Acousto-Magnetic Tag Deactivation via Laser-Induced Bias Strip Magnetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for disabling acousto-magnetic (AM) tags in retail theft prevention systems are inconvenient and pose health risks due to the need for bulky equipment and high electromagnetic exposure, and may not be easily accessible to consumers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an inductor-capacitor tuned circuit with a bias strip and energy harvesting circuit to receive a deactivation signal, store energy, and generate DC pulses to magnetize the bias strip, changing the resonant frequency of the AM tag from an activated to a deactivated state, allowing for efficient and safe deactivation using portable devices like smartphones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bulky disabling devices with very strong magnetic fields are used to deactivate AM tags, then the AM tags can be effectively disabled, but the equipment becomes heavy and poses health risks to store personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic disabling system with an optical system. Instead of using strong magnetic fields to demagnetize bias strips, the invention uses a laser to heat and permanently alter the magnetic properties of the bias strip material, thereby deactivating the AM tag without requiring bulky electromagnetic equipment or exposing personnel to harmful magnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the bias strip by applying thermal energy from a laser. The laser heating causes permanent magnetic property changes in the bias strip material, transforming it from a magnetizable state to a permanently altered state that prevents the AM tag from functioning, thus achieving reliable deactivation through parameter change rather than strong magnetic fields
2Reliability
If strong magnetic fields are used to demagnetize bias strips, then AM tags can be disabled, but the equipment required becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic disabling system with an optical system. Instead of using strong magnetic fields to demagnetize bias strips, the invention uses a laser to heat and permanently alter the magnetic properties of the bias strip material, thereby deactivating the AM tag without requiring bulky electromagnetic equipment or exposing personnel to harmful magnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, portable laser device that can be easily carried by store personnel, replacing the heavy, complex electromagnetic disabling equipment. The laser acts as a lightweight, disposable-like solution that achieves the same deactivation function without the weight and complexity of traditional systems
3Reliability
If high-dosage electromagnetic energy is used to disable AM tags, then the tags can be effectively deactivated, but regulatory maximum limits are approached creating health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic disabling system with an optical system. Instead of using strong magnetic fields to demagnetize bias strips, the invention uses a laser to heat and permanently alter the magnetic properties of the bias strip material, thereby deactivating the AM tag without requiring bulky electromagnetic equipment or exposing personnel to harmful magnetic fields
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the bias strip by applying thermal energy from a laser. The laser heating causes permanent magnetic property changes in the bias strip material, transforming it from a magnetizable state to a permanently altered state that prevents the AM tag from functioning, thus achieving reliable deactivation through parameter change rather than strong magnetic fields
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and safe deactivation of AM tags using portable devices, reducing the risk of accidental deactivation and improving user accessibility while maintaining effective theft deterrence.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a deactivation signal via a first inductive coil
Implementation Method 2
storing electrical charges generated from the deactivation signal in a capacitor
Implementation Method 3
discharging the electrical charges through a second inductive coil, wherein the discharging magnetizes the first bias strip
Implementation Method 4
a first bias strip in the demagnetized state and a second bias strip cause a resonator to vibrate at a first resonant frequency corresponding to an activated state of the AM tag
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods, apparatus, and systems for deactivating an AM tag including receiving a deactivation signal via a first inductive coil, storing electrical charges generated from the deactivation signal in a capacitor, and discharging the electrical charges through a second inductive coil, wherein: a first bias strip in the demagnetized state and a second bias strip cause a resonator to vibrate at a first resonant frequency corresponding to an activated state of the AM tag, the discharging magnetizes the first bias strip from a demagnetized state to a magnetized state, and the first bias strip in the magnetized state and the second bias strip cause the resonator to vibrate at a second resonant frequency different than the first resonant frequency, wherein the resonator vibrating at the second resonant frequency corresponds to a deactivated state of the AM tag.