Self-Deactivating Security Tag Unlocking via Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional checkout processes in retail environments are inefficient and time-consuming, especially during peak hours, due to long queues and a reliance on store associates for tag removal.
Innovation Solution
A self-checkout system that includes a kiosk with a pad for security tag placement, a memory for computer-executable instructions, and a processor configured to verify payments and unlock security tags using harvested energy from a near field inductive charger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional checkout process with store associates is used, then security tags can be removed reliably, but checkout time increases and productivity decreases during peak hours
Solution Approach 1:
The security tag is designed to self-deactivate automatically when it detects the detacher device during checkout. This eliminates the need for store associates to manually remove tags, allowing customers to complete checkout independently while maintaining reliable tag removal through the tag's autonomous response to the detacher's electromagnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of associate-operated tag detachment is replaced with an automated electromagnetic system. The detacher device generates an electromagnetic field that the security tag detects and responds to by self-deactivating, substituting human labor with field-based automated control.
2Ease of operation
If more store associates are hired to handle peak hours, then checkout service improves, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Customers perform their own checkout process using the detacher device and self-deactivating tags, eliminating the need for store associates during the checkout and tag removal process. This reduces manpower requirements while maintaining service availability during peak hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The detacher device serves multiple functions: it generates the electromagnetic field for tag detection, communicates payment confirmation to the tag, and triggers tag self-deactivation. This multi-functional device replaces the need for specialized associate operations.
3Reliability
If detacher is not easily available, then tag removal reliability decreases, but this would require additional detacher devices increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The security tag autonomously monitors for the presence of the detacher device and automatically deactivates when detected, without requiring manual intervention or complex coordination systems. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable tag removal as long as the detacher is present, simplifying the overall system infrastructure.
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
The system reduces the dependency on store associates for checkout, eliminates the need for a detacher, and streamlines the checkout process by allowing customers to efficiently remove security tags after payment confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
unlock, via the pad, the security tag from the product based at least in part on confirmation of the payment for the product
Implementation Method 2
energizing the security tag in response to verification of the payment of the product associated with the security tag wherein the energy harvested in the security tag energization is utilized by the security tag to unlock the security tag from the product
Data Source
AI summary
Example aspects include techniques for implementing self-checkout via self-deactivating security tags. These techniques may include verifying, via communications with a server device, payment for a product using an electronic device. In addition, the techniques may include unlocking, via a pad of a kiosk, a security tag from the product based at least in part on confirmation of the payment for the product.