System and method for determining orientation of a security tag secured to an article

Abstract

An aspect of the present disclosure includes a security tag having a sensor, a cover within which the sensor is secured, and a visible marking on a portion of the cover. The visible marking identifies a relative location of the sensor within the cover. Another aspect includes a method comprising: identifying, based on a visible marking on a cover of a security tag, a relative location of a sensor movable positioned within the cover; and sewing the security tag onto an article through the cover and avoiding the relative location of the sensor based, on the visible marking. A further aspect includes a method composing; coating at least a portion of a security tag or an article of clothing with a UV- sensitive chemical; and attaching the security tag to the article of clothing by determining an orientation of the security tag using a UV light that illuminates the UV-sensitive chemical

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ORIENTATION OF A SECURITY TAG SECURED TO AN ARTICLE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 658,771, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING ORIENTATION OF A SECURITY TAG SECURED TO AN ARTICLE” and filed on June 11, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in the entirety. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to security tags, such as Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) tags, which may be attached to or incorporated into an article, such as a textile, garment, or other item. BACKGROUND

[0003] Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are commonly used in retail stores and other settings to prevent 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 an “interrogation zone.” Articles to be protected are tagged with a security tag (such as a Radio Frequency Identification (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” detect this response signal and generate an alarm.

[0004] Additionally, permanent hidden / embedded tags in goods could be used for other purposes, such as, but not limited to, circular economy applications (new business models such as renting clothes or selling second-hand clothes with known authenticity and pedigree). In many cases, the same tag can be used for multiple purposes: security (anti-theft), circular economy, supply chain management, and inventory management.

[0005] One drawback of tagging goods with EAS markers and other security tags for purposes of theft prevention is that the tag itself is often visible to thieves. Shoplifters in many cases are able to locate the EAS marker and simply remove, disable, or shieldan EAS marker element to evade detection by the detection system. Further, customers may determine that the location and / or placement of the EAS marker affixed to an article causes annoyance or physical harm.

[0006] Further, in some cases, sewing a tag onto an article of clothing may damage the tag if, for example, the sewing needle runs over and breaks the electronic components of the tag, such as antenna, chip, etc.

[0007] Thus, improvements in security tags and the systems and methods for affixing EAS markers to / in an article are needed. SUMMARY

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The present disclosure provides systems, apparatuses, and methods for securing security tags to apparel items.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag including: a sensor; a cover within which the sensor is secured; and a visible marking on at least a portion of the cover, wherein the visible marking identifies a relative location of the sensor within the cover.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking identifies a sewing area on the cover for attaching the security tag to an article.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the sewing area is spaced apart from the relative location of the sensor within the cover.

[0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking extends along the sewing area.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking is located on a first side of the cover and on a second side of the cover, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein a color of the visible marking is different than a color of the cover.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking includes an ink.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking includes ultrasonically welded markings.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the ultrasonically welded markings include an ink incorporated onto the cover during an ultrasonic welding process from a thermal transfer ink ribbon.

[0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking is invisible under ambient light and visible under ultraviolet light.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the visible marking includes a thread thermally affixed within a sewing area that is spaced apart from a location of the sensor within the cover.

[0021] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a security tag, wherein the cover includes two layers that are fixedly attached at at least three edges.

[0022] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: identifying, based on a visible marking on a cover of a security tag, a relative location of a sensor movably positioned within the cover; and sewing the security tag onto an article through the cover and avoiding the relative location of the sensor based on the visible marking.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the visible marking identifies a sewing area on the cover for attaching the security tag to the article, wherein the sewing area is spaced apart from the relative location of the sensor within the cover.

[0024] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the visible marking is located on a first side of the cover and on a second side of the cover, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

[0025] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the visible marking includes ultrasonically welded markings, wherein the ultrasonically welded markings include an ink incorporated onto the cover during an ultrasonic welding process from a thermal transfer ink ribbon.

[0026] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the visible marking is invisible under ambient light and visible under ultraviolet light.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the visible marking includes a thread thermally affixed within a sewing area that is spaced apart from a location of the sensor within the cover.

[0028] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: feeding a partially-formed security tag into an ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the partially-formed security tag includes a sensor between a first layer and a second layer of a cover, wherein the cover includes a sewing area; feeding a material including a visible marking into the ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the material is aligned with the sewing area; and welding together the first layer and the second layer of the cover so as to include the visible marking in the sewing area.

[0029] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method including: coating at least a portion of a security tag or an article of clothing with an Ultraviolet (UV) - sensitive chemical; and attaching the security tag to the article of clothing by determining an orientation of the security tag using a UV light that illuminates the UV-sensitive chemical.

[0030] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The disclosed aspects will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, provided to illustrate and not to limit the disclosed aspects, wherein like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0032] FIG.1 is a block diagram of an example system according to some present aspects.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example security tag according to some present aspects.

[0034] FIG.3 is a block diagram of an example tag reader according to some present aspects.

[0035] FIG.4 is a cross-sectional view of an example tag according to some present aspects.

[0036] FIG.5 is a front view of another example tag according to some present aspects.

[0037] FIG.6 is a front view of the example tag of FIG.5 with a top layer of a fabric material removed to provide a view of a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor coupled with an induction loop, which is coupled with an antenna integrated within a bottom layer of the fabric material, according to some present aspects.

[0038] FIG.7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the article surveillance tag along line 7- 7 of FIG.5, according to some present aspects.

[0039] FIG.8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the article surveillance tag along line 8- 8 of FIG.5, according to some present aspects.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a front view of a portion of the article including the tag, according to some present aspects.

[0041] FIG.10 is a cross-sectional view of the tag positioned between adjacent layers of the article along line 10-10 of FIG.9, according to some present aspects.

[0042] FIG.11 is a schematic view of a security tag, according to some present aspects.

[0043] FIG. 12 is another schematic view of the security tag of FIG. 11 under Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, according to some present aspects.

[0044] FIG.13 is a schematic view of a portion of a fabric, according to some present aspects.

[0045] FIG. 14 is another schematic view of the portion of the fabric of FIG. 13 under UV exposure, according to some present aspects.

[0046] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a security tag being inserted in a funnel of a sewing machine, according to some present aspects.

[0047] FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a fabric having ultrasonically welded threads, according to some present aspects.

[0048] FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a security tag having ultrasonically welded threads, according to some present aspects.

[0049] FIG. 18 is a schematic view of an example ultrasonic welding system for making a visible line on the cover of a tag, according to some present aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In someinstances, well-known components may be shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

[0051] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a security tag, such as a passive Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or an Acousto-Magnetic (AM) tag, which is designed to be physically capable of withstanding a variety of the tensile and abrasive forces experienced by the tag when the tag is attached to clothing. The security tag may be optionally flexible and optionally water-resistant. In some implementations, the security tag is configured to be incorporated into an interface between different layers of an item, such as a garment or article of clothing formed from a fabric. In some other examples, the tag may be secured to an outside layer and / or surface of the item and / or the fabric. Moreover, the security tag can be discreetly disposed within the item so as to be concealed from view. In some aspects, the security tag is designed to be attached and / or affixed to an item via a sewing machine. In some cases, the sewing machine may include a presser foot, as described below, that is configured to separate two portions of the item to be sewn, allowing for placement and concealment of the security tag between the two portions during the sewing process.

[0052] In some alternative aspects, visible markings are incorporated onto the tag for sewing area identification. For example, visible markings may be incorporated onto a cover of the security tag using ultrasonic welding technology and a thermal transfer ink ribbon to create a mark over the sewing area of the tag. Thus, the visible markings enable a user to identify a relative location of the sewing area, which is spaced apart from a location of a sensor within the cover. This enables a user who is sewing the security tag onto a garment to ensure the sewing needle does not damage the sensor, and / or enable a user who is checking a quality of the security tag within the garment to confirm that the sensor has not been damaged during a sewing process.

[0053] Turning now to the figures, example aspects are depicted with reference to one or more components described herein, where components in dashed lines may be optional.

[0054] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is provided a block diagram of an example system 100 that is useful for understanding the present aspects. The present aspects are described herein in relation to a retail store environment. The present aspects are not limited in this regard and can be used in other environments. For example, the present aspects can be used in distribution centers, factories, and other commercialenvironments. Notably, the present aspects can be employed in any environment in which objects and / or items need to be located and / or tracked.

[0055] The system 100 is generally configured to allow (a) improved inventory counts and surveillance of objects and / or items located within a facility, and (b) improved customer experiences. As shown in FIG. 1, system 100 comprises a Retail Store Facility (RSF) 128 in which display equipment 1021-102Mare disposed. The display equipment 1021-102Mare provided for displaying objects (or items) 1101-110N, …, 1161-116Xto customers of the retail store. The display equipment 1021-102Mcan include, but are not limited to, shelves, article display cabinets, promotional displays, fixtures, and / or equipment se-curing areas of the RSF 128. The RSF 128 can also include emergency equipment (not shown), checkout counters, video cameras, people counters, and conventional EAS systems well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein.

[0056] At least one tag reader 120 is provided to assist in counting and tracking locations of the objects 1101-110N,116X within the RSF 128. The tag reader 120 comprises an RFID reader configured to read RFID tags.

[0057] RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xare respectively inserted into the objects 1101- 110N, …, 1161-116Xas described below. This insertion is achieved via an insertion tool, and / or special cuts or notches designed into the garment to improve the ease of inserting, and / or a structural configuration of the RFID tag to enable the insertion. The RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xcan alternatively or additionally comprise dual-technology tags that have both EAS and RFID capabilities as described herein. In examples aspects disclosed herein, the elements of an RFID tag are inserted into an article, for example into an interface between layers of the fabric / cloth of the article, which may be clothing, or which may be another retail item, such as a handbag, a backpack, and the like.

[0058] Notably, the tag reader 120 is strategically placed at a known location within the RSF 128, for example, at an exit / entrance. By correlating the tag reader's RFID tag reads and the tag reader's known location within the RSF 128, it is possible to determine the general location of objects 1101, . . ., 110N, …, 1161, . . ., 116X within the RSF 128. The tag reader's known coverage area also facilitates object location determinations. Accordingly, RFID tag read information and tag reader location information is stored in a datastore 126. This information can be stored in the datastore 126 using a server 124 and a network 144 (e.g., an Intranet and / or Internet).

[0059] System 100 also comprises a Mobile Communication Device (MCD) 130. MCD 130 includes, but is not limited to, a cell phone, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant, and / or a wearable device (e.g., a smart watch). In accordance with some examples, the MCD 130 has a software application installed thereon that is operative to facilitate the provision of various information 134-142 to the individual 152 and / or to facilitate a purchase transaction.

[0060] The MCD 130 is generally configured to provide a visual and / or auditory output of item level information 134, accessory information 136, related product information 138, discount information 140, and / or customer related information 142.

[0061] The MCD 130 can also be configured to read barcodes and / or RFID tags. Information obtained from the barcode and / or RFID tag reads may be communicated from the MCD 130 to the server 124 via the network 144. Similarly, the stored information 134-142 is provided from the server 124 to the MCD 130 via the network 144. The network 144 may include an Intranet and / or the Internet.

[0062] Server 124 can be local to the RSF 128 as shown in FIG. 1 or remote from the RSF 128. It should be understood that server 124 is configured to: write data to and read data from datastore 126, RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118X, and / or MCD 130; perform language and currency conversion operations using item level information 134 and / or accessory information 136 obtained from the datastore 126, RFID tags1121-112N, …, 1181-118X, and / or MCD 130; perform data analytics based on inventory information (134), tag read information, MCD tacking information, and / or information 134-142; perform image processing using images captured by camera(s) 148; and / or determine locations of RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118X and / or MCDs 130 in the RSF 128 using beacon(s) 146, tag reader 120, or other devices having known locations and / or antenna patterns.

[0063] In some examples, one or more beacons 146 transmitting a Radio Frequency (RF) signal (e.g., a second RF signal that is non-RFID) other than the RFID interrogation signal are placed to cover a zone of interest also covered by a tag reader 120 placed to cover an RFID interrogation zone, e.g., at a portal of the RSF 128. The system 100 can detect and derive any number of relevant indicators based on RF signals transmitted by the beacons 146. A tag’s response to the RF signals transmitted by the beacons 146 is analyzed and compared to data collected by the RFID signal response that occurred concurrently with the tag's passage through the portal.

[0064] The server 124 facilitates update of the information 134-142 output from the MCD 130. Such information updating can be performed periodically, in response to instructions received from an associate (e.g., a retail store employee 132), in response to a detected change in the item level information 134, accessory information136, and / or related product information 138, in response to a detection that an individual is in proximity to an RFID tag, and / or in response to any motion or movement of the RFID tag. For example, if a certain product is placed on sale, then the sale price for that product is transmitted to MCD 130 via network 144 and / or RFID tag 112 / 118. The sale price is then output from the MCD 130. The present aspects are not limited to the particulars of this example.

[0065] Although a single MCD 130 and / or a single server 124 is (are) shown in FIG. 1, the present aspects are not limited in this regard. It is contemplated that more than one computing device can be implemented. In addition, the present aspects are not limited to the illustrative system architecture described in relation to FIG.1.

[0066] During operation of system 100, the content displayed on the display screen of the MCD 130 is dynamically controlled based upon various tag or item-related information and / or customer-related information (e.g., mobile device identifier, mobile device location in RSF 128, and / or customer loyalty level). Tag or item level information 134 includes, but is not limited to, first information indicating that an RFID tag 112 / 118 is in motion or that an object is being handled by an individual 152, second information indicating a current location of the RFID tag 112 / 118 and / or the MCD 130, third information indicating an accessory or related product of the object to which the moving RFID tag is coupled, and / or fourth information indicating the relative locations of the accessory and the moving RFID tag 112 / 118 and / or the relative locations of the related product and the moving RFID tag 112 / 118. The first, second, and fourth information can be derived based on sensor data generated by sensors local to the RFID tag. Accordingly, the RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181- 118X may include one or more sensors to detect their current locations, detect any individual in proximity thereto, and / or detect any motion or movement thereof. The sensors may include, but are not limited to, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), a vibration sensor, a light sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a proximity sensor, a microphone, and / or a beacon communication device. The third information can be stored local to the RFID tag(s) or in a remote datastore 126 as information 136, 138.

[0067] In some aspects, the MCD 130 facilitates operations of the server 124 to: (a) detect when the individual 152 enters the RSF 128, (b) track movement of the individual 152 through the RSF 128, (c) detect when the individual 152 is in proximity to an object to which an RFID tag 112 / 118 is coupled, (d) determine that an RFID tag 112 / 118 is being handled or moved by the individual 152 based on a time stamped pattern of MCD 130 movement and a timestamped pattern of RFID tag 112 / 118 movement, and / or (e) determine an association of moving RFID tags 112 / 118 and the individual 152.

[0068] When a detection is made that an RFID tag 112 / 118 is being moved, the server 124 can, in some aspects, obtain customer-related information 142 (such as a loyalty level) associated with the individual 152. This information can be obtained from the individual's MCD 130 and / or from the datastore 126. The customer related information 142 is then used to retrieve discount information 140 for the object to which the RFID tag 112 / 118 is coupled. The retrieved discount information is then communicated from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The individual's MCD 130 can output the discount information in a visual format and / or in an auditory format. Other information may also be communicated from the server 124 to the individual's MCD 130. The other information includes, but is not limited to, item level information 134, accessory information 136, and / or related product information 138.

[0069] In those or other aspects, a sensor embedded in the RFID tag 112 / 118 may detect when an individual 152 is handling the object in which the RFID tag 112 / 118 is inserted. When such a detection is made, the RFID tag 112 / 118 retrieves the object's unique identifier from its local memory, and wirelessly communicates the same to the tag reader 120. The tag reader 120 then passes the information to the server 124. The server 124 uses the object's unique identifier and the item / accessory information 136 (e.g., table) to determine if there are any accessories associated therewith. If no accessories exist for the object, the server 124 uses the item level information 134 to determine one or more characteristics of the object. For example, the object may be a product of a specific brand. The server 124 then uses the item / related product information 138 (e.g., table) to identify other products of the same type with the same characteristics and / or other products that are typically used in conjunction with the object. Related product information for the identified related products is then retrieved and provided to the MCD 130. The MCD 130 can output the related productinformation in a visual format and / or in an auditory format. The individual 152 can perform user-software interactions with the MCD 130 to obtain further information related to the product of interest. The present aspects are not limited to the particulars of this example.

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is provided an illustrative architecture for a security tag 200. RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xare the same as or similar to security tag 200. As such, the discussion of security tag 200 is sufficient for understanding the RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xof FIG.1. In some implementations, security tag 200 may be configured to perform operations such as, but not limited to, (a) minimize power usage so as to extend a power source's life (e.g., a battery or a capacitor), (b) minimize collisions with other tags so that the tag of interest can be seen at given times, (c) optimize useful information within an inventory system (e.g., communicate useful change information to a tag reader), and / or (d) optimize local feature functions.

[0071] The security tag 200 can include more or fewer components than that shown in FIG. 2. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrative implemention of the present aspects. Some or all of the components of the security tag 200 can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes, but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electronic circuit(s) may comprise passive components (e.g., capacitors and resistors) and active components (e.g., processors) arranged and / or programmed to implement the methods disclosed herein.

[0072] The hardware architecture of FIG.2 is representative of a security tag 200 configured to facilitate improved inventory management / surveillance and customer experience. In this regard, the security tag 200 is configured for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., tag reader 120 of FIG. 1, beacon 146 of FIG. 1, MCD 130 of FIG. 1, and / or server 124 of FIG. 1) via wireless communication technology. The wireless communication technology can include, but is not limited to, an RFID technology, a Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, and / or a Short Range Communication (SRC) technology. For example, one or more of the following wireless communication technologies may be employed: RF communication technology; Bluetooth technology (including Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)); Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) technology; beacon technology; and / or Light Fidelity (LiFi) technology. Each of the listed wireless communication technologies iswell known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. Any known or to be known wireless communication technology or other wireless communication technology can be used herein without limitation.

[0073] The components 206-214 shown in FIG.2 may be collectively referred to herein as a communication enabled device 204 and include a memory 208 and a clock / timer 214. Memory 208 may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 208 can include, but is not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Dynamic RAM (DRAM), Static RAM (SRAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and / or flash memory. The memory 208 may also comprise unsecure memory and / or secure memory.

[0074] In some aspects, the communication enabled device 204 comprises a Software Defined Radio (SDR). SDRs are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described in detail herein. However, it should be noted that the SDR can be programmatically assigned any communication protocol that is chosen by a user (e.g., RFID, WiFi, LiFi, Bluetooth, BLE, Nest, ZWave, Zigbee, etc.). The communication protocols are part of the device's firmware and reside in memory 208. Notably, the communication protocols can be downloaded to the device at any given time. The initial / default role (being an RFID, WiFi, LiFi, etc., tag) can be assigned at the deployment thereof. If the user desires to use another protocol later, the user can remotely change the communication protocol of the deployed security tag 200. The update of the firmware, in case of issues, can also be performed remotely.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication enabled device 204 comprises at least one antenna 202, 216 for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device via a wireless communication technology (e.g., an RFID technology, an NFC technology, an SRC technology, and / or a beacon technology). The antenna 202, 216 is configured to receive signals from the external device and / or transmit signals generated by the communication enabled device 204. The antenna 202, 216 can comprise a near-field or far-field antenna. The antennas include, but are not limited to, a chip antenna or a loop antenna.

[0076] The communication enabled device 204 also comprises a communication device 206 (e.g., a transceiver or transmitter). Communication devices (e.g., transceivers or transmitters) are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. However, it should be understood that the communication device 206 generates and transmits signals (e.g., RF carrier signals) to external devices, as well as receivessignals (e.g., RF signals) transmitted from external devices. In this way, the communication enabled device 204 facilitates the registration, identification, location, and / or tracking of an item (e.g., object 110 / 116 of FIG. 1) in which the security tag 200 is inserted.

[0077] The communication enabled device 204 is configured so that it: communicates (transmits and receives) in accordance with a time slot communication scheme; and selectively enables / disables / bypasses the communication device (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation based on output of a motion sensor 250. In some aspects, the communication enabled device 204 selects: one or more time slots from a plurality of time slots based on the tag's unique identifier (ID) 224 (e.g., an Electronic Product Code (EPC)); and / or determines a Window Of Time (WOT) during which the communication device 206 (e.g., transceiver) is to be turned on or at least one communications operation is to be enabled subsequent to when motion is detected by the motion sensor 250. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature, time of day, relative distance to a location device (e.g., beacon or location tag), etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). In this regard, the security tag 200 can include additional sensors not shown in FIG.2.

[0078] The communication enabled device 204 also facilitates the automatic and dynamic modification of item level information 226 that is being or is to be output from the security tag 200 in response to certain trigger events. The trigger events can include, but are not limited to, the tag's arrival at a particular facility (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG.1), the tag's arrival in a particular country or geographic region, a date occurrence, a time occurrence, a price change, and / or the reception of user instructions.

[0079] Item level information 226 and the unique ID 224 for the security tag 200 can be stored in memory 208 of the communication enabled device 204 and / or communicated to other external devices (e.g., tag reader 120 of FIG.1, beacon 146 of FIG. 1, MCD 130 of FIG. 1, and / or server 124 of FIG. 1) via communication device 206 (e.g., transceiver) and / or via interface 240 (e.g., an Internet Protocol or cellular network interface). For example, the communication enabled device 204 can communicate information specifying a timestamp, a unique ID for an item, item description, item price, a currency symbol, and / or location information, to an external device. The external device (e.g., server 124 or MCD 130) can then store theinformation in a database (e.g., datastore 126 of FIG. 1) and / or use the information for various purposes.

[0080] The communication enabled device 204 also comprises a controller 210 (e.g., a Central Processing Unit (CPU)) and input / output devices 212. The controller 210 can execute instructions 222 implementing methods for facilitating inventory counts and management. In this regard, the controller 210 includes a processor (or logic circuitry that responds to instructions) and the memory 208 includes a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions 222 (e.g., software code) configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions 222 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the controller 210 during execution thereof by the security tag 200. The memory 208 and the controller 210 can also constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readable media,” as used herein, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions 222. The term “machine- readable media,” as used herein, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions 222 for execution by the security tag 200 and that cause the security tag 200 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

[0081] The input / output devices 212 can include, but are not limited to, a display (e.g., a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and / or an active-matrix display), a speaker, a keypad, and / or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The display is used to present item level information 226 in a textual format and / or in graphical format. Similarly, the speaker may be used to output item level information 226 in an auditory format. The speaker and / or LEDs may be used to output alerts for drawing a person's attention to the security tag 200 (e.g., when motion thereof has been detected) and / or for notifying the person of a particular pricing status (e.g., on sale status) of the item in which the tag 200 is inserted.

[0082] The clock / timer 214 is configured to determine a date, a time, and / or an expiration of a predefined period of time. Techniques for determining these listed items are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known technique for determining these listed items can be used herein without limitation.

[0083] The security tag 200 also comprises an optional location module 230. The location module 230 is generally configured to determine the geographic location of the tag at any given time. For example, in some aspects, the location module 230 employs Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and / or Internet based local time acquisition technology. The present aspects are not limited to the particulars of this example. Any known or to be known technique for determining a geographic location can be used herein without limitation including relative positioning within a facility or structure.

[0084] The security tag 200 can also include a power source 236, an optional Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) component 244, and / or a passive / active / semi-passive RFID component 246. Each of the listed components 236, 244, 246 is well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known battery, EAS component, and / or RFID component can be used herein without limitation. The power source 236 can include, but is not limited to, a rechargeable battery and / or a capacitor.

[0085] As described herein, in some aspects, the EAS component 244 disposed in the security tag 200 may be any type of article surveillance mechanism, or combinations thereof. For example, in an aspect, the EAS component 244 may be an EAS sensor and / or an RFID sensor. In some further aspects, the EAS component 244 may include more than one sensor of the same type or of different types. For example, in one non- limiting aspect, the security tag 200 may have dual technology functionality (both RFID and EAS).

[0086] In an aspect, the EAS sensor may be a sensor of the type used in AM systems. In one non-limiting aspect, for example, the detectors in an AM system emit periodic bursts at 58 KHz, which causes a detectable resonant response in an AM tag. A security tag in a 58 KHz system may also be implemented as an electric circuit resonant at 58 kHz. In an aspect, the EAS sensor to be incorporated into the security tag 200 may have a small and substantially flat form factor, and may have a degree of flexibility.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 2, the security tag 200 further comprises an energy harvesting circuit 232 and a power management circuit 234 for ensuring continuous operation of the security tag 200 without the need to change the rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery). In some aspects, the energy harvesting circuit 232 is configured to harvest energy from one or more sources (e.g., heat, light, vibration, magnetic field, and / or RF energy) and to generate a relatively low amount of output power from theharvested energy. By employing multiple sources for harvesting, the device can continue to charge despite depletion of a source of energy. Energy harvesting circuits are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known energy harvesting circuit can be used herein without limitation.

[0088] As noted above, the security tag 200 may also include the motion sensor 250. Motion sensors are well known in the art, and therefore will not be described herein. Any known or to be known motion sensor can be used herein without limitation. For example, the motion sensor 250 may include, but is not limited to, a vibration sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a linear motion sensor, a Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor, a tilt sensor, and / or a rotation sensor.

[0089] The motion sensor 250 is communicatively coupled to the controller 210 such that it can notify the controller 210 when tag motion is detected. The motion sensor 250 also communicates sensor data to the controller 210. The sensor data is processed by the controller 210 to determine whether or not the motion is of a type for triggering enablement of the communication device 206 (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communications operation. For example, the sensor data can be compared to stored motion / gesture data 228 to determine if a match exists therebetween. More specifically, a motion / gesture pattern specified by the sensor data can be compared to a plurality of motion / gesture patterns specified by the stored motion / gesture data 228. The plurality of motion / gesture patterns can include, but are not limited to, a motion pattern for walking, a motion pattern for running, a motion pattern for vehicle transport, a motion pattern for vibration caused by equipment or machinery in proximity to the tag (e.g., an air conditioner or fan), a gesture for requesting assistance, a gesture for obtaining additional product information, and / or a gesture for product purchase. The type of movement (e.g., vibration or being carried) is then determined based on which stored motion / gesture data matches the sensor data. This feature of the present aspects allows the security tag 200 to selectively enable the communication device 206 (e.g., transceiver) or at least one communication operation only when the tag's location within a facility is actually being changed (e.g., and not when a fan is causing the tag to simply vibrate).

[0090] In some scenarios, the security tag 200 can also be configured to enter a sleep state in which at least the motion sensor triggering of communication operations is disabled. This is desirable, for example, in aspects when the security tag 200 is being shipped or transported from a distributor to a customer. In those or other scenarios, thesecurity tag 200 can be further configured to enter the sleep state in response to its continuous detection of motion for a given period of time. The tag can be transitioned from its sleep state in response to expiration of a defined time period, the tag's reception of a control signal from an external device, and / or the tag's detection of no motion for a period of time.

[0091] The power management circuit 234 is generally configured to control the supply of power to components of the security tag 200. In the event all of the storage and harvesting resources deplete to a point where the security tag 200 is about to enter a shutdown / brownout state, the power management circuit 234 can cause an alert to be sent from the security tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., tag reader 120 or server 124 of FIG. 1). In response to the alert, the remote device can inform an associate (e.g., a store employee 132 of FIG.1) so that they can investigate why the security tag 200 is not recharging and / or holding charge.

[0092] The power management circuit 234 is also capable of redirecting an energy source to the security tag's 200 electronics based on the energy source's status. For example, if harvested energy is sufficient to run the security tag's 200 function, the power management circuit 234 confirms that all of the security tag's 200 storage sources are fully charged such that the security tag's 200 electronic components can be run directly from the harvested energy. This ensures that the security tag 200 always has stored energy in case harvesting source(s) disappear or lesser energy is harvested for reasons such as drop in RF, light, or vibration power levels. If a sudden drop in any of the energy sources is detected, the power management circuit 234 can cause an alert condition to be sent from the security tag 200 to a remote device (e.g., tag reader 120 or server 124 of FIG. 1). At this point, an investigation may be required as to what caused this alarm. Accordingly, the remote device can inform the associate (e.g., a store employee 132 of FIG. 1) so that they can investigate the issue. for example, it may be that other merchandise are obscuring the harvesting source, or that the item is being stolen.

[0093] The present aspects are not limited to that shown in FIG.2. The security tag 200 can have any architecture, provided that it can perform the functions and operations described herein. For example, all of the components shown in FIG. 2 can comprise a single device (e.g., an Integrated Circuit (IC)). Alternatively, some of the components can comprise a first tag element (e.g., a Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) tag), while the remaining components comprise a second tag elementcommunicatively coupled to the first tag element. The second tag element can provide auxiliary functions (e.g., motion sensing, etc.) to the first tag element. The second tag element may also control operational states of the first tag element. For example, the second tag element can selectively (a) enable and disable one or more features / operations of the first tag element (e.g., transceiver operations), (b) couple or decouple an antenna to and from the first tag element, (c) bypass at least one communications device or operation, and / or (d) cause an operational state of the first tag element to be changed (e.g., cause transitioning the first tag element between a power save mode and a non-power save mode). In some scenarios, the operational state change can be achieved by changing the binary value of at least one state bit (e.g., from 0 to 1, or vice versa) for causing certain communication control operations to be performed by the security tag 200. Additionally, or alternatively, a switch can be actuated for creating a closed or open circuit. The present aspects are not limited in this regard.

[0094] In some examples, security tag 200 includes an RFID subsystem, such as communication-enabled device 204 described above, operative to receive an RFID interrogation signal and respond with an RFID response. Such security tags 200 may also include a non-RFID RF subsystem, also incorporated into communication enabled device 204, operative to receive a non-RFID RF signal and respond by wirelessly indicating that the non-RFID subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal. In some such examples, the non-RFID subsystem responds that the non-RFID RF subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal by one of: allowing the RFID subsystem to respond to the RFID interrogation signal with an RFID response only upon the non- RFID RF subsystem having received a non-RFID RF signal concurrently; supplementing the RFID response with at least one information element indicating that the non-RFID RF subsystem received the non-RFID RF signal; and separately transmitting a non-RFID response. In some such examples, the non-RFID RF subsystem is a Personal Area Network (PAN) signal. In some such examples, the PAN is a Bluetooth PAN.

[0095] The hardware architecture of FIG. 3 represents a representative tag reader 300 configured to facilitate improved inventory counts and management within an RSF (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG.1). In this regard, the tag reader 300 comprises an RF enabled device 350 for allowing data to be exchanged with an external device (e.g., RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xof FIG. 1) via RF technology. Thecomponents 304-316 shown in FIG.3 may be collectively referred to herein as the RF enabled device 350, and may include a power source (e.g., a battery 312) or may be connected to an external power source (e.g., an Alternate Current (AC) mains).

[0096] The RF enabled device 350 comprises an antenna 302 for allowing data to be exchanged with the external device via RF technology (e.g., RFID technology or other RF based technology). The external device may comprise RFID tags 1121-112N, …, 1181-118Xof FIG.1. In this case, the antenna 302 is configured to transmit RF carrier signals (e.g., interrogation signals) to the listed external devices, and / or transmit data response signals (e.g., authentication reply signals or an RFID response signal) generated by the RF enabled device 350. In this regard, the RF enabled device 350 comprises an RF transceiver 308. In an aspect, the RF transceiver 308 receives RF signals including information from the transmitting device and forwards the same to a logic controller 310 for extracting the information therefrom.

[0097] The extracted information can be used to determine the presence, location, and / or type of movement of an RFID tag within a facility (e.g., RSF 128 of FIG.1). Accordingly, the logic controller 310 can store the extracted information in memory 304, and execute algorithms using the extracted information. For example, the logic controller 310 can correlate tag reads with beacon reads to determine the location of the RFID tags within the facility. The logic controller 310 can also perform pattern recognition operations using sensor data received from RFID tags and comparison operations between recognized patterns and pre-stored patterns. The logic controller 310 can further select a time slot from a plurality of time slots based on a tag's unique ID (e.g., an EPC), and communicate information specifying the selected time slot to the respective RFID tag. The logic controller 310 may additionally determine a WOT during which a given RFID tag's communication device (e.g., transceiver) or operations are to be turned on when motion is detected thereby, and communicate the same to the given RFID tag. The WOT can be determined based on environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, time of day, etc.) and / or system conditions (e.g., amount of traffic, interference occurrences, etc.). Other operations performed by the logic controller 310 will be apparent from the following discussion.

[0098] Notably, memory 304 may be a volatile memory and / or a non-volatile memory. For example, the memory 304 can include, but is not limited to, a RAM, a DRAM, an SRAM, a ROM, and / or a flash memory. The memory 304 may also compriseunsecure memory and / or secure memory. The phrase “unsecure memory,” as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in a plain text form. The phrase “secure memory,” as used herein, refers to memory configured to store data in an encrypted form and / or memory having or being disposed in a secure or tamper-proof enclosure.

[0099] Instructions 322 are stored in memory 304 for execution by the RF enabled device 350 to cause the RF enabled device 350 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. The instructions 322 are generally operative to facilitate determinations as to whether or not RFID tags are present within a facility, where the RFID tags are located within a facility, which RFID tags are in motion at any given time, and which RFID tags are also in zone of a second RF signal (e.g., a Bluetooth beacon or NFC or other SRC system).

[0100] Referring now to FIG. 4, an example security tag 400 includes a configuration that enables insertion of the security tag 400 between layers of an article. Security tag 400 may be the same as or similar to tag 1121, .. ., 112N, …, 1181, . . ., 118X of FIG. 1 or security tag 200 of FIG.2. As such, the discussion provided above in relation to tags 112, 118, 200 is sufficient for understanding the operations of security tag 400. Notably, the security tag 400 is designed to be relatively thin (thickness 422 and width 420) so that it is hard to feel when inserted into an item (e.g., object 1101, . . ., 110N, …, 1161, . . ., or 116Xof FIG. 1), but thick enough to withstand a certain number (e.g., 2-5) of wash cycles. The item can include, but is not limited to, an article of clothing.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 4, security tag 400 comprises a substrate 402 on which electronic components 404 are mounted, attached or disposed. The electronic components 404 can be the same as or similar to electronic components of FIG. 2. Accordingly, the electronic components 404 can include one or more antennas, a communication enabled device, and / or an EAS component.

[0102] In an example, the substrate 402 is a relatively thin, narrow, light-weight, recyclable, and / or machine-washable substrate. In one aspect, the substrate 402 may be an elongated substrate 402. The substrate 402 can include, but is not limited to, any type of flexible material as described above, such as but not limited to fabric, silk, cloth, plastic, and / or paper. In some aspects, the substrate 402 may comprise a polyester (e.g., Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) substrate. A thickness 408 of the substrate 402 is selected so that the substrate 402 has a physical strength that allows

[0112] The antenna 504 at least partially defined by the electrically conductive thread 506 woven or sewn into the fabric material 502 may have one or more patterns based on one or more operational characteristics of the antenna 504. For example, the pattern may be configured to provide the antenna 504 with signal transmission or signal reception capabilities, as well as the ability to inductively couple with the induction loop 508. Additionally, the antenna 504 may extend across the longitudinal length of the tag 500.

[0113] The electrically conductive thread 506 may be a single or mono filament, or a plurality of filaments or multifilament. The electrically conductive thread 506 may be a solid electrically conductive material or may have an electrically conductive material core surrounded by a fabric material, or an electrically conductive material outer layer around a fabric material. For instance, the electrically conductive thread 506 may be a metal-coated non-metallic filament or a metal-coated non-metallic multifilament. Suitable examples of an electrically conductive material include, but are not limited to, one or any combination of copper, gold, silver, aluminum, alloys of such metals, graphite, or any other material capable of carrying an electrical signal. Suitable examples of the fabric material may be the same as those mentioned above for the fabric material 502, although the fabric material of electrically conductive thread 506 may be the same as or different from the material of fabric material 502.

[0114] In one example that should not be construed as limiting, in the electrically conductive thread 506 may be a multifilament thread including one or more non-metallic filaments twisted or combined one or more metal-coated non-metallic filaments.

[0115] The induction loop 508 has a loop shape that extends longitudinally, along a longitudinal length of the tag 500,spaced apart ends that define a gap 509 in the loop shape. The gap 509 may be formed at either end (as illustrated in FIG.6), or in a middle of a longitudinal side of the induction loop 508, e.g., the side away from overlapping with the antenna 504. In some implementations, it may be more efficient to manufacture and design the tag 500 with the RFID sensor 510, and hence the gap 509, in the middle of the long side of the induction loop 508, such as on the side opposite from where the long edge of the tag 500 is affixed together, e.g., to avoid potential damage to the RFID sensor 510. In other implementations, the tag 500 may have more sensitivity with the RFID sensor 510, and hence the gap 509, in the middle or a corner end of the short side or end of the induction loop 508, which can enablemay include validating proper attachment of the security tag to the item to avoid damage to the sensor in the security tag.

[0140] In some aspects, the color of the visible markings on the cover of a tag is selected to contrast with the color of the cover of the security tag. For example, when the cover comprises black fabric, the visible markings may have a white color, and when the cover comprises white fabric, the visible markings may have a black color, etc.

[0141] In accordance with other aspects of the present disclosure, at least a portion of the sensor is marked with a water-soluble ink. In some aspects, a stitching area of the sensor is marked with the water-soluble ink so that when the sensor is inserted in a non-woven fabric, the stitching area of the sensor can be identified, and threads can be passed through the stitching area of the sensor to form stitches. The ink acts as a marker to identify correct orientation of the sensor in the fabric. The ink washes out from the sensor during washing of the fabric before the fabric is placed in a retail space, like a store. This prevents a potential shoplifter from noticing the sensor in the fabric due to the ink.

[0142] Some further aspects are provided below in the form of clauses.

[0143] Clause 1. A security tag comprising: a sensor; a cover within which the sensor is secured; and a visible marking on at least a portion of the cover, wherein the visible marking identifies a relative location of the sensor within the cover.

[0144] Clause 2. The security tag of clause 1, wherein the visible marking identifies a sewing area on the cover for attaching the security tag to an article.

[0145] Clause 3. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein the sewing area is spaced apart from the relative location of the sensor within the cover.

[0146] Clause 4. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein the visible marking extends along the sewing area.

[0147] Clause 5. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein the visible marking is located on a first side of the cover and on a second side of the cover, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

[0148] Clause 6. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein a color of the visible marking is different than a color of the cover.

[0149] Clause 7. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein the visible marking comprises an ink.

[0150] Clause 8. The security tag of any preceding clause, wherein the visible marking comprises ultrasonically welded markings.together the first layer and the second layer of the cover so as to include the visible marking in the sewing area.

[0162] Clause 20. A method comprising: coating at least a portion of a security tag or an article of clothing with an Ultraviolet (UV) - sensitive chemical; and attaching the security tag to the article of clothing by determining an orientation of the security tag using a UV light that illuminates the UV-sensitive chemical.

[0163] Clause 21. An apparatus comprising one or more memories and one or more processors, wherein the one or more processors are configured to perform, individually or in any combination, any of the methods of clauses 1-20.

[0164] Clause 22. An apparatus comprising one or more means for performing the method of any of the method of clauses 1-20.

[0165] Clause 23. A computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by one or more processors, individually or in any combination, to perform the method of any of clauses 1-20.

[0166] The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A security tag comprising: a sensor; a cover within which the sensor is secured; and a visible marking on at least a portion of the cover, wherein the visible marking identifies a relative location of the sensor within the cover.

2. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking identifies a sewing area on the cover for attaching the security tag to an article.

3. The security tag of claim 2, wherein the sewing area is spaced apart from the relative location of the sensor within the cover.

4. The security tag of claim 2, wherein the visible marking extends along the sewing area.

5. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking is located on a first side of the cover and on a second side of the cover, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

6. The security tag of claim 1, wherein a color of the visible marking is different than a color of the cover.

7. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking comprises an ink.

8. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking comprises ultrasonically welded markings.

9. The security tag of claim 8, wherein the ultrasonically welded markings comprise an ink incorporated onto the cover during an ultrasonic welding process from a thermal transfer ink ribbon.

10. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking is invisible under ambient light and visible under ultraviolet light.

11. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the visible marking comprises a thread thermally affixed within a sewing area that is spaced apart from a location of the sensor within the cover.

12. The security tag of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises two layers that are fixedly attached at at least three edges.

13. A method comprising: identifying, based on a visible marking on a cover of a security tag, a relative location of a sensor movably positioned within the cover; and sewing the security tag onto an article through the cover and avoiding the relative location of the sensor based on the visible marking.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the visible marking identifies a sewing area on the cover for attaching the security tag to the article, wherein the sewing area is spaced apart from the relative location of the sensor within the cover.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the visible marking is located on a first side of the cover and on a second side of the cover, wherein the second side is opposite the first side.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the visible marking comprises ultrasonically welded markings, wherein the ultrasonically welded markings comprise an ink incorporated onto the cover during an ultrasonic welding process from a thermal transfer ink ribbon.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the visible marking is invisible under ambient light and visible under ultraviolet light.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the visible marking comprises a thread thermally affixed within a sewing area that is spaced apart from a location of the sensor within the cover.

19. A method comprising: feeding a partially-formed security tag into an ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the partially-formed security tag includes a sensor between a first layer and a second layer of a cover, wherein the cover includes a sewing area; feeding a material comprising a visible marking into the ultrasonic welding machine, wherein the material is aligned with the sewing area; and welding together the first layer and the second layer of the cover so as to include the visible marking in the sewing area.

20. A method comprising: coating at least a portion of a security tag or an article of clothing with an Ultraviolet (UV) - sensitive chemical; and attaching the security tag to the article of clothing by determining an orientation of the security tag using a UV light that illuminates the UV-sensitive chemical.

Images