Standalone NFC Security Tag Deactivator for Mobile POS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems require customers to wait in line for a store sales associate to deactivate security tags, even when using mobile shopping applications, as the deactivation process is tied to fixed POS terminals and networks, making it inconvenient and costly for retailers.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application using Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol allows customers to initiate and complete purchase transactions and generate deactivation codes for security tags, enabling standalone deactivation without needing to be connected to the POS network, allowing for single or bulk deactivation of tags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the deactivator is connected to the POS network through the register or network, then the security tag deactivation can be controlled and enabled, but the hardware cost and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the deactivation functionality from the network-dependent fixed POS terminal and implements it as a standalone deactivator that operates independently. The mobile device generates deactivation codes that can be used without network connection, separating the deactivation capability from the POS network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile point-of-sale application enables customers to self-generate deactivation codes for security tags without requiring store associate intervention or network-connected equipment. The customer's mobile device independently performs the deactivation function by generating and transmitting deactivation codes to the standalone deactivator.
2Ease of operation
If customers use mobile shopping applications to bypass fixed POS stations, then checkout convenience is improved, but security tag deactivation still requires waiting for store associates at fixed POS terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile point-of-sale application performs multiple functions including purchase transaction processing and security tag deactivation code generation. The standalone deactivator serves as a universal deactivation point that can handle tags from any mobile checkout, replacing the need for network-connected terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application generates deactivation codes during the mobile checkout process itself, before the customer leaves the mobile shopping area. This preliminary generation of deactivation codes eliminates the need for subsequent waiting at fixed POS terminals for associate intervention.
3Device complexity
If a standalone deactivator not connected to POS network is used, then hardware cost and network requirements are reduced, but the ability to control and enable deactivation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device acts as an intermediary by generating secure deactivation codes that mediate between the purchase transaction and the standalone deactivator. These codes enable the unconnected deactivator to verify and control tag deactivation without requiring network communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile point-of-sale application creates a digital copy of the deactivation authorization in the form of deactivation codes. These coded representations of deactivation rights can be transmitted and validated by the standalone deactivator without requiring connection to the original POS network system.
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
This solution enhances customer convenience by allowing on-the-spot deactivation of security tags without waiting for a sales associate and reduces hardware burdens on retailers by eliminating the need for network-connected deactivation systems.
Implementation Method 1
by using the Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol or other near field wireless capabilities of the mobile device to communicate with a stand-alone deactivator
Implementation Method 2
An EAS interrogation signal is transmitted at the entrance and/or exit of the retail store. The EAS interrogation signal causes the EAS element of the security tag to produce a detectable response
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques to deactivate security tags associated with purchased products via a mobile application by using the Near Field Communications (NFC) protocol or other near field wireless capabilities of the mobile device to communicate with a stand-alone deactivator. In some instances, the mobile device may be configured to deactivate either single tag (“single deactivation”) or a plurality of tags (“bulk deactivation”) using an authorization code. Features of the present disclosure provide advantages over conventional systems in terms of convenience for the customer and lower hardware requirements. Specifically, unlike current systems, the stand-alone deactivator of the present disclosure does not need to be part of or connected to the POS network to enable or inhibit the deactivation of security tags. The information needed to enable deactivation may be transferred to the deactivator using the NFC or other near field wireless capabilities of a mobile device.