CA2082139C - Deactivating device for deactivating eas dual status magnetic tags - Google Patents
Deactivating device for deactivating eas dual status magnetic tagsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2082139C CA2082139C CA002082139A CA2082139A CA2082139C CA 2082139 C CA2082139 C CA 2082139C CA 002082139 A CA002082139 A CA 002082139A CA 2082139 A CA2082139 A CA 2082139A CA 2082139 C CA2082139 C CA 2082139C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- detection
- tag
- deactivating
- deactivation
- field
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/22—Electrical actuation
- G08B13/24—Electrical actuation by interference with electromagnetic field distribution
- G08B13/2402—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting
- G08B13/2405—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used
- G08B13/2408—Electronic Article Surveillance [EAS], i.e. systems using tags for detecting removal of a tagged item from a secure area, e.g. tags for detecting shoplifting characterised by the tag technology used using ferromagnetic tags
- G08B13/2411—Tag deactivation
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
Abstract
A deactivating device for deactivating a dual status EAS tag for use in an EAS system in which the device utilizes a detection field for detecting the presence of an active tag in a detection/deactivation zone and in which the device further utilizes a deactivation field which is matched to the detection field.
Description
20&2 i 3~
Fleld of the Invention The lnvention relates to a deactlvatlng devlce for deactlvatlng dual status tags used ln electronlc artlcle survelllance (EAS) systemsr and ln partlcular, to an apparatus and method whlch lncreases the ease and/or rellablllty of deactlvating dual status tags.
Backqround of the Inventlon Electronlc artlcle survelllance (EAS) systems are known ln whlch dual status EAS tags are attached to artlcles to be monltored. One type of dual status EAS tag comprises a length of hlgh permeablllty, low coerclve force magnetlc material which is positloned substantlally parallel to a length of a magnetlzable materlal used as a control element.
When an actlve tag, l.e. one havlng a demagnetlzed control element, ls placed ln an alternatlng magnetlc fleldr whlch deflnes an lnterrogatlon zone, the tag produces a detectable valld tag signal. When the tag is deactlvated by magnetizlng lts control element, the tag may produce a detectable slgnal which is dlfferent than the detectable valld tag slgnal.
Methods and apparatus for magnetlzlng the control element, thereby deactlvatlng the tag, are descrlbed ln U.S.
Patent No. 4,684,930. In the '930 patent, a serles of permanent magnets are arranged on a convex curved outer surface of a rotatable cyllnder. To deactlvate the tag, the tag is rolled over the outer surface of the rotatable cyllnder so that the permanent magnets of the cyllnder come closely adjacent to and thereafter move away from the tag. In thls way, the control element of the tag ls magnetlzed.
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Fleld of the Invention The lnvention relates to a deactlvatlng devlce for deactlvatlng dual status tags used ln electronlc artlcle survelllance (EAS) systemsr and ln partlcular, to an apparatus and method whlch lncreases the ease and/or rellablllty of deactlvating dual status tags.
Backqround of the Inventlon Electronlc artlcle survelllance (EAS) systems are known ln whlch dual status EAS tags are attached to artlcles to be monltored. One type of dual status EAS tag comprises a length of hlgh permeablllty, low coerclve force magnetlc material which is positloned substantlally parallel to a length of a magnetlzable materlal used as a control element.
When an actlve tag, l.e. one havlng a demagnetlzed control element, ls placed ln an alternatlng magnetlc fleldr whlch deflnes an lnterrogatlon zone, the tag produces a detectable valld tag signal. When the tag is deactlvated by magnetizlng lts control element, the tag may produce a detectable slgnal which is dlfferent than the detectable valld tag slgnal.
Methods and apparatus for magnetlzlng the control element, thereby deactlvatlng the tag, are descrlbed ln U.S.
Patent No. 4,684,930. In the '930 patent, a serles of permanent magnets are arranged on a convex curved outer surface of a rotatable cyllnder. To deactlvate the tag, the tag is rolled over the outer surface of the rotatable cyllnder so that the permanent magnets of the cyllnder come closely adjacent to and thereafter move away from the tag. In thls way, the control element of the tag ls magnetlzed.
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2 ~ 3 q The deactivatlng device of the '930 patent is mechanlcally complex ln that the permanent magnets must be mounted on the outer surface of the cyllnder and the cyllnder must be mounted so as to freely rotate. After repeated deactivatlon operatlons, due to repeated mechanlcal contact wlth the tags, the outer surface of the cyllnder ls sub~ect to wear. Still further, the deactlvatlng device of the '930 patent requlres operator lntervention to effect the deactiv-atlon of the tag (l.e., the operator movlng the tag over the deactivatlng device to rotate the cylinder). Accordingly, the deactlvatlon devlce of the '930 patent does not easlly lend ltself to an automated deactivatlon process.
A deactlvatlon devlce ls known whlch uses an electromagnet, whlch when energlzed forms a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc field in a deactivatlon area to magnetize the control elements of tags placed thereln. Such deactlvatlon devlces are currently used ln, for example, llbrary EAS
systems. In such llbrary systems, a photocell is arranged to detect the presence of a book ln the deactlvatlon area.
Responsive to the detection by the photocell, the electro-magnet is energlzed thereby produclng the deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld. The photocell advantageously prevents the electromagnet from belng contlnuously energlzed thereby reduclng the power consumptlon of the deactivatlon devlce.
In the above deactlvation technique, whlle the photocell detects the presence of a book ln the deactlvatlon area, such detectlon does not lndlcate whether a tag ls attached to the book. Further, in the case where a tag is 20821 3~
attached to the book the detectlon by the photocell falls to lndlcate whether the tag ls actlve or deactlvated.
Accordlngly, the electromagnet wlll not only be energlzed when a book havlng an actlve tag ls placed ln the deactlvatlon area, but wlll also be energlzed when a book wlthout a tag, or wlth a deactlvated tag, ls placed ln the deactlvatlon area.
When uslng a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld to deactlvate tags, for proper deactlvatlon to occur the tag must be passed through the deactlvatlon area ln a proper orlent-ation relatlve to the deactivatlng electromagnetlc fleld.
However, ln the above technlque uslng a photocell, the photocell only detects the presence of the book and falls to detect the presence or orlentatlon of an attached tag.
Accordlngly, the deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld ls formed even when the tag ls not properly orlented for effectlve deactlvatlon wlth the deactlvatlon area.
It ls, therefore, a prlmary ob~ectlve of the present lnventlon to provlde an lmproved devlce for detectlng and deactlvatlng dual status type tags of an EAS system.
It ls a further ob~ect of the present lnventlon to provlde an lmproved deactlvatlon devlce ln whlch the orlentatlon of a deactlvatlon fleld for deactlvatlng a tag substantlally matches a detectlon fleld for detectlng the presence of a tag.
It ls stlll a further ob~ect of the present lnventlon to provlde a deactlvatlon devlce lncorporated lnto a checkout apparatus for deactivatlng tags.
20~2 ~ 39 Summary of the Invention In accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon, the above and other ob~ectlves are reallzed in a deactlvatlng device for an EAS system ln whlch the deactlvatlng device comprlses a detectlon means for detectlng an actlvated EAS tag located wlthln a detectlon/deactlvatlon area and a deactlvatlng means for deactlvatlng the actlve EAS
tag. The detection means comprises transmlttlng means for transmlttlng a predetermlned detection fleld ln the detectlon/
deactlvatlon area and means for senslng a response slgnal caused by the actlve EAS tag interactlng wlth the predetermlned detectlon fleld.
The deactlvatlng means forms a predetermlned deactlvating field havlng a configuratlon preselected relative to the detectlon fleld such that the deactivating fleld ls able to deactivate a tag at a deactivating posltlon related to a detectlon posltlon at whlch the detectlon fleld ls able to result in a response signal from the tag. This can be accompllshed by configuring the deactlvatlon field such that at the deactivation position the orlentation of its component in at least a glven one of the three orthogonal planes defining the detection/deactivation area is substantially matched to the orlentatlon of the component of the detectlon field at the detectlon positlon ln the gl~en plane. In thls way, when a tag is orlented in the detectlon/deactlvatlon area so as to be detectable by the detectlon fleld, the tag ls also orlented for effectlve deactlvation by the deactlvatlon fleld.
Also disclosed ls a deactlvatlng device as descrlbed ~..r 2 0 ~ 9 above where the means for deactlvatlng the actlve EAS tag operates ln response to detectlon of the actlve EAS tag by the detectlon means. In thls way, the deactlvatlon means ls not operated unless an actlve EAS tag ls flrst detected ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon area.
In a further embodlment of the lnventlon, the deactlvatlon devlce ls lncorporated lnto a transportlng means for transportlng an artlcle havlng an attached EAS tag through the detectlon/deactlvatlon area. In a speclfic embodlment, the transportlng means ls shown as a conveyor belt for carrylng the artlcle and the detectlng means and the deactlv-atlon means are posltloned under the conveyor belt. In thls way, the deactlvatlon procedure can be automated.
In the embodlments of the lnventlon to be dlsclosed, the deactlvatlon posltlon can be substantlally at the detection posltlon or at a preset offset from the detectlon posltlon. In the 20~2 ~ 39 latter case, the operation of the deactivatlng means is delayed for a predetermlned time perlod after detection of the EAS tag. The predetermined time period substantially corresponds to the tlme requlred for the tag to be moved the preset offset dlstance.
Also disclosed is a deactivation device, as described above, whlch ls adapted to communlcate with a polnt-of-sale device of a checkout system and which further comprises an lnhlbitlng means. In response to the point-of-sale device, the inhibiting means prevents the operatlon ofthe deactlvatlon devlce untll the artlcle having the attached tag is properly registered at the polnt-of-sale devlce. In thls way, unauthorized deactlvations of EAS tags is prevented.
In accordance with the present inventlon, there is provided a deactlvatlon device for use ln an EAS system utllizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag posltloned ln a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactlvatlon devlce comprlslng: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprislng means for transmlttlng a predetermlned detectlon field lnto the detectlon/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when sald active EAS tag ls sltuated at a detection positlon ln sald detectlon/deactlvatlon area ln response to sald detectlon field, said detectlon positlon being a position in sald detectlon/deactivatlon area at which the detection field results in a response slgnal from said 2~82 1 39 actlve EAS tag, and said detection field at said detection position having components in sald three orthogonal phase; and means for deactlvating said active EAS tag comprlslng means for transmltting a deactivating field into the detection/-deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position and at which said deactivating field has components having orientations matched to the orientations of said components of said detection field at said detection position in said three orthogonal planes.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/-deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for senslng a signal from said actlve EAS tag when sald actlve EAS
tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a positlon ln sald detection/deactivation area at which said detection field - 7a -~82 1 3~
results in a response slgnal from said tag; means for deactivating sald actlve EAS tag, sald deactlvating means being responsive to said detection of said tag in the detection/deactivatlon area by said detection means and comprlsing means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field havlng a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactlvates said active tag when said active tag ls sltuated at a deactlvating position ln sald detection/deactivation area; and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time, measured from the detection of said tag, the operation of said deactivating means.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/-deactivatlon area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, sald deactivation device comprising transport means for transporting an article having said active EAS tag attached thereto through the detection/deactivatlon area, sald transport means comprising a moving conveyor belt for carrying said article and said attached tag through the detection/-deactivation area; means for detecting the presence of said actlve EAS tag ln the detectlon/deactivation area, sald means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag : - 7b -~a~2 1 3~
when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, sald detection posltion being a posltion in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag; means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprlsing means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/-deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, said preset offset distance being in a direction corresponding to the movement of said conveyor belt;
and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time the operation of said deactivating means, said predetermined period of time corresponding to the time it takes said conveyor belt to move a distance corresponding to said preset offset distance.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detectlng comprising means for transmitting a predetermined 2~82 1 3i~
electromagnetic detection field into the detection/-deactlvatlon area, said detection fleld transmltting means comprlsing a transmltting coil, and means for sensing a signal from said actlve EAS tag when sald active EAS tag ls sltuated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detectlon field, said detection position being a position ln said detection/deactivation area at whlch the detection fleld results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said sensing means comprising a receiving coil; means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating electro-magnetic field into the detection/deactivatlon area, sald deactlvatlng fleld having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area, said deactivation field transmitting means comprising a deactivation coil; said transmitting and deactivation coils being positioned in a common plane; and said receiving coil being positioned in a plane parallel to said common plane.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactlvating an active EAS tag positioned ln a detectlon/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivatlon device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting -i - 7d -2032 1 3~
comprising means for transmittlng a predetermlned detectlon field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS
tag is sltuated at a detectlon posltion ln sald detectlon/deactlvation area ln response to sald detectlon field, said detection position being a posltlon ln sald detection/deactlvatlon area at whlch the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactlvatlng fleld lnto the detection/-deactivatlon area, said deactivatlng fleld havlng a conflguratlon preselected ln relatlonshlp to sald detectlon fleld such that the deactlvatlng fleld deactivates sald actlve tag when said actlve tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactlvation area; and verificatlon means, operatlng responslve to the operatlon of the deactlvatlon means, for causlng the detectlon means to detect whether the tag, whlch has been prevlously sub~ected to the deactivatlon field, ls still actlvated, said veriflcatlon means causing sald deactlvatlng means to operate ln response to sald detection means detecting that the tag is still activated and sald verification means cycllcally operatlng the detectlng means and the deactlvatlng means untll lt ls detected that sa~d actlvated tag is deactlvated to sald verification means cycllcally operates a predetermlned number of tlmes.
In accordance wlth the present invention, there is further provlded apparatus comprlslng: a deactlvatlon devlce - 7e -~82 i 3q for use ln an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS
tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag posltioned in a detection~deactivatlon area, the deactivation device comprising: transport means for transporting the active EAS
tag through the detection/deactivation area; means arranged to detect the presence of the active EAS tag in the detection/deactlvation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means; and means arranged to deactivate the active EAS tag positioned in the detection/deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means.
In accordance with the presenet invention, there is further provided a method for use with deactivatable type EAS
tag used in an EAS system having a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said method comprising: transporting said active EAS tag through said detection/deactivation area; detecting when an active EAS tag is positioned is said detection/deactivation area, comprising the steps of:
a. transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detectlon/deactlvation area; and b. sensing a responsive signal from said tag resulting from lnteraction of said tag and said tag and sald detection field when said tag is situated at a detection posltlon in sald detection/deactivatlon area, sald detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from the active EAS tag; and deactivating said tag positioned in said detection/deactivation area, comprising the step of:
- 7f -~0~ 1 3~
deactivation area, said deactivation field having a configuration which is at a preset offset distance from said detection field such that the deactivating field deactlvates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection positlon, and said deactlvating is delayed from said detectlon for the time period it takes to transport said active EAS tag said offset distance.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon readlng the following detailed description in conjunction wlth the accompanying drawings ln whlch:
FIG. 1 illustrates a deactivation device in accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon;
FIG. 2A shows in block diagram form the deactivation devlce of FIG. l;
FIG 2B shows a dual type EAS tag ln greater detail;
and FIG 3 shows an embodiment where the deactivation device of FIG. 1 is incorporated lnto a conveyor belt of a checkout system.
- 7g -20821 ~9 Detailed Descriptlon FIG. 1 shows a deactivatlng devlce 10 in accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon. As lllustrated, the deactlvatlon devlce 10 comprises a detector/deactlvator pad 1 and a power pack unlt 2. The detector/deactlvator pad 1 comprlses a detectlon transmltting coll 4, a detectlon recelvlng coll 5, and a deactlvatlng coll 6, all of whlch are fixed ln a substantlally parallel or coplanar relationshlp.
The power pack 2 comprlses a power supply 8 and an electronlcs sectlon 7.
As shown, the coll 4 ls a planar coll of clrcular conflguratlon. The coil 6 ls of square conflguratlon and coplanar wlth the coll 4. Also, as shown, the coil 6 is lnscrlbed wlthln the coll 4, wlth the vertlces 6A of the coll 6 abuttlng the ~nner surfaces of the coll 4. However, the coll 6, lnstead of belng lnscrlbed wlthln the coll 4, could be conflgured to clrcumscrlbe the coll 4, lf deslres.
The coll 5 lncludes two ad~acent planar coll parts 5A each of whlch ls parallel to the coils 4 and 6. Each coil part 5A has a straight segment 5B which extends between opposite vertices 6A of the coil 6 and a semicircular or arcuate segment 5C whlch connects the ends of the respectlve stralght segment 5B and follows the clrcular contour of the coll 4. In conventlonal practlce, the coll parts 5A are connected out-of-phase so as to cancel any transmlt fleld whlch may be coupled thereto from the coll 4.
~- 71576-56 , FIG. 2A shows ln block diagram form the deactlvatlng devlce 10 of Fig. 1 ln greater detall. The devlce 10 deflnes a detectlon/deactlvatlon zone or area 26 ln whlch a dual status type EAS tag 9 can be detected and then deactlvated.
FIG. 2B shows a typlcal form of the tag 9 ln greater detall.
As shown, the tag comprlses a response element 9A whlch can be a high permeability, low coercive force magnetlc materlal.
Posltloned substantlally overlapplng the ad~acent to the response element 9A are control elements 9B whlch can be comprlsed of a magnetizable material. Since the character-istics and operatlon of tags llke the deactlvatable tag 9 are well known, further descrlptlon thereof ls omltted.
For detecting the presence of the tag 9 ln the zone 26, the detectlon transmlttlng colls 4 are drlven at a pre-determlned frequency by an ampllfler 22 whlch, ln turn, ls driven by a slgnal generated by a mlcroprocessor 20. When drlven by the ampllfler 22, the detectlon transmlttlng colls 4 form an alternatlng magnetlc detectlon field ln the zone 26.
It ls well known that to cause the tag 9 to generate a detectable response slgnal, the flux llnes of the magnetic detectlon fleld must pass through the hlgh permeablllty, low coercive force magnetic materlal (response element 9A) of the tag 9 ln substantlally the lengthwlse L dlrectlon of the tag 9. Accordingly, to ensure detectlon of the tag 9, the detectlon transmittlng colls 4 are shaped so that the detectlon fleld formed ls characterlzed by havlng along the 2082 ~
path A of travel of the tag 9 ln the zone 26 magnetlc flux llnes ln each of the three mutually orthogonal reference planes definlng the three dlmenslonal space of the zone 26.
The flux llnes of the detectlon fleld ln each plane need not be at the same polnt or posltlon along the path A, but each plane must contaln flux llnes at some posltlon. As a result, regardless of the orlentatlon of the tag 9 along the path A, there wlll be at least one posltlon at whlch the magnetlc flux llnes of the detectlon fleld are substantlally parallel to the lengthwlse dlrectlon of the tag. In thls way, when the tag 9 ls in an actlve state and traverses the zone 26 along the path A, the tag 9 wlll generate a detectable response slgnal ln at least one posltlon along the path.
The detectlon recelvlng colls 5 are arranged to receive magnetlc flux changes ln the zone 26, and , thus, the detectable response slgnal generated by the tag 9. The recelved slgnals are coupled by the coll 5 to recelvlng fllters 23 whlch lsolate the detectable response slgnal generated by the tag. The output of the recelvlng fllters 23 ls converted from an analog to a dlgltal slgnal by A/D
converter 24. The dlgltal slgnal output from the A/D
converter 24 ls provlded to mlcroprocessor 20 whlch determlnes when the recelved detectable response slgnal ls greater than a threshold level, thereby detectlng the presence of the tag 9 ln the zone 26.
~ 71576-56 2082 1 ~9 Upon detecting that the tag 9 ls present ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26, the mlcroprocessor 20 inltiates a deactlvatlng sequence by closlng a dlscharge swltch 21. The dlscharge swltch 21 connects the output of a high power generator 25 to the deactlvatlng coll 6. Thls results ln a current flow ln the deactlvatlng coll whlch causes a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld to be formed ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26.
In accordance wlth the lnventlon, the deactlvatlon colls 6 are conflgured so that the deactlvatlng electro-magnetlc fleld generated thereby substantlally matches the range and the orlentatlon of the magnetlc detectlon fleld formed by the detectlng transmlttlng colls 4. In thls way, for posltlons or polnts wlthln the zone 26 the dlrectlon of the magnetlc flux lines of the deactlvatlng fleld are ln substantlally the same dlrectlon as the magnetlc flux llnes of the magnetlc detectlon fleld.
As a result, when the tag 9 ls ln a posltlon ln whlch the detectlon fleld results ln a detectable response slgnal and, hence, has flux llnes along the length of the tag, the flux llnes of the deactivatlng fleld lf generated wlll also be along the tag length. Appllcatlon of the deactlvatlng fleld at thls detectlon posltlon wlll thus establlsh flux llnes along the length of the magnetlzable control element (control element 9B) of the tag magnetlzlng the element and, therefore, deactlvatlng the tag. Accordlngly, wlth the ~i)Q,21 3q deactivatlng field matched to the detectlon fleld, detectlon of the tag 9 at any detectlon posltlon along the path A and subsequent appllcatlon of the deactlvatlng field wlll result ln deactlvatlon of the tag at a deactlvatlon posltion whlch is substantially at the detectlon posltlon.
FIG. 3 shows the deactlvating devlce 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 incorporated lnto a polnt-of-sale checkout system 30 employlng a checkout counter 30a, a polnt-of-sale (POS) unlt 30B and a packaging station 30C. In particular, the detector/deactlvator pad 1 of the device 10 is mounted under a conveyor belt 30D of the checkout system wlth the top plane surface lA of the pad 1 ln a nearly parallel relatlonshlp to the flat carrylng surface 30E of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 30D carrles artlcles havlng attached tags 9 along the path A through the detectlon/deactivation zone 26 formed by the pad 1. The power pack 2 of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 ls housed ln the base of the packaglng statlon 30C
and ls connected to the pad 1 by a cable 32.
In operatlon, a tag 9 to be deactlvated ls carrled on an artlcle lOl whlch ls transported by the belt 30D through the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26 of the pad 1. Regardless of the orientatlon of the tag 9 ln relatlonship to the pad 1, when the conveyor belt advances the tag 9 along path A through the zone 26, the tag 9 reaches a positlon where the flux llnes of the magnetlc detectlon fleld generated by the pad substan-tlally flow through the lengthwlse dlrectlon L of the tag 9.
As a result, the tag 9 generates a detectable signal which is received by the detectlon receivlng coil 5 of the pad and detected by the mlcroprocessor 20.
The mlcroprocessor 20 thereupon causes the swltch 21 to connect the hlgh power generator 25 to the deactlvatlng coll 6. Thls causes the deactlvatlng coll 6 to generate the deactlvatlng fleld whlch, as above-descrlbed, ls substantially matched to the detection field. Assumlng that the advance speed of the conveyor belt 30D ls relatlvely slow as compared to the tlme between detectlng the tag 9 and formlng the deactlvatlng fleld, at the tlme the deactlvatlng fleld ls formed, the tag 9 ls stlll at a deactlvatlng posltlon along the path A that ls substantlally the same as the detectlon posltlon where the tag 9 was detected. As a result, the deactlvatlng fleld wlll be correctly orlented to magnetlze the control element 9B of the tag 9, thereby deactlvatlng the tag.
As can be appreclated from the foregolng descrlptlon, artlcles belng checked out at the polnt-of-sale checkout system 30 of FIG. 3 and havlng attached tags 9 which are to be deactlvated, can be placed on the conveyor belt 31 in any orientation and be subsequently deactlvated by the deactlvatlng device 10. The operator is thus relieved of any requirement to locate and properly orient the tag. Further, when a tag 9 whlch ls already deactlvated tranverses the zone 26 on the conveyor 30D, a detectable signal ls not recelved and, therefore, the deactlvatlng fleld is not formed.
2082 ~ 3q Accordlngly, the power consumption of the deactivatlng devlce 10 ls reduces and the operable llfetlme of the deactlvatlng device 10 is lncreased.
The deactlvatlng device 10 of FIG. 3 can also be further adapted so that lts microprocessor 20 lnteracts wlth the POS unit 30B of the checkout system 30. In partlcular, the mlcroprocessor 20 can be adapted to inhlbit the above-descrlbed detectlon and/or deactlvation operation of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 untll lnformatlon ls received from the POS unit indlcating that a valld item has been entered for checkout. When such lnformatlon ls recelved by the mlcro-processor, lt then enables the detection and deactlvation operatlon of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 untll a tag 9 is detected and successfully deactivated. Thereafter, the mlcroprocessor agaln lnhlblts detectlon and deactivatlon until the next valid ltem ls entered at the POS unlt. In thls way, unauthorlzed use of the deactlvatlon system is prevented.
In the above-described embodiments, the deactivating electromagnetlc fleld and the detectlon fleld are substant-lally matched ln orientatlon. Thls means that each field willhave components, in each of the three orthogonal planes definlng the zone 26, whlch correspond to components of the other fleld. However, the inventlon ls lntended to cover matchlng of these flelds such that at correspondlng detection and deactlvatlon posltions each field need only have a com-ponent in at least one of the planes in which the other field has a component. In such a case, for proper operation of the system, it ls preferable to restrict the orientation of the 2U~2 1 39 tag 9 so that lts length wlll be parallel to a plane in whlch both the detectlon and deactivatlng flelds have the matched components.
In a further aspect of the present lnventlon, the deactlvatlng devlce 10 ls further adapted such that after an attempt to deactlvate a tag 9 occurs, the detectlon sequence ls repeated after a predetermlned tlme perlod ~the predeter-mlned tlme perlod belng relatlvely short ln comparlson to the advance of the tag 9 along the path A so that the tag is substantlally ln the same posltlon as when the lnitial detection occurred) to verlfy that the tag 9 has lndeed been deactlvated. If lt ls detected that the tag 9 is stlll actlvated, the deactlvatlng operatlon ls repeated. In thls way, deactivation is verlfled, and where deactlvatlon falls, multlple attempts can be made to deactlvated the tag. If after a predetermlned number of attempts the tag 9 wlll not deactlvate or verlfy as belng deactlvated, an approprlate warnlng slgnal is lnltiated by the mlcroprocessor 20.
In yet a further aspect of the present lnventlon, the detectlon field and the deactlvating field of the deactivatlng devlce, whlle matched as above-descrlbed, are offset from each other so that a deactivating posltlon ls now at a predetermlned offset dlstance from lts corresponding detection posltlon along the path A. In thls case, when a tag 9, whlch ls traverslng the detection/deactlvatlng zone 26 moving at a predetermined speed, is detected by the X
~08~ 1 3~
microprocessor 20, the mlcroprocessor delays for a predetermined tlme perlod before causing the deactivatlng field to be generated.
Thls predetermlned tlme perlod is set to correspond to the time perlod requlred for the tag to advance the offset distance separating the detection and deactlvating fields. As a result, when the deactlvatlon fleld is generated the tag has advanced to a deactivating position where the orientation of the deactivating fleld substantlally corresponds to the orlentatlon of the detection fleld at the detection position, thereby allowing the tag 9 to be deactivated.
In the above-described embodiment of FIG. 3, a conveyer belt 30D ls used to carry the articles and the attached tags 9 through the detection/deactivation zone 26.
However, it ls understood that varlous other types of trans-portlng systems can be used for moving the tag 9 provided that the transporting system maintalns the tag ln a substantlally fixed orientation while traversing the zone.
Stlll further, the advantages of the present invention are also provided ln cases where the deactlvating devlce 10 ls free standlng, and no conveyor belt, or other mechanlcal transporting system ls provlded. In such cases, the operator transports the artlcle and attached tag 9 through the detectlon/deactlvating zone 26 generally along the path A, while keeplng the tag ln a generally flxed orientatlon. In these situation, the reliability of detection and deactivatlon wlll be somewhat reduced.
~21 3?
In all cases lt ls understood that the above-descrlbed arrangements are merely lllustratlve of the many possible speclflc embodlments which represent applicatlons of the present inventlon. Numerous and varled other arrangements can readlly be devlsed ln accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon wlthout departlng from the splrlt and scope of the lnventlon.
;- - 17 -
A deactlvatlon devlce ls known whlch uses an electromagnet, whlch when energlzed forms a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc field in a deactivatlon area to magnetize the control elements of tags placed thereln. Such deactlvatlon devlces are currently used ln, for example, llbrary EAS
systems. In such llbrary systems, a photocell is arranged to detect the presence of a book ln the deactlvatlon area.
Responsive to the detection by the photocell, the electro-magnet is energlzed thereby produclng the deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld. The photocell advantageously prevents the electromagnet from belng contlnuously energlzed thereby reduclng the power consumptlon of the deactivatlon devlce.
In the above deactlvation technique, whlle the photocell detects the presence of a book ln the deactlvatlon area, such detectlon does not lndlcate whether a tag ls attached to the book. Further, in the case where a tag is 20821 3~
attached to the book the detectlon by the photocell falls to lndlcate whether the tag ls actlve or deactlvated.
Accordlngly, the electromagnet wlll not only be energlzed when a book havlng an actlve tag ls placed ln the deactlvatlon area, but wlll also be energlzed when a book wlthout a tag, or wlth a deactlvated tag, ls placed ln the deactlvatlon area.
When uslng a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld to deactlvate tags, for proper deactlvatlon to occur the tag must be passed through the deactlvatlon area ln a proper orlent-ation relatlve to the deactivatlng electromagnetlc fleld.
However, ln the above technlque uslng a photocell, the photocell only detects the presence of the book and falls to detect the presence or orlentatlon of an attached tag.
Accordlngly, the deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld ls formed even when the tag ls not properly orlented for effectlve deactlvatlon wlth the deactlvatlon area.
It ls, therefore, a prlmary ob~ectlve of the present lnventlon to provlde an lmproved devlce for detectlng and deactlvatlng dual status type tags of an EAS system.
It ls a further ob~ect of the present lnventlon to provlde an lmproved deactlvatlon devlce ln whlch the orlentatlon of a deactlvatlon fleld for deactlvatlng a tag substantlally matches a detectlon fleld for detectlng the presence of a tag.
It ls stlll a further ob~ect of the present lnventlon to provlde a deactlvatlon devlce lncorporated lnto a checkout apparatus for deactivatlng tags.
20~2 ~ 39 Summary of the Invention In accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon, the above and other ob~ectlves are reallzed in a deactlvatlng device for an EAS system ln whlch the deactlvatlng device comprlses a detectlon means for detectlng an actlvated EAS tag located wlthln a detectlon/deactlvatlon area and a deactlvatlng means for deactlvatlng the actlve EAS
tag. The detection means comprises transmlttlng means for transmlttlng a predetermlned detection fleld ln the detectlon/
deactlvatlon area and means for senslng a response slgnal caused by the actlve EAS tag interactlng wlth the predetermlned detectlon fleld.
The deactlvatlng means forms a predetermlned deactlvating field havlng a configuratlon preselected relative to the detectlon fleld such that the deactivating fleld ls able to deactivate a tag at a deactivating posltlon related to a detectlon posltlon at whlch the detectlon fleld ls able to result in a response signal from the tag. This can be accompllshed by configuring the deactlvatlon field such that at the deactivation position the orlentation of its component in at least a glven one of the three orthogonal planes defining the detection/deactivation area is substantially matched to the orlentatlon of the component of the detectlon field at the detectlon positlon ln the gl~en plane. In thls way, when a tag is orlented in the detectlon/deactlvatlon area so as to be detectable by the detectlon fleld, the tag ls also orlented for effectlve deactlvation by the deactlvatlon fleld.
Also disclosed ls a deactlvatlng device as descrlbed ~..r 2 0 ~ 9 above where the means for deactlvatlng the actlve EAS tag operates ln response to detectlon of the actlve EAS tag by the detectlon means. In thls way, the deactlvatlon means ls not operated unless an actlve EAS tag ls flrst detected ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon area.
In a further embodlment of the lnventlon, the deactlvatlon devlce ls lncorporated lnto a transportlng means for transportlng an artlcle havlng an attached EAS tag through the detectlon/deactlvatlon area. In a speclfic embodlment, the transportlng means ls shown as a conveyor belt for carrylng the artlcle and the detectlng means and the deactlv-atlon means are posltloned under the conveyor belt. In thls way, the deactlvatlon procedure can be automated.
In the embodlments of the lnventlon to be dlsclosed, the deactlvatlon posltlon can be substantlally at the detection posltlon or at a preset offset from the detectlon posltlon. In the 20~2 ~ 39 latter case, the operation of the deactivatlng means is delayed for a predetermlned time perlod after detection of the EAS tag. The predetermined time period substantially corresponds to the tlme requlred for the tag to be moved the preset offset dlstance.
Also disclosed is a deactivation device, as described above, whlch ls adapted to communlcate with a polnt-of-sale device of a checkout system and which further comprises an lnhlbitlng means. In response to the point-of-sale device, the inhibiting means prevents the operatlon ofthe deactlvatlon devlce untll the artlcle having the attached tag is properly registered at the polnt-of-sale devlce. In thls way, unauthorized deactlvations of EAS tags is prevented.
In accordance with the present inventlon, there is provided a deactlvatlon device for use ln an EAS system utllizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag posltloned ln a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactlvatlon devlce comprlslng: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprislng means for transmlttlng a predetermlned detectlon field lnto the detectlon/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when sald active EAS tag ls sltuated at a detection positlon ln sald detectlon/deactlvatlon area ln response to sald detectlon field, said detectlon positlon being a position in sald detectlon/deactivatlon area at which the detection field results in a response slgnal from said 2~82 1 39 actlve EAS tag, and said detection field at said detection position having components in sald three orthogonal phase; and means for deactlvating said active EAS tag comprlslng means for transmltting a deactivating field into the detection/-deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position and at which said deactivating field has components having orientations matched to the orientations of said components of said detection field at said detection position in said three orthogonal planes.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/-deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for senslng a signal from said actlve EAS tag when sald actlve EAS
tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a positlon ln sald detection/deactivation area at which said detection field - 7a -~82 1 3~
results in a response slgnal from said tag; means for deactivating sald actlve EAS tag, sald deactlvating means being responsive to said detection of said tag in the detection/deactivatlon area by said detection means and comprlsing means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field havlng a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactlvates said active tag when said active tag ls sltuated at a deactlvating position ln sald detection/deactivation area; and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time, measured from the detection of said tag, the operation of said deactivating means.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/-deactivatlon area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, sald deactivation device comprising transport means for transporting an article having said active EAS tag attached thereto through the detection/deactivatlon area, sald transport means comprising a moving conveyor belt for carrying said article and said attached tag through the detection/-deactivation area; means for detecting the presence of said actlve EAS tag ln the detectlon/deactivation area, sald means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag : - 7b -~a~2 1 3~
when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, sald detection posltion being a posltion in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag; means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprlsing means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/-deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, said preset offset distance being in a direction corresponding to the movement of said conveyor belt;
and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time the operation of said deactivating means, said predetermined period of time corresponding to the time it takes said conveyor belt to move a distance corresponding to said preset offset distance.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising: means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detectlng comprising means for transmitting a predetermined 2~82 1 3i~
electromagnetic detection field into the detection/-deactlvatlon area, said detection fleld transmltting means comprlsing a transmltting coil, and means for sensing a signal from said actlve EAS tag when sald active EAS tag ls sltuated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detectlon field, said detection position being a position ln said detection/deactivation area at whlch the detection fleld results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said sensing means comprising a receiving coil; means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating electro-magnetic field into the detection/deactivatlon area, sald deactlvatlng fleld having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area, said deactivation field transmitting means comprising a deactivation coil; said transmitting and deactivation coils being positioned in a common plane; and said receiving coil being positioned in a plane parallel to said common plane.
In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a deactivation device for use in an EAS
system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactlvating an active EAS tag positioned ln a detectlon/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivatlon device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting -i - 7d -2032 1 3~
comprising means for transmittlng a predetermlned detectlon field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS
tag is sltuated at a detectlon posltion ln sald detectlon/deactlvation area ln response to sald detectlon field, said detection position being a posltlon ln sald detection/deactlvatlon area at whlch the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactlvatlng fleld lnto the detection/-deactivatlon area, said deactivatlng fleld havlng a conflguratlon preselected ln relatlonshlp to sald detectlon fleld such that the deactlvatlng fleld deactivates sald actlve tag when said actlve tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactlvation area; and verificatlon means, operatlng responslve to the operatlon of the deactlvatlon means, for causlng the detectlon means to detect whether the tag, whlch has been prevlously sub~ected to the deactivatlon field, ls still actlvated, said veriflcatlon means causing sald deactlvatlng means to operate ln response to sald detection means detecting that the tag is still activated and sald verification means cycllcally operatlng the detectlng means and the deactlvatlng means untll lt ls detected that sa~d actlvated tag is deactlvated to sald verification means cycllcally operates a predetermlned number of tlmes.
In accordance wlth the present invention, there is further provlded apparatus comprlslng: a deactlvatlon devlce - 7e -~82 i 3q for use ln an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS
tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag posltioned in a detection~deactivatlon area, the deactivation device comprising: transport means for transporting the active EAS
tag through the detection/deactivation area; means arranged to detect the presence of the active EAS tag in the detection/deactlvation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means; and means arranged to deactivate the active EAS tag positioned in the detection/deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means.
In accordance with the presenet invention, there is further provided a method for use with deactivatable type EAS
tag used in an EAS system having a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said method comprising: transporting said active EAS tag through said detection/deactivation area; detecting when an active EAS tag is positioned is said detection/deactivation area, comprising the steps of:
a. transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detectlon/deactlvation area; and b. sensing a responsive signal from said tag resulting from lnteraction of said tag and said tag and sald detection field when said tag is situated at a detection posltlon in sald detection/deactivatlon area, sald detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from the active EAS tag; and deactivating said tag positioned in said detection/deactivation area, comprising the step of:
- 7f -~0~ 1 3~
deactivation area, said deactivation field having a configuration which is at a preset offset distance from said detection field such that the deactivating field deactlvates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection positlon, and said deactlvating is delayed from said detectlon for the time period it takes to transport said active EAS tag said offset distance.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs The above and other features and aspects of the present invention will become more apparent upon readlng the following detailed description in conjunction wlth the accompanying drawings ln whlch:
FIG. 1 illustrates a deactivation device in accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon;
FIG. 2A shows in block diagram form the deactivation devlce of FIG. l;
FIG 2B shows a dual type EAS tag ln greater detail;
and FIG 3 shows an embodiment where the deactivation device of FIG. 1 is incorporated lnto a conveyor belt of a checkout system.
- 7g -20821 ~9 Detailed Descriptlon FIG. 1 shows a deactivatlng devlce 10 in accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon. As lllustrated, the deactlvatlon devlce 10 comprises a detector/deactlvator pad 1 and a power pack unlt 2. The detector/deactlvator pad 1 comprlses a detectlon transmltting coll 4, a detectlon recelvlng coll 5, and a deactlvatlng coll 6, all of whlch are fixed ln a substantlally parallel or coplanar relationshlp.
The power pack 2 comprlses a power supply 8 and an electronlcs sectlon 7.
As shown, the coll 4 ls a planar coll of clrcular conflguratlon. The coil 6 ls of square conflguratlon and coplanar wlth the coll 4. Also, as shown, the coil 6 is lnscrlbed wlthln the coll 4, wlth the vertlces 6A of the coll 6 abuttlng the ~nner surfaces of the coll 4. However, the coll 6, lnstead of belng lnscrlbed wlthln the coll 4, could be conflgured to clrcumscrlbe the coll 4, lf deslres.
The coll 5 lncludes two ad~acent planar coll parts 5A each of whlch ls parallel to the coils 4 and 6. Each coil part 5A has a straight segment 5B which extends between opposite vertices 6A of the coil 6 and a semicircular or arcuate segment 5C whlch connects the ends of the respectlve stralght segment 5B and follows the clrcular contour of the coll 4. In conventlonal practlce, the coll parts 5A are connected out-of-phase so as to cancel any transmlt fleld whlch may be coupled thereto from the coll 4.
~- 71576-56 , FIG. 2A shows ln block diagram form the deactlvatlng devlce 10 of Fig. 1 ln greater detall. The devlce 10 deflnes a detectlon/deactlvatlon zone or area 26 ln whlch a dual status type EAS tag 9 can be detected and then deactlvated.
FIG. 2B shows a typlcal form of the tag 9 ln greater detall.
As shown, the tag comprlses a response element 9A whlch can be a high permeability, low coercive force magnetlc materlal.
Posltloned substantlally overlapplng the ad~acent to the response element 9A are control elements 9B whlch can be comprlsed of a magnetizable material. Since the character-istics and operatlon of tags llke the deactlvatable tag 9 are well known, further descrlptlon thereof ls omltted.
For detecting the presence of the tag 9 ln the zone 26, the detectlon transmlttlng colls 4 are drlven at a pre-determlned frequency by an ampllfler 22 whlch, ln turn, ls driven by a slgnal generated by a mlcroprocessor 20. When drlven by the ampllfler 22, the detectlon transmlttlng colls 4 form an alternatlng magnetlc detectlon field ln the zone 26.
It ls well known that to cause the tag 9 to generate a detectable response slgnal, the flux llnes of the magnetic detectlon fleld must pass through the hlgh permeablllty, low coercive force magnetic materlal (response element 9A) of the tag 9 ln substantlally the lengthwlse L dlrectlon of the tag 9. Accordingly, to ensure detectlon of the tag 9, the detectlon transmittlng colls 4 are shaped so that the detectlon fleld formed ls characterlzed by havlng along the 2082 ~
path A of travel of the tag 9 ln the zone 26 magnetlc flux llnes ln each of the three mutually orthogonal reference planes definlng the three dlmenslonal space of the zone 26.
The flux llnes of the detectlon fleld ln each plane need not be at the same polnt or posltlon along the path A, but each plane must contaln flux llnes at some posltlon. As a result, regardless of the orlentatlon of the tag 9 along the path A, there wlll be at least one posltlon at whlch the magnetlc flux llnes of the detectlon fleld are substantlally parallel to the lengthwlse dlrectlon of the tag. In thls way, when the tag 9 ls in an actlve state and traverses the zone 26 along the path A, the tag 9 wlll generate a detectable response slgnal ln at least one posltlon along the path.
The detectlon recelvlng colls 5 are arranged to receive magnetlc flux changes ln the zone 26, and , thus, the detectable response slgnal generated by the tag 9. The recelved slgnals are coupled by the coll 5 to recelvlng fllters 23 whlch lsolate the detectable response slgnal generated by the tag. The output of the recelvlng fllters 23 ls converted from an analog to a dlgltal slgnal by A/D
converter 24. The dlgltal slgnal output from the A/D
converter 24 ls provlded to mlcroprocessor 20 whlch determlnes when the recelved detectable response slgnal ls greater than a threshold level, thereby detectlng the presence of the tag 9 ln the zone 26.
~ 71576-56 2082 1 ~9 Upon detecting that the tag 9 ls present ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26, the mlcroprocessor 20 inltiates a deactlvatlng sequence by closlng a dlscharge swltch 21. The dlscharge swltch 21 connects the output of a high power generator 25 to the deactlvatlng coll 6. Thls results ln a current flow ln the deactlvatlng coll whlch causes a deactlvatlng electromagnetlc fleld to be formed ln the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26.
In accordance wlth the lnventlon, the deactlvatlon colls 6 are conflgured so that the deactlvatlng electro-magnetlc fleld generated thereby substantlally matches the range and the orlentatlon of the magnetlc detectlon fleld formed by the detectlng transmlttlng colls 4. In thls way, for posltlons or polnts wlthln the zone 26 the dlrectlon of the magnetlc flux lines of the deactlvatlng fleld are ln substantlally the same dlrectlon as the magnetlc flux llnes of the magnetlc detectlon fleld.
As a result, when the tag 9 ls ln a posltlon ln whlch the detectlon fleld results ln a detectable response slgnal and, hence, has flux llnes along the length of the tag, the flux llnes of the deactivatlng fleld lf generated wlll also be along the tag length. Appllcatlon of the deactlvatlng fleld at thls detectlon posltlon wlll thus establlsh flux llnes along the length of the magnetlzable control element (control element 9B) of the tag magnetlzlng the element and, therefore, deactlvatlng the tag. Accordlngly, wlth the ~i)Q,21 3q deactivatlng field matched to the detectlon fleld, detectlon of the tag 9 at any detectlon posltlon along the path A and subsequent appllcatlon of the deactlvatlng field wlll result ln deactlvatlon of the tag at a deactlvatlon posltion whlch is substantially at the detectlon posltlon.
FIG. 3 shows the deactlvating devlce 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 incorporated lnto a polnt-of-sale checkout system 30 employlng a checkout counter 30a, a polnt-of-sale (POS) unlt 30B and a packaging station 30C. In particular, the detector/deactlvator pad 1 of the device 10 is mounted under a conveyor belt 30D of the checkout system wlth the top plane surface lA of the pad 1 ln a nearly parallel relatlonshlp to the flat carrylng surface 30E of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 30D carrles artlcles havlng attached tags 9 along the path A through the detectlon/deactivation zone 26 formed by the pad 1. The power pack 2 of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 ls housed ln the base of the packaglng statlon 30C
and ls connected to the pad 1 by a cable 32.
In operatlon, a tag 9 to be deactlvated ls carrled on an artlcle lOl whlch ls transported by the belt 30D through the detectlon/deactlvatlon zone 26 of the pad 1. Regardless of the orientatlon of the tag 9 ln relatlonship to the pad 1, when the conveyor belt advances the tag 9 along path A through the zone 26, the tag 9 reaches a positlon where the flux llnes of the magnetlc detectlon fleld generated by the pad substan-tlally flow through the lengthwlse dlrectlon L of the tag 9.
As a result, the tag 9 generates a detectable signal which is received by the detectlon receivlng coil 5 of the pad and detected by the mlcroprocessor 20.
The mlcroprocessor 20 thereupon causes the swltch 21 to connect the hlgh power generator 25 to the deactlvatlng coll 6. Thls causes the deactlvatlng coll 6 to generate the deactlvatlng fleld whlch, as above-descrlbed, ls substantially matched to the detection field. Assumlng that the advance speed of the conveyor belt 30D ls relatlvely slow as compared to the tlme between detectlng the tag 9 and formlng the deactlvatlng fleld, at the tlme the deactlvatlng fleld ls formed, the tag 9 ls stlll at a deactlvatlng posltlon along the path A that ls substantlally the same as the detectlon posltlon where the tag 9 was detected. As a result, the deactlvatlng fleld wlll be correctly orlented to magnetlze the control element 9B of the tag 9, thereby deactlvatlng the tag.
As can be appreclated from the foregolng descrlptlon, artlcles belng checked out at the polnt-of-sale checkout system 30 of FIG. 3 and havlng attached tags 9 which are to be deactlvated, can be placed on the conveyor belt 31 in any orientation and be subsequently deactlvated by the deactlvatlng device 10. The operator is thus relieved of any requirement to locate and properly orient the tag. Further, when a tag 9 whlch ls already deactlvated tranverses the zone 26 on the conveyor 30D, a detectable signal ls not recelved and, therefore, the deactlvatlng fleld is not formed.
2082 ~ 3q Accordlngly, the power consumption of the deactivatlng devlce 10 ls reduces and the operable llfetlme of the deactlvatlng device 10 is lncreased.
The deactlvatlng device 10 of FIG. 3 can also be further adapted so that lts microprocessor 20 lnteracts wlth the POS unit 30B of the checkout system 30. In partlcular, the mlcroprocessor 20 can be adapted to inhlbit the above-descrlbed detectlon and/or deactlvation operation of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 untll lnformatlon ls received from the POS unit indlcating that a valld item has been entered for checkout. When such lnformatlon ls recelved by the mlcro-processor, lt then enables the detection and deactlvation operatlon of the deactlvatlng devlce 10 untll a tag 9 is detected and successfully deactivated. Thereafter, the mlcroprocessor agaln lnhlblts detectlon and deactivatlon until the next valid ltem ls entered at the POS unlt. In thls way, unauthorlzed use of the deactlvatlon system is prevented.
In the above-described embodiments, the deactivating electromagnetlc fleld and the detectlon fleld are substant-lally matched ln orientatlon. Thls means that each field willhave components, in each of the three orthogonal planes definlng the zone 26, whlch correspond to components of the other fleld. However, the inventlon ls lntended to cover matchlng of these flelds such that at correspondlng detection and deactlvatlon posltions each field need only have a com-ponent in at least one of the planes in which the other field has a component. In such a case, for proper operation of the system, it ls preferable to restrict the orientation of the 2U~2 1 39 tag 9 so that lts length wlll be parallel to a plane in whlch both the detectlon and deactivatlng flelds have the matched components.
In a further aspect of the present lnventlon, the deactlvatlng devlce 10 ls further adapted such that after an attempt to deactlvate a tag 9 occurs, the detectlon sequence ls repeated after a predetermlned tlme perlod ~the predeter-mlned tlme perlod belng relatlvely short ln comparlson to the advance of the tag 9 along the path A so that the tag is substantlally ln the same posltlon as when the lnitial detection occurred) to verlfy that the tag 9 has lndeed been deactlvated. If lt ls detected that the tag 9 is stlll actlvated, the deactlvatlng operatlon ls repeated. In thls way, deactivation is verlfled, and where deactlvatlon falls, multlple attempts can be made to deactlvated the tag. If after a predetermlned number of attempts the tag 9 wlll not deactlvate or verlfy as belng deactlvated, an approprlate warnlng slgnal is lnltiated by the mlcroprocessor 20.
In yet a further aspect of the present lnventlon, the detectlon field and the deactlvating field of the deactivatlng devlce, whlle matched as above-descrlbed, are offset from each other so that a deactivating posltlon ls now at a predetermlned offset dlstance from lts corresponding detection posltlon along the path A. In thls case, when a tag 9, whlch ls traverslng the detection/deactlvatlng zone 26 moving at a predetermined speed, is detected by the X
~08~ 1 3~
microprocessor 20, the mlcroprocessor delays for a predetermined tlme perlod before causing the deactivatlng field to be generated.
Thls predetermlned tlme perlod is set to correspond to the time perlod requlred for the tag to advance the offset distance separating the detection and deactlvating fields. As a result, when the deactlvatlon fleld is generated the tag has advanced to a deactivating position where the orientation of the deactivating fleld substantlally corresponds to the orlentatlon of the detection fleld at the detection position, thereby allowing the tag 9 to be deactivated.
In the above-described embodiment of FIG. 3, a conveyer belt 30D ls used to carry the articles and the attached tags 9 through the detection/deactivation zone 26.
However, it ls understood that varlous other types of trans-portlng systems can be used for moving the tag 9 provided that the transporting system maintalns the tag ln a substantlally fixed orientation while traversing the zone.
Stlll further, the advantages of the present invention are also provided ln cases where the deactlvating devlce 10 ls free standlng, and no conveyor belt, or other mechanlcal transporting system ls provlded. In such cases, the operator transports the artlcle and attached tag 9 through the detectlon/deactlvating zone 26 generally along the path A, while keeplng the tag ln a generally flxed orientatlon. In these situation, the reliability of detection and deactivatlon wlll be somewhat reduced.
~21 3?
In all cases lt ls understood that the above-descrlbed arrangements are merely lllustratlve of the many possible speclflc embodlments which represent applicatlons of the present inventlon. Numerous and varled other arrangements can readlly be devlsed ln accordance wlth the prlnclples of the present lnventlon wlthout departlng from the splrlt and scope of the lnventlon.
;- - 17 -
Claims (16)
1. A deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said detection field at said detection position having components in said three orthogonal phase; and means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position and at which said deactivating field has components having orientations matched to the orientations of said components of said detection field at said detection position in said three orthogonal planes.
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said detection field at said detection position having components in said three orthogonal phase; and means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position and at which said deactivating field has components having orientations matched to the orientations of said components of said detection field at said detection position in said three orthogonal planes.
2. A deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which said detection field results in a response signal from said tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag, said deactivating means being responsive to said detection of said tag in the detection/deactivation area by said detection means and comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area; and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time, measured from the detection of said tag, the operation of said deactivating means.
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which said detection field results in a response signal from said tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag, said deactivating means being responsive to said detection of said tag in the detection/deactivation area by said detection means and comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area; and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time, measured from the detection of said tag, the operation of said deactivating means.
3. A deactivation device in accordance with claim 2 wherein:
said deactivating position is at a preset offset distance from said detection position;
and said predetermined period of time is related to the time it takes said active tag to travel said predetermined offset distance.
said deactivating position is at a preset offset distance from said detection position;
and said predetermined period of time is related to the time it takes said active tag to travel said predetermined offset distance.
4. A deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising:
transport means for transporting an article having said active EAS tag attached thereto through the detection/deactivation area, said transport means comprising a moving conveyor belt for carrying said article and said attached tag through the detection/deactivation area;
means for detecting the presence of said active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, said preset offset distance being in a direction corresponding to the movement of said conveyor belt;
and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time the operation of said deactivating means, said predetermined period of time corresponding to the time it takes said conveyor belt to move a distance corresponding to said preset offset distance.
transport means for transporting an article having said active EAS tag attached thereto through the detection/deactivation area, said transport means comprising a moving conveyor belt for carrying said article and said attached tag through the detection/deactivation area;
means for detecting the presence of said active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, said preset offset distance being in a direction corresponding to the movement of said conveyor belt;
and means for delaying for a predetermined period of time the operation of said deactivating means, said predetermined period of time corresponding to the time it takes said conveyor belt to move a distance corresponding to said preset offset distance.
5. A deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined electromagnetic detection field into the detection/deactivation area, said detection field transmitting means comprising a transmitting coil, and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said sensing means comprising a receiving coil;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating electromagnetic field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area, said deactivation field transmitting means comprising a deactivation coil;
said transmitting and deactivation coils being positioned in a common plane;
and said receiving coil being positioned in a plane parallel to said common plane.
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined electromagnetic detection field into the detection/deactivation area, said detection field transmitting means comprising a transmitting coil, and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag, and said sensing means comprising a receiving coil;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating electromagnetic field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area, said deactivation field transmitting means comprising a deactivation coil;
said transmitting and deactivation coils being positioned in a common plane;
and said receiving coil being positioned in a plane parallel to said common plane.
6. A deactivation device in accordance with claim 5 wherein:
said transmitting coil is circular;
said deactivation coil is square and is one of inscribed within and circumscribed around said circular transmitting coil;
and said receiving coil comprises first and second coil sections having respective first and second overlapping straight segments which extend centrally and between opposing vertices of said square coil and respective third and fourth arcuate segments which connect opposite end of said first and second straight segments, respectively, and follow the circular contour of said transmitting coil.
said transmitting coil is circular;
said deactivation coil is square and is one of inscribed within and circumscribed around said circular transmitting coil;
and said receiving coil comprises first and second coil sections having respective first and second overlapping straight segments which extend centrally and between opposing vertices of said square coil and respective third and fourth arcuate segments which connect opposite end of said first and second straight segments, respectively, and follow the circular contour of said transmitting coil.
7. A deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said deactivation device comprising:
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area; and verification means, operating responsive to the operation of the deactivation means, for causing the detection means to detect whether the tag, which has been previously subjected to the deactivation field, is still activated, said verification means causing said deactivating means to operate in response to said detection means detecting that the tag is still activated and said verification means cyclically operating the detecting means and the deactivating means until it is detected that said activated tag is deactivated to said verification means cyclically operates a predetermined number of times.
means for detecting the presence of an active EAS
tag in the detection/deactivation area, said means for detecting comprising means for transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area and means for sensing a signal from said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area in response to said detection field, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from said active EAS tag;
means for deactivating said active EAS tag comprising means for transmitting a deactivating field into the detection/deactivation area, said deactivating field having a configuration preselected in relationship to said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active tag when said active tag is situated at a deactivating position in said detection/deactivation area; and verification means, operating responsive to the operation of the deactivation means, for causing the detection means to detect whether the tag, which has been previously subjected to the deactivation field, is still activated, said verification means causing said deactivating means to operate in response to said detection means detecting that the tag is still activated and said verification means cyclically operating the detecting means and the deactivating means until it is detected that said activated tag is deactivated to said verification means cyclically operates a predetermined number of times.
8. Apparatus comprising:
a deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area, the deactivation device comprising:
transport means for transporting the active EAS tag through the detection/deactivation area; means arranged to detect the presence of the active EAS tag in the detection/-deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means; and means arranged to deactivate the active EAS tag positioned in the detection/deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means.
a deactivation device for use in an EAS system utilizing a deactivatable type EAS tag, for deactivating an active EAS tag positioned in a detection/deactivation area, the deactivation device comprising:
transport means for transporting the active EAS tag through the detection/deactivation area; means arranged to detect the presence of the active EAS tag in the detection/-deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means; and means arranged to deactivate the active EAS tag positioned in the detection/deactivation area as said tag is being transported by said transport means.
9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said transport means comprises a moving conveyor belt.
10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein:
said detecting means and said deactivating means are positioned under said moving conveyor belt.
said detecting means and said deactivating means are positioned under said moving conveyor belt.
11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein:
said detecting and deactivating means are positioned between a top moving section and a bottom moving section of said conveyor belt.
said detecting and deactivating means are positioned between a top moving section and a bottom moving section of said conveyor belt.
12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein:
said apparatus further comprises a checkout system which includes said transport means.
said apparatus further comprises a checkout system which includes said transport means.
13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 12 wherein:
said checkout system further comprises a point-of-sale unit for verifying whether entry of an article bearing said tag to said checkout system is valid.
said checkout system further comprises a point-of-sale unit for verifying whether entry of an article bearing said tag to said checkout system is valid.
14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein:
said deactivating device further comprises:
inhibiting means for inhibiting the operation of at least one of said means for detecting and said means for deactivating, said inhibiting means being disabled responsive to a communication from said point-of-sale unit indicating a valid entry of said article.
said deactivating device further comprises:
inhibiting means for inhibiting the operation of at least one of said means for detecting and said means for deactivating, said inhibiting means being disabled responsive to a communication from said point-of-sale unit indicating a valid entry of said article.
15. Apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein:
said checkout system includes a checkout counter in which said transport means is situated.
said checkout system includes a checkout counter in which said transport means is situated.
16. A method for use with deactivable type EAS tag used in an EAS system having a detection/deactivation area defined by three orthogonal reference planes, said method comprising:
transporting said active EAS tag through said detection/deactivation area;
detecting when an active EAS tag is positioned is said detection/deactivation area, comprising the steps of:
a. transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area; and b. sensing a responsive signal from said tag resulting from interaction of said tag and said tag and said detection field when said tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from the active EAS tag; and deactivating said tag positioned in said detection/-deactivation area, comprising the step of:
deactivation area, said deactivation field having a configuration which is at a preset offset distance from said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, and said deactivating is delayed from said detection for the time period it takes to transport said active EAS tag said offset distance.
transporting said active EAS tag through said detection/deactivation area;
detecting when an active EAS tag is positioned is said detection/deactivation area, comprising the steps of:
a. transmitting a predetermined detection field into the detection/deactivation area; and b. sensing a responsive signal from said tag resulting from interaction of said tag and said tag and said detection field when said tag is situated at a detection position in said detection/deactivation area, said detection position being a position in said detection/deactivation area at which the detection field results in a response signal from the active EAS tag; and deactivating said tag positioned in said detection/-deactivation area, comprising the step of:
deactivation area, said deactivation field having a configuration which is at a preset offset distance from said detection field such that the deactivating field deactivates said active EAS tag when said active EAS tag is at a deactivating position which is at a preset offset distance from said detection position, and said deactivating is delayed from said detection for the time period it takes to transport said active EAS tag said offset distance.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/820,972 | 1992-01-15 | ||
| US07/820,972 US5341125A (en) | 1992-01-15 | 1992-01-15 | Deactivating device for deactivating EAS dual status magnetic tags |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2082139A1 CA2082139A1 (en) | 1993-07-16 |
| CA2082139C true CA2082139C (en) | 1997-11-11 |
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ID=25232169
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002082139A Expired - Lifetime CA2082139C (en) | 1992-01-15 | 1992-11-04 | Deactivating device for deactivating eas dual status magnetic tags |
Country Status (6)
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|---|---|
| US (1) | US5341125A (en) |
| EP (1) | EP0551652B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2908951B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9300114A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2082139C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE69226618T2 (en) |
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-
1992
- 1992-01-15 US US07/820,972 patent/US5341125A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-11-04 CA CA002082139A patent/CA2082139C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-11-30 JP JP4343280A patent/JP2908951B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-28 DE DE69226618T patent/DE69226618T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1992-12-28 EP EP92122023A patent/EP0551652B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1993
- 1993-01-12 BR BR9300114A patent/BR9300114A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP0551652A1 (en) | 1993-07-21 |
| JPH05266371A (en) | 1993-10-15 |
| DE69226618D1 (en) | 1998-09-17 |
| BR9300114A (en) | 1993-07-20 |
| CA2082139A1 (en) | 1993-07-16 |
| JP2908951B2 (en) | 1999-06-23 |
| DE69226618T2 (en) | 1999-02-25 |
| US5341125A (en) | 1994-08-23 |
| EP0551652B1 (en) | 1998-08-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) | ||
| MKEC | Expiry (correction) |
Effective date: 20121210 |