characterized in that the reading area including the one or more short-range antennas is proximate to the one or more items or a sales and / or storage area containing the one or more items and generates a rapid response when an item is removed from or removed from the sales area. (Additional note 6) The method described in Appendix 5, characterized in that the reading area including the one or more long-range antennas detects one or more products, or a sales area including one or more products but having a reading area using a higher powered RF reading area or other type of RF reading area, or a combination thereof. (Additional note 7) 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the reading area including the one or more long-range antennas occupies a larger space than the reading area including the one or more short-range antennas and therefore has a smaller perception reaction time. (Additional note 8) 8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the read area including the one or more long-range antennas detects one or more products that are not presented to or detected by the read area including the one or more short-range antennas due to a product position or multiple product positions that block the view of the read area including the one or more short-range antennas. (Additional note 9) 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the method comprises providing one or more additional reading areas. (Additional note 10) 10. The method according to any one of appended items 1 to 9, wherein a single reading area includes the first reading area and the second reading area. (Additional note 11) A multiple area read zone system comprising a first read zone and a second read zone. (Additional note 12) 12. The multiple area reading zone system of claim 11, wherein the first reading zone and the second reading zone are the same zone with dual functionality. (Additional note 13) Item 12. A multiple area reading zone system as described in item 11, wherein the first reading zone and the second reading zone are separate zones. (Additional note 14) A multiple area read zone system as described in any one of appendix 11 to 13, characterized in that the first or second read zone includes one or more short-range antennas and the other read zone includes one or more long-range antennas. (Additional note 15) 15. The multiple area read zone system of claim 14, wherein the read zone including the one or more short-range antennas is proximate to one or more items or a sales area including the one or more items, and generates a rapid response when the items are removed from or removed from the sales area. (Additional note 16) 16. The multiple area read area system of claim 15, wherein the read area including the one or more long-range antennas detects the one or more products, or a sales area including the one or more products but having a higher power read field and using other types of RF read fields, or a combination thereof. (Additional note 17) 16. The multiple area read zone system of claim 15, wherein the read zone including the one or more long-range antennas occupies a larger space than the read zone including the one or more short-range antennas and therefore has a smaller perception reaction time. (Additional note 18) 18. The multiple zone read area system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the read area including the one or more long-range antennas detects one or more products that are not presented to or detected by the read area including the one or more short-range antennas due to the location of the product or multiple products blocking the view of the read area including the one or more short-range antennas. (Additional note 19) 19. A multiple area read zone system according to any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein the read zone comprises a phased array of readers. (Additional note 20) 20. A multiple area reading zone system according to any one of clauses 11 to 19, characterized in that the system includes providing one or more additional reading zones.

Claims

1. 1. A method of using multiple read areas on a shelf to generate more accurate item level data, comprising: The method includes scanning a first read area on the shelf and a second read area on the shelf using a local area reader configured to detect items having tags or labels attached thereto that include one or more digital triggers, the first read area and the second read area overlapping each other and the first read area being smaller than the second read area; the first read area is read using a first antenna attached to the shelf, and the second read area is read using a second antenna; using the second antenna to detect a digital trigger within the first read area that was not detected using the first antenna due to a signal being blocked between the first antenna and the digital trigger.

2. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the digital trigger is selected from the group consisting of RFID, NFC, QR code, and combinations thereof.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the multiple read areas are used to generate X and Y coordinates of the item.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is configured to read the first reading area, which includes a sales area, with a faster response than the second reading area when items are removed from or introduced into the first reading area.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second antenna is configured to generate a higher power read field than the read field of the first antenna, or to use a different type of RF read field than the RF read field of the first antenna, or a combination thereof.

6. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the local area reader is configured to have a perception response time using the second antenna that is shorter than the response time of the first antenna.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing one or more additional reading areas.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the local area reader is configured to use a third antenna to scan a third reading area that includes the first reading area and the second reading area.

9. A multiple area read zone system for generating more accurate item level data, comprising: a local area reader configured to detect items having tags or labels attached thereto, the tags or labels including one or more digital triggers; the local area reader having a first antenna mounted on a shelf and configured to read a first read zone; the local area reader further having a second antenna configured to scan a second read zone on the shelf; the first read zone and the second read zone overlap each other; and the first read zone is smaller than the second read zone.

10. A multiple area read zone system, wherein the local area reader is configured to detect a digital trigger within the first read zone that was not detected using the first antenna due to a signal being blocked between the first antenna and the digital trigger.

10. 10. The multiple area read zone system of claim 9, wherein the first read zone and the second read zone are the same zone with dual functionality.

11. 10. The multiple area read zone system of claim 9, wherein the first read zone and the second read zone are separate and overlapping zones.

12. 10. The multiple zone read area system of claim 9, wherein the read area including the one or more first antennas is adjacent to a sales area containing items to generate a rapid response when the items are removed from or removed from the sales area.

13. 13. The multiple area read zone system of claim 12, wherein the second antenna is configured to generate a higher power read field than the read field of the first antenna, or to use a different type of RF read field than the RF read field of the first antenna, or a combination thereof.

14. 13. The multiple area reading zone system of claim 12, wherein the local area reader is configured to have a perception reaction time using the second antenna that is shorter than the reaction time of the first antenna.

15. 14. The multiple area read zone system of claim 13, wherein the local area reader comprises a phased array of readers.

16. 10. The multiple zone read area system of claim 9, including one or more additional read areas.

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