Networked Electronic Article Surveillance System with Synchronized Tracking

Abstract

To implement a system and a method for operating an electronic article surveillance system.SOLUTION: A system and a method for operating an Electronic Article Surveillance ("EAS") system are provided. The method comprises the steps of: receiving, by an electronic device, a synchronization signal transmitted from a remote Wireless Device Manager ("WDM"); performing first transmit and receive operations, at the electronic device, that are synchronized in accordance with remote WDM's AC power line zero crossing specified by the synchronization signal; detecting time when the synchronization signal is no longer being received by the electronic device; and performing second transmit and receive operations at the electronic device that are synchronized in accordance with local AC power line zero crossing of the electronic device, when the synchronization signal has not been received by the electronic device for a specified period of time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This document relates generally to Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems. More particularly, this document relates to a system and method for providing a networked EAS system with synchronized tracking. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, EAS systems have been deployed autonomously, i.e., they are not connected to each other or to a device manager, as taught by U.S. Patent No. 6,201,469 to Balch et al. ("Balch"). Synchronization of each EAS system is derived from the zero crossing of the local alternating current ("AC") source (to which the item is plugged). If an EAS system is not synchronized, the EAS system will exhibit poor pick performance or produce false alarms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,201,469 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The present disclosure relates to implementing systems and methods for operating an electronic article surveillance ("EAS") system. These methods include receiving, by an electronic device, a synchronization signal transmitted from a remote wireless device manager ("WDM"), performing at the electronic device a first transmit and receive operation synchronized according to AC power line zero crossings of the remote WDM identified by the synchronization signal, detecting when the synchronization signal is no longer received by the electronic device, and performing at the electronic device a second transmit and receive operation synchronized according to a local AC power line zero crossing of the electronic device when the synchronization signal has not been received by the electronic device for a specified period of time. The electronic device includes an EAS detection system or a WDM other than the remote WDM.

[0005] In some scenarios, the method further includes recording a first time when the synchronization signal is received by the electronic device, using the first time to determine a second time when a remote WDM AC power line zero crossing occurs while accounting for a known transmission delay, determining a third time when a local AC power line zero crossing occurs at the electronic device, determining a delta value specifying a time difference between the second time and the third time, and adding the delta value to the third time to obtain a fourth time. Second transmit and receive operations performed at the electronic device are synchronized according to the fourth time.

[0006] In these or other scenarios, the methods include detecting when the synchronization signal is once again received by the electronic device, and when the synchronization signal is once again received by the electronic device, performing by the electronic device a third transmitting and receiving operation synchronized in accordance with the synchronization signal.

[0007] The present solution is described with reference to the following drawings, in which like numerals represent like items throughout: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system. [Figure 2] 1 provides a diagram useful for understanding the operation of an exemplary EAS detection system. [Figure 3] 1 provides a diagram useful for understanding the operation of an exemplary EAS detection system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration for a system controller. [Figure 5] A timing diagram is provided that is useful in explaining how the phase of operation in an EAS detection system is determined with respect to AC power line zero crossings. [Figure 6] A timing diagram is provided that is useful for explaining how the phase of operation in WDM is determined with respect to AC power line zero crossings. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of an exemplary method for operating an EAS system. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary WDM configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It will be readily understood that the components of the present solution, as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the present solution, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of various implementations. While various aspects of the present solution are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically noted.

[0010] The present solution may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present solution is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by this detailed description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0011] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout this specification do not imply that all of the features and advantages that can be realized in the present solution should or are present in any one embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that the particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with one embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, discussions of features and advantages, and similar language throughout this specification, may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0012] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that the solution may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in some embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the solution.

[0013] The use of "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar phrases throughout this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the illustrated embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the solution. Thus, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar phrases throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0014] As used in this document, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term "comprising" means "including, but not limited to."

[0015] EAS systems in use today are time-based and derive their synchronization from zero crossings of the AC line. As used herein, the term zero crossing refers to the point at which the signal of a mathematical function changes (e.g., from positive to negative), represented by an axis crossing (zero value) on the graph of that function. In current networked configurations, synchronization signals are originated in WDM and provided to end devices via wireless signals. In practice, it is known that the zero crossings of a synchronization signal transmitted wirelessly in WDM can be very different from the local zero crossings of the same signal at the end device. This problem occurs when the WDM is impaired in some way, resulting in the loss of the synchronization signal at the end device. If the end device loses the synchronization signal, it will cease to function. Clearly, this is not a desirable outcome. EAS functionality is paramount to customers, and they would not expect their end devices to be disrupted due to WDM problems.

[0016] Therefore, the present solution relates to a system and method for tracking the delta between the over-the-air transmitted zero crossings and the natural zero crossings at the end device. If the over-the-air transmitted zero crossings are corrupted, the end device will know the delta from the natural zero crossings in the local AC signal. Therefore, if a certain number of zero crossing periods are missed, the end device will utilize a correction factor or delta derived from the signal previously transmitted by the WDM to its local AC zero crossing reference, plus or minus.

[0017] Zero-crossing delay can be measured on the order of a second or in fractions of a second. Delays are often quoted in seconds, which is easiest to understand and communicate. In new wireless, networked configurations, end devices receive their synchronization signals from a WDM. Synchronization of EAS systems is essential to their operation, and since it's known that the zero-crossing locations (in time) can vary at different locations within a retail environment, there's significant concern about losing synchronization from the WDM. The solution involves a tracking method that continuously compares the wireless zero-crossing signal to a local AC source zero-crossing signal. If a certain number of zero-crossing events are missed from the WDM, the end device will default to the local end device's AC source zero-crossing signal plus or minus a "correction factor or delta" derived from the signal the WDM was previously transmitting. The phase delay of the supplied AC is typically related to transformer loading effects and typically does not change rapidly in a retail environment. The construction or closure of a new store is an event that can be associated with the reference transformer loading effects. When the WDM signal is restored, the end device will switch back to using that signal as its AC zero-crossing source. As before, this unit will then again begin tracking the "correction factor or delta" from the local power source.

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1 , a diagram of an exemplary system 100 is provided. The system 100 includes two or more subsystems 120, 122 and WDMs 108, 110. The WDMs 108, 110 are configured to wirelessly communicate with the subsystems 120, 122, respectively. The wireless communication can be achieved using wireless communication techniques. Wireless communication techniques are well known in the art and will not be described herein. Any known or to become known wireless communication technique can be used herein without limitation. For example, the wireless communication can be achieved using radio frequency ("RF") communication techniques.

[0019] Each subsystem 120, 122 includes multiple EAS detection systems. For example, subsystem 120 includes EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c. Each of the EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c is configured to monitor an area 102a, 102b, and 102c (e.g., within a specific range of the EAS detection system) known to detect EAS markers 106 having a predetermined characteristic (e.g., frequency). The coverage area for each area 102a, 102b, and 102c may overlap with adjacent areas. Furthermore, the EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c may be configured to communicate information between them using any suitable communication link (e.g., wired or wireless communication link). Each of the EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c is also configured to wirelessly communicate with the WDM 108.

[0020] During operation, WDM 108 communicates a synchronization signal to EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, 104c to synchronize their transmit / receive operations. WDM 108 communicates the synchronization signal to WDM 110 for its transmit / receive operations. The time at which the synchronization signal is received is recorded locally by EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, 104c and / or WDM 110. This time is used to calculate a delta (or difference) between the first zero crossing of the AC line signal supplied to WDM 108 and the second zero crossing of the AC line signal supplied to receiving device 104a, 104b, 104c, or WDM 110. The delta value is used in a backup mode to synchronize transmit / receive operations when the WDM synchronization signal is no longer being received by device 104a, 104b, 104c, or WDM 110 and / or when a phase delay occurs as a result of transformer loading.

[0021] 2 and 3, diagrams of an exemplary EAS detection system 200 are provided. EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c of FIG. 1 are identical to or similar to EAS detection system 200 of FIG. 2. As such, the following discussion of EAS detection system 200 is sufficient to understand EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, and 104c of FIG. 1. EAS detection system 200 is described herein with respect to an AM EAS-type detection system. However, the present solution may also be used with other types of EAS detection systems, including other types of magnetic-based EAS detection systems.

[0022] The EAS detection system 200 is positioned adjacent to an entrance / exit 204 of a secured facility (e.g., a retail store). The EAS detection system 200 employs a specially designed EAS marker 302 adapted to secure merchandise or other items stored within the secured facility. The EAS marker 302 can be deactivated or removed by authorized personnel at the secured facility. For example, in a retail environment, the EAS marker 302 can be removed by a store employee (not shown). When an active EAS marker 302 is detected by the EAS detection system 200 in an idealized representation of an EAS detection zone 300 near the entrance / exit, the EAS detection system 200 will detect the presence of such marker 302 and will sound an alarm or generate some other appropriate EAS response, as described above. Thus, the EAS detection system 200 is positioned to detect and prevent unauthorized removal of articles or products from a controlled area. The EAS marker 106 of FIG. 1 can be identical to or substantially similar to the EAS marker 302.

[0023] The EAS detection system 200 includes a pair of masts 202a, 202b, positioned a known distance apart (e.g., on either side of the entrance / exit 204). The masts 202a, 202b are typically stabilized and supported by bases 206a, 206b. Each of the masts 202a, 202b will generally include one or more antennas 208 suitable for assisting in the detection of particular markers, as described herein. For example, the mast 202a may include at least one antenna suitable for transmitting or generating an electromagnetic excitation signal field and receiving a response signal generated by a marker in the EAS detection zone 300. In some scenarios, the same antenna 208 may be used for both receiving and transmitting functions. Similarly, the mast 202b may include at least one antenna suitable for transmitting or generating an electromagnetic excitation signal field and receiving a response signal generated by a marker in the EAS detection zone 300. The antennas on the masts 202a, 202b may be conventional conductive wire coil or loop designs, as commonly used in AM-type EAS masts. These antennas are sometimes referred to herein as excitation coils. In some scenarios, a single antenna may be used on each mast. The single antenna is selectively coupled to an EAS receiver. The EAS transmitter operates in a time-division multiplexed manner. However, it may be advantageous to include two antennas (or excitation coils) on each mast, with the upper antenna positioned above the lower antenna, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] Antennas 208 located on masts 202a, 202b are electrically coupled to a system controller 210. System controller 210 controls the operation of EAS detection system 202 to perform EAS functions as described herein. System controller 210 may be located within the base 206a, 206b of one of masts 202a, 202b, or may be located in a separate chassis near the masts. For example, system controller 210 may be located on the ceiling directly above or near masts 202a, 202b.

[0025] As described above, the EAS detection system includes an AM-type EAS detection system. As such, each antenna is used to generate an electromagnetic ("EM") field that serves as a marker excitation signal (or interrogation signal). The marker excitation signal causes a response signal to be generated by a marker within the EAS detection zone 300. In some scenarios, the marker includes multiple resonators with different lengths that facilitate receiving a marker excitation signal having a first frequency and generating a response signal having a second, different frequency. In other scenarios, the marker includes two coils with a common core (e.g., a ferrite core). The present solution is not limited to the marker configurations of these two scenarios. Other marker configurations may be used herein.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, a diagram of an exemplary configuration for the system controller 210 of FIG. 2 is provided. The system controller 210 includes a power amplifier 406, a transmitter circuit 408, a receiver circuit 412, a processor 410, and a memory 420. Each of the listed components is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. It should be understood that the memory 420 and the processor 410 may constitute machine-readable media. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions 422. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” also refers to any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions 422 for execution by the system controller 210, causing the system controller 210 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

[0027] 4, the transmitter circuit 408 is coupled to a first antenna 208a, and the receiver circuit 412 is coupled to a second antenna 208b. The first antenna 208a may be located on a first pole 202a of a pair of poles, and the second antenna 208b for the receiver circuit 412 may be located on a second pole 202b of the pair of poles. The solution is not limited in this respect. For example, both antennas 208a and 208b may be included on the same pole and / or collectively comprise a single antenna.

[0028] The enumerated components 406-412 together define a marker monitoring control that controls the transmission and reception of signals at antennas 208a, 208b. The marker monitoring control may be provided in any known manner to control the transmission and reception at interrogation antenna 402 and monitor EAS markers 302 within interrogation zone 300. System controller 210 also includes a communications antenna 414 and a transceiver 416 that provide wireless communication between system controller 210 and external devices, such as one or more EAS detection systems and / or different controllers in a WDM (e.g., WDM 108 and / or WDM 110 of FIG. 1 ).

[0029] The operation of the marker monitoring control unit is now described in more detail. The transmitter circuit 408 is coupled to the first antenna 208a via a power amplifier 406. The first antenna 208a emits transmit (e.g., radio frequency (“RF”)) bursts at a predetermined frequency (e.g., 58 KHz) and repetition rate (e.g., 50 Hz, 60 Hz, 75 Hz, or 90 Hz), with pauses between successive bursts. In some scenarios, each transmit burst has a duration of approximately 1.6 ms. The transmitter circuit 408 is controlled by a processor 410 to emit the aforementioned transmit bursts, which also controls a receiver circuit 412. The receiver circuit 412 is coupled to the second antenna 208b. The second antenna 208b includes a tightly coupled pickup coil with N turns (e.g., 100 turns), where N is any number. When the EAS marker 302 is present between the antennas 208a, 208b as shown in FIG. 3, a transmission burst sent from the transmitter circuit 408 causes the EAS marker 302 to generate a response signal.

[0030] The processor 410 controls the activation and deactivation of the receiver circuit 412. When activated, the receiver circuit 412 detects signals at predetermined frequencies within receiver windows, such as the RX windows 504, 506, and 508 of FIG. 5. If the transmit burst has a duration of approximately 1.6 ms, the first receiver window 504 will have a duration of approximately 1.7 ms, starting approximately 0.4 ms after the end of the transmit burst. During the first receiver window 504, the receiver circuit 412 integrates any signals at the predetermined frequencies that are present. To produce an integration result in the first receiver window 504 that can be easily compared to the integrated signal from the second receiver window 506, the signal emitted by the EAS marker 302 should have a relatively high amplitude (e.g., approximately 1.5 nanowaves (nWb) or greater).

[0031] After detecting a signal in the first receive window 504, the processor 410 shuts down the receiver circuit 412 and then restarts it during a second receive window 506, which begins approximately 6 ms after the end of the aforementioned transmit burst. During the second receiver window 506, the receiver circuit 412 again searches for a signal with the appropriate amplitude at the predetermined frequency. Knowing that signals emanating from the EAS marker 302 will have decaying amplitudes, the receiver circuit 412 compares the amplitude of any signal detected at the predetermined frequency during the second receiver window 506 with the amplitude of the signal detected during the first receiver window 504. If the amplitude difference matches that of an exponentially decaying signal, it is assumed that the signal actually emanated from the EAS marker 302 between the antennas 208a, 208b. In this case, the receiver circuit 412 issues an alert.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 5, a timing diagram useful for explaining how the phase of operation in an EAS detection system (e.g., EAS detection systems 104a, 104b, or 104c of FIG. 1) is determined with respect to positive zero crossings 5021, 5022 of the AC power line is provided. A pulsed magnetic receiver (e.g., receiver circuit 412 of FIG. 4) typically examines three time windows to scan for the presence of a magnetic marker (e.g., marker 106 of FIG. 1 and / or marker 302 of FIG. 3). For example, at a power line frequency of 60 Hz, the first receiver window 504 (referred to as Phase A) occurs nominally 2 milliseconds (msec) after the receiver's local positive zero crossing 5021. The second receiver window 506 (referred to as Phase B) occurs 7.55 msec after the local positive zero crossing 5021. The third receiver window 508 (referred to as Phase C) occurs 13.1 msec after the local positive zero crossing 5021. At a power line frequency of 50 Hz, the timing is similar: each receiver window starts nominally 2 msec after either the 0°, 120°, or 240° point in the line frequency period.

[0033] Referring now to Figure 6, a timing diagram is provided that is useful for explaining how the phase of operation in a WDM (e.g., WDM 108 or 110 of Figure 1) is determined with respect to the positive zero crossings 6021, 6022 of the AC power line. Notably, the timing diagram of Figure 6 is the same as the timing diagram of Figure 5. Therefore, the discussion provided above with respect to Figure 5 is sufficient to understand the timing diagram of Figure 6.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow diagram of an exemplary method 700 for operating an EAS system is provided. Method 700 begins at 702 and continues at 704, where a synchronization signal is transmitted from a WDM (e.g., WDM 108 of FIG. 1). At 706, the synchronization signal is received at an electronic device (e.g., EAS detection system 104a, 104b, 104c of FIG. 1 or WDM 110 of FIG. 1). The receiving device performs an operation of recording a first time at 708 that the synchronization signal was received thereby. The first time is used by the receiving device at 710 to determine a second time at which a first zero crossing of the AC power line signal (e.g., positive zero crossing 6021 of FIG. 6) occurred at the WDM, taking into account known transmission delays. A third time at 712 is then determined at which a second zero crossing of the AC power line signal (e.g., positive zero crossing 5021 of FIG. 5) occurred at the electronic device. The second time and the third time are compared to one another at 714 to determine a timing difference therebetween. A delta value specifying the timing difference determined at 714 is recorded at 716. The delta value may be in seconds, on the order of a second, or a fraction of a second. The electronic device then performs synchronized transmit / receive operations in accordance with the synchronization signal at 718.

[0035] As shown by 720, the synchronization signal may cease to be received by the electronic device. For example, if the WDM loses power, the synchronization signal will not be transmitted from it. Also, if the WDM transmission is interrupted, the synchronization signal may not be received by the electronic device. Also, pulse delays caused by transformer loading may result in the synchronization signal no longer being received by the electronic device. After such detection occurs, the electronic device waits a certain period of time. This period may be specified in advance. For example, this period may be selected to be long enough to encompass a certain number of WDM positive zero-crossing events (e.g., 30).

[0036] Upon expiration of this period, the electronic device performs synchronized transmit / receive operations according to a fourth time calculated by adding the delta value to the time at which the second local zero crossing occurs, as shown by 724. The electronic device also performs operations to detect when the synchronization signal is once again received by it, at 726. In response to this detection, method 700 returns to 708 so that the process is repeated once again and the transmit / receive operations of the electronic device are once again synchronized using the synchronization signal (as opposed to the local AC power signal).

[0037] 8, a block diagram of an exemplary configuration for WDM 800 is provided. WDMs 108, 110 of FIG. 1 are identical to or substantially similar to WDM 800. As such, the following discussion of WDM 800 is sufficient to understand WDMs 108 and / or 110.

[0038] Notably, WDM 800 may include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 8 . However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an exemplary implementation of the present solution. The hardware configuration of FIG. 8 represents one exemplary configuration of a representative WDM configured to facilitate providing a networked EAS system with synchronous tracking. As such, WDM 800 of FIG. 8 implements at least a portion of a method for operating an EAS system. Some or all components of WDM 800 may be implemented as hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. Hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. Electronic circuits may include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g., resistors and capacitors) and / or active components (e.g., amplifiers and / or microprocessors). The passive and / or active components may be adapted, configured, and / or programmed to perform one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

[0039] 8, WDM 800 includes a user interface 802, a central processing unit (“CPU”) 806, a system bus 810, memory 812 connected to and accessible by other portions of WDM 800 via system bus 810, and hardware entities 814 connected to system bus 810. The user interface may include input devices (e.g., keypad 850) and output devices (e.g., speaker 852, display 854, and / or light emitting diodes 856) that facilitate user interaction with the software to control the operation of WDM 800.

[0040] At least some of the hardware entities 814 perform operations involving accessing and using memory 812, which may be random access memory (“RAM”), a disk drive, and / or a compact disc read-only memory (“CD-ROM”). The hardware entities 814 may include a disk drive unit 816 that includes a computer-readable storage medium 818 on which one or more sets of instructions 820 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein are stored. The instructions 820 may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the memory 812 and / or within the CPU 806 during their execution by the WDM 800. The memory 812 and the CPU 806 may also constitute machine-readable media. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store one or more sets of instructions 820. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" also refers to any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions 820 for execution by WDM 800, causing WDM 800 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

[0041] In some scenarios of the present solution, the hardware entity 814 includes electronic circuitry (e.g., a processor) programmed to facilitate providing a networked EAS system with synchronized tracking. In this regard, it should be understood that the electronic circuitry can access and execute a synchronization application 824 installed on the WDM 800. The software application 824 is generally operable to facilitate a method of operating an EAS system as discussed herein. The functionality of the software application 824 will be apparent from the foregoing discussion of the present solution.

[0042] All of the apparatus, methods, and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made to the apparatus, methods, and method step sequences without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components can be added, combined, or substituted to those described herein while the same or similar results would be obtained. All such similar substitutions and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention as defined.

[0043] The above-disclosed features and functions, and alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements may occur to those skilled in the art, each of which is intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 100 systems 102a area 102b area 102c area 104a EAS Detection System 104b EAS Detection System 104c EAS Detection System 106 Marker 108 WDM 110 WDM 120 Subsystems 122 Subsystems 200 EAS Detection System 202a Post 202b Post 204 Entrance / Exit 206a Base 206b base 208 Antenna 210 System Controller 300 EAS detection zones 302 Marker 406 Power Amplifier 408 Transmitter Circuit 410 processor 412 Receiver Circuit 414 Communication Antenna 416 Transceiver 420 memory 422 Command 5021 Zero Crossing 5022 zero crossing 504 First Receiver Window 506 Second Receiver Window 508 Third Receiver Window 6021 Zero Crossing 6022 zero crossing 800 WDM 802 User Interface 806 CPU 810 System Bus 812 memory 814 Hardware Entities 816 Disk Drive Unit 818 Computer-readable storage medium 820 command 824 Sync Application 850 keypad 852 Speaker 854 Display 856 Light Emitting Diode

Claims

1. receiving, by the electronic device, a synchronization signal transmitted from a remote wireless device manager ("WDM"); performing a first transmit and receive operation at the electronic device synchronized according to zero crossings of an AC power line supplied to the remote WDM; detecting when the synchronization signal is no longer being received by the electronic device; determining a delta value between the time when the zero crossing occurs on the AC power line feeding the remote WDM and the time when a zero crossing occurs on the AC power line feeding the electronic device; converting the delta value to a delay value using a time when another zero crossing occurs in the AC power line supplying the electronic device; when the synchronization signal is not received by the electronic device for a specified period of time, performing a second transmitting and receiving operation at the electronic device synchronized according to the delay value; A method for operating an electronic article surveillance ("EAS") system, comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electronic device includes an EAS detection system or a WDM other than the remote WDM.

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising recording a reception time at which the synchronization signal is received by the electronic device.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising using the received time to determine the time at which the zero crossing of the AC power line feeding the remote WDM occurred while taking into account a known transmission delay.

5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising determining the time at which the zero crossing of the AC power line supplied to the electronic device occurs.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting when the synchronization signal is once again received by the electronic device.

7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising: when the synchronization signal is received again by the electronic device, performing, by the electronic device, a third transmitting and receiving operation synchronized according to the synchronization signal.

8. 1. A system comprising: a processor; 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing programming instructions configured to cause a processor to implement a method for operating an electronic article surveillance ("EAS") system, the programming instructions comprising: instructions to receive a synchronization signal transmitted from a remote Wireless Device Manager ("WDM"); instructions to perform a first transmit and receive operation synchronized according to a zero crossing of an AC power line supplied to the remote WDM; instructions for detecting when the synchronization signal is no longer being received by the system; instructions for determining a delta value between a time when the zero crossing occurs on the AC power line supplying the remote WDM and a time when a zero crossing occurs on the AC power line supplying an electronic device; instructions for converting the delta value to a delay value using a time when another zero crossing occurs of the AC power line supplying the electronic device; instructions to perform a second transmit and receive operation synchronized according to the delay value when the synchronization signal has not been received by the system for a specified period of time; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, Including, the system.

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the system includes an EAS detection system or a WDM other than the remote WDM.

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the programming instructions further include instructions to record a receive time at which the synchronization signal is received by the system.

11. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the programming instructions further include instructions for using the received time to determine the time at which the zero crossing of the AC power line supplying the remote WDM occurred while accounting for known transmission delays.

12. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the programming instructions further comprise instructions for determining the time at which the zero crossing of the AC power line supplied to the electronic device occurs.

13. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the programming instructions further include instructions for detecting when the synchronization signal is once again received by the system.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the programming instructions further include instructions for, when the synchronization signal is once again received by the system, performing by the system a third transmit and receive operation synchronized according to the synchronization signal.

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