RFID tag delayed privacy mode activation

Abstract

Examples described herein generally relate to a system, electronic tag, and method for operating the electronic tag with a delayed privacy mode. The electronic tag is configured to selectively operate in a privacy mode in which the electronic tag does not transmit. A point of sale device configured to: detect a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; and update a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status. A radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system is configured to detect the electronic tag prior to operation in the privacy mode. The RFID EAS system or the electronic tag is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode after the RFID EAS system detects the electronic tag.

Description

RFID TAG DELAYED PRIVACY MODE ACTIVATIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Number 63 / 572,680 titled “RFID TAG DELAYED PRIVACY MODE ACTIVATION,” filed April 1, 2024, which is assigned to the assignee hereof, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and, and more particularly to methods and systems delaying privacy mode on such tags.BACKGROUND

[0003] Retailers detect movement of goods using a security tag attached to the goods and sensors that detect the location of the security tag. A security system may include an exit system (e.g., a pedestal including a reader) that detects the presence of a tag.

[0004] One concern with security tags is that a security tag may be used to track a person. For example, if a security tag is left on a good after purchase, the security tag may be detected by a sensor and indicate the location of the tag and potentially the location of a person associated with the tag (e.g., a purchaser). A privacy mode of a security tag may prevent a security tag from transmitting information that may be used for tracking a person. For example, a privacy mode may prevent a tag from transmitting after an item is purchased. In some cases, the privacy mode is set by a point of sale system at the time of purchase.

[0005] A privacy mode presents technical problems to a security system. A security system may be configured to generate radio-frequency (RF) fields for detecting security tags. The RF fields may be calibrated to ensure that a high percentage of security tags are detected as they pass through the exit system. The rate of detection may be verified based on security tags associated with unpurchased items as well as security tags associated with purchased items. When privacy mode is activated at the point of salefor security tags associated with purchased items, the exit system cannot detect the security tags associated with purchased items.

[0006] Thus, there is a need in the art for improvements in systems for tracking security tags. In particular, there is a need for systems and methods for managing a privacy mode of security tags.SUMMARY

[0007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more implementations of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such implementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of any or all implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more implementations of the present disclosure in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of delaying privacy mode for electronic tags, including: detecting, at a point of sale system, a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; updating, by the point of sale system, a first memory field in the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and updating, after the electronic tag has been read by a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, the electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode.

[0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system of monitoring electronic tags with a delayed privacy mode, including: an electronic tag configured to selectively operate in a privacy mode in which the electronic tag does not transmit; a point of sale device configured to: detect a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; and update a first memory field in the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system configured to detect the electronic tag prior to operation in the privacy mode, wherein the RFID EAS system or the electronic tag is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode after the RFID EAS system detects the electronic tag.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to an electronic tag, including: a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit including: an antenna configured to be energized by a radio frequency (RF) field; and a transmitter configuredto transmit tag information in response to the antenna being energized; and a controller including a memory configured to store an indication of a sold status, wherein the controller is configured to place the electronic tag in a privacy mode in which the transmitter is disabled after an RFID electronic article surveillance (EAS) system detects the electronic tag when the memory indicates the sold status.

[0011] Additional advantages and novel features relating to implementations of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice thereof.DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0012] In the drawings:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example retail location including a first example of a security system for delayed activation of a privacy mode.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates example communications and stored information within the security system of FIG. 1.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an example privacy system implemented as a computer device configured to execute a privacy application.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of an example method to implement a delayed activation of a privacy mode after an item associated with a tag is purchased.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a first example method of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a second example method of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a third example method of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system.

[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates an example computer device in accordance with an implementation, including additional component details as compared to FIG. 3.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for delaying activation of a privacy mode on an electronic tag. For example, the privacy mode may be activated after an electronic tag has been read by an exit system. The privacy mode may then be activated to prevent the electronic tag or person associated with the electronic tag from being tracked after leaving a premises. The disclosure provides for methods, systems, and electronic tags with a delayed activation of privacy mode.

[0022] Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent the unauthorized removal of goods from a protected area. Typically, a detection system is configured at an exit from the protected area, which comprises one or more transmitters and antennas (“pedestals”) capable of generating an electromagnetic field across the exit, known as the “interrogation zone.” Articles to be protected are tagged with a security tag (such as an RFID and / or an acousto-magnetic (AM) tag), also known as an EAS marker, that, when active, generates a response signal when passed through this interrogation zone. An antenna and receiver in the same or another “pedestal” detects this response signal and generates an alarm.

[0023] One concern with RFID tags is that a tag may be used as a tracking device of a legitimate purchaser. For example, a retail store may have a record of the electronic product code (EPC) of a tag, which may be associated with a particular customer at the time of purchaser. If the RFID tag remains active, the RFID tag may be queried by another tag reader and a response with the EPC may indicate a location of the purchaser.

[0024] To prevent such tracking, an RFID tag may have a privacy mode that prevents the RFID tag from communicating personally identifiable information. In some cases, the RFID tag may be completely disabled (for example, using a kill password). In other examples, a privacy status may prevent the tag from transmitting specific information or from transmitting any information.

[0025] A privacy mode presents technical problems to a security system. A security system may be configured to generate radio-frequency (RF) fields for detecting security tags. The RF fields may be calibrated to ensure that a high percentage of security tags are detected as they pass through the exit system. The rate of detection may be verified based on security tags associated with unpurchased items as well as security tags associated with purchased items. When privacy mode is activated at the point of sale for security tags associated with purchased items, the exit system cannot detect thesecurity tags associated with purchased items. Accordingly, the exit system can only detect the security tags that are associated with unpurchased items. Such detections are less useful for determining the rate of detection because the number of such detections is (hopefully) far less than the number of purchased items. Further, unlike the security tags associated with purchased items, the expected number of detections of security tags associated with unpurchased items is unknown. That is, when an item is purchased, the expectation is that the security tag associated with the purchased item will be detected by the exit system shortly after purchase . That detection can be used to analyze the detection rate of the exit system (e.g., for calibration of the RF field). In contrast, unpurchased items are not expected to be detected. Detections may occur at any time or not at all, for example, when unpurchased items are removed via an alternative exit. Accordingly, even accurate inventory information may not be enough to determine detection rate of unpurchased items. Therefore, there is a need for improvements to privacy mode of electronic tags to allow a security system to detect an electronic tag before activation of the privacy mode.

[0026] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides techniques that delay activation of a privacy mode until the electronic tag has at least had an opportunity to be read by an exit system. A point of sale device changes a status of a tag to indicate that the item associated with the tag has been sold. When the electronic tag is read by the exit system, the sold status may prevent the exit system from generating an alarm or other security action. The exit system may record the detection for analytical purposes (e.g., for calibration). The electronic tag may be placed into a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by the exit system.

[0027] In some implementations, the exit system writes to the electronic tag to activate the privacy mode in response to reading the sold status. Once the electronic tag is placed in the privacy mode, the electronic tag no longer transmits personally identifiable information. Even if the electronic tag is not successfully detected when exiting the retail location where the item is purchased, the sold status stored on the electronic tag may cause other EAS systems to place the tag in privacy mode.

[0028] In some implementations, the electronic tag includes a counter that tracks how many times the electronic tag has been charged by a radio-frequency field. The point of sale system may initialize the counter when the status of the electronic tag is set to sold. The electronic tag may place itself into the privacy mode when the value of the counter satisfies a threshold. For example, the threshold may be set to a single-digitnumber of charges (e.g., 1 or 2). Accordingly, the electronic tag may enter the privacy mode after being read by the exit system. Even if the electronic tag is not successfully read at the exit system, attempts to track the electronic tag may fail because the electronic tag will place itself into the privacy mode when charged by a device attempting to track the electronic tag.

[0029] In some implementations, the electronic device may include an energy storage device such as a capacitor or a battery. The point of sale system may charge the energy storage device when the item associated with the electronic tag is purchased. The electronic tag may determine whether to operate in the privacy mode based on a state of charge of the energy storage device. For example, in some implementations, the electronic tag may place itself into the privacy mode when the state of charge of the energy storage device decays below a threshold. This may establish a period of time for the electronic tag to be read before entering the privacy mode. As another example, in some implementations, the point of sale system may set the electronic tag to the privacy mode, but the electronic tag may continue to transmit while the energy storage device is charged so that the exit system may detect the electronic tag before the energy storage device discharges.

[0030] In some implementations, the point of sale system may overwrite the EPC of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable such as a store identifier and / or a date. Even if the electronic tag transmits the information that is not personally identifiable, the privacy of the purchaser is not compromised, but the exit system may still analyze the detection of the tag.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, an example retail location 100 includes multiple regions where tagged products may be located. For example, the retail location 100 may include an open display area 110, a front end 112, aisles 114, and a security room 118. Customers 130 may be located within the different regions. Workers 132 may be stationed at locations such as check out registers and the security room 118. The workers 132 may operate a point of sale (POS) system 134. In some implementations, the POS system 134 may include self-service kiosks or a mobile application. A person of skill in the art would understand that the disclosed systems and methods are applicable to a variety of retail locations and the present disclosure is not limited to the example retail location or areas.

[0032] As discussed above, retailers (e.g., consumer products and apparel retailers) have deployed security tags such as radio frequency identification (RFID) systems instores to track product movements as they arrive at stores, are placed on display on the sales floor, and are sold. By adopting RFID, retailers are able to reduce the amount of time that the store employees spend counting the inventory (e.g., manually counting inventory that is on the floor and in stock room), as well as increase merchandise visibility within each store, thereby enabling shoppers in the store and online to find what they seek. RFID uses radio waves to read and capture information stored on a tag attached to an object such as a good, product, or merchandise. Additionally, RFID tags may be used with a security system to detect inventory changes and possible loss events. For example, RFID tags may be read by an exit system 140 to determine whether a tagged item 122 is leaving the retail location.

[0033] An RFID system may be made up of two parts: a tag or label (e.g., RFID tag 150) and a reader (e.g., exit system 140). RFID tags 150 (which may also be referred to as EPC tags or labels) are embedded with an RFID transmitter and a receiver. The RFID component on the tags may include a microchip that stores and processes information, and an antenna 156 to receive and transmit signals. In an aspect, the RFID tag 150 may include a privacy controller that is configured to operate the RFID tag in a privacy mode. The RFID tag may further contain the specific serial number for each specific object (e.g., an electronic product code (EPC)). The EPC may also be embedded in the tag 150. For example, in one implementation, the tag 150 may include a memory 154 including multiple memory banks such as a reserved memory, EPC memory, tag identification (TID) memory, and user memory. The reserved memory bank may include an access password and a kill password. The EPC memory may include the EPC, a protocol control, and a cyclic redundancy check value. The TID memory may include a tag identification. The user memory may store custom data.

[0034] To read the information encoded on the tag 150, a two-way radio transmitterreceiver called an interrogator or reader (e.g., exit system 140) emits a signal to the EPC tag 150 using the antenna (e.g., internal antennas). The exit system 140 may apply filtering to indicate what memory bank the EPC tag 150 should use to respond to the emitted signal. The EPC tag 150 may respond with the information (e.g., EPC value or serial number) written in the memory bank. The EPC tag data set may include any information stored on the EPC tag 150 as well as information about reading the EPC tag 150. For example, the EPC tag data set may include: a timestamp, a location, a signal transmission power, a received signal strength indication (RSSI), and an identifier of the RFID reader (e.g., exit system 140). For purposes of this disclosure,the terms, the EPC tag and RFID tag may be used interchangeably. The EPC tag 150 may be a passive tag or a battery powered EPC tag. A passive RFID tag may use the radio wave energy of the RFID interrogator or receiver to relay the stored information back to the interrogator. In contrast, a battery powered EPC tag 150 may be embedded with a small battery that powers the relay of information.

[0035] The security system 102 may include an exit system 140 and a privacy system 160. The exit system 140 may include multiple sensors 142 located near exits 144. For example, the example retail location 100 may include two exits 144 that are relatively narrow. The sensors 142 may be located on each side of the exits 144. For example, in an implementation, the sensors 142 may include at least one RFID reader including an antenna that generates a tag detection field 146. Generally, the sensors 142 may be configured (e.g., by setting a power level) such that the tag detection fields 146 cover the exits 144 to detect tags moving through the exits. Although the sensors 142 are illustrated as pedestals adjacent the exits 144, sensors 142 may be located on the floor and / or the ceiling. The sensors 142 may include additional sensors that may produce measurements other than RF measurements. For example, the additional sensors may include infrared (IR) sensors, inertial sensors, magnetic sensors, millimeter wave sensors, or cameras 120.

[0036] In an aspect, the retail location 100 includes a privacy system 160 that is configured to coordinate the POS system 134, the exit system 140, and tags 150 to implement a delayed privacy mode for the tags 150. The privacy system 160 may be a computer device programmed to manage tag status based on signals received from the tags 150, the POS system 134, and the exit system 140. The privacy system 160 may be, for example, any mobile or fixed computer device including but not limited to a computer server, desktop or laptop or tablet computer, a cellular telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a handheld device, any other computer device having wired and / or wireless connection capability with one or more other devices, or any other type of computerized device. In some implementations, the privacy system 160 may be located separately from the retail location 100. For example, the privacy system 160 or component thereof may be hosted on a server or datacenter of a cloud network and communicate with components of the security system 102 at the retail location 100.

[0037] The privacy system 160 may include a purchase component 162, a status component 164, an activation component 166, and an optional statistics component 168 and / or database 170. The purchase component 162 may be configured to detect, at apoint of sale system, a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag. The status component 164 may be configured to update, via the point of sale system, a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status. For example, the first record may be a memory field of the electronic tag or a record in the database 170. The activation component 166 is configured to update, after the electronic tag 150 has been read by a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system (e.g., exit system 140), the electronic tag 150 to operate in a privacy mode. The statistics component is configured to determine a number of electronic tags detected with the first memory field in the electronic indicating a sold status or calculate other statistics relevant for configuring or calibrating the exit system. The database 170 is configured to store item level information such as electronic product codes (EPC), serial numbers, item status, tag status, and detection statistics.

[0038] The POS system 134 may be configured to change a status of an item associated with an electronic tag. For example, the POS system 134 may perform a purchase transaction. The POS system 134 may determine that the status of an item associated with an electronic tag should be changed to “sold” in response to the purchase transaction. The POS system 134 may provide an indication of the change of status to the privacy system 160. The POS system 134 may also update the electronic tag 150 to indicate the sold status. For example, the memory 154 may include a first memory field that indicates the status of the item. For instance, the first memory field may be a single bit that is set to indicate the sold status, or a larger data field that may indicate different statuses. The POS system 134 may perform an EPC tag write operation to wirelessly write the item status to the electronic tag 150. In an aspect, writing the sold status to the tag may not deactivate the tag 150 itself.

[0039] In some implementations, the POS system 134 may initiate a delayed privacy mode. For example, when the electronic tag 150 includes an energy storage device associated with the privacy mode, the POS system 134 may charge the energy storage device. For instance, the POS system 134 may transmit a signal compatible with an energy harvesting circuit of the electronic tag 150 that charges the energy storage device. The signal may be different than a signal for reading the electronic tag 150. Additionally, the POS system 134 may set a privacy mode of the electronic tag 150 to become effective once the state of charge of the energy storage device drops below a threshold. In some implementations, the POS system 134 may overwrite an EPC of the electronic tag 150 with information that is not personally identifiable. Accordingly,even if the electronic tag 150 transmits the non-personally identifiable information in the EPC field of the electronic tag 150, the information cannot be used to track a specific person.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates example communications and stored information within the security system 102. A tag 150 may communicate with a POS system 134 and / or an EAS system such as exit system 140, either of which may read and write to the memory 154 of the tag 150. The POS system 134 and the EAS system 140 may communicate directly with each other, or with the privacy system 160, which may, for example, by implemented as a server locally, remotely, or in a cloud architecture.

[0041] The memory 154 of the tag 150 may include various fields that store information relevant to a privacy mode. The EPC field 210 may store an electronic product code (EPC). In some implementations, the EPC is unique to each tagged item. In such implementations, the EPC may be used as a unique identifier for a record of the tagged item. In other implementations, the EPC may be reused, for example, for different items of the same type. In such implementations, item specific information may be stored on the tag 150.

[0042] The status field 220 may indicate a status of the item associated with the tag. In some implementations, the status field 220 may indicate that the item is either unsold or sold. Other implementations may include additional statuses. In some implementations, the status field 220 may be transmitted in addition to the EPC when the tag is read. In general, the status field 220 alone does not place the tag 150 into a privacy mode, but the status field 220 is used by other devices or in conjunction with other information to determine whether the tag 150 operates in privacy mode.

[0043] The privacy mode field 230 may indicate whether the tag 150 is to operate in privacy mode. That is, the privacy mode field 230 may indicate whether the tag 150 is to respond to a signal from an RFID reader (e.g., exit system 140). In some implementations, the privacy controller 158 may read the value of the privacy mode field 230 to determine whether to transmit. In some implementations, the privacy controller 158 may consider other factors such as a state of charge of energy storage device 152 when determining whether to transmit in response to the signal from the RFID reader.

[0044] The counter field 240 may store an indication of a number of times that the RFID tag 150 has been read. The threshold field 250 may be a value for comparison with the counter field 240. The counter field 240 may be incremented or decremented(i.e., negatively incremented) each time the tag 150 is charged by the signal from the RFID reader. In some implementations, the counter field 240 may store a number of reads over the lifetime of the tag 150. When the status field 220 is changed to sold, the threshold field 250 may be set to a value indicating that the tag 150 should enter privacy mode when the counter field 240 reaches the value stored in the threshold field 250. In other implementations, the counter field 240 may be initialized when the status field 220 is changed to sold. The threshold field 250 may be preset and the tag 150 may be placed in the privacy mode when the value of the counter field 240 reaches the value of the threshold field 250.

[0045] The password field 260 may store one or both of the access password and the kill password. The privacy controller 158 may enforce access to other memory fields based on the access password and / or the kill password. For example, in some implementations, the access password may be used by the POS system 134 to change the status field 220 and the kill password may be required for the exit system 140 to place the tag in the privacy mode.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 3, an example privacy system 160 may be implemented as a computer device 340 configured to execute a privacy application 360. Whether the computer device 340 is located at the retail location 100 or remotely, the computer device 340 may include a central processing unit (CPU) 342 including one or more processors that, individually or in combination, execute instructions stored in memory 344. For example, the CPU 342 may execute an operating system 352 and one or more applications 354, which may include the item-tracking application 360. The computer device 340 may include a storage device 346 for storing data (e.g., POS system events and exit system measurements). The computer device 340 may also include a network interface 348 for communication with external devices via a network. For example, the computer device 340 may communicate with the POS system 134 and / or the exit system 140.

[0047] The computer device 340 may optionally include a display 350. The display 350 may be, for example, a computer monitor and / or a touch-screen. The display 350 may provide information to an operator and allow the operator to configure the computer device 340.

[0048] Memory 344 may be configured for storing data and / or computer-executable instructions defining and / or associated with an operating system 352 and / or application 354, and CPU 342 may execute operating system 352 and / or application 354. Memory344 may represent one or more hardware memory devices accessible to computer device 340. An example of memory 344 can include, but is not limited to, a type of memory usable by a computer, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), tapes, magnetic discs, optical discs, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and any combination thereof. Memory 344 may store local versions of applications being executed by CPU 342. In an implementation, the memory 344 may include a storage device, which may be a non-volatile memory.

[0049] The CPU 342 may include one or more processors for executing instructions. An example of CPU 342 can include, but is not limited to, any processor specially programmed as described herein, including a controller, microcontroller, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA), system on chip (SoC), or other programmable logic or state machine. The CPU 342 may include other processing components such as an arithmetic logic unit (AUU), registers, and a control unit. The CPU 342 may include multiple cores and may be able to process different sets of instructions and / or data concurrently using the multiple cores to execute multiple threads.

[0050] The operating system 352 may include instructions (such as applications 354) stored in memory 344 and executable by the CPU 342. The applications 354 may include the item -tracking application 360 configured to track items that have been removed from the retail location 100 without authorization.

[0051] The privacy application 360 may include the purchase component 162, the status component 164, the activation component 166, and the statistics component 168.

[0052] Turning to FIG. 4, an example method 400 implements a delayed activation of a privacy mode after an item associated with a tag is purchased. For example, method 400 may be performed by the privacy system 160 and / or the privacy application 360 on the computer device 340. Optional blocks are shown with dashed lines.

[0053] At block 410, the method 400 includes detecting, at a point of sale system, a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag. For example, the privacy system 160 and / or the purchase component 162 may detect, at a POS system 134, a change of status of an item 122 associated with an electronic tag 150. For example, the POS system 134 may read the electronic tag 150 when an item is purchased and report the EPC associated with the transaction to the purchase component 162. The POS system 134 and / or the purchase component 162 may change the status of an item in response to other transactions such as a refund or exchange.

[0054] At block 420, the method 400 includes updating, by the point of sale system, a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status. For example, the privacy system 160, the POS system 134, and / or the status component 164 may update, by the point of sale system, a first record (e.g., status field 220) associated with the electronic tag 150 to indicate a sold status. For instance, the status component 164 may indicate the status change and the POS system 134 may write the new status to the status field 220 in the memory 154 of the electronic tag 150. In some implementations, the POS system 134 may not write directly to the electronic tag 150, for example, where the POS system 134 allows a mobile checkout. Instead, the POS system 134 may update a record in the database 170 for the electronic tag to indicate the sold status. The database 170 is accessible by the exit system 140, so the status of the item and / or electronic tag 150 may be determined by the exit system 140. The POS system 134 may update both the status field 220 and the database 170.

[0055] At block 430, the method 400 may optionally include overwriting, by the point of sale system, an EPC of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable. For example, the privacy system 160, the POS system 134, and / or the status component 164 may overwrite the value of the EPC field 210 of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable. For instance the status component 164 may instruct the POS system 134 to write the information that is not personally identifiable to the electronic tag. In some implementations, the information that is not personally identifiable includes a store code and a date. Such information may allow the EAS system 140 to determine that the item has been purchased, but may not be useful for tracking an individual if later read by the EAS system 140 or another RFID reader. In some implementations, the information that is not personally identifiable overwrites every bit in the EPC. For instance, the information may be padded to be the same length as the EPC.

[0056] At block 440, the method 400 includes updating, after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode. For example, the privacy system 160, the activation component 166, the exit system 140, and / or the electronic tag 150 may update the electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system. Detailed examples of techniques to update the electronic tag to operate in privacy mode are described below with respect to FIGs. 5-7.

[0057] At block 450, the method 400 may optionally include determining a number of electronic tags detected with the first record indicating a sold status. For example, the privacy system 160, the exit system 140, and / or the statistics component 168 may determine the number of electronic tags detected with the first record indicating a sold status. The statistics component 168 may further calculate a detection rate for the tags that have been set to the sold status. In some implementations, the statistics component 168 may configure or calibrate the exit system 140 based on the detection rate. For instance, the statistics component may increase a strength of an RF field or alter a beam direction of the RF field if the detection rate is below a threshold.

[0058] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 500 of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system,. For example, method 500 may be performed by the privacy system 160 and / or the privacy application 360 on the computer device 340. The method 500 may correspond to block 440 of the method 400.

[0059] In block 510, the method 500 includes detecting, by the RFID EAS system that the first record indicates the sold status and a second memory field in the electronic tag does not indicate the privacy mode. For example, the RFID EAS system (e.g., exit system 140) may detect that the first record (e.g., status field 220 or database 170) indicates the sold status and a second memory field (e.g., privacy mode field 230) does not indicate the privacy mode.

[0060] In block 520, the method 500 includes writing the privacy mode to the second memory field in the electronic tag by the RFID EAS system. For example, the RFID EAS system (e.g., exit system 140) may write the privacy mode to the privacy mode field 230 in the memory 154 of the electronic tag 150. Accordingly, the privacy controller 158 of the electronic tag 150 may cause the electronic tag 150 to operate in the privacy mode after the electronic tag 150 has been read by the exit system 140.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 600 of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system,. For example, method 600 may be performed by the privacy system 160 and / or the privacy application 360 on the computer device 340. The method 600 may correspond to block 440 of the method 400.

[0062] In block 610, the method 600 includes incrementing a value of a third memory field in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radiofrequency field. For example, the electronic tag 150 may increment (includingnegatively increment) the value of the third memory field (e.g., counter field 240) in response to the electronic tag 150 being charged by a radio frequency field. For instance, the radio frequency field may be emitted by the exit system 140.

[0063] In block 620, the method 600 includes setting, by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field satisfying athreshold. For example, the electronic tag 150 or the privacy controller 158 thereof may set the second memory field (e.g., privacy mode field 230) to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field (e.g., counter field 240) satisfying a threshold (e.g., a value stored in threshold field 250). For instance, the counter field 240 may count up or count down until reaching the threshold. Accordingly, the electronic tag 150 may be read one or more times by charging prior to entering the privacy mode. Additionally, the exit system 140 does not need to actively write to the electronic tag to place the tag in privacy mode, so attempts to track the electronic tag with another RFID reader may cause the tag to enter the privacy mode .

[0064] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method 700 of updating an electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode after the electronic tag has been read by a RFID EAS system,. For example, method 700 may be performed by the privacy system 160 and / or the privacy application 360 on the computer device 340. The method 700 may correspond to block 440 of the method 400.

[0065] In block 710, the method 700 includes charging, by the point of sale system, an energy storage device in the electronic tag. For example, the POS system 134 may charge the energy storage device 152. For instance, the POS system 134 may generate an RF field for charging the energy storage device 152 at a different frequency than for reading the electronic tag 150. The electronic tag 150 may harvest energy from the RF field to charge the energy storage device 152. In other implementations, the POS system 134 may utilize an inductive or electric coupling to charge the energy storage device 152.

[0066] In block 720, the method 700 includes determining, by the electronic tag, to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device. For example, the electronic tag 150 and / or the privacy controller 158 thereof may determine to operate the electronic tag 150 in the privacy mode based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device 152. In some implementations, at sub-block 722, the block 720 may include setting, by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the state of charge of theenergy storage device being less than athreshold. That is, the electronic tag 150 and / or the privacy controller 158 may set the value of the privacy mode field 230 to the privacy mode. Accordingly, the electronic tag 150 may operate in the privacy mode after the exit system 140 has a change to read the electronic tag 150. Additionally, the electronic tag 150 may enter the privacy mode even if not read by any RFID reader. In other implementations, at sub-block 724, the block 720 may optionally include setting by the point of sale system, a second memory field to indicate the privacy mode. That is, the POS system 134 may set the privacy mode field 230 to the privacy mode. In sub-block 726, the block 720 may include operating in the privacy mode only when the state of charge of the energy storage device is less than a threshold and the second memory field indicates the privacy mode. The privacy controller 158 may operate the electronic tag without the privacy mode until the state of charge of the energy storage decays below the threshold. Accordingly, the electronic tag may enter the privacy mode by default when the state of charge decays without a need to actively write to the memory.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is an example computer device 340 in accordance with an implementation, including additional component details as compared to FIG. 3. In one example, computer device 340 may include processor 48 for carrying out processing functions associated with one or more of components and functions described herein. Processor 48 can include a single or multiple set of processors or multi -core processors. Moreover, processor 48 can be implemented as an integrated processing system and / or a distributed processing system. In an implementation, for example, processor 48 may include CPU 342.

[0068] In an example, computer device 340 may include memory 50 for storing instructions executable by the processor 48 for carrying out the functions described herein. In an implementation, for example, memory 50 may include memory 344. The memory 50 may include instructions for executing the item -tracking application 360.

[0069] Further, computer device 340 may include a communications component 52 that provides for establishing and maintaining communications with one or more parties utilizing hardware, software, and services as described herein. Communications component 52 may carry communications between components on computer device 340, as well as between computer device 340 and external devices, such as devices located across a communications network and / or devices serially or locally connected to computer device 340. For example, communications component 52 may include one or more buses, and may further include transmit chain components and receive chaincomponents associated with a transmitter and receiver, respectively, operable for interfacing with external devices.

[0070] Additionally, computer device 340 may include a data store 54, which can be any suitable combination of hardware and / or software, that provides for mass storage of information, databases, and programs employed in connection with implementations described herein. For example, data store 54 may be a data repository for operating system 352 and / or applications 354. The data store may include memory 344 and / or storage device 346.

[0071] Computer device 340 may also include a user interface component 56 operable to receive inputs from a user of computer device 340 and further operable to generate outputs for presentation to the user. User interface component 56 may include one or more input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a number pad, a mouse, a touch-sensitive display, a digitizer, a navigation key, a function key, a microphone, a voice recognition component, any other mechanism capable of receiving an input from a user, or any combination thereof. Further, user interface component 56 may include one or more output devices, including but not limited to a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback mechanism, a printer, any other mechanism capable of presenting an output to a user, or any combination thereof.

[0072] In an implementation, user interface component 56 may transmit and / or receive messages corresponding to the operation of operating system 352 and / or applications 354. In addition, processor 38 may execute operating system 352 and / or applications 354, and memory 50 or data store 54 may store them.

[0073] As used in this application, the terms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to include a computer-related entity, such as but not limited to hardware, firmware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a computer device and the computer device can be a component. One or more components can reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. In addition, these components can execute from various computer readable media having various data structures stored thereon. The components may communicate by way of local and / or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets,such as data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and / or across a network such as the Internet with other systems by way of the signal.

[0074] Moreover, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or.” That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from the context, the phrase “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, the phrase “X employs A or B” is satisfied by any of the following instances: X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from the context to be directed to a singular form.

[0075] Additional example implementations are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0076] Clause 1. A method of delaying privacy mode for electronic tags, comprising: detecting, at a point of sale system, a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; updating, by the point of sale system, a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and updating, after the electronic tag has been read by a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, the electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode.

[0077] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: detecting, by the RFID EAS system that the first record indicates the sold status and a second memory field in the electronic tag does not indicate the privacy mode; and writing the privacy mode to the second memory field in the electronic tag by the RFID EAS system.

[0078] Clause 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the first record associated with the electronic tag is a first memory field in the electronic tag or a record of the electronic tag in a computer system accessible by the EAS system.

[0079] Clause 4. The method of any of clauses 1-3, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: incrementing a value of a third memory field in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and setting, by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field satisfying a threshold.

[0080] Clause 5. The method of any of clauses 1-4, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: charging, by the point of sale system, an energy storage device in the electronic tag; and determining, by the electronic tag, to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0081] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, wherein determining to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device comprises setting by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the state of charge of the energy storage device being less than a threshold.

[0082] Clause 7. The method of clause 5, wherein the point of sale system sets a second memory field to indicate the privacy mode, and the electronic tag is configured not to operate in the privacy mode unless the state of charge of the energy storage device is less than a threshold and the second memory field indicates the privacy mode.

[0083] Clause 8. The method of any of clauses 1-7, further comprising: overwriting, by the point of sale system, an electronic product code (EPC) of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable.

[0084] Clause 9. The method of clause 7, wherein the information that is not personally identifiable includes a store code and a date.

[0085] Clause 10. The method of clause 7, wherein the information that is not personally identifiable overwrites every bit in the EPC.

[0086] Clause 11. The method of any of clauses 1-10, further comprising: determining a number of electronic tags detected with the first record indicating a sold status.

[0087] Clause 12. The method of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the electronic tag is configured not to transmit when operating in the privacy mode.

[0088] Clause 13. A system of monitoring electronic tags with a delayed privacy mode, comprising: an electronic tag configured to selectively operate in a privacy mode in which the electronic tag does not transmit; a point of sale device configured to: detect a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; and update a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system configured to detect the electronic tag prior to operation in the privacy mode, wherein the RFID EAS system or the electronic tag is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode after the RFID EAS system detects the electronic tag.

[0089] Clause 14. The system of clause 13, wherein the RFID EAS system is configured to: detect that the first record indicates the sold status and a second memory field in the electronic tag does not indicate the privacy mode; and write the privacy mode to the second memory field in the electronic tag by the RFID EAS system.

[0090] Clause 15. The system of clause 13 or 14, wherein the electronic tag is configured to : increment a value of a third memory field in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and set a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field satisfying a threshold.

[0091] Clause 16. The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the point of sale system is configured to charge an energy storage device in the electronic tag and the electronic tag is configured to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0092] Clause 17. The system of any of clauses 13-16, wherein the point of sale system is configured to overwrite an electronic product code (EPC) of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable.

[0093] Clause 18. An electronic tag, comprising: a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit comprising: an antenna configured to be energized by a radio frequency (RF) field; and a transmitter configured to transmit tag information in response to the antenna being energized; and a controller comprising a memory configured to store an indication of a sold status, wherein the controller is configured to place the electronic tag in a privacy mode in which the transmitter is disabled after an RFID electronic article surveillance (EAS) system detects the electronic tag when the memory indicates the sold status.

[0094] Clause 19. The electronic tag of clause 18, wherein the controller is configured to: increment a value of a counter in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and place the electronic tag in the privacy mode in response to the value of the counter satisfying a threshold.

[0095] Clause 20. The electronic tag of clause 18 or 19, further comprising an energy storage device, wherein the controller is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

[0096] Various implementations or features may have been presented in terms of systems that may include a number of devices, components, modules, and the like. A person skilled in the art should understand and appreciate that the various systems mayinclude additional devices, components, modules, etc. and / or may not include all of the devices, components, modules etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used.

[0097] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, and actions of methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a specially-programmed one of a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computer devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, at least one processor may comprise one or more components operable to perform one or more of the steps and / or actions described above.

[0098] Further, the steps and / or actions of a method or procedure described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD- ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor, such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. Further, in some implementations, the processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. Additionally, the ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal. Additionally, in some implementations, the steps and / or actions of a method or procedure may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions on a machine readable medium and / or computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0099] In one or more implementations, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes computer storage media. Non-transitory computer-readable media excludes transitory signals. A storage medium may be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs usually reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0100] While implementations of the present disclosure have been described in connection with examples thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the implementations described above may be made without departing from the scope hereof. Other implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or from a practice in accordance with examples disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of delaying privacy mode for electronic tags, comprising: detecting, at a point of sale system, a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; updating, by the point of sale system, a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and updating, after the electronic tag has been read by a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, the electronic tag to operate in a privacy mode.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: detecting, by the RFID EAS system that the first record indicates the sold status and a second memory field in the electronic tag does not indicate the privacy mode; and writing the privacy mode to the second memory field in the electronic tag by the RFID EAS system.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first record associated with the electronic tag is a first memory field in the electronic tag or a record of the electronic tag in a computer system accessible by the EAS system.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: incrementing a value of a third memory field in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and setting, by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field satisfying a threshold.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein updating, after the electronic tag has been read by the RFID EAS system, the electronic tag to operate in the privacy mode comprises: charging, by the point of sale system, an energy storage device in the electronic tag; and determining, by the electronic tag, to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on the state of charge of the energy storage device comprises setting by the electronic tag, a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the state of charge of the energy storage device being less than a threshold.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the point of sale system sets a second memory field to indicate the privacy mode, and the electronic tag is configured not to operate in the privacy mode unless the state of charge of the energy storage device is less than a threshold and the second memory field indicates the privacy mode.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: overwriting, by the point of sale system, an electronic product code (EPC) of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the information that is not personally identifiable includes a store code and a date.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the information that is not personally identifiable overwrites every bit in the EPC.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a number of electronic tags detected with the first record indicating a sold status.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic tag is configured not to transmit when operating in the privacy mode.

13. A system of monitoring electronic tags with a delayed privacy mode, comprising: an electronic tag configured to selectively operate in a privacy mode in which the electronic tag does not transmit; a point of sale device configured to: detect a change of status of an item associated with an electronic tag; and update a first record associated with the electronic tag to indicate a sold status; and a radio frequency identification (RFID) electronic article surveillance (EAS) system configured to detect the electronic tag prior to operation in the privacy mode, wherein the RFID EAS system or the electronic tag is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode after the RFID EAS system detects the electronic tag.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the RFID EAS system is configured to: detect that the first record indicates the sold status and a second memory field in the electronic tag does not indicate the privacy mode; and write the privacy mode to the second memory field in the electronic tag by the RFID EAS system.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein the electronic tag is configured to: increment a value of a third memory field in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and set a second memory field to the privacy mode in response to the value in the third memory field satisfying a threshold.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the point of sale system is configured to charge an energy storage device in the electronic tag and the electronic tag is configured to operate in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the point of sale system is configured to overwrite an electronic product code (EPC) of the electronic tag with information that is not personally identifiable.

18. An electronic tag, comprising : a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit comprising: an antenna configured to be energized by a radio frequency (RF) field; and a transmitter configured to transmit tag information in response to the antenna being energized; and a controller comprising a memory configured to store an indication of a sold status, wherein the controller is configured to place the electronic tag in a privacy mode in which the transmitter is disabled after an RFID electronic article surveillance (EAS) system detects the electronic tag when the memory indicates the sold status.

19. The electronic tag of claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to: increment a value of a counter in the electronic tag in response to the electronic tag being charged by a radio-frequency field; and place the electronic tag in the privacy mode in response to the value of the counter satisfying a threshold.

20. The electronic tag of claim 18, further comprising an energy storage device, wherein the controller is configured to place the electronic tag in the privacy mode based at least in part on a state of charge of the energy storage device.

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